Carnival Horizon questions for Previous Vista Cruisers

So I just booked a cruise on the Horizon. For the first time after booking a cruise I am doubting myself. I don't know why... but I have a few questions, even after reading reviews and trying to locate information.

1. Was it crowded all the time? We don't hang out by the pool or the hot tubs until evening, so we will probably use the Havana pool, since it is open to everyone after 7pm.

2. We are smokers... if they keep it the same as the Vista... Deck 5 starboard forward has tables, chairs, umbrellas (or shaded area)... correct? I saw pics on google for the Dream/Magic/breeze, that there was a smoking area outside the Ocean Plaza... but not sure if that is there anymore based on CCL's website.

3. Those who have sailed Vista.. and maybe Breeze or Magic... what ship did you prefer and why?

We are 39 & 42, we don't drink much, we enjoy the casino, we go to all the shows. I love the Fantasy class, but I want to experience a newer, more 2.0 ship. Splendor was good, didn't feel crowded, and we really like the Movies in the main pool area. The Vista almost looked like that area was small at the mid ship pool, and would be really crowded.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

So I just booked a cruise on the Horizon. For the first time after booking a cruise I am doubting myself. I don't know why... but I have a few questions, even after reading reviews and trying to locate information.

 

 

 

1. Was it crowded all the time? We don't hang out by the pool or the hot tubs until evening, so we will probably use the Havana pool, since it is open to everyone after 7pm.

 

 

 

2. We are smokers... if they keep it the same as the Vista... Deck 5 starboard forward has tables, chairs, umbrellas (or shaded area)... correct? I saw pics on google for the Dream/Magic/breeze, that there was a smoking area outside the Ocean Plaza... but not sure if that is there anymore based on CCL's website.

 

 

 

3. Those who have sailed Vista.. and maybe Breeze or Magic... what ship did you prefer and why?

 

 

 

We are 39 & 42, we don't drink much, we enjoy the casino, we go to all the shows. I love the Fantasy class, but I want to experience a newer, more 2.0 ship. Splendor was good, didn't feel crowded, and we really like the Movies in the main pool area. The Vista almost looked like that area was small at the mid ship pool, and would be really crowded.

 

 

 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

We have sailed the Vista twice and scheduled for the Horizon next summer. We found the Vista no more crowded than any of our Dream class sailings (we have sailed on the Dream, and the Magic and Breeze multiple times). We also experienced Havana Cabana balcony on our second Vista cruise. The Vista is currently our favorite ship, offering some things that are unique to cruising. I would highly recommend sailing on the Horizon. The Amin pool area will certainly be full on a sea day, on our first Vista cruise we hung out at the aft pool. I have reviews of both sailings if you want so see more details.

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We've sailed on both the Breeze and the Vista. Given a choice, I'd prefer the Breeze. There were elements of the Vista I didn't care for. I didn't like the seating in the theater for the live shows. Having to go to a desk on Deck 5 to check in for YTD on Deck 3 seemed a bit odd to me. Also, while the Atrium design was somewhat interesting, I can't say that I was "wowed" by it. I missed having the glass elevators. The Pig & Anchor was okay, but I've had better bar-b-cue. The Vista didn't seem to be anymore crowded than the Breeze. We all have different preferences when choosing which ship(s) to cruise on. My favorites are the ones in the Conquest class. If they had cove balconies, they'd be the perfect ships for me. Give the Horizon a try. You might like it. I'm in no big hurry to book a cruise on her.

We were OK with the Vista (we're booked for a B2B on the Horizon-her sister ship), but I'd give the same warning as Beachbum53----the theater is very poorly planned. You wrote that you like the shows----get there very early to get a decent seat.

Thank you for your comments.. it helped.

We had 2 Vista's booked, one April 2017 and the next one March 2018....after the first sailing hated it..hard to get around, crowded, stateroom halls are narrower, showroom is a disaster, not enough tables available to sit down and eat after you do finally get through buffet......cancelled 2nd sailing in 2018 while waiting for our plane to take us home from the first cruise.

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So I just booked a cruise on the Horizon. For the first time after booking a cruise I am doubting myself. I don't know why... but I have a few questions, even after reading reviews and trying to locate information.

