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Carnival Horizon

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 1948 guests have reviewed Carnival Horizon , giving it a rating of 4.4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Aug 1st, 2024

With all that said and done. Carnival Horizon had a few hiccups. There were water leaking from the ceilings abd the contruction on our side was crazy with the times they do it, could'nt rest I was upset about that.

Traveler Type

Large Group

4-6 cruises

Jul 31st, 2024

we had an amazing time, very satisfying trip. Great entertainment, food and relaxing

2-3 cruises

No more carnival

Carnival was a carnival. Covid rampant. Loved cove balcony.

Family (older children)

Different Cruise

Jul 27th, 2024

Aruba was a wonderful port of call and the Horizon is a nice ship. The activities and entertainment were good. The big negative was our dining room experience. Pig and Anchor had great BBQ and the service was much better there than inside the dining room.

Had an amazing cruise with our 6 year old granddaughter, her first cruise of I'm sure many, many more to come!

Jul 26th, 2024

Carnival is the overall BEST! It truly is the FUN ships. Our 6 year old granddaughters first ever cruise will be an experience she will NEVER forget!!!

Family (young children)

Amazing Vacation

Jul 19th, 2024

I’ve listed all of my favorite things through out the review. The cruise was amazing 10 out of 10.

Lackluster at Best

Jul 17th, 2024

There were 27 of us celebrating 4 high school graduates that are cousins. While it was many in the party's first cruise, many of us are veteran cruisers as well. Of course, on a Carnival ship, you look for Guy's burgers. The remainder of the food options were mediocre, unless you paid extra. We paid extra for the hibachi experience and that food was great. Most of the time, the food was lukewarm. We had "My Time Dining" and while I loved being able to use the app to check in to dinner, once seated the wait times to place your order were sometimes long. All the staff on the ship was great, fun, welcoming and friendly. There were many places where water was literally dripping from the ceilings. For example, near my cabin on the 7th deck, water randomly dripped on my face. Also, the Carnival Hub app was completely unreliable. On the port day in Curacao, we missed our family because the app would not connect at all. Many in our party said they had to keep reconnecting to the app. Lastly, as far as entertainment, often times the good things were booked at the same time as dinner, which I've never experienced before. Also, the Liquid Lounge (stage) was not big enough to accommodate the people that wanted to attend events. There was lack of enforcement for the curfew, as teens were out at all hours of the night, all over the ship. I saw reports of teens wreaking havoc by playing ding dong ditch on several decks. I will never travel on the Horizon again, and maybe not Carnival at all. The kids (graduates) had fun which I suppose is all that matters.

Overall a great cruise.

Jul 7th, 2024

Some of my favorite things on this cruise were: cruising!!! I wasn’t at work! The pizza was 5 stars (always fresh). The ports of call were amazing. I had never been that south in the Caribbean. I’d choose those ports again.

Wonderful, I enjoyed everything, friendly staff, good food and entertainment.

Jul 6th, 2024

I will share pictures later. A wonderful cruise. From the moment I arrived at the cruise port, the friendly greetings, the way they are making sure you know the location of your Mustard drill. They all say please do your mustard drill first. Then enjoy your cruise. The attention and service we received is amazing. As long as the cruises keep up the service. I will be their.

southern Caribbean fun

Jul 4th, 2024

Staff was great!!! Only complaint I had was about the food. I didn't starve but was kind of disappointed. The only other cruise I had been on was MSC and compared to that, I'd rather eat on MSC . My opinion

Singles/Friends

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Carnival Horizon

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Miami (Florida)

Carnival Horizon current position

Carnival Horizon current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 23.05358 N / -79.02482 W) cruising at speed of 20.2 kn (37 km/h | 23 mph) en route to US MIA> AW ORJ. The AIS position was reported 25 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon current cruise is 8 days, round-trip Southern Caribbean . Prices start from USD 1039 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 17 Aug, 2024 and ends on 25 Aug, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Horizon

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Horizon Itineraries

Carnival horizon review, review of carnival horizon.

The 2018-built Carnival Horizon cruise ship is the second Vista-class (modified Dream-class) vessel in the CCL fleet. Horizon is Carnival's "the most family-friendly ship" with the company's newest kids- and family dedicated staterooms, facilities and amenities. Horizon is Carnival's 26th vessel.

From the same series (Vista-Class sisterships) are the fleetmates Carnival Vista (2016) and Carnival Panorama (2019), as well as the former Costa Cruises ' liners Carnival Venezia (2019 as Costa Venezia) and Carnival Firenze (2020 as Costa Firenze) and Adora Cruises ' ships Adora Magic City (2023) and Adora TBN (2024).

The vessel (IMO number 9767091) is currently Panama- flagged (MMSI 370039000) and registered in Colon .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ). 

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 4000-passenger ship Carnival Horizon offers all Carnival Fun Ship 2.0 details, plus many first-at-sea features, including the Multiplex (the first at sea IMAX theater with a 3-deck large screen); Skyride (extraordinary peddled roller coaster bike ride); Havana cabins complex (with pool, lounge and its own bar); Family Harbor staterooms; the biggest SportsSquare sports complex; Fun Ship 2.0’s BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Bar and Alchemy Bar; new show programming; Carnival Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness.

With the 3x Vista-class liners (Vista/2016, Horizon/2018, Panorama/2019) were introduced the fleet-firsts "IMAX Theater at Sea" (87-seats cinema/part of Carnival Multiplex), "SkyRide" (outdoor/aerial bicycle ride/suspended 2-track bike course), Havana Staterooms (cabin complex with a swimming pool, sundeck, lounge, lanai balconies).

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Horizon staterooms (1965 total) include 74 Suites, 912 Balcony, 264 Oceanview and 749 Inside, including 35 wheelchair-accessible and 104 "Cloud 9 Spa" cabins, in all 34 grades. Most are sized 185-220-ft2, cabin balconies are sized 35-75 ft2. All Spa staterooms receive exclusive access to private Spa facilities on Panorama Deck and the following amenities: Spa reservations, complimentary use of Thalassotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite, fitness classes and deluxe bath amenities.

Carnival Horizon, like all Vista-class sisterships, has a new cabin category named aft-view extended balcony cabin which is exclusive to the Family Harbor area. Additionally, Carnival Panorama offers 18 tropics-inspired staterooms situated within the well-known Havana section. Just like the other 86 staterooms found within Family Harbor, the brand new aft-view extended balcony cabins boast a colorful nautical theme and is situated adjacent to the Family Harbor Lounge, which is the ultimate family hangout with large TVs and complimentary snacks and breakfast. Located aft on Decks 6-8-9, the Havana staterooms offer exclusive access to the Havana Deck which has a Cuban-themed bar and swimming pool.

The boat has 14 passenger-accessible decks of which 13 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Carnival Horizon offers two main dining rooms, Horizons, and Reflections. Horizons hosts a small bar suited for pre-dinner drinks. The main dining rooms feature select items from the onboard steakhouse, available for an additional fee. Horizon also has a Lido buffet. Seafood lovers are pampered with the Seafood Shack - brand new to Carnival fleet, New England-inspired casual eatery located on top deck. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating and the menu includes steamed lobster, lobster rolls, fried shrimp, fried clams, crab cakes, and other seafood surprises. Seafood Shack serves lunch and dinner and is priced a la carte starting at $4.

The ship has a Japanese specialty restaurant named Bonsai Teppanyaki. The new dining venue is located within the Bonsai Sushi restaurant on Promenade Deck.

• The restaurant offers a menu with authentic Far East dishes. A special feature is the live cooking show performed by its talented chefs operating at custom-built stations located at the center of an 8-seat table. Due to its limited seating, reservations are required.
• Each meal at Bonsai Teppanyaki starts with a sampling of 5 appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks). Combo dinners are also offered. Each meal ends on a note courtesy of Chocolate Bento Box and Green Tea Ice Cream. The restaurant is open for lunch (sea days only) and for dinner (every night). Price (cover charge) is per person and covers the entire meal.

