Paul Hamel

Age: 51
Occupation: manager of production department
Number of Cruises: 3
Cruise Line: Carnival
Ship: Jubilee
Sailing Date: January 10th, 2004
Itinerary: San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia, Domenica, La Romana

Our recent cruise on Jubilee, second with Carnival, was very enticing given the great value, guaranteed warm intinerary and bitter cold weather back in Canada. Jubilee is among the oldest in the Carnival fleet, launched in 1986. While there are some signs of wear and tear, there is a very large staff dedicated to cleaning and maintenance on a daily basis. We found our outside room to be clean and comfortable. Our cabin steward Corrina was very friendly and attentive. She indicated that she had returned to Jubilee at her own request. Our dining room waiter Vanburn and his assistant Ray made our dining room experience quite enjoyable. We found general seating breakfast in the dining room to be chaotic with less attention to quality. The Lido deck dining had room for improvement. Plenty of staff but the food presentation was less than inviting, along with the ever present floor fans and occasional odor.

We found the entertainment exceeded our expectations from Josh and his able crew. The ports of call were interesting. We limited our time on shore in Domenica but otherwise buddied up with other guests for taxi tours etc. Unfortunately, the dock in LaRomana is in an industrial area with a jail alongside although still enjoyed our tour sites despite heavy evidence of pollution. Embarkation and disembarkation went relatively smooth. We arranged our own taxi from the airport @ $18. On departure day, a later flight allowed for a most worthwhile tour of San Juan with Hector and his white tour bus right off the ship dock - ending with drop off at airport.

Cost incentives for local Puerto Rican residents meant that the ship was quite full with some concern that goes with roudiness associated with larger groups of friends & relatives.

Jubilee deserving of 3 or 3.5 star but good value made it very enjoyable trip -very much recommended especially to first time cruisers. Rumor has it that Jubilee will leave the Carnival fleet this year.