Switched to Horizon - uncertainty

[Indytraveler83]

I made the mistake of booking a cruise during Thanksgiving.  I knew airfare would be expensive, but the rates that popped up rivaled the cost of the cruise per person.  I'd booked on the Pride, but my PVP was able to switch me to a cruise on the Horizon for two weeks earlier.  I was happy for the switch, as airfare is much more affordable, and he was able to get change fees waived for me, but I've always been suspicious of the Vista class ships for being overcrowded.  I'd booked the Pride as I've always loved the Spirit class ships.  

 

I'm trying to be optimistic, but wanted to know your thoughts on Horizon?  Best places?  Places to avoid?  Are my worries with the Vista class unfounded, or are there truly things to be concerned about?

[mondello]

2 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

I made the mistake of booking a cruise during Thanksgiving.  I knew airfare would be expensive, but the rates that popped up rivaled the cost of the cruise per person.  I'd booked on the Pride, but my PVP was able to switch me to a cruise on the Horizon for two weeks earlier.  I was happy for the switch, as airfare is much more affordable, and he was able to get change fees waived for me, but I've always been suspicious of the Vista class ships for being overcrowded.  I'd booked the Pride as I've always loved the Spirit class ships.  

 

I'm trying to be optimistic, but wanted to know your thoughts on Horizon?  Best places?  Places to avoid?  Are my worries with the Vista class unfounded, or are there truly things to be concerned about?

I would love to book a Havana cabin on any Vista class ships. Exclusive use of aft pool and whirlpools in Havana area, restricted to no bookings under age 12. Check it out and compare to your price.

[BrotherCraig]

6 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

I made the mistake of booking a cruise during Thanksgiving.  I knew airfare would be expensive, but the rates that popped up rivaled the cost of the cruise per person.  I'd booked on the Pride, but my PVP was able to switch me to a cruise on the Horizon for two weeks earlier.  I was happy for the switch, as airfare is much more affordable, and he was able to get change fees waived for me, but I've always been suspicious of the Vista class ships for being overcrowded.  I'd booked the Pride as I've always loved the Spirit class ships.  

 

I'm trying to be optimistic, but wanted to know your thoughts on Horizon?  Best places?  Places to avoid?  Are my worries with the Vista class unfounded, or are there truly things to be concerned about?

 

First off, November is a little far off to be booking flight tickets.  It's going to be pricey.  Southwest Airlines will be releasing those dates on Jun 10th.  When they do, you will see prices drop.  You will also have airlines putting more aircrafts into service - which opens up more seats - which drives down the cost of fare.  We are doing a Thanksgiving Cruise has well but on the MG.  Airfare there is very cheap but the return is 4x more.  Waiting on Southwest to open up those dates for the fares to decrease across the board.

 

Horizon is one of the newest ships.  Has all of the bells & whistles a cruise would want on Carnival.  Has the latest and greatest (other than what MG will offer).  I know my friends and family that have sailed on the Horizon and Vista love the ships.  Nothing but positives.  I haven't been on the Horizon yet but would love it.  Huge difference over the Pride.

[Indytraveler83]

6 minutes ago, BrotherCraig said:

 

First off, November is a little far off to be booking flight tickets.  It's going to be pricey.  Southwest Airlines will be releasing those dates on Jun 10th.  When they do, you will see prices drop.  You will also have airlines putting more aircrafts into service - which opens up more seats - which drives down the cost of fare.  We are doing a Thanksgiving Cruise has well but on the MG.  Airfare there is very cheap but the return is 4x more.  Waiting on Southwest to open up those dates for the fares to decrease across the board.

 

Horizon is one of the newest ships.  Has all of the bells & whistles a cruise would want on Carnival.  Has the latest and greatest (other than what MG will offer).  I know my friends and family that have sailed on the Horizon and Vista love the ships.  Nothing but positives.  I haven't been on the Horizon yet but would love it.  Huge difference over the Pride.

 

I was debating on holding off and seeing how flights are going to be, but 1) Spirit and Delta have released their dates, and those are usually the cheapest airlines for us.  2) Everything has been totally unpredictable with travel, and I'd rather switch to a flight I know I can afford ($200 per person), rather than hold out hoping for one that is simply out of my budget right now ($650 per person).

