The new 3,954-passenger Carnival Horizon will be home to a new concept called Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse that will offer smoked-on-board barbecue and house-made craft beer.
Several Carnival ships already boast Fieri-themed barbecue outlets…but they don’t have attached breweries. Fieri-themed burger outlets can be found on 19 of Carnival’s 25 ships.
Horizon is scheduled to debut in April. It’ll sail to the Caribbean out of New York over the summer of 2018 after an inaugural series of voyages in Europe. It’ll move to Miami in the fall of 2018 for year-round sailings to the Caribbean.
Like her sister ship the Carnival Vista, Horizon will feature an 800-foot-long peddle ride around its top deck and an IMAX Theater. Both were firsts for the industry when they debuted on Vista. Horizon also will have a massive WaterWorks aqua park with a giant water tube slide — a major feature of Vista.
Over the past weekend I had the opportunity to inspect two wonderful – and remarkably different – new shups
Saturday, Carnival Vista. Big, beautiful, and bold. Boarding at the Atrium, the ship was rocking & rolling with up-tempo music creating a typical Carnival party hearty atmosphere. The main pool was already well utilized with guests soaking up the rays with the live steel drums maintaining the party atmosphere. The casino is huge. Entertainment options abound on this ship and even the most hyperactive among us would be challenged to hit all of them in a 7-night itinerary. Water park, IMAX theater, ropes course, sky ride elevated bikes – Havana Lounge, Red Frog, Blue Iguana – production shows, comedians … the list just goes on.
While activity options abound at every turn, my exploration uncovered plenty of areas where guests seeking a quieter, gentler cruise experience could relax in peace and comfort. Grab a good book and head toward the adults-only Serenity enclave … I also found the aft pool area to be peaceful and almost totally deserted during my tour.
Vista is currently sailing 6- and 8-night itineraries from Miami. This would be a perfect ship for families, for multi-generational groups traveling together, for any cruisers who prefer a high energy cruise environment with an array of activity and entertainment options. She will move to the Port of Galveston later next fall.
PROS: Loved the food, one of the best meals I’ve eaten on any ship anywhere; Havana Lounge; Kid’s program second to none; the prevalence of outdoor areas where a cruiser can connect with the ocean.
CONS: Not much of a fan of the ship’s atrium area which seemed rather cramped to me; casino area had definite lingering odor of cigarette smoke; and I really did miss the white tablecloths in the formal dining room.
Sunday, Holland America Koningsdam Classy, understated, elegant. Holland’s new ship may be the largest in their fleet, but it remains a mid-sized ship with an upscale, intimate atmosphere. HAL has moved to add touches of contemporary flare to their fleet, but they (thankfully!) still very much adhere to their traditional roots. No climbing walls or water parks on these ships where instead you can enjoy an afternoon high tea, a wine tasting event, or perhaps a hands-on cooking class led by a well-known chef.
Entertainment still abounds onboard … though far less “in your face” than zip lines and belly flop contests. Music is a resounding theme onboard Koningsdam. B.B. King’s Blues Club offers classic blues as well as pop favorites. Lincoln Center features outstanding classical presentations, while Billboard On Board features what you might expect – billboard classics. And yes, there is a good-sized casino onboard as well.
Koningsdam could be a clear choice for cruisers who appreciate a mid-size vessel featuring fine dining, exceptional wines, beers and whiskeys, and enrichment programs over frenetic activity. It is also a fine ship for families who prefer a more subdued family atmosphere. The ship has great kid’s programming and a variety of oceanview and interior staterooms designed specifically for families. Many accommodate as many as five passengers that offer split bathrooms that could have been taken straight from Disney’s playbook.
PROS: Great food, varied enrichment options and intuitive service on intimate mid-size ships. Elegant and refined shipboard experience – without a hint of stuffy. I didn’t detect even the slightest hint of smoke in their casino.
CONS: I found the suites I inspected to be surprisingly small, even cramped – though the bathrooms were large and beautifully appointed. Very much a contrast with some of the expansive suite spaces found even on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.
SO – Vista or Koningsdam – which brand of cruiser are you? These days there truly is a ship and cruise style for almost any traveler. We are available to help you sort through the lines, ships and itineraries to best suit your travel style, preferences and budget. Contact us today … we welcome your questions.
When The subject of cruising comes up – and it inevitably seems to in many of my conversations! – I frequently hear a fairly predictable list of objections from the “I’m not a cruiser” crowd. In most instances, these objections come from people who have formed preconceptions without ever setting foot aboard a cruise ship. On rare occasion, I do encounter someone has had a less than perfect cruise experience, most generally as a result of booking a ship that was a poor match for their preferences and travel style.
My list of common objections:
I have children and need a more family-friendly vacation option. Actually, it’s hard to imagine a more family-friendly vacation than a cruise. Today’s ships offer an array of activity and entertainment options for all ages – including age-appropriate children’s programs from toddler to teens, all at no additional cost. Programs vary by cruise line so be sure to select one of the lines and ships that are geared for family cruisers. Of course, Disney is a given in this category. Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess and Celebrity are also great choices for families and multi-generational groups of travelers.