The available on all Fun ships Chef's Table is a dining experience that affords a dozen guests to experience multicourse dinner with the master chef, private cocktail reception and a tour of the galley. This dining option usually takes place in a non-traditional venue, like the library or the galley, and can be booked onboard for US$75 per person.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Horizon restaurants and food bars.

• Reflections Restaurant (1474-seat, complimentary MDR; the bigger of ship’s two main dining rooms; offers two fixed dinner seatings and open seating Breakfast and Lunch; “Seuss At Sea” themed breakfasts costs $5 cover charge)
• Horizon’s Restaurant (702-seat; offers formal dining with two fixed dinner seatings and “Anytime Dining” between 5:45-9: 30 p.m.)
• Bonsai Sushi Bar (Japanese restaurant), including Bonsai Teppanyaki
• Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ (barbeque and grill restaurant)
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (specialty restaurant, with “Chef’s Table” dining)
• Guy’s Burger Joint (poolside burger bar)
• Bluelguana Cantina (poolside Mexican fast food bar)
• Lido Marketplace (825-seat self-service buffet restaurant)
• Pizzeria del Capitano (24-hour pizzeria restaurant)
• Seafood Shack (offers indoor and outdoor seating, lobster and shrimp; a la carte priced)
• Cucina del Capitano (Italian Trattoria)
• Ji Ji Asian Kitchen (specialty Asian restaurant).

In mid-January 2018, Carnival announced 4 new craft beers that will be brewed onboard the Horizon ship. The brews were developed by brewmaster Colin Presby. They are offered at Guy’s Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse (Brewhouse), The names of the new draft beers are inspired by the BBQ offerings at the Smokehouse/Brewhouse.

• "ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale" is a lightly hopped dry finish beer.
• "ParchedPig Smoked Porter" is brewed with in-house smoked malt, hickory smoke, and molasses.
• "ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale" has rich amber color and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit.
• "ParchedPig West Coast IPA" is a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale loaded with bitterness and distinctive aroma of pine and citrus.

The current list of draft beers brewed on the ship includes ThirstyFrog Red (clean and light), ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin' IPA (floral flavor, with passion fruit and citrus overtones), ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat (unfiltered lager with banana aroma and spices), FriskyFrog Java Stout (with hints of coffee), ParchedPig West Coast IPA (West Coast IPA/India Pale Ale, citrus and pine aroma), ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale (toasted caramel/biscuit flavored), Miami Guava (primary ingredient is pink guava), ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale (dry beer), ParchedPig Smoked Porter (in-house smoked malt, hickory smoke, molasses), ParchedPig Beach Lager (golden ale available both on tap and in cans/when served in bars/dining venues), Carnival Birthday Beer (golden ale introduced in 2022 for the company's 50th Anniversary).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Long-known for an abundance of entertainment, Carnival is not sitting on its laurels with Horizon. The fun onboard starts with SkyRide, the industry's first open-air, pedal-powered aerial ride. Riders have to climb onboard a hanging bike and "cycle" their way around the 800ft suspended track, 150 feet above sea level.

If you consider that SkyRide does not provide the needed adrenaline-pumping action, SkyCourse ropes circuit do. Both SkyCourse and SkyRide are part of the SportSquare, which also features an indoor hangout, mini-bowling, The Clubhouse, Ping-Pong, sports video gaming, arcade basketball and more.

The following official YouTube video reviews Carnival's Vista-class vessels (Vista and Horizon) as facilities and onboard amenities.

The Horizon cruise ship offers an expanded "Seuss at Sea" kids program with its "Dr. Suess WaterWorks" (themed water park). The aquapark has 2 distinctly different waterslides (location Deck 12).

• The "Cat in the Hat" waterslide (named "Kaleid-O-Slide" on Carnival Vista) is an enclosed raft slide with length 137 m (450 ft) and several twists and turns. The slide's entrance is a giant replica of the cat's red-and-white hat. The waterslide is colored in red and white, making it one of the ship's most distinctive features.
• The "Fun Things" waterslide (named after the troublemakers Thing 1 and Thing 2) is an enclosed body slide, it features a polka dot-motif and has a length of 65 m (213 ft).
• Dr. Seuss theme characters decorate the entire waterpark area. Numerous memorable phrases from Dr. Seuss books are displayed on the clear partitions surrounding the aqua park facility. Dr. Seuss' presence is featured in other parts of Carnival Horizon, including the signature Dr. Seuss Bookville kids play area, also at all themed special events, including Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, Story Time, the Seuss-A-Palooza Parade (promenade event).

Follows the complete list of Carnival Horizon lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Family Harbor Lounge (a new, dedicated to families space with 24-hour complimentary dining, concierge and babysitting service, movies, video games, board games by Hasbro)
• Liquid Lounge (1400-seat, 2-level show lounge, with “Playlist Productions” and “Hasbro Game Shows”)
• Horizon Atrium (3-deck high midship lounge area with LED screens, live performances, visual displays; served by 100-seat Horizon Lobby Bar)
• Shopping Arcade (with two Boutique Shops and two Fun Shops); Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop; Dream Photo Studio; Cherry on Top (candy shop)
• Horizon Casino (484-seat)
• Limelight Lounge
• Lanai promenade (with 60 outdoor seats, served by Lanai Bar-BQ Bar)
• FunHub (Internet room)
• Shake Spot; Taste Bar; Havana Bar; Clubhouse and Bar; JavaBlue Café
• Ocean Plaza (270-seat lounge served by 50-seat Plaza Cafe)
• Havana Outside (Havana pool area with one swimming pool, two whirlpools, palm trees)
• Carnival Multiplex (includes IMAX and Thrill cinemas)
• Thrill Theatre (5D cinema room)
• IMAX Theater (the first IMAX at sea, with 3-deck high screen)
• Circle C (kids club lounge); Club O2 (teens club lounge)
• Warehouse (Video Arcade)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar (poolside Mexican bar)
• RedFrog Rum Bar (also serves the ThirstyFrog Red draught beer)
• (new) Guy's Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse / Brewhouse is an open-air complimentary restaurant for a variety of BBQ favorites (with shipboard-smoked meats) and house-made craft beers. The menu features pork butt, blue ribbon chicken, sliced smoked beef, Guy Fieri's traditional sides, and gourmet burgers, a variety of BBQ sauces, hot sauce bar. Signature menu items are named Mac Daddy Mac'n Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad, Scratch-Made Slaw, Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon and Burnt Ends. The new complimentary eatery is via partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The other Fun Ship with a brewery is Carnival Vista .
• Tides Pool (with one swimming pool, two Whirlpools, sunbathing area; served by Tides Bar)
• Camp Ocean (formerly known as "Camp Carnival" - youth activities program)
• Dr. Seuss Bookville (family-themed kids room with all Dr. Seuss books available to read; offers games and themed activities)
• Carnival Cloud 9 Spa (wellness complex)
• Carnival WaterWorks (water-play outdoor area with AquaPark, Twister waterslide, Kaleid-O-Slide)
• Seaside Theatre (with huge LED screen)
• SportSquare (outdoor sporting area); SkyGreens (mini golf); Jogging Track
• SkyFitness (outdoors)
• SkyRide (“bicycle ride in the sky”)
• SkyCourse (suspended ropes course)
• "Dreamscape" is named Atrium's 3-deck-high LED-lighted sculpture.

Serenity is the ship's adults-only retreat (complimentary/free entry for passengers 21+ yo) accessible at any time. This is a forward-location outdoor area/sundeck with 2x Jacuzzies/whirlpools (large-size outdoor hot tubs, cantilevered/infinity pool type, with glass walls), 2x massage huts, cabanas, Fresh Creations (complimentary chopped salad station for made-to-order fresh salads), Spritz Bar/Serenity Bar (waiter-served beverages), and an exclusive sundeck for relaxation, sunbathing and evening dance parties. Both bars and the whirlpools are available between 8 am - 10 pm. Hours may vary depending on cruise itinerary, portdays/seadays, weather.

