Pullmantur Horizon

Former names: CDF Horizon, Pacific Dream, Island Star

Specifications of Pullmantur Horizon

Year of build1990  /  Age: 32
BuilderMeyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)
Building costUSD 185 million
Speed22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph
Length (LOA)208 m / 682 ft
Beam (width)29 m / 95 ft
Gross Tonnage47427 gt
Passengers1506 - 1828
Crew620
Passengers-to-space ratio34
Decks12
Cabins721
Decks with cabins6
Last Refurbishment2019, Aliaga-scrapped in 2022
Sister-shipsPullmantur Zenith
Former namesCDF Horizon, Pacific Dream, Island Star
OwnerRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd & Springwater Capital

Pullmantur Horizon Review

Review of Pullmantur Horizon

The 1990-built (as Celebrity Horizon) cruise ship Pullmantur Horizon had as fleetmates the former RCI-Royal Caribbean liners Monarch of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas and also the sistership Zenith. In July 2020, Pullmantur Cruceros filed for a supervised reorganization/bankruptcy under Spain's insolvency laws' terms.

The vessel's AIS on July 13, 2020, showed it docked in Port Piraeus-Athens (Greece). Until August 2022, the ship was docked at Port Elefsina/Eleusis. As of July 30th, the vessel remained at sea, close to Salamis Island (Greece's Saronic Gulf's Eleusis Bay, approx 2 km / 1 mi off-coast from Port Piraeus). The AIS' last transmission was on August 18th, 2020 (at 10:15 UTC) showing the vessel at anchorage in Elefsina Gulf (Athens Metro area, West Attica Greece).

On August 26, 2022, the 32-year-old Pullmantur Horizon started its last voyage, departing from Greece (Eleusis Bay) to Turkey. On Aug 29th, the boat was beached to be scrapped at Aliaga Ship Breaking Yard (approx 50 km / 30 mi north of Izmir Turkey). All construction materials, furniture, machinery, equipment and various systems were removed for second-hand sale or recycling.

MS Horizon was planned to restart passenger shipping operations on September 6, 2020. A total of 74x Pullmantur Horizon cruises were canceled (departures between Sept 6, 2020, and Oct 31, 2021).

During its Pullmantur service, the Horizon vessel (IMO number 8807088) was Malta-flagged (MMSI number 249727000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Pullmantur Cruises is a Spanish company (headquartered in Madrid) which founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of the travel agency "Pullmantur" (founded 1971). In 2006, Pullmantur Cruises was acquired by RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) - the world's second-largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival Corporation). Currently, RCCL owns 49% as 51% were sold in 2016 to Springwater Capital LLC (2002-founded investment firm). Pullmantur offers high-quality product mainly to the Spanish-speaking source market. The company operates mainly in Mediterranean-Canaries regions and by fleet capacity is ranked the largest cruise brand in Spain.

Pullmantur Horizon cruise ship

The 1354-passenger ship MV Horizon was transferred to Pullmantur from Celebrity (along with MV Zenith) and over the years has undergone a few name changes - Island Star (1995), Pacific Dream (2009), and Horizon (2011-2022). Pullmantur Horizon was deployed mainly in Europe (Mediterranean-based cruises) and in the Caribbean (since 2008).

Between 1990-2005, Horizon stayed with Celebrity Cruises. Between 2005-2008, Horizon was operated by Island Cruises Ltd (joint venture company between RCCL-Royal Caribbean and First Choice Holidays UK), renamed "Island Star" and seasonally deployed in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. In October 2008, RCCL withdrew from Island Cruises and the liner was transferred to Pullmantur (renamed "Pacific Dream") again for Mediterranean and Caribbean voyages. Between 2012-2017, the ship was chartered by Compagnie Croisières de France (CDF) replacing Bleu De France/now Blue Sapphire (1981-built). Between 2017-2020, Horizon was operated by Pullmantur.

In October 2008, RCCL (shipowner of "Island Star") sold and transferred the vessel to Pullmantur's fleet, starting operations in May 2009 (under the name "Pacific Dream") and colored in the Pullmantur's hull colors. In November 2010, Pullmantur transferred the boat to CDF-France. For CDF, Horizon operated on European itineraries (Baltic, Canary Islands, Mediterranean) leaving from homeports Calais France, Valletta Malta and Marseille France, as well as Caribbean voyages leaving roundtrip from homeport Santo Domingo (Dominicana).

In early-December 2018, Pullmantur Cruceros introduced "Pullmantur Visa" card via a partnership with Bankinter Consumer Finance (specializing in credit cards and consumer loans). Pullmantur Visa allows easier booking and financing over a period up to 18 months. Pullmantur's credit card is for the Spanish market only (Spanish nationals and residents in Spain) and without maintenance fees. All cruise customers who make payments via Pullmantur Visa receive a return up to 6% of the deferred purchases, plus EUR 20 gift voucher when making non-Pullmantur related purchases.

Decks and Cabins

Pullmantur Horizon has a total of 721 staterooms (in 11 categories), including 151x Inside, 68x Balcony and 16x Suites. The largest accommodation is the Royale Suite.

