Douglas Ward
This is a family-friendly casual ship for Spanish-speakers
The Ship. Horizon was originally built for and owned and operated by Celebrity Cruises. Although now around 25 years old, it still has a fairly contemporary, though angular, profile that looks powerful thanks to its blue hull (the hull itself was designed by mega-yacht designer Jon Bannenberg).
The exterior pool deck features one large pool and another for children, plus a couple of hot tubs, and in-built shower enclosures.
Inside, there is a similar interior layout to its sister ship, Pullmantur Cruises’ Zenith, with decor that is quite restrained, even elegant. The feeling is one of uncluttered surroundings, and the ship features some interesting artwork. Soothing, pastel colors and high-quality soft furnishings are used throughout the interiors. The decks are named after colors (cobalt, turquoise, indigo, etc.).
An elegant Art Deco-style hotel-like lobby, reminiscent of Miami Beach hotels, has a two-deck-high ceiling and a spacious feel, and is the contact point for the reception desk, shore excursions, and onboard accounts counters.
The principal deck that houses many of the public entertainment rooms (located two decks above the lobby, has a double-width indoor promenade, which is good for strolling and people-watching. There is a decent-size library. Other facilities include the Zephyr Lounge Bar; a Piano Bar; a Café Moka; and an Internet center. The large, elegantly appointed Monte Carlo Casino has its own bar. ‘Inclusive’ drinks packages are available at an additional cost per day.
This ship is quite well suited to young (and young-at-heart) French-speaking couples, solo travelers, and families with children of all ages who want a first cruise experience in a smart ship, with plenty of public rooms, a lively atmosphere, and a French cruise experience. Expect to find an abundance of children during the peak holiday periods, when the passenger mix becomes younger.
Passenger niggles include lines for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders, and for self-serve buffet meals. The doors to the public restrooms and the outdoor decks are very heavy. The public restrooms are clinical and need some refreshing. There are no cushioned pads for the poolside sunloungers.
Accommodation. There are several price grades, including outside-view suites and cabins, and interior cabins. Note that many of the outside-view cabins on the safety equipment deck have lifeboat-obstructed views. The standard maritime cabin numbering system (even numbers port side, odd numbers starboard side) is reversed on this ship.
Standard cabins. The outside-view and interior cabins have good-quality fittings with wood accenting. They are tastefully decorated and of average size, with an excellent amount of closet and drawer space. All have twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed, and a good amount of closet and drawer space. The cabin soundproofing is quite good although this depends on location – some cabins are located opposite crew access doors, which can be noisy. The bathrooms have a generous shower area, and a small range of toiletries is provided, although towels are small, as is storage space for toiletries. The lowest priced outside-view cabins have a porthole – all others have picture windows.
Royal Suites. The largest accommodation is in two Royal Suites midships on Deck 10, and forward on Deck 11. These have a large private balcony, separate bedroom and lounge, a dining area with glass dining table, plus infotainment system. The bathroom is also large and has a whirlpool tub with integral shower.
Another 20 suites, also on Atlantic Deck, are tastefully furnished, although they are really just larger cabins, not suites. They have generous drawer and other storage space, and a sleeping area (with European duvets on the beds), plus a lounge area, and decent bathrooms. All accommodation designated as suites suffers from noise generated on the swimming pool deck directly above.
Dining. The main dining room features a raised section in its center. It has several tables for two, as well as for four, six, or eight (in banquettes), although the chairs don’t have armrests. There are two seatings for dinner and open seating for breakfast and lunch, at tables for two to 10. The cuisine, its presentation, and service are so-so.
For informal meals, the Marché Gourmand has a traditional single-line self-service buffet for breakfast and lunch, and includes a pasta station, rotisserie, and pizza ovens. At peak times, the buffet is simply too small, too crowded, and noisy. It is also open (as Bistro Gourmand) for casual dinner between 6.30pm and 11pm.
The Terrace and Grill, located outdoors adjacent to the Bistro, serves typical fast-food items such as burgers and hot dogs.
Entertainment. The two-level Broadway Theater, with main and balcony levels, has good sight lines from almost all seats, although the railing at the front of the balcony level impedes sight lines. It has a large stage for this size of ship.
The shows consist of a troupe of showgirl dancers, plus cabaret acts including singers, magicians, and comedians, among others, and are geared to the family audience carried on most cruises. There is also plenty of live – and loud – music for dancing to in various bars and lounges, plus the Saphir Dance Club (disco). Participation activities tend to be quite amateurish.
Spa/Fitness. The Salle de Fitness is located high in the ship, just aft of the funnel. It has a gymnasium with ocean-view windows and high-tech muscle-pumping equipment, an exercise area, several therapy rooms including a Rasul (mud treatment) room, and men’s/women’s saunas.