 

I'm glad you've had and heard of good experiences on the Vista class.  I'm just worried about the venue size in comparison to the number of passengers.  I'm hoping that maybe the newness of the ship will help make up for any crowding...

[Indytraveler83]

14 minutes ago, mondello said:

I would love to book a Havana cabin on any Vista class ships. Exclusive use of aft pool and whirlpools in Havana area, restricted to no bookings under age 12. Check it out and compare to your price.

 

I just checked it out, and the Havana Balcony is over twice the cost of the regular balcony for our cruise.  Ouch! lol.  At least we have a balcony on the 9th deck, just under lido.

[BrotherCraig]

6 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

 

I was debating on holding off and seeing how flights are going to be, but 1) Spirit and Delta have released their dates, and those are usually the cheapest airlines for us.  2) Everything has been totally unpredictable with travel, and I'd rather switch to a flight I know I can afford ($200 per person), rather than hold out hoping for one that is simply out of my budget right now ($650 per person).

 

I'm glad you've had and heard of good experiences on the Vista class.  I'm just worried about the venue size in comparison to the number of passengers.  I'm hoping that maybe the newness of the ship will help make up for any crowding...

 

Which airport do you fly out of?  Which cruise port?

 

Cruise ships will be at reduced capacity for a while I believe.  The bigger the ship, the more passengers -- but they still feel the same.  I have been on the Ecstasy, Magic, Liberty, Breeze, etc -- all felt the same.

Edited May 26, 2021 by BrotherCraig

[EMOSEA]

I was able to go on the Panorama in 2020 before things shut down. I loved it. It didn't feel too big or too crowded. The smart elevators take some getting used to though. 

[Indytraveler83]

12 minutes ago, BrotherCraig said:

 

Which airport do you fly out of?  Which cruise port?

 

Cruise ships will be at reduced capacity for a while I believe.  The bigger the ship, the more passengers -- but they still feel the same.  I have been on the Ecstasy, Magic, Liberty, Breeze, etc -- all felt the same.

We typically fly out of Detroit.  My PVP was mentioning that part of the issue is Detroit to Tampa is using two less busy airports, and there simply aren't as many flights, so availability is so much more restricted.  He thinks part of the reason the Horizon cruise is cheaper is because its heading into Miami, where there's a ton more flights and airlines available.  

[Indytraveler83]

17 minutes ago, EMOSEA said:

I was able to go on the Panorama in 2020 before things shut down. I loved it. It didn't feel too big or too crowded. The smart elevators take some getting used to though. 

What were your favorites about the ship?  Any specific venue or place that really stuck out?

[BrotherCraig]

4 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

We typically fly out of Detroit.  My PVP was mentioning that part of the issue is Detroit to Tampa is using two less busy airports, and there simply aren't as many flights, so availability is so much more restricted.  He thinks part of the reason the Horizon cruise is cheaper is because its heading into Miami, where there's a ton more flights and airlines available.  

  Ah okay.  Makes sense.

 

Southwest fares are $79 each way from Detroit to Tampa or Orlando.  Usually $89 to FLL (miami area).  Just FYI.

 

I believe Horizon would be an awesome ship to sail on and I believe you will love it.  

[IntrepidFromDC]

We've sailed on Pride 5x and Horizon 2x (including the infamous time it took out part of a parking garage returning to Manhattan).  We like both alot.

Edited May 26, 2021 by IntrepidFromDC

[Indytraveler83]

So I'm sort of confused by the Havana Bar.  I know the Havana pool is closed to non-Havana guests, but is the Havana bar open to everyone?  All the time?

[BrotherCraig]

Just now, Indytraveler83 said:

So I'm sort of confused by the Havana Bar.  I know the Havana pool is closed to non-Havana guests, but is the Havana bar open to everyone?  All the time?

 

 

Havana Bar is open to all guests.

[firefly333]

13 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

So I'm sort of confused by the Havana Bar.  I know the Havana pool is closed to non-Havana guests, but is the Havana bar open to everyone?  All the 

Pros all the good lunch stuff, guys burgers, mongolian wok, the mexican cantina which has my salads in a taco type shell,  cant find them on the menu by name, but you build the salad in a bowl of taco like shell, dont miss the bbq, its outside deck 5, the Italian is free for lunch. The spa area to suntan has another build your own salad.

