As Toby Keith once said – Come as you are

And that’s what I love about Carnival Cruises.

If I were going to give cruise lines a one line description, Carnival Cruises would certainly be this- Come as You Are.

We have just returned from our 3rd Carnival Cruise out of New York to the Caribbean onboard the beautiful Carnival Horizon, we have sailed onboard the sister ship Vista in Europe 2 years ago in the Havana Cabana cabins and so were easily tempted back into this unique style of cabin with private pool.

The Havana cabana terrace balcony cabins are on deck 5 aft next to the Havana pool & Jacuzzis, and bar. During the day until 7pm this area is exclusive to those guests staying in a Havana cabana or havana inside cabin, there are also a few balcony cabins above deck 6 7 & 8 which are classed as Havana cabins as they over look the pool.

The cabanas are simply brilliant, as you have your own private terrace with loungers and patio furniture to enjoy breakfast on or an evening drink with room service. Just relax and read a book, socialise with your fellow neighbours. Everyone in this area is given a wrist band and the only people in the terrace area are the people in those cabins so it is very private. There is a locked gate at the end of the lanai where the cabanas end.

I will certainly be looking forward to when Carnival Panorama launches, although this ship will be based in Long Beach California.

And theres Carnival itself, when travelling to the Caribbean, relaxed is the way to go, no formal dress code [ as such ] There are elegant nights but even on these nights the dress code is still pretty relaxed.

Carnival Horizon has everything to offer – although in high season, it is crowded, not that we had any problem in the Havana area, but the main pool decks were exceptionally busy.  There is mini golf, sports courts, bowling, table tennis, high ropes, the sky ride [ elevated cycle track ] waterpark with slides, arcade rooms, Imax cinema [ chargeable ] outdoor open movie screen for dive in movies day and night, casino, comedy club, night club, theatre, sports bar, piano bar, Havana Bar with mambo magic who were a fabulous band. The list is simply endless.

Then there is the food, and I have to say I much prefer relaxed lunches onboard as the speciality restaurants are included for lunch. There are of course the main lido buffet which has a deli counter and ice cream stations. Then the list is endless again:

Guys burgers-

Blue Iguana Taco bar

Blue Iguana burrito bar

The pizzeria [ which for a 5$ charge delivers anywhere! on the ship ]

Pig & Anchor BBQ joint

Cucina Italian

Ji Ji Asian

And of course room service [ limited menu and chargeable after 10pm ]

We sailed out of Manhattan cruise terminal which was the simplest ever check in and we were onboard in under 20 mins. The first 2 days were at sea which was perfect to relax from sightseeing in New York. Then we stopped at Grand Turk, Amber Cove and San Juan, I will do a separate blog for these amazing ports.

If you would like to check out all the photos the album is on my facebook page:

https://business.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1898203536884925.1073741843.632858343419457&type=1&l=ad3d30ab77

If you would like to sail Carnival certainly dont hesitate to let me know – would be glad to advise. 🙂