 

1. Was it crowded all the time? We don't hang out by the pool or the hot tubs until evening, so we will probably use the Havana pool, since it is open to everyone after 7pm.

 

2. We are smokers... if they keep it the same as the Vista... Deck 5 starboard forward has tables, chairs, umbrellas (or shaded area)... correct? I saw pics on google for the Dream/Magic/breeze, that there was a smoking area outside the Ocean Plaza... but not sure if that is there anymore based on CCL's website.

 

3. Those who have sailed Vista.. and maybe Breeze or Magic... what ship did you prefer and why?

 

We are 39 & 42, we don't drink much, we enjoy the casino, we go to all the shows. I love the Fantasy class, but I want to experience a newer, more 2.0 ship. Splendor was good, didn't feel crowded, and we really like the Movies in the main pool area. The Vista almost looked like that area was small at the mid ship pool, and would be really crowded.

 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

I was on the first cruise out of the US on the Vista last year so my view might be alittle different from others that sailed on her because I was told they were "still working out the kinks". It wasn't always crowded but IMO some areas inside (especially by the comedy club) very congested. It seemed to me like the tried to fit too many people and to much new stuff into a ship that isn't much bigger than the other ships. It didn't seem like they built out at all, only that they added like one or two more decks of rooms. I still had a good time because I was on a cruise ship...but it was my least favorite out of the 6 ive been on. However we are giving her another shot in Apr.

I’ve been on the Breeze twice land loved it. Especially the aft pool. I don’t think it ever felt more crowded than any other ship I’ve been on and I hate crowds. It is also the largest ship I’ve ever been on. We have the Vista booked for next year and we are excited to give it a shot. I say go for it or you’re always going to wonder about it. Any day on a cruise is better than a day on land to me! I think it’s all about your state of mind. If you go in expecting a negative experience, you are sure to find it.

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I’ve been on the Breeze twice land loved it. Especially the aft pool. I don’t think it ever felt more crowded than any other ship I’ve been on and I hate crowds. It is also the largest ship I’ve ever been on. We have the Vista booked for next year and we are excited to give it a shot. I say go for it or you’re always going to wonder about it. Any day on a cruise is better than a day on land to me! I think it’s all about your state of mind. If you go in expecting a negative experience, you are sure to find it.

 

 

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100% agree with that statement. On my last cruise, my uncle who I was close with passed away on the first day of the cruise. I obviously was upset and thought about flying back home at the first port but was talked out of it by my cousins. I did the best I could and ended up having a great cruise under the circumstances. No matter what....it's always what you make of it!

100% agree with that statement. On my last cruise, my uncle who I was close with passed away on the first day of the cruise. I obviously was upset and thought about flying back home at the first port but was talked out of it by my cousins. I did the best I could and ended up having a great cruise under the circumstances. No matter what....it's always what you make of it!

Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry. I’m glad you stayed and made the best of it. I’m sure that is what your uncle would have wanted you to do.

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There is nothing like first hand experience. Everyone will have a different opinion.

Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry. I’m glad you stayed and made the best of it. I’m sure that is what your uncle would have wanted you to do.

 

 

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Thanks I appreciate that

I've sailed on many Carnival ships ... including the Vista ... and I would say that hands down ... Vista is the WORST. Never plan on sailing on her or any sister ship. What's wrong? Everything. Where do I start?

1. No grand atrium ... which makes most of the ship feel cramped.

2. IMAX at Sea? Sorry, didn't pay thousands of dollars to go on a cruise to sit inside a movie theater (and pay extra) for a movie I can see when I get home.

3. Casino ... Very cramped. Tight machines. We played daily the whole cruise ... they were all tight. No one happy in the casino.

4. "Removable" seats in the Theater on the first floor ... terrible design - This means there are not enough seats ... oh and no little tables to set your drink, you have to set it on the slippery floor and make sure you don't knock it over.

5. Not enough seats in theater or comedy club. Better arrive 30 min early or you wont be able to see the shows.

6. Serenity deck that OVERLOOKS the main Lido pool? How is it "serene" if I can see/hear all the screaming kids running around Lido?

