As Chandris Celebrity Cruises kept its new 46,811-ton, 1,354-passenger Horizon in New York for nearly two weeks, travel agents, press, even the public (by invitation) were afforded a good opportunity to get acquainted with the new ship, which according to random visitor comments seems well on its way to deliver on Chandris’ promise of an upscale product.
The Horizon was built at cost of $175 million at Meyer Werft in West Germany where construction is already underway on a sistership, the Zenith.
Among the most striking features may be the spaciousness of the new ship, including public rooms and staterooms averaging more than 170 square feet. Of a total of 681 staterooms, 533 are outside.
The Horizon is 682 feet with a beam of 95 feet and draft of 23.8 feet and has nine passenger decks.
Public rooms include seven bars and lounges; the two-level Palladium show lounge with seating for 870; and the Starlight restaurant with two dinner seatings for 870. There is also a children’s playroom designed for 25 toddlers, and a video arcade for teenagers.
The ship’s spaciousness in combination with the rich colors and pastel shades used in carpeting, fabrics, wall coverings and accessories as well as soft leather chairs, give the Horizon an aura of elegance that fits well with her upscale image.
The Casino Royale is operated by Atlantic Maritime Services; the onboard stores by International Cruise Shops; while Apollo Ship Chandlers is responsible for food services.
Key Suppliers
Main engines are by Man B&W Diesel; bow and stern thrusters by LIPS; electric motors by ABB; incinerators by Wilhelm Rump; stabilizers by Sperry Marine; automation of the engine plant by Valmet Automation;
Fire detection system are by EB Nachrichtentechnik; lifeboats by Fr. Fassmer; liferafts by Viking; life jackets by Hygrapha; fire doors by Momek; and fire door controls by DSG Dieter Schmits.
Lighting fixtures are by Aqua Signal; floor coverings by G. Theodor Freese; ceilings by Dampa; door locks by Trioving; crew furniture by Lure-Werk; furniture for staterooms and public rooms by Winschoter Meubel and Warrnings; carpeting by Brintons; wall panels by Rockment; galley and pantries by Seaking; and telephone system by Nixdorf Computer.
The chief architectural firm was A & M Katzourakis of Greece that worked with John Mc Neece, Patricia Hayes & Associates and Jon Bannenberg.
Cruise Program
The Horizon sails seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda calling at Hamilton and St. George’s, through October 20, when the ship is repositioned to San Juan for seven-day cruises starting November 3, calling at Martinique, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Thomas.
Rates for the Bermuda sailings for the peak season, May 26 – August 25, range from $2,195 person, double occupancy, for outside deluxe suites to $1,075 for an inside double. Two outside “presidential suites” rate at $2,595. Value season rates are slightly less, from $2,195 to $995. Of a total of 677 staterooms, 494 are in price categories of $1,545 to $1,075 for the peak Bermuda season.
Caribbean rates for the value season, from November 3 to December 15, range from $2,125 to $995 per person, double occupancy.
Rates on the rebuilt Meridian, which also sails to Bermuda during the summer season, are slightly less. Air add-ons of $200 are available from major U.S. cities.
