Ship Comparison
Carnival Venezia vs Carnival Jubilee
For those seeking a unique blend of Italian elegance and Carnival's signature fun, the Venezia offers a charming escape, while the Jubilee delivers a modern, thrill-packed mega-ship experience.
The verdict
Choosing between Carnival Venezia and Carnival Jubilee really comes down to the style of 'fun' you're seeking. Venezia, a 2019-built ship refurbished in 2023, masterfully infuses Italian flair into the classic Carnival experience, from its Venetian-themed Piazza San Marco atrium to specialized Italian dining and bar concepts. It feels like a more curated, boutique version of Carnival, offering distinct adult-only areas and innovative stateroom categories. Jubilee, launched in 2023, is a true mega-ship, designed to be a destination in itself. With its six themed zones and headline-grabbing attractions like the BOLT rollercoaster, it's built for those who crave constant activity and a bustling, high-energy environment. While both offer a vibrant Carnival atmosphere, Venezia provides a more intimate, culturally-infused journey, whereas Jubilee maximizes sheer scale and modern thrills.
Choose Carnival Venezia if…
Travelers who appreciate a themed, culturally rich cruise experience, enjoy Italian culinary influences, and seek a balance between lively activities and more refined, adults-only relaxation zones. It's also well-suited for families who enjoy a touch of elegance.
Best for
- Cruisers seeking a unique Italian-themed experience with Carnival's signature fun.
- Families and couples who appreciate diverse dining, including upscale Italian options.
- Guests looking for exclusive adults-only spaces like Terrazza Carnevale.
- Those departing from New York City (or Port Canaveral in 2025).
Avoid if
- You prefer a very quiet or less themed cruise experience.
- You're looking for the absolute newest Carnival innovations beyond Italian flair.
- You have mobility concerns with potentially crowded main thoroughfares.
Choose Carnival Jubilee if…
Families and groups seeking a high-energy, activity-packed vacation where the ship itself is the primary attraction. It caters to thrill-seekers, foodies who enjoy diverse casual options, and those who thrive in a bustling, modern mega-ship environment.
Best for
- Families and thrill-seekers who prioritize onboard activities like rollercoasters and extensive waterparks.
- Guests who enjoy a bustling, high-energy mega-ship atmosphere 24/7.
- Foodies eager to explore a vast array of complimentary and specialty casual dining options.
- Those who value modern ship design and features, including LNG power.
Avoid if
- You dislike crowds and long lines for popular attractions and dining.
- You prefer a quieter, more intimate cruise experience.
- You're sensitive to motion, as larger ships can still feel movement in certain areas.
- You expect highly personalized, consistently swift service without any waits.
Overall Vibe
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia, built in 2019 and refurbished in 2023, introduces "Fun Italian Style" to the Carnival fleet. This ship, spanning 15 decks, offers a distinct ambiance with ornate Venetian decor woven throughout, from the impressive Piazza San Marco atrium to its themed lounges and dining venues. It blends the lively spirit of Carnival with a sophisticated European aesthetic, creating an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique. The design, originally for another market, provides a charming backdrop that sets it apart from other Carnival ships, offering a touch of old-world grandeur amidst modern cruise comforts.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee, a grand mega-ship launched in 2023, embodies "next-level fun" with its innovative design featuring six distinct themed zones across its 19 decks. This vessel, powered by clean-burning LNG fuel, emphasizes a vibrant, modern, and engaging ocean theme with whimsical touches and interactive elements. It's built to be a destination in itself, offering a bustling and dynamic environment that caters to continuous activity and exploration. The overall vibe is one of expansive, contemporary excitement, appealing to those who desire a feature-rich, high-energy cruise experience.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia, carrying 4,090 passengers and a crew of 1,424, cultivates a vibrant, Italian-themed, and family-friendly atmosphere. The "Carnival Fun, Italian Style" ethos means guests encounter lively energy with a cultural twist. While generally bustling in central areas, the ship thoughtfully incorporates diverse spaces like the adults-only Serenity Deck and the exclusive Terrazza Carnevale for Terrazza stateroom guests (12+), allowing for both spirited social interaction and more tranquil moments. The crowd tends to be a diverse mix, drawn to the unique blend of Carnival's signature fun and European charm.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee, a larger vessel accommodating 5,374 passengers and 1,735 crew, exudes a high-energy, fun-filled mega-ship vibe. Its design, with six distinct zones, encourages continuous activity and exploration, contributing to a bustling environment around the clock. While highly family-focused with extensive kids' programs, the ship's sheer size and popularity mean crowds are a consistent presence, especially at popular venues and during sea days. Guests should anticipate a lively, often packed experience, reflecting its "ship as the destination" philosophy and broad appeal.
