What it’s like to sail on Carnival Horizon?

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Carnival Horizon Playlist (click on playlist arrow in top right corner)

Our Review – All Things Good & Bad

Ship Design –

• The decor around the ship is very modern. We really liked the funnel screen in the atrium. The video changed throughout the day and it was fun to sit at the bar and watch the scenes go by.
• The layout of the ship if really easy to navigate. Most of the indoor things are found on Deck 3, 4, & 5, while all of the outdoor things started on the Lido Deck (deck 10) and continued up from there so Deck 11, 12, 14 & 15.
• The elevators on Horizon are very different from standard elevators. Instead of pushing a button to go up or down, you tell the elevator where you are going and an elevator is assigned to you. It may sound confusing, but you figure it out pretty quickly. Tip: select your destination multiple times depending on the number of people in your party. Also, choose the handicap option for wheelchairs and larger strollers.
• Havana Area – 12 years old and up. The Havana area has a private pool, deck, hot tubs and bar area. We had a Havana Cabana and we loved it. Our cabin had a small deck area, with a hammock swing. It was perfect to watch the ocean go by. One drawback to this area was that the area was only private during the day. At night, the area was open to everyone and it seemed like every kid on the ship wanted to use the pool here. It didn’t bother us because we were out and about at night but if you wanted to use the pool, be aware that you could have children in the area with you.

Food –

• Lido Marketplace (complimentary buffet) – The buffet is very large. I liked how it was set up in quadrants so you could move about a little easier. The food itself was good. Pretty standard buffet food. Everything that was suppose to be hot was and everything cold, was cold. There did tend to be very long lines at the stations during peak dining times. Keep that in mind if you have an excursion or activity planned and you need to eat fast. Maybe go a little earlier or later to avoid the rush (peak breakfast 8-9am, peak lunch 12-1pm)
• Ocean Plaza (complimentary buffet) – This was a really great alternative to the Lido Marketplace. It’s located on Deck 5 (right outside the Havana area). We loved this location for breakfast. The selection was much smaller than the Marketplace but it was perfect for our needs. Great orange juice and coffee as well. We felt like this was a secret food location because no one was ever eating here. Most days we had the place to ourselves.
• Main Dining Rooms: Meridian & Reflection (complimentary sit down restaurant) –  the MDR was good. We didn’t have any complaints. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner here. One thing not to miss on any Carnival ship is Seaday Brunch. OMG, the best food. Definitely do not miss this on your Carnival cruise.
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (upcharge specialty) – we LOVED the food here. Perfect for a romantic evening. One thing not to miss is the Art at Your Table dessert. The dessert is made at your table and the pieces are really yummy. One drawback to this dessert though, is that it is for the entire table so your whole table has to agree. Trust us, it is totally worth it.
• Cucina Del Capitano (upcharge specialty) – good Italian food. Not over the top amazing but we enjoyed our meals here. If there was one restaurant you wanted to skip, this would be on our list. But if you can splurge for all the restaurants, definitely check it out.
• JiJi Asian Kitchen (upcharge specialty) – fantastic Asian food! The food is presented from all different regions in Asia (China, Philippines, Mongolia, Singapore, Indonesia). It was really neat to have so many choices from the different areas. We LOVED the Kung Pao Chicken and the pork belly will melt in your mouth.
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ Smokehouse (dinner upcharge specialty) – loved the BBQ here. There is complimentary BBQ for lunch so don’t miss that but if you are looking for a little elevated BBQ, check out the dinner menu. We loved the atmosphere and the live music. Be warned – the portions are huge. There is so much food. We probably could have shared an entree together (and saved more room for dessert)
• Restaurants that we did not have the chance to try:
  • Bonsai Teppanyaki – this is Carnival’s 1st teppanyaki restaurant so it is very small. We couldn’t get a reservation so if you are interested, make sure you book this as soon as you can. Don’t wait to get on the ship.
  • Bonsai Sushi
  • The Chef’s Table
  • Seafood Shack

Entertainment – Carnival has classified themselves as the Fun Ships and they really are. The deck parties are the most active and participated in from any other cruise line we have sailed. They are so much fun. There is great music, line dancing, prizes and dance contests. The Atrium parties were just as fun. White Night was simply amazing. Celestial Strings was playing on the staircase, everyone had glow sticks and there was even a balloon drop. The production shows in the main theater are also top notch. We absolutely LOVED SoulBound and Celestial Strings. Do not miss these shows when you sail on Horizon.

• A little side note from us – We hear too often from non-Carnival cruisers that Carnival ships are absolutely out of control when it comes to partying and drinking. This can happen on any ship but on our sailing, we did not experience this at all. We had such a great time and there weren’t any fights or bottles being thrown. Nope, just people dancing and having a blast.

Onboard Activities –

• IMAX Theater (upcharge) – the theater is so awesome. IMAX at theater at sea = bragging rights. There are 2 screens that show first run movies. A great way to spend a sea day.
• SkyRide (complimentary) – bike peddled sea coaster. Really fun but a little more challenging than it looks. There are some uphill portions that require a bit of leg strength. They Carnival team will come rescue you if you just can’t go anymore.
• Dr. Suess Waterworks (complimentary) – the first themed water park for Carnival
• Thrill Theater (upcharge) – this is a motion simulator, video ride. There are 3 levels of intensity. I get motion sick from these types of rides so we went with level 1. It was really cute and fun. I will wear my sea bands next time and try Level 3.
• Cherry on Top (upcharge) – this is the candy store onboard and OMG, there is so much candy to choose from. A great place to grab a little movie snack before heading to the IMAX theater.

Video Review – Carnival Horizon