There are too many children on cruise ships. Just as there are cruise lines that cater specifically to families, there are ships and cruise lines that are perfect choices for empty nesters looking for a serene environment. Holland America, Oceania, and Azamara are excellent choices for couples seeking peace and quiet. Or, book one of the family-friendly cruise lines during months when children are in school – by avoiding the summer months, major holidays and school break times, you will usually find just a smattering of children onboard the sailing.
I can’t afford a cruise vacation. Cruises can be surprisingly affordable and offer tremendous value since so much is included with your fare. Timing is everything, of course – so for best fares, whenever possible book your cruise when families are tied up with school activities and unable to sail. November and December can be exceptionally good to snag a great fare if you avoid the popular major holiday periods. To optimize the cruise experience, we encourage clients to book a minimum of five nights onboard – better ships, better itineraries – and some would argue better shipboard staff as well. All of our cruise vacations can be booked with a modest deposit and we’re happy to take payments over a period of time. Book early to lock in the best fares!
I’m motion sensitive and afraid I’d be sick the entire time. I’m a passionate cruiser – also one who is also exceptionally prone to seasickness. As one who has fallen prey to the misery of motion sickness, I can commiserate with this concern. Thankfully, today’s ships are larger with extremely effective stabilization systems to minimize motion and improve passenger experience. I personally swear by the prescription “patch” … it totally controls any symptoms for me – I’m convinced I could ride out a hurricane in a rowboat when wearing the patch. There are also very effective oral medications as well as a number of alternative remedies that some swear by. There are also strategic approaches such as booking staterooms mid-ship and on lower decks – although I have sailed in staterooms forward and aft, upper and lower decks and – at least for me — room location played no significant part in whether or not I experienced discomfort.
I hate crowds and these huge cruise ships are a turn-off for me. There are SO many small ship options that there is something for every taste and travel style. River cruises offer vessels with approximately 100 passengers … and many ocean-going vessels accommodate just 600 to 1200 people. Great choices are Oceania, Viking, and Azamara … even Royal Caribbean offers smaller ships at with competitive fares. You might also consider Norwegian’s “ship within a ship” Haven experience that offers a private conclave with an intimate small-ship environment combined with all the fun & entertainment of a mega-ship just an elevator ride away. These luxury suites come with front of the line access for boarding and disembarkation, offering passengers the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.
I’m afraid there won’t be enough to do and I’ll get bored. No way! Today’s ships come with such an amazing array of entertainment and activities and enrichment programs that this objection just won’t hold water. Gyms, spa services, production shows, ice skating, bumper cars. Cooking demonstrations, destination lectures. climbing walls, surfing simulators, comedy shows, piano bars, sky diving simulators, zip lines, carousels … today’s ships literally offer something for every interest and preference. Talk to your travel advisor and make sure they guide you to a ship that will suit your interests and you’ll have an amazing vacation experience.
I’m afraid I could fall off. I really do encounter this as a real concern! And from media reports, you might think that people are accidentally tumbling off their balconies on an almost-daily basis. The truth is that a “man overboard” is extremely rare. It takes a concerted effort – and usually an extremely excessive intake of alcohol – to fall off one of these ships. Those who fall from a cruise ship are inevitably engaging in some incredibly reckless behavior – or is the victim of some sort of foul play.
Norovirus is epidemic on cruise ships and I don’t want to catch it! Probably the biggest misconception in the industry! In actuality, less than one percent of norovirus cases occur on ships. You are far more likely to pick up norovirus in healthcare facilities, restaurants, and schools than you are to contract it aboard a cruise ship. Still, no one wants to be among those unlucky few and ruin a vacation. Use the hand sanitizer … wash your hands frequently — be aware when you touch common surfaces and don’t touch your face until hands are thoroughly washed.
If you are cruise curious … ingtrigued by the potential of a cruise vacation but hesitant to take the plunge … we would love the opportunity to address your concerns and clear up any lingering doubts — with no obligation or high pressure selling. Give us a call … use the contact us button on our site … or look up Dancing Moon Travel on Facebook and use our chat button. We would love to hear from you!
Carnival Cruise Line kicked off its first cruise in almost 16 months from Port Miami today with the departure of Carnival Horizon.
It’s the second Carnival ship back in cruising action in two days as the Vista sailed from Galveston on July 3.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald and Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald kicked off the festivities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially welcoming guests on board. Prior to Duffy’s remarks, a moment of silence was held to honor those affected by the tragedy in Surfside.
“PortMiami is our number one homeport in terms of ships and passenger embarkations and today’s return to cruising with Carnival Horizon represents an important first step in getting our company back to business while infusing much-needed capital to the thousands of workers who rely on the cruise industry for their livelihood,” said Duffy. “The past year has been challenging to say the least and I wish to thank our state and local officials, Port Miami, and our business partners and suppliers for their incredible support and patience during this time.”
“The restart of cruise ships from Miami is an exciting day for Miami’s longshoremen. We have approximately 800 members at Port Miami and their wages dropped as much as 80% during the nearly 16-month cruise suspension. Today with Carnival Horizon’s first sailing, we get back to work and look forward to supporting our families again,” said Torin Ragin, president, International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local 1416.