Serenity Deck is furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs (plush seating, teal cushions), shaded seating areas with double loungers and plush wicker sofas, live trees for decoration. At regular bar prices, Serenity Bar's menu offers drinks and refreshments (cocktails, beer/buckets, wine by the glass, frozens, smoothies, shakes, sodas).

Exclusively for Carnival Horizon, Carnival Cruise Line's entertainment team partnered with celebrity directors from Los Angeles (Broadway) and London (West End) to create 3 new signature shows - part of the onboard "Playlist Productions" revues. The new shows (named "Celestial Strings", "Soulbound", "Vintage Pop") use the full capacity of the interactive LED screens. A 4th show ("Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance") is also available on the Horizon ship. It was introduced in 2017 on Carnival Vista.

• "Celestial Strings" show is themed on classical music mixed with modern pop.
• "Soulbound" is a gothic-inspired, New Orleans-themed show featuring R&B music favorites.
• "Vintage Pop" show is themed on "Gatsby's Cotton Club", featuring modern songs recomposed into classic jazz interpretations performed live by a 6-piece jazz band.
• "Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance" show is themed on classic Latin songs mixed with modern music hits. It is held at the Havana Bar and highlighted by a 7-piece Cuban music band.

Itineraries

Carnival Horizon itinerary program had an inaugural cruise season in the USA with roundtrip mini cruises to Bermuda leaving out of NYC New York . The ship offers 4-night Bermuda short breaks (during spring and summer 2018) in addition to the previously scheduled 8-night Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from homeport NYC (starting May 2018).

The cruise ship's maiden voyage in the Mediterranean was from Barcelona . On May 9, the ship repositions to New York (arriving May 23, 2018) for a series of 8-night Caribbean cruises throughout the summer. On September 22, 2018, the Horizon continues to its next USA homeport Miami , for a year-round schedule of 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries.

Photos of Carnival Horizon

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Carnival Horizon Wiki

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 6243) has volume 133596 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 12164 tons, max draught 8,6 m. The powerplant is based on 5x MAN marine diesel engines (4-stroke, common-rail injection/2x 14V48/60CR plus 3x 8L48/60CR) with combined output 62,4 MW (83680 hp). The propulsion is diesel-electric and based on two ABB Azipod thrusters with combined output 33 MW (44250 hp). The registered shipowner is CARNIVAL HOLDINGS BERMUDA LTD while the registered manager is CARNIVAL CORPORATION.

By gross tonnage/volume, VISTA-class are currently the largest Carnival ships. They also have new for the fleet features, like Multiplex media entertainment complex (IMAX theater - 3-deck high LED screen for first-run movies, plus 3D Thrill cinema), SkyRide (roller coaster with multiple riding bicycles on 2 paralleled tracks), larger SportsSquare complex, Havana Outside complex (pool, jacuzzies, bar, new Havana cruise accommodations), Family Harbor staterooms (with its own family-themed lounge /24-hour dining, concierge, babysitting, entertainment).

The ship's powerplant consists of 5x MAN marine diesel engines (4-stroke, common-rail injection) - two 14V48/60CR and three 8L48/60CR. Their combined power output is 62,4 MW.

Among ship's interior design features is the “Dreamscape”. This is an Atrium-located LED sculpture created by kids hospitalized in St Jude Children’s Research Hospital ( Memphis TN USA ). The 3-deck high artwork was designed by the company Techno Media and consists of 33 different creations, The sculpture's centerpiece has over 2000 flexible LED (custom-made) tiles. This funnel-shaped central part has a height of 24 ft (7,3 m). The artwork is rotating, with patterns based on daytime, cruise port of call or special occasion.

The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) on March 10, 2017, at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard. After the float-out followed interior fittings. The launching featured the traditional “coin ceremony”, consisting in welding a silver coin on the ship's top deck. Godmother of the launching ceremony was Clementina Zecchin (Fincantieri employee). The ceremony was attended by Richard Morse (Carnival's Senior VP Hotel Operations), Fabrizio Timossi (Carnival's Project Manager) and Antonio Quintano (Marghera yard's Director).

On March 2, 2018, was announced the name of the liner's Godmother - Queen Latifah (US rapper, songwriter, singer, TV and film actress, producer, author, entrepreneur). During the christening ceremony  (May 23, 2018, held in NYC New York ) she participated in a special “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon” onboard show. The event was invitation-only, with an overnight stay on the ship and gala dinner.

On March 28, 2018, the vessel was officially delivered to Carnival Corporation by Fincantieri. The ceremony was attended by Micky Arison (Carnival Corporation's Chairman), Christine Duffy (Carnival Cruise Lines President), Giampiero Massolo (Fincantieri's Chairman) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO). Upon the ship's delivery, Fincantieri had built 81 cruise vessels (1990-2018), of which 64 for Carnival Corporation.

The liner's first Captain was Luigi de Angelis, with 22-year of service with the company (starting as a deck cadet in 1995 on Carnival Imagination ). Ship's Hotel Director is Pierre Camilleri.

In 2021-2022 (Dec 22 thru Jan 8) Carnival Horizon was emergency drydocked in Italy (at Fincantieri's Palermo shipyard) due to propulsion system issues. The drydocking was also used for changing the ship's old livery (white) with CCL fleet's new livery (red-white-blue). Horizon restarted operations on January 22 (2022), out of PortMiami .

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2018

The following tables show the ship's Inaugural cruise itineraries (maiden voyages) by destination. The itinerary information includes ports of call (as sequences and port times) and prices per person (in USD, double-occupancy rates on lowest category Inside cabins).

13 nights / 14 days, Inaugural Mediterranean cruise (Europe) - prices started from USD 1300 pp.

(repositioning) 14 nights / 15 days, Inaugural Transatlantic cruise from Europe to USA (prices started from USD 990 pp).

4 nights / 5 days, Inaugural Bermuda cruise (prices started from USD 620 pp).

8 nights / 9 days, Inaugural Eastern Caribbean cruise (prices started from USD 1000 pp).

8 nights / 9 days, Inaugural Southern Caribbean cruise (prices started from USD 780 pp).

6 nights / 7 days, Inaugural Western Caribbean cruise (prices started from USD 490 pp).

Carnival Ship Review: Carnival Horizon

A new horizon.

I stepped aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship in the Port of Barcelona on its second-ever voyage, expecting the 3,960-passenger Carnival Horizon to look and feel much like her predecessor, 2016’s Carnival Vista . I figured I knew exactly what to expect.

I was wrong.

A view of Carnival Horizon

The 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon is anything but a carbon copy of her sister. Stepping into the three-story atrium, with its Dreamscape funnel sculpture made up of more than 2,000 flexible LED tiles lighting up the room with digital artwork, it was clear that improvements both big and small had been made to every corner of the ship.

Where Carnival Vista employed a largely whitewashed atrium, walls aboard Carnival Horizon now have subtle textures and patterns that bounce attractively off the room’s lighting. Blonde wood-grain textures adorn walls and ceiling panels. The whole ship feels a little more, well, upscale .

Even the elevators were the subject of much discussion. With the press of a button on the iPad-like touch screens in the elevator lobbies, you are directed to an elevator car going (usually) express to your selected deck. It’s called a “destination-based elevator,” and it’s a first at sea. Representatives from Schindler, the manufacturer, even came on board for an elevator photo shoot.

After 30 minutes on board, one thing was clear: this was no ordinary Fun Ship.  

Accommodation Options

Gone are the days when Carnival only offered a few basic types of accommodations. Out of 1,980 total suites and staterooms, 864 are oceanview balcony staterooms, while just 254 are fixed-window oceanviews and 752 are economical inside staterooms.

Things really come alive with Carnival Horizon ’s specialty staterooms. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites provide enhanced amenities and access to the ship’s soothing Thermal Suite and hydrotherapy pool, while Havana Cabana accommodations add private lanais and an exclusive aft deck area complete with its own bar, hot tubs, and loungers for tanning. The real winners, though, are the ship’s Family Harbor staterooms and suites, which were designed specifically for families traveling together and feature their own private lounge and exclusive concierge. Who says fun can’t be classy?

