Carnival Cruises' Carnival Horizon Overview, Photos, Statistics

A Visit to the Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon is a refreshing, new and exciting ship just introduced in March of 2018. A product of Italy's Fincantieri Shipyard, the Carnival Horizon offers many intimate public rooms which makes this 133,500 ton ship feel like an upscale resort. The color scheme of the ship uses clean and crisp Mediterranean tones making the public spaces welcoming.  

Lounges and Public Spaces - Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon offers passenger many public lounges, bars, show rooms, a comedy club, library, various dining establishments - from mainstream dining establishments to high end, international eateries available at a fee. The Carnival Horizon also features 7x24 pizza available for those late nigh cravings.  

The Main Atrium, lined with shops, shore excursion desk and guest assistance desk as well as a bar and entertainment is the center of activity onboard. The tornado like structure in the middle of the Atrium is also a high-tech video screen which displays different color patterns and artwork to change the atmosphere of the room. The ship also sports an extensive casino, IMAX theater and arcade.  

Outdoor Spaces - Options Galore - Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon has extensive outdoor activities including the Havana Pool located aft. The area features a pool, whirlpools, tiki-huts and a bar. Located mid-ship is the main pool which has tiered lounging area, a stage for live entertainment and an extremely large poolside TV for viewing movies pool side.  Moving forward located high above the bridge of the ship is the Serenity - An adults only area with clam-shell lounge chairs, lounge chairs and more.  Just forward of the Serenity Area is the ship's water-slides and water-park which offers wet fun for kids of all ages. I have saved the best area for last. Near the ship's funnel is the main activity area including the Skyride, basketball court, mini-golf, oversized chess board,   

Cruising With Kids on the Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon offers an extensive kids program and has age specific activities for kids of all ages. The kids program separates the children into age specific areas and activities and offers something for those from 2 to 17.  

Dining & Final Thoughts Carnival Horizon

Some things to note about this great ship. The Carnival Horizon is a mass-market, high occupancy ship offering a great product at an affordable price. Food has dramatically improved on Carnival ships and the cuisine on the Carnival Horizon is a prime example. The food options are extensive at the lunch buffet including many international dining establishments (Chinese, Italian Pasta station, American Fare and more). In general the food is above average. Passenger transport on the Carnival Horizon is outstanding. The ship has a new electronic elevator system which optimizes the use of the elevators. I can honestly say that I did not wait more the 1 minute for an elevator during my visit. The improved efficiency of the elevators is noticeable and a real guest pleaser.  

Carnival is also making improvements to their onboard entertainment bringing more sophisticated shows to the masses.  In general I was very impressed with the Carnival Horizon and believe that Carnival Cruises has definitely raised the bar with the introduction of this ship.

Carnival Horizon 2020 Itineraries

Carnival Cruises has decided to replace the Carnival Horizon with the Carnival Sunrise (2019/2020) and the Carnival Radiance (2020) sailing from New York. The Carnival Horizon will sail year-round from Miami, Florida alternating between 6-day Western Caribbean and 8-day Southern Caribbean cruises. The Carnival Horizon's Miami sailings will be visiting unique ports like: Cozumel, Mexico; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Montego Bay, Jamaica; La Romana or Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Grand Cayman; Curacao; Aruba; Bonaire and Grand Turk. Check out the Carnival Website for additional details.

From New York the Carnival Sunrise will be sailing to Bermuda; Nassau, Bahamas; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos. On October 19, the Carnival Sunrise departs New York on a 12-day repositioning cruise from New York visiting Grand Turk; Limon; Cartegena, Columbia; Partial transit of the Panama Canal, Grand Cayman and ending in Fort Lauderdale. Click here to see the entire 2020 New York Cruise schedule including the Carnival Radiance, Mardi Gras, Carnival Legend and Carnival Sunrise.