Better Late than Pregnant, Horizon mini-review, mostly pic dump time waste 3/5/22.

[TxTeach79]

Howdy y'all!

 

I've been meaning to get to this, but with the school year winding down rather chaotically I've been a bit behind! My gf and I were lucky enough to spend Spring Break '22 on the Horizon out of Miami, the Aruba/Curacao/Amber Cove run, so I just wanted to post some after the fact goodies and answer any questions I can still recall the answers to #blameCheers. Plus, I just kinda want to relive the 8 days while counting down the minutes til our Miracle Alaska cruise in June. Anywho, onward and upward! Time for my awkward technique of posting pictures to the thread on my phone, then going back and editing the posts on my laptop since I don't like typing on my phone nearly as much. BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME! Let's get to it! 

[TxTeach79]

Late flight after a work day out of Dallas Love (DAL)... as a North Texas local (and Southwest loyalist) I always prefer flying out of Love as opposed to DFW. It's just so much easier, smaller, and closer... We got there a couple hours early, and instead of the usual pre-gaming spots of Cool River, Cantina Laredo, or the American Classic Chili's, we decided to hit up the brand new (to Love) Dallas Cowboys Club. 

 

 

They have those fancy taps that fill your beer from the bottom. It's really trippy, and it's great until you accidentally push up on the bottom or the glass and start a flood.

 

 

Somebody was even more excited than we were to pack and head out...

 

 

The great thing about the Cowboys Club is that you can order food from any restaurant in the airport right to your seat. Got our Whataburger fix in for the week (seriously the new white spicy ketchup is a game changer), but could have had anything we wanted. Elite. They also have their own menu or sports bar fare, decently priced for an airport. 

 

 

Finally onboard, I get my preferred window seat, glance out the side, and WHAT?!?!?!?!??! I swear to all that is holy, if I see Samuel L. Jackson get on this thing I'm gonna lose it. 

 

 

Oh, and if you check your COVID calendars, you'll see that this was the week Southwest went back to full bar service... and our flight attendant was a fun loving dude who DID NOT HOLD BACK, with numbers or his pour. By the time we made it to Fort Lauderdale 3 hours later, I'd had 5 of these mama bears. Pure rocket fuel. Oh, and he didn't charge us a thing. 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[helene109]

Looking forward to your review! We are on the same itinerary the 14th!

[Joe817]

Liking it so far! I see another What a Burger spicy catsup fan! 👍 

[TxTeach79]

Made it! Well lubricated for a good nights' rest. Hotels in MIA were egregiously more than FLL the night before the cruise, and between all my sailings out of here (and living in South Florida for 5 years in my 20's), the level of which I prefer FLL to MIA can not be overstated. Any excuse to pick it. 

 

 

I'm generally a Marriott Bonvoy guy (account is linked to my Uber One account, so I rack up tons of points that way - plus Marriott and Southwest points are interchangeable) so we chose the very new FLL location. It's attached to an AC Hotel, very close by, and walkable to a shopping center in Dania. Super convenient. But yeah, see the phone - it was almost 1am by then. Between that and the booze , night night. 

 

 

Modern. Comfortable room, good night's sleep. 

 

 

I didn't make Storybooked Morocco. My apologies to Jon Boogz. It was 1am, man. 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Morning! Sailaway Day, baby!!

 

So I really enjoyed Toojay's Deli when I lived in South Florida two decades ago, so I was pretty happy to see they had a location walking distance from the Marriott. We got there as soon as breakfast began. And yeah, those are big nasty clouds rolling in, but that's South Florida for ya. They wouldn't be an issue for long. 

 

 

You gotta fuel up for a big day of sailin' 

 

 

The walk back - ten minute walk, not bad at all, an this was a cool outdoor area with a big screen and tons of seating (not pictured) at the Marriott complex. If we had more time, this would be a nice place to relax. 

 

 

Gf's omelette was probably lighter than my plate or hash & eggs and bagel, but neither of us went hungry. 

 

 

Oh, there was also a Sprouts right next door as well, so we were able to pop in there for a bottle of wine to carry on so that we didn't have to risk flying with it. That was convenient. 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Made it!!! A nice easy Uber down to Dodge Island and we're good to go. We were in group A5, so while there was a bit of a wait for boarding to actually begin (probably a half hour or so behind schedule, nbd) once it did we got moving fast. They even called groups in chunks, like "A3-A6," so it moved faster.

 

 

All the dumb little things that are so damn exciting on embarkation day! .... and a taste of the old school Carnival aesthetic.