Fun Diversions and Diverse Dining

Carnival Horizon includes everything that made Carnival Vista so popular, including the amazing SkyRide aerial attraction, the ropes course, and an entire fun square filled with outdoor sports activities and family-friendly games.

Dr. Seuss WaterWorks

High atop the ship, you might notice the onboard water park has taken on a more whimsical tone aboard Carnival Horizon with its alternating red-and-white waterslides and playful splash park. The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch preside over the new Dr. Seuss WaterWorks, the latest innovation in Carnival’s longstanding relationship with Dr. Seuss Enterprises that includes the Dr. Seuss Bookville play area for kids, and the wonderfully entertaining Seuss At Sea parade that lets kids march through the ship to the main theater, where Dr. Seuss story time awaits.

RELATED: Exploring Carnival Horizon 

After a busy day ashore, I found refuge in the Cloud 9 Spa’s Thermal Suite area. Available with day- or cruise-long passes, this soothing area includes a small hydrotherapy pool along with a collection of relaxing steam and sauna rooms, plus banks of heated thermal loungers clad in ceramic tiles. Bordered by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the ocean, it’s too easy to lose track of time in here. But then, isn’t that the point?

On the dining front, the talk of the ship was Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. Replacing the space occupied on Carnival Vista by the RedFrog Pub, Guy’s Pig & Anchor was developed in conjunction with television culinary celebrity Guy Fieri. The star here is the full à la carte menu of smokehouse creations available each evening, like the Trash Can Nachos, the Championship Pulled Pork, the supremely delicious (and supremely messy) Pig & Anchor Melt, and, of course, the Baby Back Ribs. These can be paired with four kinds of craft beers brewed aboard Carnival Horizon . Sea-day lunch is free of charge, while dinners are modestly priced.

Food and fun on board Carnival Horizon

Carnival also took the time to expand its Bonsai Sushi specialty restaurant on Carnival Horizon , adding a small addition known as Bonsai Teppanyaki. Guests sit around a Japanese-style hibachi grill while the restaurant’s talented chefs display their dazzling knife skills to complement your multicourse dinner, priced between $25 and $35.

Foodies will love The Chef’s Table Experience, which now has its own dedicated space off the ship’s main galley. For $96 per person including wine pairings, you can indulge in a private dining experience for just 14 people, hosted by the ship’s executive chef. You’ll need to plan ahead, though; we hear Chef’s Table aboard Carnival Horizon is booked solid for months.

Of course, you can always dine in the ship’s elegant main dining rooms or grab a quick bite to eat at the Lido Marketplace Buffet. With over 10 different dining venues on board, going hungry isn’t an option.

Entertaining Evenings

Nights are when Carnival Horizon truly comes to life. Live music is spread throughout the ship, and can be heard in nearly every public room, lounge, and bar.

The Piano Bar 88 has been given a brand-new look, complete with crimson red décor and a wall partition that opens to allow diners in the adjacent Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse to enjoy both music and pre-dinner cocktails before heading next door.

RELATED:   Guy Fieri, Queen Latifah Start the Party at Carnival Horizon Christening

A lounge on board

At Alchemy Bar, mixologists create cocktails to order, based on your preferences. Sure, there’s a menu here, but why order off it? Amble up to the bar, tell the bartender what your poison is, and watch it being created right in front of you.

This ship is the antidote to boredom. Non-stop trivia, nightly production shows, and Carnival’s fantastic Punchliner Comedy performances (in PG and R-rated versions) keep things entertaining, as do the deck parties, atrium get-togethers, and the ship’s lively casino and SkyBox Sports Bar.

Even in the Mediterranean, I caught myself skipping entire ports of call to spend some more time aboard Carnival Horizon . She may look like her predecessors on the outside, but make no mistake: she’s a true original inside.

By Aaron Saunders

To read more cruise coverage, subscribe to Porthole Cruise Magazine .

Photo: Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Line

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15 Must-Have Carnival Horizon Tips for Your Next Cruise

Taking a cruise aboard Carnival Horizon? Then there’s a lot you should know to make the most of your vacation starting the day you step on the ship.

As Carnival’s newest ship, the company has put all sorts of new and exciting touches on the sailing experience that you may not have experienced anywhere else. To help you start your trip off right — and sail like a pro on day one — we’ve rounded up 15 of the most important tips for sailing on Carnival Horizon. (You can also read our entire review of the ship here .)

The Cheapest Beer on the Ship Is in the Buffet

Head to a bar on the ship and you can expect to pay $6-7 for a brew, before you add in the mandatory 15% tip. But on Carnival there’s one spot where you can find beer for just $4 a glass. In the main buffet (also known as the Lido Marketplace) there are four automated beer stations. You just tap your card and you can self pour a beer for $0.29 per ounce — or about $4 for an entire glass. It’s open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and serves two different brews: Bud Light and ThirstyFrog Red. You can read more details about the Beer Station here .

You Can Do Your Own Laundry For Cheaper

You can send your dirty clothes to get cleaned, but it’s pricey. The rates run about $2-4 per item. An entire load of laundry would cost a fortune. On the Horizon, we found self-serve laundry rooms on most decks that only cost $6 for a load. That’s $3 for a wash cycle and $3 for a dry cycle. Also, soap is available for $1.50.

That price is way cheaper than what you’d pay traditionally to send your clothes off to the ship’s laundry room and can leave you with fresh clothes after a sweaty day in port.

Some Specialty Restaurants Are Free at Lunch

There are a couple of restaurants — Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Cucina del Capitano — that have free options at lunch, even though you have to pay to eat here at dinner. Keep in mind they may not be the full menu available (Cucina del Capitano offers a pasta bar at lunch, for example). Still if you want to be able to try a specialty restaurant without having the extra charge, these are good options.

The Havana Bar Is Open to Everyone

On Carnival Horizon there is a special section at the back of the ship called the Havana Experience. This includes a number of staterooms with a different style and design than the rest of the ship, an exclusive outdoor area with pool and hot tubs, and the Havana Bar on deck 5. While the pool is only for Havana guests, anyone can go into the Havana Bar. The bar is dark and cozy and plays lively Latin music in the evenings. It’s a great spot for a romantic date whether you want to do some salsa dancing or just have a drink in a comfy spot.

The Havana Pool Area Is Open to the Public After 7 p.m.

At the back of the ship on deck 5 is the Havana pool. Complete with two whirlpools and the main pool, it’s a cool spot that’s normally off-limits to anyone not staying in a Havana room (you have to have a wristband to enter). But after 7 p.m. it’s actually open to everyone. Most people don’t know this, so the area stays pretty empty most of the time. If you want a pool and hot tub practically to yourself, head to deck 5 and check it out in the evening.

Look to the Carpet to Help You Navigate

Find yourself getting a little lost on the ship? Look down. The carpet on the Horizon changes to let you know what general area of the ship you are in. Most staterooms have blue carpet while the central areas (where the stairs and elevators are located) are a mix of purple/brown. This can help you move around the ship and not miss your turn to get to the elevator.

Need a Private Bathroom? Head to the Havana Bar

Ok, let’s be real for a moment. Sometimes when you’re sharing a small cabin, it’s nice to do your “number two” business somewhere other than the in-room bathroom. If you want some privacy during the day while you use the restroom, check out the bathrooms in the Havana Bar. Located at the very back of the ship, this area is largely empty during the day and the bathrooms are hidden at the very back of the bar. Check it out next time you need somewhere to go in peace.

Cabins Can Be Noisy

For the most part we feel like cruise cabins are well-insulated and noise from the ship can’t be heard. That wasn’t our case on the Carnival Horizon. We had an interior cabin on deck 7, located above the Circle C teen club, and the Liquid Lounge theater. Music and bass was clearly heard in the evenings (including feeling the vibration of the bass in the floor) and went on until about midnight. If you are a light sleeper, we’d suggest looking carefully at the deck plans to make sure you don’t get a room that’s right above a public area.

