If you are planning a cruise on the Carnival Horizon you will want to check out these 17 tips to help you make the most out of your cruise vacation. I discovered these Carnival Horizon tips after our recent Caribbean cruise.
Carnival Horizon is part of the Vista class of ships. The Horizon’s sister ships are the Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista. These ships are all very similar with only minor differences.

This article contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please see the Disclosure page.
17 Carnival Horizon cruise tips
1. Ocean Plaza bar has coffee
The Ocean Plaza bar is on deck 5 beside the JavaBlue Cafe. Many don’t realize that the same specialty coffees and teas are available at the Ocean Plaza bar.
Before getting in line at the Java Blue cafe, look over at the Ocean Plaza bar. The line is often considerably shorter there, especially early on in the cruise before others start to realize.

Photo by Load The Luggage
2. Sauna is free to use
This is a Carnival Horizon tip that many aren’t aware of.
In the fitness room change rooms (deck 12) you will find the saunas. Anyone can use these as they are not part of the spa.
These change rooms do have showers and towels that you can use.

3. Serenity deck salad bar
The Serenity deck area is the adult only area. You will find 2 hot tubs, a bar, nice padded lounge chairs, day beds, and a delicious salad bar.
The Fresh Creations salad bar has no additional cost but is only open for lunch and only on sea days.
4. Cherry On Top has ice cream cookie sandwiches
You can get free soft serve ice cream in the Lido Marketplace buffet, but for something different check out Cherry on Top. This is the candy store onboard.
They have made to order ice cream cookie sandwiches. Choose from 6 different types of ice cream, then choose from several different mix-ins, and finally choose your topping.
There is a cost for these but it is definitely worth it. On our sailing they were $3.00 plus an 18% auto gratuity. They may have increased since then, but it’s worth checking out.

5. Spiked milkshakes
I didn’t even know spiked milkshakes were a thing until Carnival.
The JavaBlue Cafe on deck 5 has both spiked milkshakes and spiked floats in addition to regular ones.
There are six flavors of each. You could try a “kicked-up island delight” milkshake which is malibu rum, pineapple juice, coconut syrup, and vanilla ice cream. Or how about a “vanilla sunshine” float with Skyy citrus vodka, vanilla ice cream and Orange Crush.
These are included in the Cheers drink package. Without the package they were $11.25 plus an 18% auto gratuity. The price can obviously change.
6. Free daily crossword and sudoku
If you are a fan of puzzles, be sure to grab the daily crossword and Sudoku puzzle sheet from the stand at JavaBlue Cafe. At the end of the counter you will find them along with a mini pencil.
It is a nice touch.
This one was taken on the Vista (which is a sister ship to the Horizon), but the Horizon has the same thing.

7. Secret decks!
If you are looking for a quiet spot with amazing ocean views, check out the secret decks on deck 6 and 7. The only seating there is a bench and it can be quite windy at times but it is still definitely worth checking out.
I found it easier to access from deck 7. Walk all the way forward past all the staterooms, at the end, turn and walk out the door that is marked only as “exit”.
From deck 7 there is an exterior staircase down to deck 6.

8. Use casino kiosk machines to cash out
At the entrance to the casino you will see the casino kiosks. Use these machines to quickly cash out any money you have left in your players bank from the slot machines. This can be a big time saver, especially on the last day when the lines can be long at the casino cages.
These machines can also break larger bills. This can be handy before going ashore in port, it’s always better to have smaller bills rather than large ones especially at the little shops and vendor stands.

9. The outside of deck 5 is a gem
The outside of deck 5 is hands down my favorite area on the Vista class cruise ships (Horizon, Vista, Panorama).
There is great seating options including table and chairs, padded lounge chairs, and circular day beds. This area is often quiet and uncrowded.
It also has easy access to the coffee shop, Ocean Plaza bar, and washrooms.

10. Skybox Bar has electronic poker
Texas Hold’em fans won’t find this game in the casino, but there is an electronic poker table in the Skybox Sports Bar.
The Hub app and the printed FunTimes will list times for players to gather to get a game going.

11. Thrill Theatre is not operating
If you have been researching the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, you might have noticed there is an IMAX theatre as well as Thrill Theatre. The IMAX Theatre is still operating but Thrill Theatre is not.
A crew member said it hasn’t opened up since the pandemic and it won’t be. It will be replaced at the next dry dock but she didn’t know with what.
12. Ride the SkyRide early on
The SkyRide is the suspended bike ride that you pedal along a track. It’s a free activity but its operation is dependent on the weather.
You don’t want to wait until your last sea day only to find that it isn’t operating.

13. Use the smart elevators correctly
The elevators are different on Carnival Horizon than on many other ships. You choose your floor before getting into the elevator. Once you select your floor, it tells you which elevator to wait in front of.
What many (most??) people don’t do is to select the floor for the number of people in your party. For example, if there are 4 of you wanting to go to deck 10. You would hit deck ten 4 times.
Not doing it properly can cause frustration for you and others. There may be 3 others waiting on the floor above you to also go to deck 10. If you only push deck 10 once, the elevator will think there are room for those other 3. This causes extra stops for you and extra wait for others.
14. Spa day passes are available
If you are wanting to try the relaxation areas and thermal lounge chairs you can purchase a day pass rather than for the full week. Keep in mind though that there are a limited number available and they can sell out.
Sea day passes will be more money than on port days. On our sailing sea days were $69 and port days were $49. This can of course change.
If you are wanting a day pass for the spa I would suggest you go there soon after embarking and inquire. These passes are only for the relaxation areas and don’t include any treatments.
15. There are 2 Guy’s Burgers lines
I know this sounds like a minor thing, but I don’t know how many times I have walked by and told people at the end of one of the lines that there isn’t a line on the other side.
Most people see the line closest to the pool and just jump in that line rather than noticing on the other side (closest to the door to the buffet) if often considerably shorter.

16. Blue Iguana Cantina has breakfast burritos
The BlueIguana has made to order breakfast burritos and they are yummy. If you are looking for an alternative to the breakfast buffet, give the breakfast burritos a try. There is no extra cost to eat here.
17. Some specialty restaurants have free lunch (different menu)
I definitely think Carnival has the best free lunch options and this just adds to that.
At lunch, Cucina del Capitano becomes the Pasta Bar (deck 11). You will be handed a slip of paper where you check off which type of pasta you’d like, your sauce choice then all the extras. You can also choose beef lasagna.
As I mentioned, there is no cost to eat lunch here.
At dinner this restaurant is Cucina del Capitano with a very different menu and experience. This has an additional cost.

At lunch, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen a dinner pay restaurant becomes Mongolian Wok. While it is a different menu than Ji Ji’s Kitchen, it is a great choice for lunch. Especially since there is no extra cost to eat at the Mongolian Wok.
I hope these Carnival Horizon tips have helped you get excited for your next cruise and given you a better understanding of what to expect and how you can make the most out of your Carnival Horizon cruise.