 

Cons they made the theater, comedy room etc half size. Theater has too many poles and comedy club you either stand in line or stand inside, seating is hard to get. 

 

Do the sky ride if your ship has it like vista not in the wind!

 

Other ships has bbq inside ...vista was outside mid deck 5, cole slaw and potato salad are great sides and taste good but in the sunshine ..rather it served not in the sun. Bbq is pulled pork, beef or chicken. I liked the chicken but the pork and beef are really good, save your appetite for pork and bbq beef. 

 

I did the spa salad one day only, seating is impossible to find, salad ok but not that special.

 

I used to love Mongolian wok but mad they stopped my sugar snap peas and now its green beans. Still good but always a line.

Edited May 26, 2021 by firefly333

[Houst]

The Horizon was great and didn't seem that crowded. I never stood in long lines for anything.

 

The 9th deck under Lido I would avoid unless you're under the cabins up from. I would imagine it would get pretty loud above you. 

[cruisingguy007]

1 hour ago, EMOSEA said:

I was able to go on the Panorama in 2020 before things shut down. I loved it. It didn't feel too big or too crowded. The smart elevators take some getting used to though. 

 

This! I was in your same shoes and found it to be well spaced out and the flow was good. There are plenty of places to find peace and quiet if you want and "hopping" places as well. I didn't even feel like the food lines were too slow. They did a great job with the vista class ships IMO. I spent as much time on deck 5 as I did deck 10. Also different vibes forward (5), mid (5,10), and aft (10). Deck 4 is great at night (casino, casino bar, and nightclub). It really has something for everyone and unlike the older ships that concentrated everyone on lido, vista ships have areas all over the ship to enjoy and there are always plenty of places that are uncrowded and even quiet places to enjoy a conversation. It's quite well done. Enjoy your trip!    

[cellfree]

51 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

So I'm sort of confused by the Havana Bar.  I know the Havana pool is closed to non-Havana guests, but is the Havana bar open to everyone?  All the time?

Yes, it is beautiful, at the entryway to the bar/dance floor are gorgeous seating areas, great places to relax during day, quiet then, evening it is a fun place with great music and much busier which is to be expected.

Edited May 26, 2021 by cellfree

[cruisingguy007]

52 minutes ago, Indytraveler83 said:

So I'm sort of confused by the Havana Bar.  I know the Havana pool is closed to non-Havana guests, but is the Havana bar open to everyone?  All the time?

 

Yes, but it's not crowded, most people hang out at ocean plaza or outside on the decks. The only time it gets busy is when they do the live Latin music (they also have live music at ocean plaza). The havana bar has limited specialty drinks and is awkwardly shaped. It was never crowded except for the live Latin music and that's only because of the odd shape (skinny/long) and making space for the musicians and a small dance floor. There isn't much room left in the main/bar area after that for seating. They have swanky chair arrangements on either side of the front half though if you don't mind being a bit further away. 

[bdever]

6 hours ago, Indytraveler83 said:

I made the mistake of booking a cruise during Thanksgiving.  I knew airfare would be expensive, but the rates that popped up rivaled the cost of the cruise per person.  I'd booked on the Pride, but my PVP was able to switch me to a cruise on the Horizon for two weeks earlier.  I was happy for the switch, as airfare is much more affordable, and he was able to get change fees waived for me, but I've always been suspicious of the Vista class ships for being overcrowded.  I'd booked the Pride as I've always loved the Spirit class ships.  

 

I'm trying to be optimistic, but wanted to know your thoughts on Horizon?  Best places?  Places to avoid?  Are my worries with the Vista class unfounded, or are there truly things to be concerned about?

Panorama/ I strictly stay in Havana most of the time and don’t venture to other parts of the ship but when I did I really loved all of the outdoor space on deck 5 lanai - never crowded. The cluster fudge of situations that you will want to avoid:

1. The library bar 

2. alchemy bar (way too small)

3. Pig n Anchor (good luck finding a seat at night time)

[firefly333]

27 minutes ago, bdever said:

Panorama/ I strictly stay in Havana most of the time and don’t venture to other parts of the ship but when I did I really loved all of the outdoor space on deck 5 lanai - never crowded. The cluster fudge of situations that you will want to avoid:

1. The library bar 

2. alchemy bar (way too small)

3. Pig n Anchor (good luck finding a seat at night time)

Agree about seating at pig n anchor, the bbq place, but doesnt it close around 1 or 2 pm? Do you sit outside at  night there?