You Can Find the Ship’s Coin by the Dr. Suess Waterworks

Carnival ships have a coin that’s mounted on the ship that acts a memento of its construction. If you like to hunt for these coins, you’ll find the Horizon’s on deck 14, just forward of the Dr. Suess Waterworks.

Have a Pizza Delivered for $5

Pizzeria del Capitano is the 24-hour free pizza restaurant located on deck 10. You can go any time day or night and get all the pizza — or pizzas — that your heart desires. One unique feature on the Horizon is that you can also get a pizza delivered to you. The cost is $5 (even though the pizza is free), but that’s a small price to pay if you don’t feel like traversing the entire ship to get a pie.

The Elevators Work Differently Than Normal

Everyone knows how to use an elevator. Hit a button and then wait for the car. Then you get in and hit the floor you want to go to. Elevators on the Carnival Horizon work differently. Here, instead of calling an elevator using the “up” or “down” button, you push a button for a floor you want to travel to. It will then assign an elevator for you. Once that elevator comes, it will only make a few stops in between, getting you to your floor faster than in the past.

Check In Online to Avoid the Wait at Embarkation

Want to get on the ship the quickest way possible? Check in online ahead of time. Here you will set up your boarding information and your onboard expense account. Then, you can print out your boarding pass for embarkation day.

When it’s time to board, just show your pass, walk through security and get on the ship. There’s no meeting with an agent to get your room keys. They are in a sealed envelope at your cabin door. This is by far the fastest way to get on the ship.

Staff Doesn’t Really Care When You Debark

On debarkation day, it’s a mad rush to get off the ship. While the staff will call down specific decks to get off the ship at specific times, we found that just about everyone tries to leave at once, no matter if it was supposed to be their turn or not. If you have time, you might want to wait until things calm down, but if you have an early flight, then don’t worry about leaving before your deck is called. It seemed to be common on our cruise.

Interior Cabins Are Small… Very Small

Most interior cabins are around 185 square feet. Balcony cabins have about the same interior space but also include 35 square feet of balcony space, providing about 20% more room. If you plan to stay in an interior cabin, we’d suggest no more than two adults. It’s simply too cramped for much more than that. Unlike some cruise ships we had no sofa in the cabin as there simply wasn’t the space.

Traveling With a Family? Check out Family Harbor

Family Harbor is a newer feature for Carnival that’s perfect for families. Located on deck 2, this block of rooms has exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge. This area features a place for families to hang out, including TVs, board games, computers, video games, and even breakfast and snacks throughout the day. In other words, it’s a place where families can go spend time without having to go a long way. The lounge is just a short walk from Family Harbor staterooms.

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Carnival Horizon ®

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The line that brings the sea and the sky together inspired us... to build a ship that unites you with great fun, comfort, dining and exotic destinations. And most importantly, unites you with one another. It's Carnival Horizon! This ship doesn't just do it a little bit, either. First, Carnival Horizon goes big with an IMAX ® theater for true cinematic action! This ship keeps things flowing with an onboard waterpark that splashes you more than a little — Dr. Seuss WaterWorks ™ splashes you oodles, with a little help from the wacky characters everybody loves. Go for a bike ride way, way above it all at SkyRide ® . The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ and Playlist Productions ™ are just two of your top onboard entertainment picks, and they’re both focused on uniting you with unforgettable performances up on stage. For relaxation, get to Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , or step up to max relaxation at Cloud 9 Spa ™ featuring great massages, thermal suites and more. Havana Bar ™ & Pool is a good one too — a spot that brings together stylish poolside lounging with authentically Cuban cocktails... adding hot nightlife into the mix once the sun goes down. And all day long, you know we've got stuff for the kids — Carnival Horizon has three age-specific youth spaces! This ship brings tons of flavor to every meal. It starts with a guy named Guy — Fieri — who created two awesome spots on the ship: one's the crowd-pleasing Guy's Burger Joint ™ , and the other happens to be Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse ™ , a spot that serves up BBQ classics paired with freshly-brewed-right-on-board beers. If you're looking for great seafood on Carnival Horizon, then Seafood Shack ™ 's the place to cast your net. Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ is an intimate meal and interactive performance, while Fahrenheit 555 ™ is a dining experience that stands toe-to-toe with some of the best steakhouses on land. Jiji Asian Kitchen ® and Cucina del Capitano ® each specialize in delighting certain taste buds: the ones craving pan-Asian favorites, and classic Italian dishes served family-style. (Check... and check!) Add all this together and you've got... a vacation on Carnival Horizon that truly brings it all together.

• 133,500 Gross Tonnage
• 3,960 Guest Capacity
• 1,055 Length In Feet
• 1,450 Onboard Crew

INSIDE THIS SHIP

Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.

YOUR STATEROOM

Havana interior.

Amenities exclusive to Havana staterooms and suites:

• Exclusive access to Havana Pool area

Plus, every room includes:

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• In-room safe for valuables
• Stateroom climate control

Cloud 9 Spa Interior

Amenities exclusive to Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms and suites:

• Unique welcome ritual
• Priority spa reservations
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites, plus scrub kit
• Two complimentary fitness classes (per guest)
• Complimentary body composition analysis
• Exclusive discounts on treatments during port days
• Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers
• Upgraded ELEMIS in-stateroom toiletries

Family Harbor Interior

Amenities exclusive to Family Harbor staterooms and suites:

• Exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge
• Daily breakfast and snacks in the Family Harbor Lounge
• A selection of board games, family movies and video games in the Family Harbor Lounge
• Kids eat free at most onboard specialty restaurants
• Free evening of Night Owls ™ babysitting service at Camp Ocean ™

Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)

Every room includes:

Interior Upper/Lower (Porthole)

Interior upper/lower, cloud 9 spa ocean view (walkway view).

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom, and this one fits the bill, providing comfy accommodations and convenient, priority access to treatments and services at the Cloud 9 Spa. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of a room with a view: a Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy not only exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge and more great perks around the ship, but a convenient full bathroom… plus a separate washroom.

Deluxe Ocean View

On Carnival Horizon, Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms of this type feature great views, a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom — and while stateroom configurations vary, certain Deluxe Ocean View rooms have space to sleep up to five cruisers.

Deluxe Ocean View (Obstructed View)

On Carnival Horizon, Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are great for families. These rooms feature a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom — and while stateroom configurations vary, certain Deluxe Ocean View rooms have space to sleep up to five. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Family Harbor Ocean View

Let the whole family — especially the little ones — experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only will a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

Family Harbor Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Cruising goes great with sunshine… and for a room where the family can expect a little extra of the sun’s gold streaming in through their window, check out a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom with obstructed views. All Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy not only exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, but more great perks around the ship.

Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Havana premium vista balcony.

Since no other one will do, we'll go ahead and invent a Spanish word to describe the Havana Premium Balcony stateroom: balconissimo. In this 'balconiest' of Havana staterooms, you'll find classic old-time Cuban decor that's practically overflowing with flavor. And outside — oh, that balcony! — it wraps around for maximum coverage, and the most sea-breezed private lounging area. For a mid-day change of scenery, you'll also have exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Premium Balcony

There's more to a Havana Premium Balcony stateroom than just the extra outdoor space for staring out at the ocean. A view like this is entertaining, and this balcony is designed for sharing it. Invite someone special to come along and share the comfy interior as well, featuring classic Havana decor and exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony

For a stateroom with that classic Havana decor larger balcony and a great view, just look back. A Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony puts you in the rear of the ship, prime location already for enjoying a view of the sea and the ship's wake as you sail along... but perhaps even more so thanks to the larger balcony. And let's not forget about all that Havana flavor — both in-room and out — with exclusive access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Havana Cabana

There are amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the one that'll excite you most of all is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio — complete with your own loungy deck chairs — right outside your room. They also feature Cuba-inspired decor, exclusive access to Havana Pool area and loads of sunlight with floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said... your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Premium Balcony

We designed Carnival Horizon balcony staterooms for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, and this stateroom features a balcony that's even wider than our standard balcony. Enjoy the extra outdoor space, along with all the standard Carnival stateroom amenities.