Carnival Horizon will set sail today at 4 p.m. for a six-day cruise with stops in Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.
In addition to Carnival Horizon’s departure this afternoon, Carnival Vista departed Galveston yesterday, with Carnival Breeze departing from Galveston July 15 and Carnival Miracle kicking off the line’s Alaska season from Seattle July 27. Mardi Gras, the line’s newest ship, sets sail from Port Canaveral July 31. Other ships in the Carnival fleet will begin service in August.
Celebrate your next cruise with a tee from Lido Deck Tees
We all know that Americans are infamous for overtaxing themselves in their careers—you know: working 80 hours a week, answering work emails at 3 am, and not taking any vacation days. Given the difficulty many of us have getting away for extended periods, a three-night cruise can sound quite appealing – a fun short getaway at a very attractive price point.
As alluring as the concept of this “fun getaway” may seem, the reality of the three-day cruise is that they most always miss the mark. Most of us will invest several hours simply traveling to the cruise port – a loss in travel time, or a significant chunk of our vacation fund, if a flight is involved.
Once at the pier, the morning of embarkation day is spent checking in … followed by an afternoon of unpacking & settling into your stateroom … and ultimately in attending the mandatory safety drill. It’s not until around the 4 pm sail-away that you are finally able to kick back and begin to fully enjoy your cruise.
On a typical itinerary, you will spend a delightful Day Two of your cruise exploring colorful Nassau, while Day Three might call at the cruise line’s private island, or perhaps provide a relaxing sea day. Remember, however, that some portion of this third day will find you attending the ship’s disembarkation lecture … with a good chunk of your last evening spent packing up and preparing to disembark the next morning.
As the above typical itinerary demonstrates, for the majority of cruisers, a three-day itinerary means you may spend more time traveling and settling in than actually enjoying the destination and shipboard amenities! A three-day cruise generally provides a budget-friendly price point – but is rarely the best value for your precious vacation dollars.
To maximize your cruise experience, we recommend a cruise of five or more nights whenever possible … but even a four-night sailing will significantly improve the flow of your trip. Exception: the one time when a 3-night cruise could be a legitimate bargain would be for those fortunate individuals who live near the departure port. With no concern about travel time, and frequently the potential for added savings in the form of resident discounts as well, a 3-day sailing can provide a great weekend getaway for the fortunate few.
Are you considering a cruise vacation or possibly are among the “cruise curious” and have questions? We can likely save you hours of time and research and there’s never a service charge to our cruise travelers. At Dancing Moon Travel, we really are experts on everything cruise. Contact us today at (404) 913-4386.
We all know that Americans are infamous for overtaxing themselves in their careers—you know: working 80 hours a week, answering work emails at 3 am, and not taking any vacation days. Given the difficulty many of us have getting away for extended periods, a three-night cruise can sound quite appealing – a fun short getaway at a very attractive price point.
As alluring as the concept of this “fun getaway” may seem, the reality of the three-day cruise is that they most always miss the mark. Most of us will invest several hours simply traveling to the cruise port – a loss in travel time, or a significant chunk of our vacation fund, if a flight is involved.
Once at the pier, the morning of embarkation day is spent checking in … followed by an afternoon of unpacking & settling into your stateroom … and ultimately in attending the mandatory safety drill. It’s not until around the 4 pm sail-away that you are finally able to kick back and begin to fully enjoy your cruise.
On a typical itinerary, you will spend a delightful Day Two of your cruise exploring colorful Nassau, while Day Three might call at the cruise line’s private island, or perhaps provide a relaxing sea day. Remember, however, that some portion of this third day will find you attending the ship’s disembarkation lecture … with a good chunk of your last evening spent packing up and preparing to disembark the next morning.
As the above typical itinerary demonstrates, for the majority of cruisers, a three-day itinerary means you may spend more time traveling and settling in than actually enjoying the destination and shipboard amenities! A three-day cruise generally provides a budget-friendly price point – but is rarely the best value for your precious vacation dollars.
To maximize your cruise experience, we recommend a cruise of five or more nights whenever possible … but even a four-night sailing will significantly improve the flow of your trip. Exception: the one time when a 3-night cruise could be a legitimate bargain would be for those fortunate individuals who live near the departure port. With no concern about travel time, and frequently the potential for added savings in the form of resident discounts as well, a 3-day sailing can provide a great weekend getaway for the fortunate few.
Are you considering a cruise vacation or possibly are among the “cruise curious” and have questions? We can likely save you hours of time and research and there’s never a service charge to our cruise travelers. At Dancing Moon Travel, we really are experts on everything cruise. Contact us today at (404) 913-4386.
When The subject of cruising comes up – and it inevitably seems to in many of my conversations! – I frequently hear a fairly predictable list of objections from the “I’m not a cruiser” crowd. In most instances, these objections come from people who have formed preconceptions without ever setting foot aboard a cruise ship. On rare occasion, I do encounter someone has had a less than perfect cruise experience, most generally as a result of booking a ship that was a poor match for their preferences and travel style.