 

 

Made it! I was just on Vista over Thanksgiving, so I was right at home. This is as empty is Ocean Plaza would be all week. 

 

 

Library Bar is such a pretty spot, it's a shame I never really go in there.

 

 

Dreamscape! 

 

 

Was excited to check out P&A. This was new to me, since I'd only sailed on Vista in this class of ship. I LOVE the RFP, so this was gonna be an uphill battle from the start.

 

 

OFFICIALLY CRUISING. Once the Fun Ships sail out, you're there, man. 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

''

Being able to drive to Galveston and cruise as a Texan is great, but man, nothing beats the original. Sailing out of Miami is the best. 

 

 

Just taking it all in before heading out. 

 

 

Our pre-ordered wine made it quickly! I do NOT miss the "no Cheers or booze delivery Day One" buzzkill of Galveston, that's for

 

sure. 

 

 

Hey little Sis! Sunrise docked behind us. 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Sunrise and the Magic City. Clouds are gone, it's getting more gorgeous by the second. 

 

 

Obligatory

 

 

A very valuable skill to learn, gentlemen. I wish they had the urinal cupholders like they do in Vegas, but I make due. 

 

 

 

MSC Meraviglia (I think) and the Sunrise, the first to leave, doing the downtown Miami spin. I was a little bummed we were facing out already and didn't get to do the spin. 

 

 

And we are OFF! Havana pool below. I'm aft on Lido 10 here. 

 

 

LOVE sailing out past the beach. What a great way to start a vacation! Maybe only the Lauderdale condos compare. 

 

 

Disney... Wonder I think?

 

 

Norwegian Joy

 

 

Here comes the Sun(rise)

 

 

Sailing away alongside the Fam

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[helene109]

Wow fantastic pictures! Was that a pool everyone can use? Thanks! Getting so excited!

[TxTeach79]

10 minutes ago, helene109 said:

Wow fantastic pictures! Was that a pool everyone can use? Thanks! Getting so excited!

 

The small one on the very back of the ship is the Havana Pool for the Havana area folks only, but the larger one up top (with all the red umbrellas) is the standard aft pool on Lido Deck (10) for all of us! Spent a lot of time in there too!

[TxTeach79]

That was the Disney Magic, not the Wonder. I hang my head in shame. 

[TxTeach79]

Blanton's at the P&A.

 

 

We're in international waters! Let the teasing begin....

 

 

I was concerned before my Vista cruise about the V Class casino bars being ripped out, but honestly on both Vista and Horizon sailings bar service was fast, friendly, and I was never dry unless I wanted to be. So I'll celebrate this little win with some Buffalo Trace!

 

 

Let's build good hits on good hits guys, one at a time. 

 

 

This trio was legit... Like, you think they're good, then you see Celestial Strings and it's like.... Big WHOA.

 

 

Come to Papa

 

 

Ooooh, my first time to post up at Alchemy! It would packed all week, but we were usually able to stalk an open seat here and there.... wish the Big A was bigger on Vista class, one of my only qualms. 

 

 

I think the Black Crowes said it best...

 

"Can I have some remedy?
Remedy for me please
Cause if I had some remedy
I'd take enough to please me"

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

[TxTeach79]

I know it doesn't wrap all the way around because of Havana, but I love the Lanai on the Vista class. Especially at night with the breeze going. 

 

 

No BT in the Ocean Plaza aft bar.  I'm pretty sure this was Woodford & Diet. Bartenders back here were great though. 

 

 

Mr. Radu!!!!

 

 

That'll do, pig. 

 

 

How'd that happen?

 

 

Math is FUN(ship)damental

 

 

I ordered a Buffalo Trace and diet. I got rocket fuel. Still drank it tho. 

 

 

Ancient Chinese Secret

 

 

Feelin' lucky?

 

 

$60 didn't feel like enough for a handpay, but then the machine decided it felt otherwise. They got to me quickly though! Casino staff was great. 

 

 

14. I didn't hit 15. Seems wrong. But I'm feeling so responsible. 

 

 

Late night dinner. Marketplace plate of fun. Food was good all week. Tons of variety, temperature was always on point. 

 

 

Hot dog and Cuban from the Deli. The sweet, sweet Deli. 

 

 

Well hi there fella!

 

 

Oh yeah... we booked an inside GTY (because this thing was basically free + taxes) and ended up in the Family Harbor with no kids. Honestly, since our Texas Spring Break fell so early, there were hardly any kids on the ship, especially since we sailed from the 305. It was actually kind of cool having the Harbor Lounge access, and you were never lost with the unique FH carpet/color scheme.

