Is Carnival's Havana Experience Worth The Cost??! What's it Like?… Carnival Horizon

In this episode of Lauren of All Trades... Lauren FINALLY gets to try out a Havana Cabana and the Havana Experience!
If you have the money for it, we really recommend it on Vista Class ships... On Excel Class, I wouldn't do it.
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00:00 Open
00:45 Intro
01:26 Bar and Outside Area Tour
03:55 Review
06:42 Review: Havana Cabana #5238
07:39 Review: Havana on Mardi Gras/Celebration/Jubilee

[@PatJ61]

This was the first time I've heard someone mention that there is hallway access on the port side, but not the starboard side from the hot tub and pool area. That is GREAT insider information. Thank you!

[@laurenofalltrades]

You're welcome! It's important to me so I knew I should tell the world. Thanks for watching!

[@kamaniaray]

@@laurenofalltrades This was so helpful!!!

[@laurenofalltrades]

@@kamaniaray Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@uneCENT]

Thank you for calling out this is not as good on the jubilee, just saved me a ton!

[@laurenofalltrades]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@jwyoungy]

This was the best review I've seen and thank you for the information about the starboard interior rooms and the lack of direct access to the outdoor area! I literally just switched my interior balcony to a cabana room because of you haha. Thank you very much,

[@laurenofalltrades]

Glad I was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@TonyTony.321]

Definitely unique but did you mind that your balcony wasn’t private since other guests could walk by at any time? It’s kinda like sitting on a front porch.

[@laurenofalltrades]

We didn’t mind; I could see it bothering other people. The only ones who would walk by were ones in the other balconies, so it wasn’t often. We picked a cabin that was close to the outside area so that the hot tubs would be really convenient. But the ones father down would have almost zero foot traffic if that would be preferred. Thanks for watching.

[@samanthamartin5506]

Thanks for the review, I’m contemplating the horizon premium balcony or MCS seaside yacht club ?

[@laurenofalltrades]

I've heard good things about Yacht Club so your decision should go by the onboard experience you prefer. I prefer Carnival - tons of stuff to do, stand up comedy every night, theater shows most nights, multiple kinds of free food options. MSC was okay - lots of theater shows, and there was a decent selection of stuff to do. What I most disliked about MSC was that the only free options for food was the Main Dining Rooms or the Buffet - and on port days, the buffet was the only option for lunch. So basically I found MSC to be a bit boring but I'm not a lay-by-the pool-for-hours kind of person. (I'm a go to the hot tub 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes, and otherwise try different food or attend activities kind of person).

[@penelopepitstop762]

On my bucket list for the Vista, but I’d definitely get one on the same deck and not one of those on 6 or 7. Appreciate the tips for Jubilee and Mardi Gras. We cruised on Mardi Gras in April 2022 and will be on the Jubilee next May, but in regular balcony rooms. I didn’t realize they made those changes in those ships.

[@laurenofalltrades]

I'm glad it was helpful! Maybe splurge on an Excel suite on Excel class. Although that's such a big jump in cost, and Loft 19 doesn't have a bar, so I'm not sure I recommend that either.

[@nyishabolt1081]

We had the Havana Suite on the Carnival Horizon and we walked directly out of our cabin from the balcony gate to the outdoor area. We were right next to the entrance to the Havana pool and bar area. It was fabulous. I will NEVER do an interior or regular balcony again.

[@laurenofalltrades]

It’s truely wonderful! Have you seen what they did with Havana on Excel Class though? I’m not going to pay more for it on those ships ever! No hot tub! 🤷‍♀️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jai0nZRjqdKXfNk

[@martysouth5903]

This a nice area for sure, but zero privacy on the actual balconies is a deal breaker for me

[@laurenofalltrades]

Thanks for watching!

[@monkeyb1820]

this was their answer to NCL's 'haven'. We haven't done haven. It's very expensive, moreso than Havana (but haven does have its own restaurant and maybe some additional perks). Jimzim has good vids on the haven and havana experiences.