The boat has 12 decks, of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS Horizon's Buffet Restaurant is where you'll be able to choose between various dishes to satisfy consumer preferences and tastes. It has an adjacent outdoor grill and provides a wide selection of delicious dishes and an informal setting for relaxing. The main dining room (serving set-time, a set table in the evening) offers a more formal dining experience.

Pullmantur Horizon cruise ship

Follows the complete list of Pullmantur Horizon restaurants and food bars.

  • Le Splendide Restaurant (912-seat; complimentary main dining room; the best spot to taste elaborate dishes)
  • Le Marche Gourmand Buffet Restaurant (enjoy more relaxed dining at this "gourmet market" for a variety of international dishes)
  • Terrace and Grill.

Onboard everything is set to make time go more slowly and give the passengers the opportunity to enjoy every minute of it. In the outdoor pools, jacuzzis, gym and Spa, all travelers are going to feel wonderful. Evening entertainment is based in the theatre, nightclub and casino. And, meanwhile, the kids in the Tibu Club are going to be busy with non-stop amenities.

Follows the complete list of Pullmantur Horizon lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • The Grand Theatre
  • James Piano Bar & Lounge
  • Rendez-Vous Lounge (pub/cafe)
  • Cafe Moka
  • Photo Gallery; Video Arcade; Boutique
  • Internet Center
  • Recreation room
  • Casino del Mar
  • Sapphire Dance Club
  • Conference room; Card Room; Reading Room; Library
  • Teen's Club; Tibu Club (Kids' Playroom, ages 3-5)
  • Spa del Mar Beauty & Fitness
  • L'Annexe Pool Bar
  • Bar Zephir
  • 2 Swimming Pools; 2 Jacuzzis; 2 Solariums
  • Fitness Center.

Itineraries

Pullmantur Horizon's last itinerary program was based on Caribbean roundtrips from Santo Domingo Dominicana.

For winter 2018-2019 season, Pullmantur homeported Horizon in the Middle East for roundtrips from Dubai UAE (overnight port stay prior to departure). The 7-day itinerary program included as call ports the UAE's Abu Dhabi, Khasab and Fujairah, as well as Muscat (Oman). Prices started from EUR 590 pp (with double occupancy).

During 2018-2019, Horizon's fleetmates were deployed in the Canary Islands (Zenith), the Caribbean (Monarch), and South America (Sovereign).

Next tables show Zenith's last itineraries planned for 2020-2021 - before Pullmantur's bankruptcy.

(2020) 7-day "Israel, Greece And Ancient Cultures"

Date / TimePort
06 Sep 20:00Departing from Piraeus-Athens, Greece
08 Sep 09:00 - 18:00Limassol, Cyprus
09 Sep 07:00 - 20:00Haifa/Tel Aviv, Israel
10 Sep 07:00 - 20:00Ashdod/Jerusalem, Israel
12 Sep 07:00 - 16:00Patmos Island, Greece
13 Sep 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2020) 14-day "Discover Greece And The Holy Land"

Date / TimePort
06 Sep 20:00Departing from Piraeus-Athens
08 Sep 09:00 - 18:00Limassol, Cyprus
09 Sep 07:00 - 20:00Haifa, Israel
10 Sep 07:00 - 20:00Ashdod, Israel
12 Sep 07:00 - 16:00Patmos Island, Greece
13 Sep 06:00 - 14 SepPiraeus-Athens
15 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Mykonos Island, Greece
16 Sep 08:30 - 21:00Marmaris, Turkey
18 SepSouda-Chania, Crete Greece
19 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Santorini Island, Greece
20 Sep 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2020) 7-day "Greek Islands"

Date / TimePort
13 SepDeparting from Piraeus, Athens
15 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Mykonos Island, Greece
16 Sep 08:30 - 21:00Marmaris, Turkey
18 Sep 09:00 - 19:00Souda-Chania, Crete, Greece
19 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Santorini Island, Greece
20 Sep 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2020) 7-day from Piraeus to Trieste

Date / TimePort
18 Oct 20:00Departing from Piraeus-Athens
20 Oct 11:00 - 20:00Bar, Montenegro
21 Oct 09:00 - 18:00Dubrovnik, Croatia
22 Oct 09:00 - 17:00Split, Croatia
23 Oct 09:00 - 17:00Zadar, Croatia
24 Oct 08:00 - 20:00Venice, Italy
25 Oct 08:00Arriving in Trieste, Italy

(2020) 7-day from Trieste to Piraeus

Date / TimePort
25 Oct 20:00Departing from Trieste, Italy
26 Oct 08:00 - 20:00Venice, Italy
27 Oct 09:00 - 17:00Zadar, Croatia
28 Oct 09:00 - 17:00Split, Croatia
29 Oct 08:00 - 17:00Dubrovnik, Croatia
31 Oct 09:00 - 18:00Santorini Island, Greece
01 Nov 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2020) 17-day Suez Canal repositioning (Piraeus to Dubai)

