Carnival Horizon 14 Day B2B Southern/Eastern Caribbean Review

[jam19872016]

Hello everybody. I just got back from 14 days cruising on the Carnival Horizon B2B 8/7-8/21. I am so excited to be back on Carnival. While this was my third and fourth cruise back since cruising restarted, it was my first time on Carnival since February 2020. I was so so happy to be back home! I am cruising this time with my mom who is retired and cruises with me occasionally. I am a much bigger cruise nut than her, but she does tag along with me from time to time 🙂

 

About Me:

 

I am 33 years old and am lucky enough to live in Florida so taking cruises is more affordable and easier to do than for many people. After so long without cruising, I am taking advantage of that ease. I currently have 14 cruises booked including these two and I booked another while on board. This was my 33rd and 34th cruise, my 23rd and 24th cruise on Carnival and my second and third time on the Horizon.

 

A couple disclaimers, I LOVE cruising and always have a good time. But I like to be honest in my review. Everything is not perfect on a cruise and I do intend to include the bad with the good. Just because I complain, does not mean I did not have a great time. I will also be prepared to cut them a lot of slack. I can't imagine how hard it must be to restart something as intricate as running a cruise ship after such a long time off work.

 

Also, I may not hit on everything that interests you as a cruiser. I would say from reading many reviews that my cruise style is different from the norm, and that is okay. Please feel free to ask questions about something I do not cover and I will do my best to answer anything that you would like to know about.

 

This cruise was real chill. Between being a frequent cruiser and having two weeks onboard, there was no pressure to try and do everything. It was all about relaxing and enjoying being home again on Carnival.

 

I was originally booked on a different cruise. Back in May when it looked like cruises would never restart from the US I booked myself on Adventure of the Seas out of Nassau. I gamble a lot and Royal Caribbean's casino is very very generous with comps. I had a total of three comps I could book so I asked work if I could take three weeks off for a B2B2B. If I was going to fly to my cruise, I wanted to make it worthwhile. They said they would not do three weeks, but they could do two. I will take it! So I booked two weeks on Adventure.

 

Fast forward a bit and US cruises are back in play, and cruise lines are canceling some of their Caribbean home ports which had me a little nervous. Carnival, which rarely gives me full comps offered me and my mom (who gambles about $20-$50 a week) a free cruise to help fill their ships. My two weeks I already had approved were both available, so I booked us on Carnival Horizon for two weeks free B2B....almost.

 

My mom's was not really free, but honestly for her level of gambling it was still very very generous at around $150pp for 6 days. Because hers was not free I went with a room on a lower deck to keep costs down a little more. I emailed my PVP asking if I could change rooms for the first leg before we finalized the booking so it would still be nearby the room on the second week. I meant to ask for 3239 an interior on deck 3, but my fat fingers typed 3229 an ocean view on deck 3. The upgrade cost was $240pp for 8 days, which is a great total price, but I truly prefer the darkness of an inside room. I did everything over the phone, so I unfortunately did not catch it until I got the invoice and I was not able to downgrade.

 

I debated for a while about canceling and going back to Adventure which was fully free. I would have flight costs to deal with so the price would really still be about the same, plus the added stress of a flight and additional travel requirements. But then there was the double points in their loyalty program right now, I am trying to move up quick.

 

Ultimately my decision was made when cruising restarted and I saw all the videos on that first Horizon cruise from John Heald and ParoDeeJay. I missed my Carnival cruises so much and could not wait to return to fun! 
 

[jam19872016]

Day 1: Embarcation

 

This is my third cruise back since the return of cruises. The first required a flight from Ft. Lauderdale to St.Maarten (which was an amazing cruise btw). I was so thankful to be back and would have traveled to the other side of the world to be able to cruise again.

 

The second cruise was out of Miami and I wrote in my review of that trip that I was not going to complain about the drive to Miami but that it probably wouldn't last long. I'm here to say that complaining embargo has been lifted. Miami is pretty for sail away, but the drive there SUCKS. I look forward to that nice short easy drive to Port Canaveral!

 

This was truly one of my worst experiences getting to the port. I am not sure what happened but I95 was closed completely just before West Palm Beach and we had to get off and figure out how to get back on. Then the sky opened up with pouring rain so heavy we could not see anything. We had to pull over for a little while until the rain slowed down.

