The Carnival Horizon cruiseship is sort of a floating city with everything you can imagine. It is the perfect vacation for those searching for wheelchair accessible activities because everything is self-contained within the ship. There's no need for booking taxis or worrying about transportation to merely reach dinner or perhaps a show, for example. Instead, you can enjoy all of the amenities from shows and the casino floor to pool-side drinks, lots of delicious dining, and stunning ports of call.
The following 22 activities are available on the Carnival Horizon cruiseship and they're all wheelchair accessible, providing for an amazing vacation. I personally vacationed around the Carnival Horizon in February 2022 and had a great time, with highlights including the eventful shows, pool-side lounging, and a actual life bet on Clue. Here are some of the numerous things that you can do on the Carnival Horizon like a wheelchair user –
1. Enjoy a show on the Main Stage
Cruise ships provide evening entertainment and on the Carnival Horizon, the primary Stage is a great spot to have a show. Every night there is a different show and I really enjoyed the variety, from a hilarious night with Love and Marriage to singing and dancing with amazing performances.
Another notable night was the Hasbro Game Night, where audience members took part in live board game activities on stage. This show takes classic Hasbro games like Connect 4 and Yahtzee and means they are life size for participants to experience on stage. Not just was this show fun to look at, but there were tons of opportunities to win prizes and watch family and friends enjoying themselves.
2. Relax in your spacious, wheelchair friendly state room
When planning your cruise, you might not think the state rooms is going to be spacious enough to accommodate your requirements, however these modern ships take wheelchair accessibility into account when designing the rooms and that i was amazed with my state room.
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When I had been aboard the Carnival Horizon, I stayed in a Verandah room, which was plenty big enough to create relaxing in the room a daily activity. There was space for a Hoyer lift to roll under the bed, and both main space and the bathroom were easily accessible. I had space to get around the room without it feeling cramped or too small. Within the bathroom, there is a roll-in shower, a pull-under sink, and grab bars with sufficient space to maneuver.
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3. Watch the waves from your balcony
Another fantastic aspect of my verandah state room was the private balcony. It was an excellent place to see the ocean, and also to relax or have some quiet time throughout the cruise.
If your room does not have a balcony, there are several quieter spots through the ship to have some minutes and relish the waves, the breeze, and the view. The decks can get busy before meal times, but there are definitely lulls within the crowds which is a good time to find a secluded spot to relax watching the ocean.
4. Play Bingo (and win!)
Days on the ocean can be a great opportunity to join in on the fun and play a few rounds of Bingo. Most cruises possess a Bingo schedule and there is a few price packages available to get in on the fun, as this is a cost to play activity. Although this activity is the one other cost, there's also plenty of possibilities to win, which offers cash prizes. Bingo is a superb low-risk activity to get away from the sun's rays and revel in some friendly competition. I played on my small last day's the cruise and won $250, which was a great added bonus and fun method to wrap up my vacation.
5. Laugh in a comedy show
If you've ever took it to a comedy show, but didn't want to worry about parking, cover charges, and drink minimums, then you must see a show in the Punchliner Comedy Club. The shows at this venue are incorporated with your cruise and therefore are the perfect opportunity to see some live comedy.
The schedule per cruise varies, but there are both adult-only and family-friendly acts, so everyone can attend at some point during their trip. The easiest method to navigate the schedule is thru the schedule delivered to a state room. It will have the road up and also the show rating, so you can see some comedy that matches your taste and is guaranteed to cause you to laugh.
6. Swim within the pools
Going to the pool is essential on any cruise. In the end, who would want to be cruising and not go for a swim? Most cruise ships have several pools, some of which may be adult only. Most pools on the Carnival Horizon are accessible, but you'll need to ask for the pool lift to be prepared. Everything can be achieved through guest services, so just have an idea of which pool you want to swim in and request a good start in the guest services station. After i asked, it took around an hour to prepare and set up the lift, which was sufficient time to put in my request after which head back to my room to get ready for any relaxing some time and a nice swim.
7. Watch a fresh movie within the IMAX Theater
The Carnival Horizon is so amazing that it even has its own IMAX Theater. This is another added cost activity, but it is a great chance to visit a completely new movie in a unique setting. When I was on my trip, I saw the film Glass and it was a cool experience. The theater is wheelchair accessible, however, you should know that the wheelchair seating is incorporated in the very front of the theater, so be prepared to lookup and find out your film on the larger than life screen. The movies vary depending on when you are around the ship, but there are always completely new releases within the classic IMAX format.
8. Soak in the great thing about a sunset or sunrise
Being around the open ocean on the huge cruise ship is a truly unique experience. To raise this experience even more, be sure you intend to visit a sunset or sunrise, based on your schedule and preference, while you're on board. There are plenty of places to take this sight, in the decks through the ship to your own private balcony. The sunset is more popular, as it is time is much more convenient, but a sunrise may be even more beautiful if you're able to handle the wake up call.