[@laurenofalltrades]

I’m not sure it was try that hard to compete with Haven. They have mostly balcony and interior cabins and just 4 suites. (Oh yeah, Grand suites also get access on Vista class, but they didn’t originally.) I think it was a way to sell cabins in an unpopular area of the ship. Same as Family Harbor and Spa cabins. When Havana was new, the outdoor area was public after 7pm. Which I guess was problematic. Loft 19 and the Excel Suites is definitely Carnival’s attempt at Haven though :)

[@edub3328]

We loved our Havana cabin on the horizon Its the only way we cruise now

[@laurenofalltrades]

I agree with that for Horizon/Panorama/Vista/Venezia/Firenze. I wouldn’t bother paying for Havana on Excel class. No hot tubs. Tiny pool. Meh outdoor area in general. I’d recommend an Excel suite instead to get access to Loft 19 on those ships. :)

[@1mama402]

Thank you for this video we are sailing Havana for the first time on the Vista next month, we got a Cabana cabin on Starboard side. Aside from the door sliding open did y’all feel comfortable going to the pool area and leaving your back door unlocked? I’m really surprised there isn’t a key card entry available for security reasons. Also, what sort of food options if any where available in the Havana Bar area?

[@laurenofalltrades]

I wasn't worried about our stuff. We do put stuff in our safe in the room and then I doubt anyone wants our clothes lol. There wasn't any food in the bar. In the past, they've had breakfast set up in Ocean Plaza which is right down the hall, but I don't know if they're still doing it. It's worth checking before heading up to Lido.

[@1mama402]

@@laurenofalltrades thank you!

[@williamshaw8216]

I am booked for a Havana Cabana on the Horizon out of Miami in April. Can't wait. I do have one question. Somebody mentioned is has it's own private breakfast place. Is that true!

[@laurenofalltrades]

My understanding is that only Venezia and Firenze’s version of Havana (Terrazza) has the breakfast benefit. It’s weird that they haven’t added it for Havana. 🤷‍♀️ Thanks for watching! Have a wonderful cruise!

[@yhz2pvd]

couple of questions, if you are one the public outside deck on deck 5 can you access the Havana area, that walk past the Cab

[@laurenofalltrades]

No, there is a locked door that no one can get through, including Havana guests.

[@oliviaalexander7661]

Me and my friends are considering the Havana. How is the access to the pool and balcony? Like was there a curfew time or could you go out to the pool at any time you wanted?

[@laurenofalltrades]

You can go whenever you want but the pool is open certain hours of the day, something like 8am to 10pm. Hope that helps!

[@itsasaltylife]

Completely agree on your statement about the Havana Area on Excel Class. It's not even close to the Vista Class at all. Nice review!

[@laurenofalltrades]

Thanks! The good news is that if you don't care about a pool, Venezia and Firenze's Terrazza area looks nearly as nice as Havana on Vista class!

[@markoconnor7381]

Totally agree

[@markoconnor7381]

Totally agree

[@markoconnor7381]

Totally agree

[@markoconnor7381]

Totally agree

[@yhz2pvd]

can you access the Havana deck area that goes past the havana cabanas, from the public areas of deck 5? Also how do you keep your cabin secure, since people walking along the havana cabana deck could get onto your "balcony" and then into your cabin?

[@laurenofalltrades]

Wishful thinking. If you're not comfortable leaving your balcony door unlocked, you can go through the bar to get outside. We personally felt comfortable leaving it unlocked.

[@sonyamacmillan8427]

Can you lock your sliding door to the balcony from the outside? Does it include Cloud 9 spa pool priviledges?

[@laurenofalltrades]

No to both. Spa would be extra. And while you can’t lock your door, it’s unlikely someone would try to go in. They have cameras everywhere and only Havana guests have access to that area. It wasn’t concerning to me to leave our door unlocked.

[@sonyamacmillan8427]

@@laurenofalltrades Thank you so much, it looks to me that the Havana would be definitely worth it with the private pool and jacuzzi

[@laurenofalltrades]

Definitely in the summer and any Caribbean cruise! If they ever take this ship to Canada or Iceland (doubtful) then it’s not as worth the extra cost.

[@TheStoli5]

If you had to choose between going on the horizon and a Havana Room with a balcony on or a balcony room on Mardi Gras which would you choose?

