Horizon 5/29 to bermuda

[yellowlabcruiser]

smooth sailing......

all went well staff was very helpfull food was excellent and the weather was good for sailing...

very pleased with this cruise

would do it again... did not see the negatives many have posted in this site

a very good mix of passengers!!!

[missm]

So glad that was your experience, as well. We had a wonderful time on our 4/24 cruise. I don't give negative posters the time of day.

 

MissM

[mamayer]

Celebrity’s Horizon to Bermuda—May 29 to June 5

 

This is our second cruise on the Horizon and our third visit to Bermuda. I will probably just focus on what was new to us.

The parking lot in Norfolk opens at 11 A.M. Since people can board at or before 11, it should open earlier. The cost is $60.00. There were lots of attendants to show us where to park. The porters came right up to the line of cars, unloaded the luggage and transferred it to the buses. The ride to the ship is about 10 minutes. We got in line immediately and were one the ship at about noon. There was no big holding area as we have encountered in Florida. When we embarked we were given a choice of a glass of champagne or a mimosa. We were directed to the casual dining area on the 11th floor where a complete buffet lunch was available.

Our rooms were ready for occupancy at 2 P.M. We were in outside rooms (6031 and 6035). Although we were convenient to an elevator, we still did a lot of hoofing it up and down the stairs. I feel that rooms are well laid out and have plenty of storage space, but need refurbishing.The drawers were extremely noisy and the furniture was a bit worn. My packing suggestion is to leave clothes on hangars. There are not enough hangars and it would be easier to just pull the outfits out of the suitcases and hang them up. Interleaf plastic bags between your outfits and they won’t wrinkle.

We came on the ship recovering from viruses, so we didn’t see every show going. The Celebrity singers and dancers are very good. The lead female singer was fabulous. If the party band “Exodus†is still onboard, you are in for a treat. They play at the pool and other occasions.

Celebrity has improved their daily activity sheet. It is now on heavier paper with a crease for folding down the center. Be sure to visit the Guest Relations desk if you want to read summaries of news from a couple of sources. Also, there are free copies of the local Bermuda newspaper available.

Since we’ve been to Bermuda before, we took no shore tours. A lot of people were buying bus tickets. These could also be bought on board.

The shops on Front Street in Hamilton are fun to browse in. I bought three pairs of gold earrings in Crisson’s. The prices seemed reasonable enough!

There is a golf pro on board. He gave a very good clinic.

We felt that the food was even better since our last cruise on the Horizon (1 ½ yrs. ago). The desserts, especially chocolate ones, were better. They now have some very good pastries for breakfast. When you go to the Coral Seas (casual restaurant), be sure to check out all of the food stations. In addition to the buffet line, they have an area that has pasta, sandwiches, and nicer salads. Outside is the grill that serves pizza, baked pasta, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Both homemade ice cream and yogurt are available. They are in different locations. Just ask.

Celebrity now allows you to charge your tips. You can only do this if you want to give the recommended amounts (or more) to the suggested personnel.

Disembarkation was very easy. Apparently Norfolk’s disembarkation is the smoothest of all the East coast ports. We were back at the parking lot before 9 A.M. We would have been off sooner except we waited to the time we were given!

There are two pools, both salt water. One is heated and bubbles up. The kids (of all ages) on board had a great time in the pools.

One suggestion. If you like your coffee in a mug, bring one. Coffee cups seem small to those of us who are used to mugs.

Any questions? I’ll be happy to try to answer them.

[stace11]

mamayer-Is there a Thalassotherapy pool on Horizon? If so, is it adults only or are the kids permitted? Any info would be great. Mom and I are sailing her in September. Glad to hear it's so smooth out of Norfolk!

 

Stacey

[mamayer]

Stacy, Sorry, but I don't know. Perhaps you could go to the Celebrity web site and search around. If they have such a pool, it would be at the spa. By September the water in the outdoor pool should be warm. Of course there's always the heated salt water pool with jets right next to the larger pool.

Marg

[sueinphilly]

What was there to do on board at night on the boat while it was docked? I will definitely be going to the street fair on Wednesday in Hamilton. Are there any comedians on board?

 

susan

[Nancyquilts]

Thanks - great report. We're going September 25th. Did you notice any cabs waiting at departure? Nancy

[missm]

There will be a long line of cabs waiting for you on Waterside Drive just as you exit Nauticus. It couldn't be more convenient!

