Carnival Horizon 8-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise Review
Welcome to my review of the Carnival Horizon and this 8-Day Southern Caribbean Cruise! On this journey, I had the privilege of visiting some of the most picturesque locales in the Southern Caribbean: Aruba, Curacao, La Romana, and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. Here’s my experience from beginning to end, right from stepping onto the Carnival Horizon to disembarking.
Carnival Horizon is the second Vista-class cruise ship built for the company and was launched in March 2017. Catering to 3,960 passengers she has a max capacity of 4,977, and carries an additional 1,450 crew members. Spanning 15 decks, Horizon offers 14 restaurants, 6 bars, an IMAX theater, a SkyRide, a Dr. Seuss-themed water park, and a variety of entertainment options, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
Its design includes familiar aspects that frequent Carnival cruisers will find familiar while always having an element of surprise for the first-timers. Whether you’re gazing upon the three-deck-high Dreamscape LED sculpture in the Atrium or attending a show at the Liquid Lounge, there’s always something worth staring at and either saying “wow” or “my goodness, what were they thinking?”
Carnival Horizon predominantly sails the Southern Caribbean from Miami.
Date: September 2 – 10, 2023
Itinerary:
Miami, FL: Home to the Carnival Horizon, PortMiami offers a gateway to the vast blue waters of the Caribbean. As one of the leading cruise ports globally, it exemplifies Miami’s title as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’. Serving millions annually, the port is bustling with vibrant energy, preparing travelers for the adventures that lie ahead.
Aruba: This Southern Caribbean jewel is renowned for its pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant local markets. Whether you’re taking a Jeep tour across the rugged terrains or simply basking under the sun at Eagle Beach, Aruba promises a unique blend of nature and culture.
Curacao: Painted in hues of blue, Curacao offers a captivating waterfront, colonial architecture, and a myriad of water activities. The Handelskade, with its pastel-colored buildings, serves as a picturesque backdrop for many.
La Romana, Dominican Republic: This port city is a gateway to tropical escapades, from the artist village of Altos de Chavón to the mesmerizing Cave of Wonders. Its rich history and culture blend seamlessly with the vibrant nightlife.
Amber Cove, Dominican Republic: Exclusively built for Carnival Corporation, Amber Cove provides an immersive experience in the Dominican culture. Nestled between mountains and clear waters, it’s a haven for excursionists looking to explore, with activities ranging from ocean kayaking to tropical forest canopy zip-lining.
Carnival Horizon Accommodations:
For this trip, I am booked on a last-minute casino offer which provided me with a free inside cabin, 1309, located on Deck 1. The cabin, though (very) cozy (small), is designed with comfort in mind. Inside cabins typically offer two twin beds that can merge into a double, a comfortable seating area, a bathroom equipped with all necessities, and enough storage space to store all your vacation wear and shopping. However, some inside cabins consist of an upper and lower berth, which means there is a twin bed on the floor and a twin bed as an upper that pulls down from the ceiling. Rooms with this configuration are clearly indicated as being an upper / lower inside stateroom.