 

By now I95 was back open so we got back on and the rest of the drive was fairly uneventful, just your typical crappy south Florida traffic. The rain cleared up as well and the rest of the day was beautiful weather.

 

Parking has often been a bit of a headache in Miami as well. I have never really found a 3rd party parking service that wasn't a bit shady or a hassle to use. Parking at the port has been my go to but at $22 a day for 14 days I was desperate to find something reliable and at a fair price.

 

I was pleased to find Greenbeeparking.com which offered parking at the Hilton Double Tree right across from MIA for only $103 all in for 14 days. Very affordable and I feel comfortable leaving my car at a Hilton versus some of the locations I have parked at before. Transportation to the port is not included and an UberXL cost me $32 with tip. This was my first time using Uber so I was not sure how much room I would need with my luggage but I could have used a smaller car and saved about $10.

[jam19872016]

My check-in time was 11-1130. After the delays from this morning we arrived at the port around 1pm. This was what the line looked like.

 

 

I am not sure why the line was like this, and I did see people being turned away once the line reached the inside of the terminal building, although I am not sure if it was because of being early or what the issue was. I truly missed having my own priority line but I figure if I had made it at 11 which I did have priority to select, the line would likely not have been as bad.

 

It was not as bad as it seemed and we made it on the ship in around 45 minutes. It moved at a pretty steady pace and at one point we were allowed to bypass part of the line because they could see my mother was having a hard time in the heat. All in all it was not my worst embarkation experience, but it was definitely chaotic.

 

Onboard we headed to our room which was conveniently located on the Lobby deck. We dropped our stuff off and headed to the theater to get our muster drill out of the way. Definitely love this new muster and I really really hope that it sticks around forever.

 

Next we made it to the BBQ for lunch.

 

 

I had planned on heading to Guy's for a burger and grabbing a Fun Ship since nothing screams Carnival more than that combination on boarding day but honestly I was so tired I just went for my usual on ships that have the outdoor BBQ.

 

Everything was delicious! The potato salad is hit or miss and sometimes a really big miss but this was so good I went back for more! Seriously one of the best I have eaten anywhere ever!
 

[jam19872016]

Crowds, Crowds everywhere!

 

I have been very spoiled so far with very empty ships. My first cruise back was at about 24% capacity, my second was somewhere between 30-40%, this cruise was packed. I had read about 75% but later found out we were sailing with 3600 passengers, which is just under 90% capacity. If you have sailed Vista class before, you know it is overcrowded at full capacity plus boarding day is always a bit busier. After a stressful day, we weren't really feeling any more relaxed now that we were onboard.

 

We retreated to our room to unwind and escape all the people everywhere. I enjoy that this ship has a large selection of free on demand movies and we settled in with a movie. I did miss sail away (except out my window, and although a tight fit I am able to fit in the window ledge 🙂) but I will make sure I catch it next week. 

 

This downtime was much needed and our nerves calmed down and the people spread out more. We felt much better and had settled into vacation mode 🙂 
 

[jam19872016]

By now it had been over three hours since we ate so we needed to eat again 🙂 I tried checking in with the app but this was all I got.

 

 

 

 

I tried it a couple times with no luck so I headed to the old check-in desk by Javablue but it was no longer there. To check-in in person now you just head straight to the dining room. 

 

Tonight's dinner menu from the app.

 

 

 

 

 

They brought a paper menu for my mom because she doesn't do technology.

[jam19872016]

For my starter I ordered the shrimp cocktail.

 

 

 

Slightly different presentation and sauce but still good. Order two if you need to 🙂

 

My mom got the strawberry bisque.

 

 

 

She really enjoys the fruit soups.

 

For my main I ordered the vegetable lasagna an old favorite of mine.

 

 

 

This was good but a little off tonight.

 

For dessert I ordered the tiramisu and my mom got the strawberry cream.

 

 

 

 

Dessert was excellent.

 

I had read about the long wait times for dinner which is really to be expected in these early startup days but I experienced none of that. Dinner took under an hour and service was very attentive. The food was also good.
 

[jam19872016]

After dinner we made our way towards the shops. Along the way we went duck hunting and my mom found a duck!

 

 

 

I found something even better.

 

 

 

I'll definitely be hitting that case by the end of the cruise!