9. Experience fantastic ports of call
One of the best parts of a weight cruise gets to see different locations with the stops, the stops the ship makes through the trip. Within my cruise, I visited Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao, and Aruba, that have been all fantastic stops.
Relaxing in Aruba
Each port of call provides a number of excursions, or excursions, to savor the destination. I used a third-party service, Accessible Caribbean Vacations, to book wheelchair accessible activities, but Carnival provides a number of excursions directly through their site and they've several wheelchair friendly options.
10. Participate in Groove for St. Jude
A great party aboard my cruise was the Groove for St. Jude event, that is an extra cost for a great cause. For $10, you are able to donate to St. Jude and participate in the dance party on deck. Only at that party, you'll get a t-shirt along with a wristband, together with accessibility dancing along with other party activities. This is a fantastic way to make use of your getaway to assist benefit a great cause, and receive a t-shirt like a souvenir. When the event is complete, you can observe how much your cruise raised for St. Jude. On mine, we raised a total of $10,000, that is amazing and can help St. Jude in the research and support children undergoing treatment.
11. Sing for the life in the Lip Sync Battle
The Paramount Network has a hit tv series, Lip Sync Battle, and Carnival has partnered with them to create Lip Sync Battle: Carnival, an on-stage adaptation of the show. Guests on the cruise can audition for an opportunity to compete around the ship, and set on a series of shows for the rest of the ship through the cruise.
Each show allows participants to compete with costumes, lights, and even background dancers, all working to recreate the feel of the show instantly. The winner of the series is crowned the Lip Sync Battle Champion and receives a LSB belt and exclusive gift. I'd a blast watching the show as an audience member, so this is a real treat no matter if you participate or watch.
12. Treat your sweet tooth in Cherry on Top
When I had been aboard the ship, there was a candy shop, Cherry on Top, that rivaled almost every other candy shop I've visited. Shopping here wasn't contained in the price of my trip, so anything I got myself was extra, however i had a great time shopping for any and each candy I possibly could imagine.
Visiting the candy shop and buying is a superb method to splurge and suit your sweet tooth. This could be an excellent added bonus to the vacation or perhaps a easy way spend a few hours within the afternoon lull, or make the best of a rainy day on the ocean.
13. Dine at one (or all) from the specialty restaurants
Dining on the cruise ship is split up into two categories: the disposable options and also the extra expense options. Most cruises offer inclusive dining in a main dining area, as well as on specific decks, which provides ample opportunity to sample all sorts of cuisine and satisfy any craving. Along with these free options, there are many speciality restaurants aboard the Carnival Horizon which are an extra expense, but can really raise your overall experience.
I dined at the following restaurants during my trip, with my top picks being Bonsai Teppanyaki and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Each restaurant was amazing and I would recommend them to fellow travelers. The food was delicious also it would be a great experience all around.
Bonsai Teppanyaki is really a meal along with a show, with your Japanese entrees cooked at the front individuals on a large grill. The menus offer lunch and dinner having a wide array of appetizers and entrees. Guests are seated family style along with a reservation is usually recommended as tables fill up fast with this interactive dining experience.
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse is a cruise casual and elegant steakhouse with all the classic steakhouse offerings, from appetizers to chops and desserts. It is really an upscale destination dining experience that also requires a reservation. You are able to book a reservation online after completing your cruise registration.
The staff at Fahrenheit 555 helping me cut my lobster.
Jiji Asian Kitchen has a fully Asian inspired menu with amazing theming. The fabrics, colors, and restaurant design all help to generate a unique dining experience. The full-service menu has a variety of offerings, from exotic to familiar, that may expand your palate or offer comfort. Reservations aren't required, but they are recommended so you can dine at your preferred time.
Seafood Shack provides a selection of seafood for your enjoyment while sailing the ocean. This is a great spot for your meal to enjoy a seafood roll having a great look at the ocean. The restaurant was designed to feel like a New England seaside port while offering Atlantic menu things like the lobster roll. Reservations aren't required, because this is a far more casual dining option, much like lunch in the seaside after a day at the beach.
Fish and chips
Cucina del Capitano is the place to go for a legendary and traditional Italian meal. Things are served family style for a classic Italian eating experience. This is an excellent place to choose dinner when you're looking for a comfortable, home-like dining knowledge about enough food for the whole family.
14. Soar over the ocean on SkyRide
On the Carnival Horizon, there is a great new ride known as SkyRide. It's kind of like mowing the lawn, but in the air and over the ocean. The ride consists of a suspended track with pedal-powered go-mobiles where you can come around and eat the sights from up high in the sky. Riders can race one another, use their ride like a workout, or just enjoy the view and also the memorable experience.
This ride is wheelchair easy to use, depending on your height of accessibility. There is a set of stairs to be able to reach the ride, but there is a stairlift to assist wheelchair users get to the top. The ride does require wheelchair users to transfer to the ride seat, and be able to sit unassisted, in addition to pedal with your legs just like you would on the bicycle.