 

I hate where its located, and coming inside to find a place to sit and eat for lunch, never looked at night. If I didnt love bbq I'd skip it lol. Bad location. Might be better in the winter when its cooler. Love the menu

 

I love the alchemy bar. My roll call wants to try it too  several seem to like it because it has drinks other bars donr. The martini sampler for like 17.50? Classes etc. 

[bdever]

9 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Agree about seating at pig n anchor, the bbq place, but doesnt it close around 1 or 2 pm? Do you sit outside at  night there?

 

I hate where its located, and coming inside to find a place to sit and eat for lunch, never looked at night. If I didnt love bbq I'd skip it lol. Bad location. Might be better in the winter when its cooler. Love the menu

 

I love the alchemy bar. My roll call wants to try it too  several seem to like it because it has drinks other bars donr. The martini sampler for like 17.50? Classes etc. 

 

Outside seating is the way to go for pig & anchor at night but not sure if they will serve outside. May have to order inside and request it be brought to you outside. I went there for BBQ during the day and watermelon martinis at night and I would just stand at the bar, order my martini and carry it outside to the lanai since literally lanai wide open at night. Would sit there and enjoy my martini under the stars. Quiet and relaxing. Also would do this when ordering from Alchemy bar. 

[bdever]

5 hours ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Yes, but it's not crowded, most people hang out at ocean plaza or outside on the decks. The only time it gets busy is when they do the live Latin music (they also have live music at ocean plaza). The havana bar has limited specialty drinks and is awkwardly shaped. It was never crowded except for the live Latin music and that's only because of the odd shape (skinny/long) and making space for the musicians and a small dance floor. There isn't much room left in the main/bar area after that for seating. They have swanky chair arrangements on either side of the front half though if you don't mind being a bit further away. 

Shhh 🤫 cruisingguy007 don’t give away the Havana Bar secret 🤐 LOL 😂 

But seriously though, from someone who makes the Havana Bar her living room 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Live Latin band starts at 8 PM to 12 AM (1 AM if you’re lucky 🍀) 6 nights (they take 1 night off). A lot of us who dance 💃🏻 will be there from 8-12 (get there early to get a good seat). It gets crowded from 9-11. 
Outside of 8 PM - 12 AM the place is dead / good place to read a book 📖 

[firefly333]

6 minutes ago, bdever said:

Outside seating is the way to go for pig & anchor at night but not sure if they will serve outside. May have to order inside and request it be brought to you outside. I went there for BBQ during the day and watermelon martinis at night and I would just stand at the bar, order my martini and carry it outside to the lanai since literally lanai wide open at night. Would sit there and enjoy my martini under the stars. Quiet and relaxing. Also would do this when ordering from Alchemy bar. 

Interesting. It seems to be a night place as you say on horizon. It's only lunch last time I was on vista and this mentions a debut on horizon.  ..though just lunch where you are carrying it inside while a dance class is going on was a seating mess.

 

Maybe it is different still on horizon. I'll hopefully be on vista again to see, but it closed early for lunch.

 

[bdever]

1 minute ago, firefly333 said:

Interesting. It seems to be a night place as you say on horizon. It's only lunch last time I was on vista and this mentions a debut on horizon.  ..though just lunch where you are carrying it inside while a dance class is going on was a seating mess.

 

Maybe it is different still on horizon. I'll hopefully be on vista again to see, but it closed early for lunch.

 

Yes, different on Horizon/Panorama - instead of Red Frog rum bar it’s Pig & Anchor brew house restaurant in that area. But seating at night inside the bbq restaurant is horrible 

[MalleyCat]

We've been on 12 different Carnival ships. Our 2 favorites are the Pride and Vista (same class as the Horizon, which we're hopefully on in April). We actually feel less crowded on the Vista than the Pride because there is so much more room. We loved the Pride when it was in Baltimore because we can drive there and tried to sail on her every few cruises. We refer to our Pride cruises as our "relaxing vacations" due to the itinerary and over all vibe of the ship-we always seem to have lots of downtime. We could have relaxed on the Vista, but we were too busy exploring and trying everything out.