The newest Carnival Cruise Ship, the Carnival Horizon was parked in my city and I was invited aboard for a tour of the company’s new shopping experience and treated to lunch.
Those of you who read this blog know I am no cruise person. I’m a dive boat girl. More than 30 people on a boat (gusts and crew combined) is too much for me as I prefer to be in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of divers focuses on what’s underwater, not above.
However, In the past volunteering on the Fathom was a wonderful experience and a fantastic stay on the Ama Viola’s river cruise has expanded my horizons. Admittedly, I was curious to take the next step and board a mothership.
This was the first time I had ever been on a cruise ship of this size. Feeling a bit like Alice in Wonderland, it’s an impressive experience, dazzling even.
We were a small group of press herded around the ship as passengers were boarding to prepare for their own 8-day cruise to the Caribbean. The excitement of vacationers was palatable.
Starboard Cruise Services, an LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton company and premier cruise retailer, has unveiled a new array of retail experiences aboard Carnival’s Horizon.
After a presentation, we were split into smaller groups and given a tour of the shops all focused on an interactive and immersive shopping experience. The salespeople in the shops were not just there to ring up your purchases. Many acted as hosts or hostesses of their domains.
The ship features the most expansive retail space among Carnival’s fleet and showcases some of Starboard and Carnival’s most celebrated brand partnerships, such as the renowned Le Vian jewelry line.
Starboard also has orchestrated a host of firsts on a Carnival ship, including the line’s first Victoria’s Secret boutique and a high-profile presence for prestigious brands such as Breitling, Hublot, Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors and Kate Spade. Here are some of the experiences Carnival Horizon passengers can look forward to while cruising.
#1 Victoria’s Secret Girls Night Out
Victoria’s Secret hosts a night out with the girls in Carnival’s first-ever Victoria’s Secret boutique. Guests can browse the latest assortment of merchandise and fragrances while sipping champagne and dancing to the beat of a live DJ. They might have the chance to compete in a runway face-off or spin the wheel for fab prizes.
#2 Beauty and Fragrance Bar
Guests are invited to experiment and “play” with make-up and fragrance and walk away with some new favorites… and maybe even a whole new look.
#3 Le Vian Style Me Famous Fashion Event
Le Vian jewelry showcases an array of its famous chocolate diamonds on board as well as an assortment of many other colored gems. A huge favorite of celebrities wanting that special stunning touch for their red carpet looks, the onboard store gives guests the full treatment as they’re styled with signature jewelry pieces and pose for fun photo-ops complete with a step and repeat background. Guests receive a Le Vian gemstone with the option to upgrade to a piece that complements their style. Guests can also test drive a piece of jewelry to wear on the ship, borrowing a favorite stunning piece to flaunt at dinner or on ship event.
#4 What’s Your Jewelry Personality?
This shopping event helps guests discover which gemstone best matches their spirit and personality while perusing a stunning collection of jewelry.
#5 Rock Envy with Crystals from Swarovski
Guests can custom-design the perfect jewelry keepsake of their cruise using a huge selection of charms, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and watches. Rock Envy with Crystals from Swarovski® is exclusively available onboard select Carnival ships. There is an array of charms to choose from, several are created specifically to the destinations on the ship’s itinerary so guests can create a custom necklace, bracelet or anklet featuring charms to evoke vacation memories.
#6 Wearable Tech
Experts are on hand to help guests discover a variety of watch styles with multi-functionalities in Carnival’s first store entirely devoted to wearable tech.
#7 The Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Life
Everything for the sharp-dressed man: a fine watch, the perfect pair of sunglasses, a sophisticated fragrance and a signature whiskey. An onboard interactive ultimate guy’s guide to style. We were given a lesson on how to tie a bow tie. Not an easy skill to master.
#8 Happier Hour Daily Tastings
An event where guests can sample some of the world’s top liquors, including coveted Hennessy White, which is only available in travel retail. Passengers have the opportunity to take a blind taste test to challenge their taste buds and perhaps discover a new favorite.
Filet Mignon, Roasted Baby Carrot, Bourbon Jus
Lemon & Yuzu Meringue Tart
After our tour of the Carnival Horizon’s new shopping experience, we sat down for a delicious lunch and a bit of entertainment.
We then got to briefly explore the ship on our own before disembarking.
It was a gorgeous day in NYC and it was tempting to grab a towel and a spot by one of the outdoor pools and try to blend in with the guests.
However, there were so many other activities available to passengers to gawk at.
From the Sr. Seuss themed playground to the basketball court to (my favorite) the pedal-powered sky rail, it was clear to see no one would be bored on their 8-day voyage.
View of the NYC Skyline for the Carnival Horizon
As I turned in my credentials and left the ship, I seriously reconsidered opting for a cruise vacation in the future. If you are a seasoned cruiser who loves to shop, a trip on the Carnival Horizon would definitely be for you.