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony

Whether you're warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there's no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important — take the ocean breeze in, then let it out — you're already getting the hang of the whole spa thing!

Family Harbor Aft-View Extended Balcony

This special room type features a unique nautical décor, full bathroom, generous amenities and exclusive perks that families love. But we’ve gotta talk about that balcony! First of all, “aft-view” means that your room faces backwards — the best way to watch the flow of the ship’s calm, gentle wake as we sail along. Oh, and the balcony you’ll enjoy it from is even bigger than in a standard balcony room! What we’re saying is that with this room you’ll have great choices about how to spend your time: curling up to comfort indoors, really stretching out outdoors… or enjoying the nearby exclusive Family Harbor Lounge!

Family Harbor Cove Balcony

If your group likes to sail a little closer to the waves — or just in a calm location at the aft of the ship — choose a Family Harbor Cove Balcony stateroom. You’ll find your outpost a wave-watcher’s paradise… and while we can’t promise, you just might catch a living, swimming marine biology lesson from your railing! This stateroom features a unique nautical décor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. The whole family will also enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Horizon. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Cove Balcony

Love the sea? Carnival Horizon Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea — these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and sea foam as the ship cruises along.

Grand Suite

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Horizon features even more space than the standard suite — there’s plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and a convenient dressing area with vanity. And outside your room, you’ll even enjoy access to the Havana Pool.

(Guests 12 and up for this pool, please.)

Amenities exclusive to Grand Suites:

Plus, amenities exclusive to suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 Am
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Havana Cabana Suite

You could call the Havana Cabana Suite the crème de la crème… but that's French. So here's your Spanish lesson for today: la habitación mejor. In "the best room" you'll find all the luxury of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired decor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a private lounging area with your own deck chairs and hammock, plus exclusive access to Havana Pool area... not to mention amenities like VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with one luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Plus, all suites include:

Cloud 9 Spa Suite

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in both stateroom and spa accommodations. There's room for you and your things — with a large room and balcony — and a walk-in closet. The soothing in-room whirlpool tub will help you stay relaxed after your relaxing spa treatment. And like all suites, a Cloud 9 Spa Suite features VIP check-in, which lets you easily get right up to your amazing stateroom.

Cloud 9 Spa Suite (Obstructed View)

Family harbor suite.

Family life is the sweet life, whether on land or at sea… and especially when in a Family Harbor Suite. Your whole crew will enjoy not only the stretch-out space, huge balcony and other perks a suite offers, but a nautical décor specially-designed for Family Harbor staterooms. And while you sail along, the kids and the adults can make use of exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus other exclusive perks around the ship. In-room, there’s a full bathroom… plus the convenience of a separate washroom. A private yacht it’s not… but leave the sailing to us — you’d rather be relaxing anyway.

Ocean Suite

A Carnival Horizon suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

Junior Suite (Obstructed View)

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Horizon, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Horizon Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet; and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

Onboard dining, where to for you.

This ship is always visiting great vacation spots. Where will your next vacation take you?

* Taxes and fees are included.

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Carnival Horizon Overview

Carnival Horizon , Carnival Cruise Line’s second Vista-class ship, is nothing short of enchanting! Guests can be sure of a memorable cruise worth a thousand words – with nearly as many options for fun and entertainment onboard! This 133,500 ton vessel has a capacity of 3,960 guests and 1,450 crew members. Accommodations will vary from Havana Staterooms and Suites to Family Harbor Staterooms, Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms and many other affordable options. The various dining options onboard Carnival Horizon are an endless array of mouth-watering delicacies presented in irresistible forms. Walk into Seafood Shack for rustic favorites like Crab Cake Sliders, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse for your choice of steak cuts, The Chef’s Table for an exclusive meal, and many more. Don’t forget to head over to the Sportsquare for Carnival Horizon’s most popular aerial attraction – the SkyRide. To learn all about the different amenities, dining options and onboard activities on Carnival Horizon – or to discuss her various itineraries – contact The Cruise Web today!

• Passenger Capacity: 3,960 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2018
• Last Refurbished: 2022

• Sportsquare Featuring SkyRide The SkyRide is undeniably Carnival Cruise Line’s most famous open-air amusement ride to date. It’s a bit like riding a bike on an 800-foot-long track speeding up to 25 miles per hour – all while high above the deck and even higher above the sparkling blue sea. How’s that for biking?!? It’s an adrenaline pumping thrill you will never forget.  

• Havana Staterooms and Suites Once onboard, this luxurious Latin-infused living space will quickly become your own private island with member-only access to the Havana bar and pool. Enjoy a relaxing day under colorful umbrellas at the whirlpool with a refreshing mojito or Cuban cocktail. All Havana staterooms feature unique décor that do all the talking while ushering you into the tropical islands of the Caribbean.  

• Onboard Restaurants Foodies rejoice! Carnival Horizon will feature more in dining than your belly will have room for. Check out Seafood Shack, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi, The Chef’s Table, Jiji Asian Kitchen, Cucina Del Capitano, BlueIguana Cantina, the famous Guy’s Burger Joint and more!  

Carnival Horizon: An Infographic

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Carnival Horizon Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Carnival Horizon Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Carnival Horizon Deck Plans

Spa, waterworks & sports, carnival horizon staterooms.

Balcony (HM)

"Balconissimo." In this 'balconiest' of Havana staterooms, you'll find classic old-time Cuban decor that's practically overflowing with flavor. And outside - oh, that balcony! - it wraps around for maximum coverage, and the most sea-breezed private lounging area. For a mid-day change of scenery, you'll also have exclusive daytime access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Balcony (BL)

Any balcony stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Balcony (8A)

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Horizon. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Balcony (8B)

Balcony (8c), balcony (8d), balcony (8e), balcony (8f), balcony (8g).

Balcony (HI)

For a stateroom with that classic Havana decor larger balcony and a great view, just look back. A Havana Aft-View Extended Balcony puts you in the rear of the ship, prime location already for enjoying a view of the sea and the ship's wake as you sail along... but perhaps even more so thanks to the larger balcony. And let's not forget about all that Havana flavor - with exclusive daytime access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Balcony (FM)

If your group likes to sail closer to the waves - or just in a calm location at the aft of the ship - choose a Family Harbor Cove Balcony stateroom. You'll find your outpost a wave-watcher's paradise... and while we can't promise, you just might catch a living, swimming marine biology lesson from your railing! This stateroom features a unique nautical decor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. The whole family will enjoy access to the Family Harbor Lounge and perks around the ship.

Balcony (7C)

Love the sea? Carnival Horizon Cove Balcony staterooms are the best way to see the sea - these rooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location. Enjoy things from a whole new perspective: one amazing up-close view of the wake and sea foam as the ship cruises along.

Balcony (9B)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Horizon and it's easy to see exactly what you're getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It's about more than just the room itself, you'll find... step onto your oversized balcony and you'll find that when there's a sea breeze in your hair, there's no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Balcony (HL)

There's more to a Havana Premium Balcony stateroom than just the extra outdoor space for staring out at the ocean. A view like this is entertaining, and this balcony is designed for sharing it. Invite someone special to come along and share the comfy interior as well, featuring classic Havana decor and exclusive daytime access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Balcony (FO)

This special room type features a unique nautical decor, full bathroom, generous amenities and exclusive perks that families love. "Aft-view" means that your room faces backwards - the best way to watch the flow of the ship's gentle wake as we sail along. Oh, and the balcony you'll enjoy it from is bigger than in a standard balcony room! You'll have great choices about how to spend your time: curling up to comfort indoors, stretching out outdoors... or enjoying the nearby Family Harbor Lounge!

Balcony (8P)

Whether you're warming up for your spa appointment or winding down after your treatment, there's no better place to do it than on your Cloud 9 Spa Balcony. Breathing is important - take the ocean breeze in, then let it out - you're already getting the hang of the whole spa thing!

Balcony (8S)

Balcony (8t).

Inside (4A)

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Horizon's interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things you'd expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Inside (4B)

Inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g), inside (4h), inside (4i).