15. Play a game of actual life Clue
Any fan of murder mysteries or even the boardgame Clue will have a blast participating in the life-size version aboard the Carnival Horizon. Clue: The Murder Mystery is free to play and each member gets to be a free case file, which turns the ship to your game board. The sport runs with the duration of your cruise with special scheduled events to add to the enjoyment. Each event provides a new clue for you to use with your case file to try and solve the situation. There is a unique prize for people who solve the case and that i were built with a blast playing along during my trip.
16. Practice your Pac-Man skills at the video arcade
Whether you're an active gamer searching for some screen time or an arcade fan looking for some old-school gaming fun, check out the arcade. The arcade is open all the time and does require an added cost, but it is an excellent place to obtain some tokens enjoy yourself with friends or family. Being offered 24 hours a day means this is an excellent spot to get free from the sun's rays and revel in some entertainment during off hours, or while everyone else is busy using the day's activities.
17. Try to win some money in the casino
Another big draw to cruises is the casino. This is an adult-only activity with everything from table games and slots to prize games, scratch-offs, tournaments, and Bingo. The Carnival Horizon offers a complete casino experience right down to the free drinks, flashing lights, and large jackpots. I personally didn't have much luck when I tried my hand in a few games, but it was still being a good time and a good way to find some fun out of the sun. The casino is the one other cost around the cruise, but if you are a fan of slots or table games, it offers hours of fun.
18. Observe how much ice cream you can eat on your trip
A highlight of the Carnival Horizon, in addition to most Carnival cruises, may be the free frozen treats. At Swirls, there's free ice cream Twenty-four hours a day, and that means you might have your preferred flavors through the amount of your trip. This is a great way to cool-down and enjoy every afternoon, as well as take a rest between events or treat the family after dinner. Personally, i like to keep track of how many times I visit Swirls and sample all the classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
19. Admire the numerous towel animals
After a busy, event filled day on and off board the ship, it was always a goody to arrive in my room and find out which towel animal was put on my bed. Every single day, the rooms are tidied and made up, with the staff leaving a creative towel animal on the bed. This can be a fantastic way to continue the fun of the cruise and is a unique added touch towards the overall cruise experience. It can be fun guessing which animal the towels resemble every night and can be a fun way to document your trip with a brand new picture every night.
20. Grab a drink (or four) by the pool
Cruises provide choice of beverages, both alcoholic and mocktails. It is easy to find a spot to grab a drink and pool-side is among the most typical locations. On the Carnival Horizon, you will find three main places to find the best selection of drinks: Red Frog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and Alchemy Bar. My favorite drink from the trip was the Miami Vice, a half pina colada and half strawberry daiquiri beverage, which made lounging at the lake that rather more relaxing.
Red Frog Rum Bar is a poolside bar that gives a Caribbean atmosphere and themed drinks. The beverages listed here are rum based and can be ordered through the glass or even the pitcher. Additionally, there are signature draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.
BlueIguana Tequila Bar is the place to choose cold slushy drinks and beverages. The menu offers a variety of frozen drinks, which may be ordered by the glass or even the pitcher, in addition to a beer cocktail, all inspired by Mexico.
Alchemy Bar isn't poolside, but offers a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” having a unique drink menu. There is a larger menu offered here, as well as the capability to be amazed and order a “prescribed” custom beverage, without or with alcohol.
21. Use the public restroom
As a wheelchair user, I understand that not all public restrooms are created equal or are wheelchair friendly. The public restrooms, the restrooms through the ship beyond my stateroom, were very accommodating. You will find wheelchair accessible companion care restrooms located throughout the ship, that makes it much simpler to stay in for any break without needing to leave all the fun around the deck. Many activities were a distance away from my stateroom and it was great to be able to choose a restroom quickly that could accommodate me.
22. Free food. Need I only say more?!
There are some great specialty dining experiences on the ship, but there's also lots of free possibilities to enjoy food from around the world. There's a standard dining package that accompany each guest's stay which implies that to nibble on free of charge in some places throughout the ship. This makes it easy to find all your meals, snacks, and desserts without having to carry cash or cards during your whole stay.
Two of my personal favorite lunch options were Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. I loved lunch at BlueIguana and decided on a taco salad several times, as it was delicious. For supper, the conventional is the dining area, with a variety of options each night, in addition to specialty items which vary with respect to the day and the cruise.
As you can see, the Carnival Horizon provides a selection of wheelchair accessible activities and amenities, which make it easier to focus on the fun and relaxation of the cruise and fewer about should there be appropriate accommodations. I enjoyed exactly what the cruise had to offer, from relaxing in my room to taking a swim within the pool and attending shows for any well rounded vacation.
The accessibility on the Carnival Horizon seemed to be great, with large state rooms complete with an accessible balcony towards the public restrooms, accommodations at each restaurant and show, and activities that provided fun for the entire family. I would recommend a cruise around the Carnival Horizon for your next vacation, regardless of what your abilities are.
*Thank you to definitely Carnival Cruise Line for dealing with me about this adventure! While my cruise was complimentary, all opinions are authentic and my very own.
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