Galveston welcomed the new Carnival Jubilee on Wednesday. The Jubilee, Carnival’s third Excel-class vessel, is the first new ship to debut in the Texas port.

Carnival said the Jubilee’s maiden cruise will depart Galveston on Dec. 23 with more than 6,000 guests aboard (the ship’s double-occupancy capacity is 5,374). 

The ship, which features a Texas Star on its bow, was welcomed with a grand water salute while docking at Galveston Wharves’ Terminal 25 for the first time. 

“The Texas star on her bow isn’t just decoration, it’s a symbol of our gratitude to our guests sailing from Texas who’ve made us the number one cruise line in Galveston, and our commitment to the future of cruising from this great city and state,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “When we cut the ribbon to welcome our first guests on this ship this weekend, we’ll be celebrating the beginning of a new era of operations here.”

After Carnival decided to homeport the Jubilee in Galveston, the port underwent $53 million in improvements.

“From a new roof, expanded dock and exterior colors to new interior finishes and furniture, the terminal has a fresh, new look,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. 

• Related: Carnival will introduce new kids experiences on the Jubilee

Galveston has grown among Carnival’s top homeports since it became the first cruise line to operate there year-round in 2000. Carnival Jubilee joins Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream at the port as part of a four-ship deployment that will be complete when the Carnival Miracle repositions to Galveston next fall. 

The Jubilee will sail seven-day cruises year-round from Galveston. On its maiden cruise, the ship will visit Honduran island Roatan as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival’s first two Excel-class ships are the Mardi Gras and the Celebration.

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