Remembering A New York Favorite Celebrity Cruises' Horizon

In 1987 The Horizon was ordered by Chandris Cruises at a cost of $175 million. Built at the Meyer Werft yard, the 46,700-ton ship Was designed for the premium market (demanded by the Bermudian Government) for their new Celebrity Cruises Brand.

Delivered in May of 1990, the ship quickly settled in to her 7 day New York to Bermuda cruises - willing the accolades of cruise passengers - for beautiful public rooms and staterooms and great food. For the Colder winter months the Horizon sailed 7 day Caribbean cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In 1996, the Horizon is replaced by the Zenith on the New York to Bermuda run - and the Horizon is transferred to Alaska for the Summer season. In 2001 the Horizon is transferred back to the east coast expected to sail from New York but diverted to Philadelphia due to 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Horizon went on to sail from Philadelphia additional seasons as well as a series of cruises from Norfolk.

In October 2005, the Horizon was transferred to Island Cruises and renamed the Island Star sailing through out Europe and South America.

In 2008, the Island Star was returned to Royal Caribbean and then transferred to Pullmantur. The ship was renamed the Pacific Dream sailing in Latin America and catering to Spanish speaking clientele. In 2010, the ship returned to Europe and was renamed Horizon. Spending the Summers in Europe and the winters on charter to CVC in Brazil during the Northern Hemisphere winter (2010-2011). The Horizon was returned to Pullmantur for the French Market (April 2012 under the CDF Brand) and then in 2018-2019, the Horizon was Pullmantur's first ship to offer cruises from Dubai.

In June of 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic, Pullmantur enters into reorganization and the Pullmantur fleet is returned to Royal Caribbean who immediately enters into agreements with ship breakers to dispose to the Pullmantur fleet (Ships Sovereign, Monarch and Zenith).

Although the Horizon has lived a very colorful career, her New York cruises earned the ship the fame , respect and following - which followed the ship throughout her career. Her weekly sailing to Bermuda had a strong following and her introduction helped to establish and grow the Celebrity Cruises brand. The upcoming months, will tell the final chapter in this ship's long and honored career.

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