7. Gym is one of the smallest on any Carnival Ship. Very low ceilings too.

8. Substandard cabin service which required me to complain, THREE times. And I'm not typically a complainer either.

9. Lines. Everywhere. Lines

10. Did I mention there were Lines?

Guess that is all I can come up with off the top of my head ... but I would think twice about sailing one of these ships. Very poorly designed in so many ways. I wouldn't sail again if you gave it to me for free. ......Well, maybe I would if it was free, lol ... but these are not free!

Hope this helps. I'm 45 and my buddy was 27 and we both felt the same way. I like so many other carnival ships much more.

Like many have said the Vista is not so nice. Home run with Havana area, big fail with the public indoor spaces. I've been on the Breeze three times and it's my favorite ship. Not going to sail on Horizon or any other sister ship anytime soon.

I've sailed on many Carnival ships ... including the Vista ... and I would say that hands down ... Vista is the WORST. Never plan on sailing on her or any sister ship. What's wrong? Everything. Where do I start?

1. No grand atrium ... which makes most of the ship feel cramped.

2. IMAX at Sea? Sorry, didn't pay thousands of dollars to go on a cruise to sit inside a movie theater (and pay extra) for a movie I can see when I get home.

3. Casino ... Very cramped. Tight machines. We played daily the whole cruise ... they were all tight. No one happy in the casino.

4. "Removable" seats in the Theater on the first floor ... terrible design - This means there are not enough seats ... oh and no little tables to set your drink, you have to set it on the slippery floor and make sure you don't knock it over.

5. Not enough seats in theater or comedy club. Better arrive 30 min early or you wont be able to see the shows.

6. Serenity deck that OVERLOOKS the main Lido pool? How is it "serene" if I can see/hear all the screaming kids running around Lido?

7. Gym is one of the smallest on any Carnival Ship. Very low ceilings too.

8. Substandard cabin service which required me to complain, THREE times. And I'm not typically a complainer either.

9. Lines. Everywhere. Lines

10. Did I mention there were Lines?

 

Guess that is all I can come up with off the top of my head ... but I would think twice about sailing one of these ships. Very poorly designed in so many ways. I wouldn't sail again if you gave it to me for free. ......Well, maybe I would if it was free, lol ... but these are not free!

 

Hope this helps. I'm 45 and my buddy was 27 and we both felt the same way. I like so many other carnival ships much more.

I totally agree with 3,5,7,9 (10). The comedy club is at the back of a small hallway that connects directly to the MDR so when the show starts lining up forget about it. ALOT of people were complaining about the layout of the casino..even the dealers. If you stray off of the main pathway there's like zero room to move around. They need to widen the ship like 10 feet on each side to accommodate the extra people. Like I said in my last post...im giving her another shot in April so we'll see.

I was on the Vista inaugural. What I didn't like about the casino was that it was ENTIRELY smoking and the bar is in the middle, so all the smokers congregate there so there's no getting away from it.

I don't go to shows (went to one and was fine with it although a table for my drink would've been nice).

We only had 3 sea days so didn't have nearly enough time to explore the ship. All day excursions with lots of walking, would get back to the ship, shower, have dinner, go to casino for a little while, go to bed.

I didn't think the ship felt crowded at at! I loved that there were so many smaller areas with their own sort of personality. Also loved that there was so much outdoor seating.

Um, the Serenity Deck is MOSTLY around the bow. Only at the two side ends does it overlook the Lido area.

I'm really not a newer/bigger/more bells and whistles cruiser. I actually love the Fantasy class ships. But I'm booked on the Horizon TA next spring. I've wanted to do a TA for a while but they're rarely at a time of year when I can sail. With so many sea days, I'll get a chance to explore a lot more than I did on Vista.

But personally, I don't book the newer ships simply because they're priced at a premium for the same itineraries. I'm usually solo, so price is a factor. If I have a choice of two identical itineraries but the one on an older ship is considerably less, I'll book that. Itinerary is still tops on my list, followed by price. Ship is at the bottom of my list of importance in selecting a cruise.

I was on the Vista inaugural. What I didn't like about the casino was that it was ENTIRELY smoking and the bar is in the middle, so all the smokers congregate there so there's no getting away from it.

