Third Carnival cruise ship launches with Bolt coaster from Maurer
AT: Jeffrey Seifert
jseifert@amusementtoday.com
GALVESTON, Texas — Starting at the end of last year with a cruise departing just before Christmas, Carnival Jubilee, the third ship in Carnival Cruise Line's Excel Class, started embarkations on seven-day itineraries to the Western Caribbean from its homeport in Galveston, Texas. As the third ship in the fleet’s Excel class and a sister ship to the award-winning Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee stands, with a size of 183,200 GT, as the largest vessel in the Carnival fleet, accommodating up to 6,600 passengers.
Crafted by the renowned Meyer Werft Shipyards in Papenburg, Finland. This ocean giant impresses not only with its grand dimensions, but also with its outstanding attractions. Particularly notable is the Bolt roller coaster delivering guests an exhilarating ride experience across its top deck.
The Bolt roller coaster is the result of innovative technology by Maurer Rides and was installed as part of Carnival Cruise Line's continuing success of the first two roller coasters aboard Mardi Gras and Celebration. With Spike propulsion, Bolt offers an exciting acceleration of 1.2 G Forces, allowing passengers to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (38 mph), experiencing drops, dips and curves — all while enjoying a breathtaking view of the infinite horizon of the ocean.
This technological marvel was not only enthusiastically received by passengers but also obtained recognition from renowned institutions like Popular Science which honored the roller coaster as the "Best of What’s New."
“Normal roller coasters use gravity to send thrill-seekers zooming and looping. But if you want to build a ride on a cruise ship — where stable, level ground is far from guaranteed — you have to get creative,” according to Popular Science.
The Bolt roller coaster on the Carnival Jubilee provides passengers with an interactive experience, empowering them to control braking and acceleration during the ride. With a track length of 220 meters (722 feet) and a height of 57 meters (187 feet) above sea level, Bolt stands as a groundbreaking attraction offering guests an unparalleled experience on the high seas.
In addition to the Bolt Coaster, Jubilee is also home to the Carnival WaterWorks water park, featuring three large-scale spiraling slides, a giant dumping bucket, twin racing slides and more. The longest, Blue Lightning, is packed with headfirst, high-speed twists and turns throughout its 312-foot-long course. Orange Thunder incorporates a drop capsule that has thrill seekers standing before the floor drops out from under them, propelling them down into a world of high-speed twists and wetness. Twister slide keeps on thrilling splash-seekers with 265 feet of turns and twists. All three body slides feature tinted translucent sections allowing spectators to join in on the fun of watching friends and family whiz through the enclosed tubes.
Those looking for less excitement can enjoy one of the five salt-water pool areas which are spread out across the ship. The Patio Pool is a beautiful infinity pool perched along the edge of the back of the ship on deck eight. When the ship is cruising, it offers stunning views of the ship’s wake. The beach pool and whirlpools on deck 16 are open to everyone. Adults who want some peace and quiet can visit the serenity area on deck 18, a massive 21-and-over zone that includes shaded and full-sun spots, along with a large hot tub, a small swimming pool and outdoor massage cabanas. The Tides pool is a second infinity pool perched looking over the aft of the ship on deck 16. The Havana Pool is for the exclusive use of guests occupying the Havana accommodations and Carnival Excel Presidential Suites.
Carnival Jubilee, with Bolt onboard, is the crown jewel of a trilogy of ships that set new standards for cruise entertainment, promising guests an unforgettable journey filled with thrills and adventure.
