Normal
With 14 cruises in my history, 6 on Celebrity ships including the very first cruise on the Horizon and 3 in the past 2 years on Carnival's new ships, I will try to outline some variances. I believe your TA is correct in her analysis.Horizon was built in 1990 (apx.) holds 1400 passengers and each normal cabin is about 160 SF. thus the ship is older (however well kept) and smaller than the Carnival ships. There are no balconies or extensive atrium like on the Carnival ships. Public rooms are of more modern decor; silver, blond tone woods, more contemporary designs. Service and the aim to please are what brings Celebrity's reputation up a notch. There won't be many announcements at all. Read the daily newsletter before you go to bed so you can decide what you may wish to do and when the next day. I bring a highlighter. If you read this, most of your questions will be answered. Just a few weeks ago while sailing with our daughter & son-in-law (36 & 38) for the 1st. time, we were in St. Thomas and never heard an "all clear to go ashore" announcement, so be aware of your surroundings and proceed to wherever you wish to go. Dining is an enjoyable evening experience. If there is something you love, go ahead and ask for it again the next evening even it its not on the menu. If you wish two entree's, again, go ahead and order them upfront. My little grandson had Shrimp Cocktail every night! Our SIL enjoyed Escargot nightly. There should be a fresh made to order omlet station within the Ocean Buffet area and a Pasta Bar at lunch time (in the same place). Watch the buffet hours as they still have some gaps in opening service compared to Carnival (I loved their buffets with so many choices and long hours of operation). Don't miss the Wine tasting and Martini tasting ($5 for 5 small different martinis). Take part in as many or as few on-board activities as you like. There will be some poolside activities but not many. Our recent cruise had two guest speakers: finance and tennis, plus enrichment classes in computers, photography both regular and digital, self help seminars; make-over, galley tour, etc. Encourage your GF to do things and you do a few different things. You will each enjoy your time on vacation so much more. The spa and gym were good when we sailed Horizon which got us hooked on cruising. There should be a Michael's Club, Rendevous Louge (our favorite before dinner spot) and other public rooms. You should have a safe in your cabin now but I am not sure about a mini-fridge. If you require something of your cabin steward, don't hesitate to make a request. I bring post-it notes and write in very simple terms. Celebrity now allows Tips to be charged to your Sign & Sail account but they do give you a "card with this & a Thank you" for presentation to the proper server. Envelopes are still provided as well. Bermuda is different than a Caribbean cruise for all cruise ships. There will be limited evening entertainment while docked and thus no casino operation. It is Bermuda's law and way to promote their nightly tourism and economic gains. Don't miss King Henry's 8th pub across from the Sonesta or the Swizzle Inn near Georgetown (?). Rum Swizzles and Yellow Birds are the best! We have spent some time on land tours. Hotel hopping is a neat thing to do. Rent a motor shooter, but do be very careful as the roads are extremely narrow and very windy. Don't miss Horeshoe Bay and get up to the Princess hotel on the top of the cliff above the golf course. If you are into golf, this is the place to play. Bus service is a great way to experience this island and its very friendly people. Don't hesitate to ask for a transfer and travel from one end of the island to the other. Most of all like on all cruises, wear a smile and extend a handshake. You are on vacation.Bon Voyage
With 14 cruises in my history, 6 on Celebrity ships including the very first cruise on the Horizon and 3 in the past 2 years on Carnival's new ships, I will try to outline some variances. I believe your TA is correct in her analysis.
Horizon was built in 1990 (apx.) holds 1400 passengers and each normal cabin is about 160 SF. thus the ship is older (however well kept) and smaller than the Carnival ships. There are no balconies or extensive atrium like on the Carnival ships. Public rooms are of more modern decor; silver, blond tone woods, more contemporary designs. Service and the aim to please are what brings Celebrity's reputation up a notch. There won't be many announcements at all. Read the daily newsletter before you go to bed so you can decide what you may wish to do and when the next day. I bring a highlighter. If you read this, most of your questions will be answered. Just a few weeks ago while sailing with our daughter & son-in-law (36 & 38) for the 1st. time, we were in St. Thomas and never heard an "all clear to go ashore" announcement, so be aware of your surroundings and proceed to wherever you wish to go. Dining is an enjoyable evening experience. If there is something you love, go ahead and ask for it again the next evening even it its not on the menu. If you wish two entree's, again, go ahead and order them upfront. My little grandson had Shrimp Cocktail every night! Our SIL enjoyed Escargot nightly. There should be a fresh made to order omlet station within the Ocean Buffet area and a Pasta Bar at lunch time (in the same place). Watch the buffet hours as they still have some gaps in opening service compared to Carnival (I loved their buffets with so many choices and long hours of operation). Don't miss the Wine tasting and Martini tasting ($5 for 5 small different martinis). Take part in as many or as few on-board activities as you like. There will be some poolside activities but not many. Our recent cruise had two guest speakers: finance and tennis, plus enrichment classes in computers, photography both regular and digital, self help seminars; make-over, galley tour, etc. Encourage your GF to do things and you do a few different things. You will each enjoy your time on vacation so much more. The spa and gym were good when we sailed Horizon which got us hooked on cruising. There should be a Michael's Club, Rendevous Louge (our favorite before dinner spot) and other public rooms. You should have a safe in your cabin now but I am not sure about a mini-fridge. If you require something of your cabin steward, don't hesitate to make a request. I bring post-it notes and write in very simple terms. Celebrity now allows Tips to be charged to your Sign & Sail account but they do give you a "card with this & a Thank you" for presentation to the proper server. Envelopes are still provided as well. Bermuda is different than a Caribbean cruise for all cruise ships. There will be limited evening entertainment while docked and thus no casino operation. It is Bermuda's law and way to promote their nightly tourism and economic gains. Don't miss King Henry's 8th pub across from the Sonesta or the Swizzle Inn near Georgetown (?). Rum Swizzles and Yellow Birds are the best! We have spent some time on land tours. Hotel hopping is a neat thing to do. Rent a motor shooter, but do be very careful as the roads are extremely narrow and very windy. Don't miss Horeshoe Bay and get up to the Princess hotel on the top of the cliff above the golf course. If you are into golf, this is the place to play. Bus service is a great way to experience this island and its very friendly people. Don't hesitate to ask for a transfer and travel from one end of the island to the other. Most of all like on all cruises, wear a smile and extend a handshake. You are on vacation.
Bon Voyage