 

I don't go to shows (went to one and was fine with it although a table for my drink would've been nice).

 

We only had 3 sea days so didn't have nearly enough time to explore the ship. All day excursions with lots of walking, would get back to the ship, shower, have dinner, go to casino for a little while, go to bed.

 

I didn't think the ship felt crowded at at! I loved that there were so many smaller areas with their own sort of personality. Also loved that there was so much outdoor seating.

 

Um, the Serenity Deck is MOSTLY around the bow. Only at the two side ends does it overlook the Lido area.

 

I'm really not a newer/bigger/more bells and whistles cruiser. I actually love the Fantasy class ships. But I'm booked on the Horizon TA next spring. I've wanted to do a TA for a while but they're rarely at a time of year when I can sail. With so many sea days, I'll get a chance to explore a lot more than I did on Vista.

 

But personally, I don't book the newer ships simply because they're priced at a premium for the same itineraries. I'm usually solo, so price is a factor. If I have a choice of two identical itineraries but the one on an older ship is considerably less, I'll book that. Itinerary is still tops on my list, followed by price. Ship is at the bottom of my list of importance in selecting a cruise.

Were you on the first sailing in Europe? I read that there were a lot more smokers over there and most sailings weren't sold out. Ours was and it was constantly crowded.

Yes, the first sailing. I figured the whole-casino smoking thing was because it was in Europe.

Sailed Splendor last fall, and it was the usual semi-smoking, which is fairly pointless because the non-smoking slots are in the middle of smoking and people ignore the "no smoking unless you're playing 'rule'" anyway!

Then when I sailed on 8/30 on Ecstasy, THAT casino was 100% smoking!

While other lines are moving away from so many smoking areas, Carnival seems to be catering to the lowest common denominator and encouraging the smokers. Ships now have lovely outdoor seating areas (even Fantasy-class ships) for the smokers, while the non-smokers have basically nowhere to sit outdoors that isn't in baking sun.

Oh well. Just another reason why I'm considering migrating to X.

It isn't a huge factor in my cruise choices, but I do consider it when weighing my options.

Don't want to turn this into yet another smoking thread, though! ;)

I suppose beauty is in the eye of the Beholder. Been on 7 carnival cruise ships to include the Breeze, Dream And Vista and found it is what you make it. I had a great time on all. Truly enjoyed the Vista just as much as the rest. I am so looking forward to the Horizon. Just like anything else you have great stuff then not as great but good stuff. Just keep in mind you are on a cruise and unlike some others here enjoy what you have to the fullest. After all you paid for and earned it

I suppose beauty is in the eye of the Beholder. Been on 7 carnival cruise ships to include the Breeze, Dream And Vista and found it is what you make it. I had a great time on all. Truly enjoyed the Vista just as much as the rest. I am so looking forward to the Horizon. Just like anything else you have great stuff then not as great but good stuff. Just keep in mind you are on a cruise and unlike some others here enjoy what you have to the fullest. After all you paid for and earned it

Totally agree.

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Had havana cabana in August......would go on her again but only if we had havana again. 90% of our cruise was spent on deck 5.

I've sailed on many Carnival ships ... including the Vista ... and I would say that hands down ... Vista is the WORST. Never plan on sailing on her or any sister ship. What's wrong? Everything. Where do I start?

1. No grand atrium ... which makes most of the ship feel cramped.

2. IMAX at Sea? Sorry, didn't pay thousands of dollars to go on a cruise to sit inside a movie theater (and pay extra) for a movie I can see when I get home.

3. Casino ... Very cramped. Tight machines. We played daily the whole cruise ... they were all tight. No one happy in the casino.

4. "Removable" seats in the Theater on the first floor ... terrible design - This means there are not enough seats ... oh and no little tables to set your drink, you have to set it on the slippery floor and make sure you don't knock it over.

5. Not enough seats in theater or comedy club. Better arrive 30 min early or you wont be able to see the shows.

6. Serenity deck that OVERLOOKS the main Lido pool? How is it "serene" if I can see/hear all the screaming kids running around Lido?

