Carnival Jubilee, which is set to debut in Texas in December, successfully finished a nautical feat as the first Carnival Cruise Line ship to complete a conveyance of the river Ems in northwest Germany. The first Carnival ship built at Meyer Werft, Carnival Jubilee was successfully transferred from the German shipyard in Papenburg to Eemshaven, Netherlands ahead of its upcoming sea trials.

To complete the conveyance, an experienced team at the helm of Carnival Jubilee sailed the Ems backwards toward the North Sea – departing Papenburg early Monday morning with the support of two tugboats to help with maneuverability. A group of Ems River pilots, the Pilot Brotherhood of Emden, assisted in carrying out the transfer. The pilots are highly trained and use state-of-the-art technology, including a realistic simulation of the river, to prepare for the passage.

The ship was carefully guided through narrow channels and under several bridges before arriving in Eemshaven early Tuesday morning, ahead of the first round of sea trials which begin on Nov. 5.  Carnival Jubilee will be led and manned during the sea trials by a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board to thoroughly test its technical, mechanical and navigational systems.

Meanwhile, work on board continues as shipbuilders are outfitting Carnival Jubilee with the amenities guests will enjoy when sailings begin from Galveston. Exclusive new concepts in sea-themed areas of the ship will delight guests with delicious food and beverage options, such as the Dr.Inks, Ph.D Bar, as technology and other design elements transport them from a sunny pier-like “boardwalk” to an adventurous ocean-floor promenade. The cruise line’s third ship to be powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas propulsion system, Carnival Jubilee also features other stunning innovations – including top-deck rollercoaster BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster

Carnival Jubilee’s first revenue cruise will depart from Galveston on Dec. 23. The ship will sail weeklong cruises to popular Caribbean destinations, including Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Mahogany Bay (Roatan). To see sailings currently open for sale, click here.