Inside (4J)

An Interior with Picture Window stateroom on Carnival Horizon gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be partially obstructed.)

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Inside (PT)

Carnival Horizon's Porthole staterooms give you the classic seafarer's view times two - a pair of round windows providing an affordable view of the ocean. If you tire of ocean-gazing, there's plenty more to do onboard, but 24-hour room service is one amenity you can enjoy as you continue to take in the view.

Inside (HA)

For a stateroom with extra sabor - for not a lot of dinero - check out a Havana Interior stateroom. You'll find yours flavorfully decked out in Old Havana style... patterned after a place that certainly wasn't lacking any. And like we said, you'll find it for a great price. Aside from the good looks, this room includes exclusive daytime access to the Havana Pool area. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Inside (FA)

To truly experience the cozy sanctuary that a harbor provides, check out a Family Harbor Interior stateroom. These rooms are not only an affordable way to keep the family close, but feature a unique nautical decor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. And while you sail along, the whole family will enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

Inside (4S)

We've taken the warm essence of our Cloud 9 Spas and infused it into spa staterooms on Carnival Horizon. Your room is the perfect place to do less, actually: just relax and take some you-time, anytime. All Cloud 9 Spa accommodations feature private spa access, special amenities and priority spa reservations.

Inside (4T)

Inside (1A)

With an Interior stateroom you will get a full private bathroom, complimentary 24-hour room service plus linens you can feel at home in all of which make this a great spot for curling up after a long days fun.

Oceanview (OV)

Any ocean view Stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Oceanview (6A)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Horizon, where you'll get views you won't find anywhere on land. Don't miss sunrise and sunset at sea - your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Oceanview (6B)

Oceanview (FJ)

Let the whole family - especially the little ones - experience the wide-eyed wonder of a room with a view: a Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View stateroom. Not only are the sky, the sea and the sights beautiful to behold from your window, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical decor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. The whole family will enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge and more great perks around the ship.

Oceanview (FE)

Let the whole family - especially the little ones - experience the wide-eyed wonder of sailing in a room with a view: a Family Harbor Ocean View stateroom. Not only will a vacation with a view like this help cultivate a lifelong love of the ocean, but Family Harbor staterooms feature a unique nautical decor inspired by the craft of seafaring itself. The whole family will enjoy exclusive access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus more great perks around the ship.

Oceanview (6L)

On Carnival Horizon, Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms of this type feature great views, a full bathroom - plus a separate washroom - and while stateroom configurations vary, certain Deluxe Ocean View rooms have space to sleep up to five cruisers.

Oceanview (6M)

Oceanview (6S)

The best way to enjoy the relaxing, invigorating Cloud 9 Spa while on a cruise is in a spa stateroom, and this one fits the bill, providing comfy accommodations and convenient, priority access to treatments and services at the Cloud 9 Spa. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Oceanview (6T)

Oceanview (HE)

There are amenities by the handful in this Havana-flavored stateroom, but the one that'll excite you most of all is likely to be this: Havana Cabana staterooms come with an outdoor patio - complete with your own loungy deck chairs - right outside your room. They also feature Cuba-inspired decor, exclusive daytime access to Havana Pool area and loads of sunlight with floor-to-ceiling window, but like we said... your very own deck chairs! (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

A Carnival Horizon suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool.

A Cloud 9 Spa Suite is the ultimate in both stateroom and spa accommodations. There's room for you and your things - with a large room and balcony - and a walk-in closet. The soothing in-room whirlpool tub will help you stay relaxed after your relaxing spa treatment. And like all suites, a Cloud 9 Spa Suite features VIP check-in, which lets you easily get right up to your amazing stateroom.

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Horizon features even more space than the standard suite - plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Any suite, depending on availability.

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Horizon, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury in a smaller package. Featuring a standard-size balcony, in a Carnival Horizon Junior Suite you'll find everything else there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet... and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

Family life is the sweet life, on land or at sea... especially when in a Family Harbor Suite. Your whole crew will enjoy the stretch-out space, huge balcony and other perks a suite offers, but a nautical decor specially-designed for Family Harbor staterooms. Kids and adults can make use of access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, plus other perks around the ship. In-room, there's a full bathroom... plus the convenience of a separate washroom.

Here's your Spanish lesson for today: la habitación mejor. In "the best room" you'll find all the luxury of a suite, all decked out in Cuba-inspired decor. Outside your Havana Cabana Suite lies a private lounging area with your own deck chairs and hammock, plus exclusive daytime access to Havana Pool area... not to mention amenities like VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with one luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Photo Gallery for Carnival Horizon Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Carnival Horizon Resort Beach Rendering

Carnival Horizon SkyRide

Carnival Horizon Camp Ocean Rendering

Carnival Horizon Aft Pool Rendering

Carnival Horizon Aerial Shot

Carnival Horizon IMAX Theatre

Carnival Horizon Liquid Lounge Rendering

Top 10 Carnival Horizon Cruises

• Carnival Horizon 6-day Western Caribbean Departing From Miami, Florida (Sep 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Horizon 6 Day Western Caribbean Departing From Miami, Florida (Dec 2024)
• Carnival Horizon 6 Day Western Caribbean Cruise Departing From Miami, Florida (Feb 2025)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

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Cruises are more expensive than ever. But a deal isn't impossible — if you have restraint

• Cheap cruises are increasingly difficult to find as cruise lines raise prices.
• Operators are also increasingly outfitting their ships with pay-to-play amenities.
• The combination of higher fares and increased onboard spending is making budget cruises a relic of the past.

In the next few years, you could turn to the youth and say, "When I was your age, budget cruises were still a thing."

Cruise giants Carnival Corp and Royal Caribbean Group are having a windfall year, with both companies reporting sky-high onboard spending , prices, and demand in their second-quarter 2024 earnings report.

It's a sign that the vacation-at-sea industry is doing better than ever. But this news might not be so welcome if you're a fan of cheap cruises .

Budget cruises are so 2022

Cheap cruise aggregator Cruise Sheet shows fewer than 630 itineraries listed at $100 or less a day from July through December.

Not bad, right? Well, let's go back in time.

The year was 2022. Cruise lines were just beginning to reactivate their fleets after a tumultuous pause in operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic (remember that?).

Related stories

To entice travelers back, these companies started releasing a flurry of heavily discounted itineraries .

From July 2022 through the end of that year, there were about 2,000 sailings for under $100 a day , Tynan Smith, the founder of Cruise Sheet, told Business Insider at the time — a stark contrast to today's limited options.

That's not to say ultra-affordable cruises don't exist anymore

A handful of 2024 itineraries from more premium cruise lines like Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America are still being sold at an inexpensive rate of $80 a day or less. You can also try smaller companies like Margaritaville at Sea , the cheapest of which runs at $25 a night (although it won't be of the aforementioned companies' quality or caliber).

For the most part, if you want to pay that little but don't want to hunt for a deal, you're better off sticking with Carnival Cruise Line.

The popular company has about 155 sailings for under $80 a day through 2024, mostly on older ships, according to Cruise Sheet's website . That's more than Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America combined.

Success — looks like you just found yourself some pretty affordable itineraries!

Just be sure to temper your spending once onboard. Otherwise, your $80-a-day vacation could quickly become $160 a day.

Your budget vacation might not be so budget-friendly once onboard

Cruises are often lauded as an economical vacation choice compared to hotels and flights.

But budget accordingly if you want drinks, excursions, fancier restaurants, WiFi, or even some onboard attractions — they'll all have fees on mass-market cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships.

Take Carnival Conquest, for example. The 22-year-old vessel is scheduled for many of the cruise line's cheapest-per-day itineraries this year.

The ship has seven complimentary dining venues and five with fees — the latter not including upcharges for lobsters and steaks at the otherwise free dining room.

And while its mini-golf course, shows, and waterslide are free, you'll have to pay extra for the arcade games or to participate in the "Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea" or "Deal or No Deal" programs.

The same goes for WiFi, a necessity for travelers who want to live-post vacation snaps on their Instagram stories.

