I started the trip flying with Air New Zealand, from Brisbane to Houston, with a short layover in Auckland. Having never experienced Air New Zealand before, I really enjoyed this airline, and the inflight entertainment helped during a long flight. Once we arrived in Houston, we made our way to our pre-cruise hotel for a two-night stay. We checked into the Westin Galleria Hotel where the hotel provided a cosy boutique-like atmosphere, ideal for relaxing before our cruise. While in Houston, we took the opportunity to visit the NASA Space Center and that was interesting – I loved it.

I embarked on a fantastic seven-day cruise aboard the Carnival Jubilee, travelling through the beautiful Western Caribbean. Departing from Galveston, Texas, we visited stunning ports of call, including Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Costa Maya and Cozumel. After we boarded, we spent time getting familiar with the ship’s layout, including the WaterWorks water park, pools and entertainment venues. The evening kicked off with the sail-away party on the deck, complete with music, dancing and stunning views as we left Galveston behind. Our second day was spent at sea, and it was filled with fun onboard activities. The ship offers something for everyone. The kids can have a blast at the Camp Ocean kids club, and the adults enjoyed relaxing in the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat. We also indulged in various entertainment offerings, including a trivia competition, live music and a Broadway-style show in the evening.

We had a Balcony cabin, located on Deck 10, which had a private outdoor space, perfect for enjoying the fresh sea breeze, watching sunsets or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning. The cabin is designed to maximise space while offering modern amenities and thoughtful details for an unforgettable cruise experience.

Next, we arrived at Mahogany Bay, located on Isla Roatan, Honduras. Carnival’s private port area is a tropical paradise, with lush greenery, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Here we enjoyed the Jolly Roger Snorkelling Day Tour. It was an exciting, family-friendly excursion that combines the thrill of snorkelling with the fun of a pirate-themed adventure. With clear waters, abundant marine life and a friendly crew, it is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Isla Roatan while enjoying a unique and entertaining excursion. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeller or trying it for the first time, this tour offers a memorable experience for everyone.

Then the following day, Costa Maya – a lively port on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Known for its rich Mayan culture and stunning beaches, this destination offered the perfect balance of history and relaxation. Here we opted to take part in a Cooking Class Tour, which was a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about the region’s culinary traditions.

Overall, Carnival Jubilee is a beautiful and spacious vessel, offering a range of amenities for every type of traveller. Whether you are seeking relaxation or action, the ship has something for everyone. Its modern design, vibrant décor and diverse offerings ensure that guests of all ages can have an enjoyable time.

After our Carnival Jubilee cruise, we had some extra time in Galveston, Texas, before our flight back to Brisbane. With our flight not departing until later in the evening, we decided to explore the city and make the most of our final day in the US. Knowing we could not check into the airport right away, we took advantage of luggage storage options in Galveston. We used a convenient luggage storage service near the cruise terminal, allowing us to safely store our bags and enjoy the day without worrying about our belongings. It was a smooth and easy process, giving us the freedom to explore the city without the extra burden of our luggage.

For our long flight back to Brisbane, I booked a SkyCouch with Air New Zealand, and it truly impressed me. The SkyCouch is a set of three seats that convert into a flat, cushioned area, providing ample space and comfort for sleeping and relaxing during the long haul. It made a huge difference in how well we rested during the flight, offering more room to stretch out compared to regular economy seats. The service from Air New Zealand was fantastic, and having the extra space made the long journey much more comfortable.