Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Carnival Jubilee has hit a key construction milestone with a float out at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

The float out is the first time the vessel touches water and marks the completion of the hull assembly and major engineering works.

The vessel was moved from her construction hall to a wet dock to complete the final fit out and finish, with an important design feature also revealed, a Texas star on the bow, in a nod to her future homeport of Galveston.

Carnival Jubilee float out

“The Texas star on Carnival Jubilee’s bow is a symbol of our commitment to the Port of Galveston,” saidChristine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“As the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston, we have a long history with the community, and our next new ship is our latest investment in support of the local economy’s impressive growth while delivering innovative experiences for our guests,” she added.

Hundreds of spectators gathered at the shipyard to get the world’s first look at the newest Carnival ship and partake in a tailgate-style party, complete with snacks and drinks from Carnival partner PepsiCo.

Following her float out, Carnival Jubilee will briefly cast off from the wet dock to conduct various tests on the bow thrusters and stabilisers, but full sea trials are scheduled for November.

Texas Star on Carnival Jubilee bow

The vessel is part of Carnival Corporation’s Excel-class, the largest type of cruise ship ever built for the company. It will offer features that debuted aboard her sisters Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, including the next iteration of the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster.

Six ‘zones’ are also found onboard, two of which are completely unique to the ship and imaginatively themed to celebrate the ocean, offer extensive dining, beverage and entertainment options.

The two new zones, Currents and The Shores, will be inspired by the oceans on which the ship sails, with Currents using innovative technology to create an underwater experience, while The Shore will the ways people enjoy the seaside including piers, boardwalks and beaches.

The ship will sail year-round on Western Caribbean itineraries from late December out of Galveston, Texas.