Dining
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia places a strong emphasis on Italian-inspired dining, offering a delightful culinary journey. Complimentary options include multi-course meals in the main dining rooms, Marco Polo and Canal Grande, the latter notable for its actual gondola. Innovative fusion concepts like Tomodoro for Mexitalian tacos and Guy's Burger Joint, featuring a unique pizza burger, provide playful variety. For a premium experience, Il Viaggio presents upscale Italian regional cuisine, while Bonsai Teppanyaki is the fleet's largest, alongside Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi, ensuring diverse and satisfying choices.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee boasts an extensive culinary landscape with 22 dining options, catering to a wide range of tastes. Complimentary favorites include the ever-popular Guy's Burger Joint and Shaq's Big Chicken, known for their quality and quick service, though lines can be considerable. The main dining rooms, Pacific and Atlantic, deliver solid multi-course meals. Specialty venues like Emeril’s Bistro 717, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Rudi’s Seagrill offer diverse premium experiences. While many popular options are included, some unique culinary adventures come with an additional cost, providing plenty of choices from casual to gourmet.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia offers a rich blend of classic Carnival entertainment with a distinct Italian flair. The Teatro Rosso hosts vibrant Playlist Productions shows, while the Gondola Lounge provides a Venice-inspired setting for relaxation and drinks. Nightlife options are diverse, featuring the sophisticated, handcrafted cocktails at Amari (the Italian version of the Alchemy Bar), sparkling bubbly drinks at Frizzante, and lively singalongs at Piano Bar 88. The Limelight Lounge transforms for late-night dancing and stand-up comedy, ensuring a dynamic evening for adults, complemented by the Heroes Tribute Bar and a casino.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee is packed with high-energy entertainment, highlighted by the thrilling BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first rollercoaster at sea. The sprawling Grand Central atrium serves as a vibrant hub with a giant LED screen for shows and activities like "Deal or No Deal." Guests can enjoy Playlist Productions, family-friendly and adult-only comedy at The Punchliner, and engaging daily trivia and dance classes. For nightlife, options range from the Havana Bar's Cuban rhythms to the RedFrog Tiki Bar's tropical vibe, the creative Alchemy Bar, and the lively Dr. Inks with live music, ensuring constant activity.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia offers 2,116 cabins and suites across 12 passenger decks, including comfortable interior (150 sq ft) and balcony rooms (200-265 sq ft), all equipped with mini-bars and U.S. power outlets. A distinctive feature is the Terrazza stateroom category, with 77 units available as interiors, balconies (many aft-facing), and upscale cabanas (12+ only). Ocean Suites (up to 356 sq ft) provide extra space with a whirlpool tub, while new family staterooms include a half-sized tub for smaller children, providing tailored options for various family configurations.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee provides a wide array of accommodations, including 181 suites and numerous standard cabins. Ocean Suites (290 sq ft) offer more space and priority perks like expedited boarding. The Excel suite category (6 Excel Suites, 12 Excel Corner Suites, 12 Excel Aft Suites, 2 Excel Presidential Suites) provides elevated luxury with amenities such as complimentary Loft 19 access and dedicated concierge service. The Presidential Suite boasts a huge 675 sq ft balcony with a private hot tub. Additionally, Cloud 9 Spa cabins offer spa-specific benefits, and Family Harbor rooms feature an exclusive lounge, catering to varied preferences.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia aims for a "Fun Italian Style" service, blending Carnival's lively, approachable style with a touch of European elegance. The introduction of Terrazza staterooms, offering exclusive deck access and morning continental breakfast in the Carnevale Lounge, suggests a more personalized, elevated experience for those guests. While the ship's overall service is geared towards a family-friendly, vibrant cruise, the presence of dedicated stateroom attendants and priority services for suites underscores a commitment to guest comfort, despite the potential for bustling crowds in main public areas.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee, as a modern mega-ship, delivers a generally efficient and fun-focused service, though its high passenger capacity of 5,374 can lead to occasional inconsistencies, such as longer waits at popular dining venues and bars. With 1,735 crew members, staff are plentiful, but the sheer volume of guests can be challenging. Excel suite guests receive a dedicated concierge and priority services, offering a more personalized touch amidst the general bustle. The onboard style is contemporary, vibrant, and designed for continuous activity, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere for all ages.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Venezia currently sails from New York City, with plans to reposition to Port Canaveral for winter/spring 2025. Its "Fun Italian Style" theme, with Venetian decor and Italian-inspired dining, is designed to bring a unique cultural flair to any destination. While specific itinerary details beyond homeports aren't provided, the ship's versatile offerings and blend of lively and relaxed spaces make it well-suited for a variety of coastal experiences, appealing to those who enjoy a themed journey regardless of the exact ports of call.
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee is a Texas-sized ship ideally suited for its primary market, likely offering Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico cruises. Its design as a destination in itself, with attractions like the BOLT rollercoaster and extensive entertainment zones, makes it perfect for guests who prioritize onboard activities over specific port calls. The ship's modern amenities and six themed zones ensure a full vacation experience even on sea days. Its status as an LNG-powered vessel also appeals to those who appreciate newer, more environmentally-conscious ships for their journeys.
What reviewers say
Carnival Venezia
4.5/5Carnival Venezia successfully blends Italian elegance with Carnival's signature fun, offering a unique experience for cruisers. With top-notch dining, drinking, and entertainment, it's a compelling choice despite some minor design quirks.
Carnival Jubilee
4/5Carnival Jubilee offers a great value for your cruise vacation dollar, packed with activities and minimal nickel-and-diming. Be prepared for crowds and potential waits for food, entertainment, and bar service, alongside some inconsistent service experiences.
Itineraries to compare
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Carnival Venezia
Carnival Jubilee
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Carnival Venezia: Italian Flair Meets Fun Ship Cruising
Discover a vibrant blend of Roman-inspired elegance and Carnival's signature excitement for all ages.

Ship Guide
Carnival Jubilee: A Fun-Filled Cruise Vacation for All
Discover a vibrant ship packed with activities and great value for your next escape.
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