Over winter break, on December 28th, I embarked on my first cruise trip. Standing at Port Miami in Florida, staring up at the massive Carnival Horizon ship, I felt a mix of excitement and disbelief. The ship looked enormous, almost unreal, and it was hard to imagine that it would be home for the next nine days. As soon as I stepped onboard, that disbelief turned into amazement. From the moment we embarked, it was clear that this trip would be filled with discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Â
The timing of the cruise made it even more special. Sailing through the end of December and into January meant I would be ringing in the New Year at sea, something I had never done before. The first few days were spent settling into the cruise life and exploring the ship. Carnival Horizon felt like a floating city, with endless decks, restaurants, pools, a movie theater, and activity spaces. It took time to learn my way around, but that was part of the fun. Every corner seemed to offer something new, whether it was a quiet place to sit and watch the ocean or a lively area filled with music and laughter.Â
Days at sea became one of my favorite moments. Without the worry of having the essentials when getting off the ship in port or making it back on board in time, I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted or attend as many things as I wanted, thanks to the planner tool for current happenings on board. I spent time poolside, enjoying the sun and the relaxed atmosphere, and watched movies onboard, which felt extra special while floating in the middle of the ocean. The arcade brought out my competitive side, while the live music impressed me with its sound. Each night ended differently, sometimes with the poolside movies, card games –like Phase 10, or sometimes stargazing on the decks where the sky was clear of city lights I am so accustomed to. Â
Our first port of call was Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. Although I did not leave the ship, I enjoyed and took in the sights from my cabin’s balcony. The water was clear, and the temperature was comfortable. For miles, I saw greenery and hills, and then, looking down, many water activities were being done near the shore.Â
One of the most memorable moments of the entire trip was welcoming in the New Year at sea. On December 31st, the ship was buzzing with excitement. Everyone dressed up, music filled the top deck, and there was a shared sense that we were all part of something unique. As midnight approached, I stood surrounded by people from all walks of life, counting down together while the ocean stretched endlessly around us. Ringing in the New Year aboard Carnival Horizon felt magical. Instead of fireworks, there was the gentle movement of the ship and then the horn blaring at midnight. Â
On the first day of the year, we ported in Aruba, and it was one of the most unforgettable days. The crystal-clear water and bright blue skies made it feel like a postcard come to life. That day, we did an excursion where we went snorkeling off a schooner boat for a couple of hours. Being out on the water, surrounded by endless shades of blue, was incredible on its own, but slipping into the sea made it even better. Swimming alongside colorful fish was surreal.Â
We then also ported to Curaçao the next day. Instead of physical water activities, we spent the afternoon walking around, taking in the architecture, and shopping. The colorful buildings lining the streets were striking, and wandering through shops gave me a chance to slow down and appreciate the atmosphere. It was less about adrenaline and more about soaking in the culture, which made it just as enjoyable in its own way.Â
By the time January 5th arrived and the cruise came to an end, I felt both refreshed and a little sad to leave. My first cruise aboard Carnival Horizon was not just a vacation – it was an experience filled with new places and new memories. From stargazing at sea or ringing in the New Year on the open ocean, to snorkeling with fish in Aruba, it set a standard that will be hard to beat, and it sparked an interest for more cruises in the future. Â