Happy on the horizon
Carnival Horizon Cruise Review to Bermuda
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 37
4 Night Bermuda (New York Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 16, 2018
Ship: Carnival Horizon
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
Sorry my pics aren’t uploading! This was an amazing vacation. People can let the smallest things ruin their time. There’s 4000 people on board. They can’t please everyone. One persons trash is another’s treasure Go and relax. Enjoy! Be willing to be a little flexible and shift gears. Try something new.Embarkation
From the moment our cab tried to pull in the wrong entrances of the pier, the staff were professional and helpful. Luggage check in was right at the curb and the staff were literally dancing with guests as they got out of the car. They assured us our bags would be at our room shortly. A very nice gentleman then showed us where to go. We were one minute late for our time (too many curbside pics) but they let us through and by the time we took one picture of the neighboring intrepid, our zone was called to board. We were eating lunch on lido by 1:00 after exploring even.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
To each his own I stress because many people
Loved the MDR but we were disappointed. My husband felt it looked dated and like a bowling alley restaurant. Note we are NOT fancy people and don’t care about table cloths like some people. The service was mediocre, the menu bland and food blander.
With that said, it did NOT ruin our vacation. We quickly shifted gears, got a reservation in Cucina after checking often for cancellations. The breakfast burritos at blue iguana are amazing and the staff adorable. We ate in the buffet one night which we were not planning on and guess what? The food from the MDR was there! So we got to try it but also make a salad and have a deli sAndwich. One night we ordered room service ($5 for a delicious pizza) as an appetizer, then went to pig and anchor for dinner and great live music and ended with dessert on the outside lounges of bonsai. For lunch we also tried jijis which was excellent (different menu for the free lunch then the $15 dinner). So we did not starve!!
The cheers package is worth it even if you aren’t a big drinker. From specialty coffees to bottled water to spiked shakes for dessert, you make your money quickly and get to try new fun things. The bar tenders are happy to show you what the most expensive shots are so you really get your money worth.
The staff at the java blue cafe didn’t seem happy nor the nearby ocean plaza bar. Not sure what’s wrong in this area. But again didn’t ruin my time! The breakfast at ocean plaza was blah but a perfect place to grab fruit and a muffin.
Onboard Activities
I didn’t expect to participate in these but stumbled across Carlos in the ocean plaza when I was having breakfast one morning. He is adorable and helpful in arts and crafts which while called a Kids activity is actually hard and fun for adults too! We made our own lanyard for the sign and sail card. While we were still struggling with our stones, he started a really fun game of name that tune and then Trivia. He always seemed to be lighting up the plaza. When he wasn’t there, the live band was not just good but really entertained the kids. Not sure why this area seemed to attract a lot of little kids.
My husband and I both had awesome drink ideas and entered the mixology contest but later found out they pull names randomly so the whole thing was bull. We moved on from that pretty quick. The lido pool is beyond crowded. But we loved the dive in movies at night.
Did the sky ride. Terrifying but so much fun. Didn’t do the ropes course but it looks great. Shortest lines are in port. We did it as soon as we got back from our excursion. Make sure to have shorts on (not a skirt or cover up), be dry and have closed toe shoes.
The towel folding class is entertaining!
The waiting room of the spa is a hidden secret. I discovered it wandering around on a rainy day and just enjoyed sitting in the best air conditioning on board looking out the big windows while my husband worked out. He said the Gym was awesome. We sat in the thermal suite a little. I don’t get the appeal but it was pretty. The spa had a lot of interesting workshops but I got the feeling they were all trying to sell something.
Entertainment
We didn’t make it to any shows! But as mentioned above saw the band every time we passed the ocean plaza and there was an awesome duo in the pig and anchor. We also passed the piano bar which seems to be the most popular evening event but there are people standing right to the door. I hope they learned and are making this bigger on future ships.
Children's Programs
I only rated this low because we were on a Kids Free vacation so I don’t truly know but as I mentioned, the arts and crafts staff, the band in the ocean plaza and the towel folding were definitely great for kids. We also saw kids eating with counselors in the buffet.
Service and Staff
With the exception of anything i already mentioned, service was excellent. Room steward accommodated all our needs.
Ship Quality
It surprised us how beaten up a new ship gets. But that’s not due to neglect. We watched maintenance staff constantly cleaning and painting. Bar glasses were always picked up.
Cabin / Stateroom
I found the standard room to be slightly claustrophobic but that’s a ship room. You know it before hand. With that said they do a great job of providing storage. The shelves in the bathroom are better than mine at home. There’s a nice size draw in the vanity/desk and we used that chair a lot since our bags went on the couch. There was ample closet and dresser space.
The best part of our room was the oversized balcony leading out to the Havana. It was like a second room. Half is under an overhang so you could sit out in the rain and also in the the sun. The furniture was so comfy. And for even more space, i went right to the greAt chaises on the Havana.
I don’t think I could cruise kid Free again without this. I personally would rather do another type of vacation.
Ship tip
Don’t plan!!! I read all these reviews and had every meal and moment planned even to include “this afternoon well Chill”. Until you get on board you truly can’t know what you’ll do. Lines and tastes and schedules affect everything. Download the carnival app and login to the hub as soon as you get on board. It tells you everything going on and you can check off what you’re interested in. It will send you reminders. I
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Ports of call
Walk off the ship and take a mini bus to horseshoe bay. They won’t leave until their full but chances are you’re getting off the boat with hundreds of people. They’ll fill up in five minutes. They pack you in but carnival cruisers are fun. They Made it into a party.
When you get to the beach, you can rent chairs and umbrellas. It is hot in the summer!!! They will carry the stuff relatively far for you so you don’t have to be in the crowd
If you can handle a little walk, go to the left behind the rocks. There’s a whole other beach there with caves and coves you can set up in. The water down there is amazing.