Are you researching a Southern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival? Did you just book a Southern Caribbean cruise on Carnival? Cruising on Carnival Horizon? Here are all the details! Need to know what to pack?
We sailed out of Miami on Carnival Horizon on Jan 21, 2023
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 1 : Miami
Check-in was very quick and we were on the ship within 30 minutes of parking. The pool and lido deck were packed, so we grabbed some tacos and margaritas for lunch and then headed to the Havana Bar for a retreat, and a retreat it was.
The Havana Bar has been one of our favorite bars on the Vista and higher class ships in Carnival’s fleet. There are some activities in the Havana Bar, but when there isn’t anything scheduled, you can escape there for a nice Cuban coffee, cocktail or just a place to relax in some peace and quiet. I was a little disappointed, as my favorite drink recipe was changed since the last time I cruised on a ship with a Havana bar onboard. The Cuban Iced Tea no longer has Raspberry Rum, but instead has Lemon Rum. It was ok, but it sadly didn’t remain at the top of my drink list for Carnival any longer.
The Carnival Horizon, a Vista Class Ship, built in 2018 has many unique amenities on board. There are two high in the sky bikes called the Carnival SkyRide, SportSquare, mini-golf and Dr Seuss WaterWorks. There is an IMAX theater and immersive 3-D theater as well. Of course Carnival is known for its Serenity Adult Only Retreat and the Cloud 9 Spa and Horizon has these on board as well! There is even Carnival’s First Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse; yes I said it! A brewery on the ship!
Getting around via the elevator on the Horizon is a little different than using other elevators. There is a panel outside the elevator that you select your floor and number of passengers. The elevator tells you which elevator to go to. Below you can see an example of the panel and the instructions near the elevators.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Days 2-3: At Sea
We spent Day 2 and 3 exploring the ship, playing Bingo, going to comedy shows and lazing around in the sun with lots of cocktails. There was a Victorias Secret and Luxury Handbags boutique, with brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, on board. There was also the typical jewelry, watch, candy, liquor and novelties shops on board as well.
Day 2 was the first elegant night for dinner. For Carnival, the elegant dress code is a lot more relaxed than other cruise lines we have cruised on. On elegant nights, most women are in simple pants suits or dresses and men in khakis and polo shirts. There were a few on the extreme end in tuxedos and gowns, but for the most part, it is more church clothes or business attire.
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 4: Aruba
Best of Aruba and Eagle Beach
We booked this excursion through Carnival. Read the full review here. This is a definite non-recommend from us!
Catamaran Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 5: Bonaire
Off-Road Dirty Buggy & Cave Exploration
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 6: La Romana
Altos de Chavon & Caves of Wonders
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 7: Amber Cove
Zipline & 27 Waterfalls Combo
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: At Sea
Step into a shipboard speakeasy that feels more like a vintage apothecary than a bar — the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Horizon. With its leather-bound menus styled like old remedy books, and mixologists in crisp lab coats, it’s a playful nod to the “cocktail pharmacy” concept.
Here, expert bartenders don’t just serve drinks — they craft “remedies” and “elixirs” using select spirits, fresh juices, infused syrups, spices, and theatrical flair like lighted cinnamon, flaming orange oils, and fresh basil garnishes. Choose from the classic menu—think Cucumber Sunrise, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini, Curative Peach Cosmopolitan—or skip the menu entirely and let the mixologist tailor a potion just for you.
🕒 Opening hours vary by cruise day — typically opening in the afternoon (around 2 p.m. on sea days or 4 p.m. embarkation days) and staying open late into the evening.
Whether you’re gathering for a pre‑dinner cocktail flight, winding down after a show, or simply seeking something a little more refined than a poolside drink, Alchemy Bar delivers a memorable, theatrical, and above‑deck cocktail experience. On Day 8 we spent quite a bit of time perusing the menu and trying different drinks. It’s quite entertaining to watch the mixologists do their magic!
Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 9: Miami
Debarkation was a long process and getting out of parking and off the port was even longer. At 3 hours after we starting walking off the ship, we could still see the ship! Getting out of the parking garage was almost an hour ordeal in itself. The traffic to get over the bridge was stop and go, but mostly stop! Once we got over the bridge, police detoured us back to the port to go out via the tunnel. It was a complete fiasco. We were scheduled to get home at about 5 pm and we didn’t get back to middle Georgia until almost 9 pm. It was a long travel day for sure!
All in all we had a great time on our 8-day Southern Caribbean Cruise on the Carnival Horizon!
-S&E
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[…] Be sure to check out the east side of the island on an adventurous ATV or side by side adventure! You can see the rest of our cruise here: 8-day Captivating Southern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Horizon. […]