 

There were not a lot of shops for a ship this size but no biggie to me I don't really shop, my mom was expecting more though. She did find a good sale going on and bought some more stuff she will never need lol.

 

 

 

Dreamscape

.

 

 

The crowds have thinned out.

 

 

[jam19872016]

After she got her shopping fix I walked around the decks for a bit. I caught the tail end of sunset.

 

 

 

 

Much better sunset than mine in the stairway art.

 

 

 

I took in a little casino time this evening, emphasis on little. I had a pretty bad run two weeks ago on Royal so the casino budget is a little tight. The odds were not in my favor still so I think I am just going to sit this week out.

 

After that I got second dinner at the deli. I enjoyed a turkey sandwich and some potato salad. Excellent second dinner, the potato salad was not as good as Guy's but still very good.

 

I rounded out the night with a deal closer from alchemy and took in some music from the Horizon Rock Band at Ocean Plaza.

 

Next up, Fun Day at Sea.
 

[jam19872016]

Fun Day at Sea

 

I was in bed pretty early yesterday so I was also up pretty early this morning. Brunch was not being served yet so I went to Lido for some breakfast.

 

This AM's dreamscape.

 

 

 

Breakfast burrito from Blue Iguana and small sample from the buffet.

 

 

 

 

 

The sausages in the burrito have changed, but I still enjoyed my first BI burrito in a year and a half!

 

After breakfast it was my turn to spot a duck.

 

[Terab85]

37 minutes ago, jam19872016 said:

Crowds, Crowds everywhere!

 

I have been very spoiled so far with very empty ships. My first cruise back was at about 24% capacity, my second was somewhere between 30-40%, this cruise was packed. I had read about 75% but later found out we were sailing with 3600 passengers, which is just under 90% capacity. If you have sailed Vista class before, you know it is overcrowded at full capacity plus boarding day is always a bit busier. After a stressful day, we weren't really feeling any more relaxed now that we were onboard.

 

We retreated to our room to unwind and escape all the people everywhere. I enjoy that this ship has a large selection of free on demand movies and we settled in with a movie. I did miss sail away (except out my window, and although a tight fit I am able to fit in the window ledge 🙂) but I will make sure I catch it next week. 

 

This downtime was much needed and our nerves calmed down and the people spread out more. We felt much better and had settled into vacation mode 🙂 
 

I'm surprised to hear that they were sailing at closer to 90%.  Everything I've been reading has said 70-75% but not sure how they knew.  I'm hoping our Sept sailing won't be that bad.

[jam19872016]

We took in The Morning Show with Donkey and the Fun Squad this morning. I don't think I've ever actually been to one, but I am usually in the casino till late into the night and still sleeping this early.

 

Speaking of the casino, they were having a fireball raffle today for some casino freeplay. I had forgotten Carnival's raffles tend to last a while with a drawing every half hour for three hours. I did not play but I did allow myself to be taken hostage and run down every half hour. Unfortunately, my name was not drawn.

 

I did make some time for lunch of course 🙂

 

Today we went to the Mongolian Wok.

 

 

 

 

 

I got excited when my food came and dug in without taking a pic. It was very good.

 

I spent the remainder of my afternoon that wasn't in the casino exploring the ship a little. 

 

I also enjoyed some time in the sauna which I was glad to see open as I was not sure it would be with the current protocols.

[Joe817]

Loving your review so far, jam!! Keep up the good work! 👍

[Terab85]

13 minutes ago, jam19872016 said:

After she got her shopping fix I walked around the decks for a bit. I caught the tail end of sunset.

 

 

 

 

Much better sunset than mine in the stairway art.

 

 

 

I took in a little casino time this evening, emphasis on little. I had a pretty bad run two weeks ago on Royal so the casino budget is a little tight. The odds were not in my favor still so I think I am just going to sit this week out.

 

After that I got second dinner at the deli. I enjoyed a turkey sandwich and some potato salad. Excellent second dinner, the potato salad was not as good as Guy's but still very good.

 

I rounded out the night with a deal closer from alchemy and took in some music from the Horizon Rock Band at Ocean Plaza.

 

Next up, Fun Day at Sea.
 

Nothing better than a sunset while at sea ☀️

[Terab85]

Definitely following this.  We are doing our first B2B on the Horizon in 4 weeks and excited to hear all your input.  Did you get up to Serenity at all during your trip?  Curious on how crowded on the at sea days. 

