The stars were out in Texas  as Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the naming of its new flagship Carnival Jubilee, global music superstar Gwen Stefani was honored as the ship’s godmother, and Feb. 24 was declared “Carnival Jubilee Day” by Galveston Mayor Craig Brown – all on the same day that marked the 100^thbirthday of the late Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Line’s founder.

“We hold a very warm place in our hearts for Carnival Cruise Line because they initiated the entire cruise industry for the City of Galveston. They were the first and will always be first in our hearts,” said Brown.

Stefani spent the day on the ship, visiting the bridge to meet the captain and blowing the ship’s horn and then cutting the ribbon at several venues including:

· Joining Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse at his newest Emeril’s Bistro on Carnival’s Excel class ships

· The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s sculpture, where she met Ty Crowninshield who drew the artwork that inspired the sculpture while he was a patient at the hospital

· The EFFY Jewelry store, where she was presented with her godmother gift of an EFFY Legacy panther ring.

“I know she has been honored in so many ways for her music with numerous awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and now she has a ship!,” said Duffy as she introduced Stefani. “She’s also put giving back as an important focus in her life, especially to a number of children’s causes, so we are truly thrilled to have Gwen as the Godmother of our flagship Carnival Jubilee!”

As she joined Duffy and Captain Stefano Bonica on stage, Stefani blessed and named the ship, and then pulled a lasso rope and lever that released the champagne bottle that struck the ship’s bow to officially christen Carnival Jubilee. Stefani then treated the guests to a private concert of some of her hit songs, including “Just a Girl,” “The Sweet Escape” and “Hollaback Girl.”

Carnival Jubilee is homeported year-round in Galveston, sailing week-long Western Caribbean cruises. The ship is powered by a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform and accommodates 6,500 guests and 1,750 crew. Leveraging technology and enriched by detailed theming, the ship celebrates the sea and features the ultimate fun, from a top-deck roller coaster to a resort-like retreat. Carnival recently announced that a fourth Excel sister ship will join Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras in 2027.