 

[TxTeach79]

I know I duplicated a post up there, but since I only have a small time to edit or delete a post, I guess I took too long to type those last captions. Welp. This is a lot of pressure!

[TxTeach79]

First sea day, we gotta sleep in and hit the Sea Day Brunch! Super easy to book our table on the Hub App and walk right in. Grabbed a morning coffee at JavaBlue until our table was ready, then walked past the mass of humanity that apparently didn't know the Hub App exists.....

 

Eggs were fantastic. Whole meal was, really. 

 

 

Cheese grits, legit. 

 

 

Huevos Rancheros. Muy bueno, Amigo!

 

 

Gf got one of the fresh squeezed juice blends. She said it was great. I'm just not a beet guy, and her choice was heavy on the beet action. 

 

 

It was cool checking out the bar area where they were making all the fresh juices. Really cool to see. 

 

 

 

Also, do they ever use that MDR bar as an actual bar? Anyone know? I'm not a big MDR guy so I'm not sure. 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Here's a quick look at the Harbor Lounge. It was actually very convenient to take a few steps down the hall and grab a coffee, snack, or water darn near anytime. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Harbor Inside. And yeah, we sent our first bag of laundry out that early.... gf wanted her dresses pressed or whatever. So fancy. (I'm literally in swim trunks til dinner)

 

 

Also, I couldn't pass these mozz balls on Lido at any point without grabbing one. I have a cheese problem. 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Aft pool, sea day! Spent a lot of time in there with Fun Ships & Hurricanes watching the Skyride pedal by and making new friends.

 

 

Got me a corner spot for the best show there is! (Love all the seating up on 11 aft. One of my favorite spaces on Dream & Vista class)

 

 

Back on my...... Blanton's. What did you think??

 

 

Little golf action inside the P&A

 

 

More Lanai relaxation while gf takes a post pool day nap.

 

 

JavaBlue's Guava. Filled. Donut. IYKYK.

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

50th Anny stuff had just rolled out - this was the week with the big fleet meetup, but Horizon was too far south to join in the fun. 

 

 

Nanang! My man! I swear, he was so efficient and out of the way it was insane... but always as friendly as the day is long in the hallway... Great service!

 

 

ChocolateScape. Also, I love hanging out in the atrium, I enjoy the bar there, but for some reason those bar stools are absolutely BRUTAL on my ample aft end. Really prefer grabbing a drink and finding a comfy chair nearby. 

 

 

Geography!

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

It's time. Time for the great fattening. IYKYK.

 

 

My carefully chosen bread selection

 

 

We split a bottle of red (doesn't count on Cheers, you guys!) and there's that good good butter....

 

 

the chef's compliments of the evening.... Honestly, I don't recall, but I know I liked it!

 

 

Stuffed mushrooms. Yes please.

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Keeping the plates moving.... the tuna tartare. Honestly, this may have been the star of the show. I can't say anything other than how insanely fresh and bright this tasted. I could have had three more. 

 

 

Baby Leaf Spinach & Mushroom salad. 

 

 

the omnipresent shrimp cocktail.

 

 

Prime Ribeye, baby. 18 ounces of pure thunder.

 

 

gf went with the Australian Wagyu, mate!

 

 

On the way out, I had forgotten our reservation times the rest of the cruise. Oddly enough, the Hub wasn't showing anything we had reserved (and wasn't letting us set reminders for events, etc.) for the first 2-3 days. Eventually it all righted itself, but til then it was nice of her to do this. 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by TxTeach79

[TxTeach79]

Lucked into a spot after dinner - good as gold! I like the way this sign thinks…

 

 

I asked Anne-Marie to make me something bourbon based but sweet like a rum drink. This happened. No clue, but spot the heck on. 
 

 

I feel like this was my gf’s espresso martini? Maybe? Or something similar because they were out of espresso, that happened once. 
 

 

always end up back home with the Remedy before too long… I mean, it’s on the blackboard for goodness’ sake

 

 

it’s quiet down Flavortown way. Never seemed quite as jumping as RFP on the Vista, but definitely had its loyal bunch. 
 

 

one Of my favorite night time walks. 
 

[helene109]

Thanks for taking the time to do the review! We have reservations at the Steakhouse and Teppanyaki! Looking forward to seeing more of your review! Thanks again!

[Saint Greg]

 

 

20 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

Also, do they ever use that MDR bar as an actual bar? Anyone know? I'm not a big MDR guy so I'm not sure. 

 

You used to be able to eat there. At least on Vista you could. I assume Horizon was the same.

 

Edited May 3, 2022 by Saint Greg