 

Hope you enjoy cruising out of Norfolk!

 

MissM

[Jerrudy]

We are planning to cruise to Bermuda next year during this exact same week, the last week of May. Was the weather warm enough to enjoy the ocean, and was the water warm?

 

 

Nordic Empress 9/1998

Galaxy 4/2003

Galaxy 4/2004

[Bermudagirl60]

Mamayer thank you for the great review on the Horizon. I'm going on her sept. 11th to Bermuda. This is my first cruise, I'm getting very excided the closer the time gets. I have a question you might be able to answer; I heard that they have Coke products on the ship, Do you know if they have Caffeine Free Coke? If not, can you take your own? Thanks.

 

Bermudagirl

Bermuda 9/11 Horizon cruise

 

[mamayer]

I didn't order any coke on board. In the past we have brought sodas on board. Now who knows? We did bring wine on without any problem. I would suggest bringing a couple of bosses of coke. Your steward will give you a plastic bucket with ice to chill it in.

Marg

[mamayer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sueinphilly:

What was there to do on board at night on the boat while it was docked? I will definitely be going to the street fair on Wednesday in Hamilton. Are there any comedians on board?

 

susan<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I got out the activity and event sheet for Wednesday. There was one of their production shows-singers are very good. The party band played for a short period of time. Aduo and trio played in different lounges. Remember no casino or shops open while in port.

Golf anyone? If we return I bring my clubs. I looked up the greens fees and cart prices for the golf courses. It generally pays to book your own tee times.

[emptynest1]

I was on that sailing. For those of you wondering about the water temp: we snorkeled everyday at different sites and the water was great.

Tobacco bay is a short walk from the ship in St Georges. Horseshoe Bay is a 20 minute bus ride from Hamilton for 2.50 each way or you can take a cab for about $12.

We also did the Restless Native Snorkle tour to a private beach.

 

[emptynest1]

Yellowlab cruiser, I am sorry I didn't make it to the meeting at sailaway, but I was in customer service with my destroyed luggage. We need to plan another trip to Bermuda and try to meet again.

 

[Lois R]

Hi thanks for all the reports! I am sailing her on Sept 18th

Bermudagirl...we can wave to each other as you are getting off the ship and Nancy I will wave you to the following week

Stace..what week are you sailing? If it is the 18th we have a nice Roll Call going on and would love to have you join us

 

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

 

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising

[mamayer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mamayer:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sueinphilly:

What was there to do on board at night on the boat while it was docked? I will definitely be going to the street fair on Wednesday in Hamilton. Are there any comedians on board?

 

susan<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I got out the activity and event sheet for Wednesday. There was one of their production shows-singers are very good. The party band played for a short period of time. Aduo and trio played in different lounges. Remember no casino or shops open while in port.

Golf anyone? If we return I bring my clubs. I looked up the greens fees and cart prices for the golf courses. It generally pays to book your own tee times.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

the following is a good website. Always Dreaming of Bermuda.com

[yellowlabcruiser]

to emptynest1 sorry we did not meet but maybe agin in the future would like to do the bermuda run again ...was a great cruise

was in cabin 1080

keep me posted till our next cruise

rob

[stace11]

Lois - I'm on the 9/5 sailing....taking advantage of the Labor Day holiday! Only 3 months to go.

[emptynest1]

Rob, I can't believe we were so close and never got a chance to say hi. We were in cabin 1082.

 

[yellowlabcruiser]

where you next door in 1082?

wow that is a close encounter maybe next time

keep in touch

all in all it was GREAT

i do remember a bag in the hall that looked like it had been put tru a gringer hope it was not you

my best till next cruise

rob

[emptynest1]

Rob, that bag was mine.

The issue is far from resolved.

 

[10s nut]

mamayer...Can you drop luggage off and then park? I too don't understand the parking lot not opening until 11. Is there an alternative?

[mamayer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 10s nut:

mamayer...Can you drop luggage off and then park? I too don't understand the parking lot not opening until 11. Is there an alternative?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We tried to, but the area was closed off for some event. I really don't see any necessity to do so. My son looked into the parking situation

(cruisenorfolk.org). He called the city. They told him that the lot which is very close to Nauticus is almost all reserved parking--about 20 spots are held for Radisson cruises.

marg