[jam19872016]

I tried using the app again to check in for dinner and it was working tonight. 

 

Tonight's dinner menu.

 

 

 

[jam19872016]

For my starter I ordered the fried oysters.

 

 

 

The were very good.

 

My mom got the blackened pork tart.

 

 

 

They were less blurry in person. They were too sweet for my mom's taste so I helped her finish them and I enjoyed them.

 

For my main I ordered the lobster, and trying something new I ordered the root vegetables in a pie crust.

 

 

 

 

The waiter offered me a different lobster which I declined but I should have taken him up on his offer.

 

This was not cooked well and did not taste good at all. The vegetable dish was excellent.

 

For dessert I ordered coffee cream cake.

 

 

 

This was also good.

 

Dinner service continued to be top notch at under an hour.
 

[jam19872016]

Back in the room we had a towel animal waiting to greet us.

 

 

We hung out in the room for a bit with a free on demand movie then we went to the Lido for a small bite. I had skipped my favorite dish, pasta carbonara to try something new so I wanted to grab a bit off the buffet before it closed. I also got another veggie pie.

 

 

 

The carbonara was still good but it had onions added which was weird. I hope that is not how they make it now. 

 

I also had some key lime mousse for dessert.

 

 

 

I swear I could actually hear my stomach screaming at me "why are you putting more food in me".

I headed back to the room in a food coma and enjoyed some TV for a few hours and turned in for the night. Tomorrow will be another relaxing day at sea.
 

[jam19872016]

40 minutes ago, Terab85 said:

I'm surprised to hear that they were sailing at closer to 90%.  Everything I've been reading has said 70-75% but not sure how they knew.  I'm hoping our Sept sailing won't be that bad.

That was what I was expecting based on what I've read up to this point as well. At the morning show Donkey said 3,600 passengers and 1,400 crew which would be just under 90% capacity. TBH I was glad it was not 70% and as crowded as it was.

 

The following week once stricter protocols kicked in capacity was only 59% so I would imagine that until the testing requirements go away we will see capacity closer to 60 than 90. 

 

 

36 minutes ago, Joe817 said:

Loving your review so far, jam!! Keep up the good work! 👍

Thank you!

[jam19872016]

39 minutes ago, Terab85 said:

Nothing better than a sunset while at sea ☀️

 

Agree 100%

 

36 minutes ago, Terab85 said:

Definitely following this.  We are doing our first B2B on the Horizon in 4 weeks and excited to hear all your input.  Did you get up to Serenity at all during your trip?  Curious on how crowded on the at sea days. 

I have not been there personally but I have heard a couple different people comment that it was very quiet up there. 

[Jeafl]

Wonderful review so far!  I love seeing the pictures of the food.  Most of it looks nothing like I imagined!

[EngIceDave]

1 hour ago, Terab85 said:

Definitely following this.  We are doing our first B2B on the Horizon in 4 weeks and excited to hear all your input.  Did you get up to Serenity at all during your trip?  Curious on how crowded on the at sea days. 

Well, we're on in 2 weeks with you....But we're only a B

[mamamaga]

We are sailing on Horizon this Saturday. Loving your review

[tallnthensome]

Great review. Were you still allowed to order two entrees at dinner? 

[audcc77]

4 hours ago, jam19872016 said:

my mother was having a hard time in the heat.

Yeah. Me too.  Standing in the hot sun is the worst.  
 

I am bringing a little umbrella. Also, I just bought a little handheld fan on Amazon for $15 and is about the length of a cell phone and half the width.  
 

JISULIFE Pocket Handheld Fan

Thanks for your review. I’m following along as I am thinking of sailing on this ship.  

[Terab85]

31 minutes ago, audcc77 said:

Yeah. Me too.  Standing in the hot sun is the worst.  
 

I am bringing a little umbrella. Also, I just bought a little handheld fan on Amazon for $15 and is about the length of a cell phone and half the width.  
 

JISULIFE Pocket Handheld Fan

Thanks for your review. I’m following along as I am thinking of sailing on this ship.  

That's a good idea.  I have a small umbrella that I keep in my car. If the line looks long and/or the sun is bad, I'll just grab that. I'll make sure to have water to drink until we get close to being inside.