7. Gym is one of the smallest on any Carnival Ship. Very low ceilings too.

8. Substandard cabin service which required me to complain, THREE times. And I'm not typically a complainer either.

9. Lines. Everywhere. Lines

10. Did I mention there were Lines?

 

Guess that is all I can come up with off the top of my head ... but I would think twice about sailing one of these ships. Very poorly designed in so many ways. I wouldn't sail again if you gave it to me for free. ......Well, maybe I would if it was free, lol ... but these are not free!

 

Hope this helps. I'm 45 and my buddy was 27 and we both felt the same way. I like so many other carnival ships much more.

Thanks... the lines, and feeling crowded are somewhat concerning for me, as that seems to be a theme on so many reviews. I appreciate the information.

Yes, the first sailing. I figured the whole-casino smoking thing was because it was in Europe.

 

Sailed Splendor last fall, and it was the usual semi-smoking, which is fairly pointless because the non-smoking slots are in the middle of smoking and people ignore the "no smoking unless you're playing 'rule'" anyway!

 

Then when I sailed on 8/30 on Ecstasy, THAT casino was 100% smoking!

 

While other lines are moving away from so many smoking areas, Carnival seems to be catering to the lowest common denominator and encouraging the smokers. Ships now have lovely outdoor seating areas (even Fantasy-class ships) for the smokers, while the non-smokers have basically nowhere to sit outdoors that isn't in baking sun.

 

Oh well. Just another reason why I'm considering migrating to X.

 

It isn't a huge factor in my cruise choices, but I do consider it when weighing my options.

Don't want to turn this into yet another smoking thread, though! ;)

Yeah, lets not do that... we are smokers and we only smoke in designated areas.

Thanks... the lines, and feeling crowded are somewhat concerning for me, as that seems to be a theme on so many reviews. I appreciate the information.

I totally agree about the Vista! There was basically nothing I Iiked about this ship. We were just on this ship in Jan. I had booked for Early Dining---got Anytime Dining---which was horrible! We had to go to a Coffee shop to pick up our dining room "ticket"---then proceed down to the MDR--we waited in another line! Couldn't change it because there were NO extra tables in early Dining. My guess is because they have totally reduced the size of the size of the rooms. Also, very lackluster MDR! My sister---60's---commented that she's seen better décor in VFW dining rooms!

I also felt that the entire ship seemed crowded in--probably to make room the huge I-Max theater--which we weren't willing to pay extra for! The "theater/lounge" was horrible. Big support poles that blocked your view---bad seating. We all commented that if they had to evacuate this "lounge" quickly, it would be a disaster!! The lounge chairs at the pool were so crowded in you had to CLIMB over the chair to sit down. It was hard to move them anywhere because the lounges were scrunched in between two unmovable poles.

Sad to hear that Horizons will be exactly the same! No more Vista for us---or Horizons!! This ship is catering to people with children---not adults who want to enjoy some Serenity Time! Very poor design if you ask me!

I totally agree about the Vista! There was basically nothing I Iiked about this ship. We were just on this ship in Jan. I had booked for Early Dining---got Anytime Dining---which was horrible! We had to go to a Coffee shop to pick up our dining room "ticket"---then proceed down to the MDR--we waited in another line! Couldn't change it because there were NO extra tables in early Dining. My guess is because they have totally reduced the size of the size of the rooms. Also, very lackluster MDR! My sister---60's---commented that she's seen better décor in VFW dining rooms!

 

 

 

I also felt that the entire ship seemed crowded in--probably to make room the huge I-Max theater--which we weren't willing to pay extra for! The "theater/lounge" was horrible. Big support poles that blocked your view---bad seating. We all commented that if they had to evacuate this "lounge" quickly, it would be a disaster!! The lounge chairs at the pool were so crowded in you had to CLIMB over the chair to sit down. It was hard to move them anywhere because the lounges were scrunched in between two unmovable poles.

 

 

 

Sad to hear that Horizons will be exactly the same! No more Vista for us---or Horizons!! This ship is catering to people with children---not adults who want to enjoy some Serenity Time! Very poor design if you ask me!

You won’t be sailing on anything new in the Carnival brand then. All this size or bigger. Did you see the Havana area (in regards to the catering comment)?

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