Thankfully, Carnival Corp just finished outfitting its ships with Starlink this year — which Josh Weinstein, president and CEO of Carnival Corp, called "another revenue uplift opportunity" in a call with analysts in late June.

The cruise line's drinks package alone starts at $70.74 per person and day. A dinner at its steakhouse adds another $50 for that day, while WiFi for social media websites starts at $15.30 daily.

And before you know it, if you don't have restraint, your ultra-inexpensive cruise could quickly double in cost — all while you're still stuck in an inside cabin .

With all these opportunities to spend big, it's no wonder both Carnival Corp and Royal Caribbean Group have reported a spike in onboard spending in the first two quarters of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

So, yes, it's still possible to find an ultra-cheap cruise. Just get ready to hunt for it or go with Carnival — and monitor your spending on the ship , or else all your efforts will be for nothing.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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Ernesto upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane; more than 240K in Puerto Rico without power

Editor's note: For the latest news on Hurricane Ernesto, go here to Friday's live updates story.

Ernesto strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane late Thursday as it barreled toward Bermuda threatening major damage over the weekend from powerful winds and heavy rain, after leaving hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power.

Ernesto was located 360 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with sustained winds of 100 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 2 a.m. update early Friday. Moving at 14 mph, the storm is expected to begin dumping heavy rain over Bermuda on Friday before passing near or over the island on Saturday.

"Preparations on Bermuda should be completed before Friday afternoon," the NHC warned. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion."

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were recovering from Wednesday's deluge. At its peak, half of Puerto Rico's utility customers – as many as 730,000 – were in the dark. As of Friday at 3 a.m. ET, about 241,812 homes and businesses, 16% of customers, were still without power, according to the LUMA Energy website .

Flood warnings were still in effect across Puerto Rico as rivers continued to crest and threaten neighborhoods and low-lying areas. Over the last 48 hours, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands received half a foot of rain, while the total for parts of southeastern Puerto Rico climbed to 10 inches.

The National Weather Service issued river flood warnings for parts of western Puerto Rico late Thursday until Friday morning. The San Juan office urged residents to be especially careful on the road at night, noting most flood deaths happen in vehicles.

Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location.

Developments:

∎ Swells likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions will spread toward Bermuda and the rest of the Bahamas on Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

∎ As Ernesto moves through the Atlantic, it continues to disrupt cruise ships . This week several Carnival and Norwegian cruises had their itineraries altered by the intensifying storm, with some skipping stops in Puerto Rico or avoiding the eastern Caribbean altogether.

Dangerous rip currents, life-threatening surf expected along East Coast

Even though Ernesto may not come closer than 800 miles from the shore, beachgoers along the coast from Florida to Nova Scotia are being warned of dangerous rip currents and surf along the Atlantic Coast starting Friday and continuing through the weekend as the hurricane moves north.

Rip currents pull people away from shore and can rapidly increase in speed, the U.S. Lifesaving Association warns. More than 100 people die in the U.S. every year from rip currents, according to a scientific review of the nonprofit group's data. They also account for about 80% of lifeguard rescues on beaches.

"Best to stay out of the ocean Friday through Sunday (at least),” said the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, which expects to issue a high-surf advisory for breaking waves 6 feet and larger for Friday.

In Maine, high surf will be a concern along the coast over the weekend as Ernesto continues its northward trek, the weather service said.

"Beachgoers should be aware of a significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents, and stay out of the water if advised by lifeguards," the hurricane center said. "Surf and rip currents are also possible on the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas during the next few days."

− Dinah Voyles Pulver

No power, no water, and record-high temperature

Hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans had to contend with temperatures in the mid-90s and high humidity without power or running water, as the aftermath of Ernesto brought back memories of powerful Hurricane Maria ravaging the island in 2017.

The National Weather Service office in San Juan reported a record-setting 95 degrees at Puerto Rico's largest airport Thursday, a day after Ernesto brought widespread flooding, high winds, and significant damage to the U.S. territory's fragile electrical grid.

The storm also produced southern winds with a heating effect that prompted the weather service to issue an advisory, saying "a period of dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected" across northern Puerto Rico. Those conditions prevailed in the days after Maria, which left large parts of the island in the dark for several weeks and was linked to about 3,000 deaths.

Construction worker Ramón Mercedes Paredes, 41, told The Associated Press he planned to spend Thursday night outdoors in an effort to cool down. "I haven’t slept at all," he said. "I haven’t even been able to take a shower."

Bermuda resident prepares, but isn't panicking, as Ernesto approaches

Jason Lawrence spent all Wednesday preparing for Ernesto. The lifelong Bermuda resident had four of his boats taken out of the water and tied down before he lugged his outdoor furniture inside his house and nailed plywood over the windows.

Lawrence, 38, also helped his parents and brother secure their homes. At his grocery store, M. Soares & Sons, in the Spanish Point neighborhood, he unpacked deliveries of water, bread, batteries, and canned goods Thursday.

“I feel like most people are all getting their plywood and bunkering down today," he said. "This afternoon and tomorrow should be pretty busy for us in the grocery stores."

Lawrence plans to weather the storm at his home on the north shore, just yards away from the ocean, with his wife and two boys, ages 1 and 6.

“We don’t really start to panic unless it gets up into a Category 3,” he said. “The structures down here are different from those in the States. The houses stand up well, so once you’re all packed up you’re pretty good."

The National Hurricane Center says Ernesto "is forecast to be a large hurricane near Bermuda on Saturday.''

Bermuda braces for 'the power of nature'

Bermuda Minister of National Security Michael Weeks warned residents and tourists to prepare immediately for Ernesto's arrival.

Weeks said the storm will unleash a barrage of dangerous weather conditions including flooding rain, high storm surge, and strong winds that bring a "high likelihood of the loss of electricity across the island," which has a population of about 65,000.

The National Hurricane Center estimates Ernesto may unload 6 to 12 inches of rain in Bermuda, with up to 15 inches in some areas, leading to "considerable life-threatening flash flooding."

“While Bermuda has been fortunate in recent years to avoid the worst impacts of hurricanes, we have to take each storm seriously and prepare accordingly,” he said. “It only takes one storm to cause significant damage and disrupt our way of life.”

He urged people to secure their property, including outdoor furniture and boats, and said they should stock up on food, medicine, and batteries. Weeks added that officials will meet Thursday and make decisions regarding the operations of the main island’s causeway, airport and public transportation services.

“Do not be lulled into thinking that you can wait until the last minute – the window to prepare is closing rapidly,“ he said. "This is not the time to underestimate the power of nature.”

Bermuda still calm but Ernesto 'well on its way'

Rain had not yet arrived in Bermuda by Thursday afternoon, but Jessica Burns said she could see Hurricane Ernesto approaching when she looked over the southern horizon.

“It’s well on its way,” said Burns, 29, adding that Wednesday night she was awoken by bright flashes of lightning outside her window

Winds remained calm Thursday, Burns said, but the ocean was getting more active.

− Claire Thornton

Where is Hurricane Ernesto?

'peak of hurricane season is right around the corner'.

In a revised forecast issued earlier this month, the federal government said a "highly active" hurricane season was likely to continue in the Atlantic.

"Atmospheric and oceanic conditions have set the stage for an extremely active hurricane season that could rank among the busiest on record," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its forecast.

The NOAA predicted 17 to 24 named storms, and about 8 to 13 gaining hurricane strength, higher than the average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes. Those numbers include four other storms that formed this year, such as the deadly Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Debby .

Residents across the eastern U.S. have been recovering from Debby, which caused dangerous floods up and down the seaboard. Last month, Beryl became the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record − devastating parts of the Caribbean and at one point leaving over 1.3 million homes and businesses without power in Texas.

"The hurricane season got off to an early and violent start with Hurricane Beryl," NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said in a statement. "NOAA’s update to the hurricane seasonal outlook is an important reminder that the peak of hurricane season is right around the corner, when historically the most significant impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms tend to occur."

Contributing: Charles Ventura, Minnah Arshad, Doyle Rice, and Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY; Reuters