[@laurenofalltrades]

It's close, but Horizon is my favorite Carnival ship, so Havana for sure. What Mardi Gras has over Horizon is more room at comedy shows and more food options (both free and paid), so what I'd recommend for you depends on what you value most in a cruise.

[@grannyoffive1313]

Hi Lauren… We are booked on the Venezia in a regular ocean view cabin. Possibly thinking about the Terraza cabins… Do you know if we can access the Terraza deck in the evening if we are not booked in the Terraza cabins? Thanks so much for your help🚢

[@laurenofalltrades]

I think what I heard is that they were allowing all guests after 7pm when it was new, but they have since stopped doing that. I would go for the upgrade if you can afford it. Terrazza has some benefits that Havana doesn’t: • Morning access to the Carnevale Lounge for a daily continental breakfast • Specially-curated brunch on select sea days, with a complimentary Spritz or Mimosa • Sailaway event at Terrazza Carnevale, featuring live music

[@grannyoffive1313]

@@laurenofalltrades thank you so much for your response… We are definitely considering the Terraza but we have an ocean view cabin that has two showers that I really would hate to give up as well… I guess I need to compare prices and see if we can even make the switch ....thanks again for your help❤️ PS we have stayed in the Yacht Club on MSC one time and have another one booked… I wish Carnival was a little bit more inclusive like MSC is with drinks meals etc. etc.… We stayed in an inside cabin on the MSC seashore… The cabin itself was very sufficient but the shower was extremely small and I am not a big person either… But the experience itself made us want to book a balcony cabin in September 2024… I do appreciate your prompt reply so much… I'm spreading your name around❤️

[@laurenofalltrades]

@@grannyoffive1313 Thanks so much! Sharing helps my channel a TON

[@grannyoffive1313]

@@laurenofalltrades that's great… Happy to help if I can❤️

[@byplaneorcee]

Was a sea day brunch offered to Havana members? On the Venezia, Terraza room members were offered a sea day brunch

[@laurenofalltrades]

No, that's something they came up with for Terrazza only. I couldn't tell you why it's different. My guess is that while the ships are the same size, Venezia actually has a LOT more cabins because no IMAX and no family harbor lounge, but the dining rooms are the same size.

[@byplaneorcee]

@@laurenofalltrades Good to know! Thanks for sharing that info

[@shantiaezekiel6839]

I'm going Nov 5-11 I hope there won't be a lot of kids like in March

[@laurenofalltrades]

March is Spring Break month (different schools do different weeks). So I would expect far fewer kids in November. Also Kids under 12 aren’t allowed in Havana cabins or the Havana outside area!

[@theresamartinezhr]

Is there ocean view rooms for Havana?

[@laurenofalltrades]

No. Just Interior, Balcony, and Suites. Ocean view cabins are only found on the lowest deck(s) of cruise ships - where it’s too close to the ocean for a balcony :)

[@vivianorozco4128]

I will be getting a Havana Cabana with the balcony like yours in your video but on the Panorama in a week, but now i am a bit fearful because im on a FB chat and many talk about getting their clothes dirty with soot. Part of me is wondering if i made the right choice in paying that extra fee for the Havana area but i thought why not, we deserve it so we will try to enjoy it. Anyone try the Panorama Havana area here?

[@laurenofalltrades]

Are people complaining about soot because it's on the chairs when they sit on them or because they're leaving their clothes outside to dry? We didn't experience either problem. But I also haven't been on Panorama. Also, I've never heard of this being a problem. Maybe it's more on the aft-facing balconies? So solution 1) use a towel to wipe off the chairs before sitting. Solution 2) don't leave your clothes outside to dry (you're not supposed to do that, anyway). I hope you don't experience this issue and I hope you'll come back and let me know if you do!

[@vivianorozco4128]

@@laurenofalltrades Thank you for your response. I will definitely report in when we return. I am excited to be able to experience this area and feel like a "grown up" if that makes any sense... haha YOLO!

[@laurenofalltrades]

@@vivianorozco4128 That makes total sense! have a great time! I think you'll love it!

[@m.napier5983]

How quite is it at night?

[@laurenofalltrades]

It’s usually pretty quiet. Especially during dinner.

[@GeoSae]

No thank you!