Date / TimePort
12 Nov 20:00Departing from Piraeus-Athens
14 Nov 07:30 - 09:00Alexandria, Egypt
14 Nov 21:00 - 22:30Port Said/Cairo, Egypt
15 Nov 03:00 - 15:30Suez Canal transit
17 Nov 08:00 - 20:00Aqaba/Petra, Jordan
23 Nov 07:00 - 15:30Salalah, Oman
25 Nov 11:00 - 21:00Muscat, Oman
26 Nov 10:00 - 18:30Khor Fakkan, Sharjah UAE
29 NovArriving in Dubai, UAE

(2020) 7-day "Dubai, Doha And Legends Of Arabia"

Date / TimePort
28 NovDeparting from Dubai
30 Nov 07:30 - 21:00Abu Dhabi, UAE
01 Dec 10:00 - 20:00Doha, Qatar
02 Dec 09:00 - 19:00Mina Salman-Manama, Bahrain
04 Dec 08:00 - 17:00Khasab-Musandam, Oman
05 Dec 07:00Arriving in Dubai

(2020) 7-day "Dubai, Abu Dhabi And Legends Of Arabia"

Date / TimePort
05 DecDeparting from Dubai
07 Dec 08:00 - 08 DecAbu Dhabi, UAE
10 Dec 07:00 - 17:00Muscat, Oman
11 Dec 10:30 - 19:30Khasab, Oman
12 Dec 07:00Arriving in Dubai

(2021) 15-day Suez Canal repositioning (Dubai to Piraeus)

Date / TimePort
13 MarDeparting from Dubai
15 Mar 07:00 - 16:00Khasab, Oman
16 Mar 09:00 - 19:00Muscat, Oman
18 Mar 15:00 - 22:00Salalah, Oman
24 Mar 08:00 - 20:00Aqaba-Petra, Jordan
26 Mar 04:00 - 16:00Suez Canal
28 Mar 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2021 7-day "Greek Islands"

Date / TimePort
28 MarDeparting from Piraeus-Athens
30 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Mykonos Island, Greece
31 Mar 08:30 - 21:00Marmaris, Turkey
02 Apr 09:00 - 19:00Souda-Chania, Crete, Greece
03 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Santorini Island, Greece
04 Apr 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2021) 7-day "Istanbul And Greek Islands"

Date / TimePort
18 AprDeparting from Piraeus-Athens
20 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Mykonos Island, Greece
21 Apr 08:00 - 15:00Izmir, Turkey
22 Apr 12:00 - 01:30Istanbul, Turkey
24 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Santorini Island, Greece
25 Apr 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2021) 7-day "Discover The Holy Land" roundtrip from Greece

Date / TimePort
09 May 20:00Departing from Piraeus-Athens
11 May 09:00 - 18:00Limassol, Cyprus
12 May 07:00 - 20:00Haifa, Israel
13 May 07:00 - 20:00Ashdod, Israel
15 May 07:00 - 16:00Patmos Island, Greece
16 May 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

(2021) 7-day "Greece And The Jewels Of The Adriatic"

Date / TimePort
04 Jul 20:00Departing from Piraeus-Athens
06 Jul 12:00 - 21:00Kotor, Montenegro
07 Jul 08:00 - 17:00Dubrovnik, Croatia
08 Jul 08:00 - 17:00Sarande, Albania
09 Jul 07:00 - 15:00Katakolon-Olympia, Greece
10 Jul 09:00 - 18:00Santorini Island, Greece
11 Jul 06:00Arriving in Piraeus-Athens

Pullmantur Horizon - user reviews and comments

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Pullmantur Horizon Wiki

The cruise liner was ordered in 1987 (by Chandris Group/shipowner) and built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg Germany (originally for Celebrity Cruises) as "MV Horizon". The vessel originally had 681 staterooms (533 of which outside). With two liners (Horizon and Meridian) Chandris Group planned to start regularly scheduled roundtrips from NYC New York to Bermuda (Hamilton and St George). The 7-day service was commenced in May 1990. During winter, the ship operated 7-day Caribbean cruises from homeport San Juan Puerto Rico to Martinique (Fort-de-France), Barbados (Bridgetown), St Lucia (Castries), Antigua (St Johns) and St Thomas USVI (Charlotte Amalie).

  • In 2003, the flag-state was changed from Liberia to Bahamas.
  • In 2004, "Celebrity Horizon" started cruises out of Norfolk VA (April through October) leaving from Nauticus Pier on 6-7day roundtrips to Bermuda.
  • In October 2005, the ship was transferred to Island Cruises (2002-founded, UK-based joint venture between RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and First Choice Holidays).
  • Following a major drydock reconstruction and refurbishment in 2005, Horizon was renamed to "Island Star" and started South America (Brazil) cruises.
  • In summer 2006, the ship was deployed in Europe (Mediterranean) targeting the UK market.
  • In 2008, Royal Caribbean sold its Island Cruises stake and the vessel was transferred to Pullmantur Cruises (Royal Caribbean's brand in Spain).
  • In 2009, Pullmantur planned to enter the Mexican Riviera cruise market with the Horizon ship (under the new name "Pacific Dream"). The May through December schedule included 30 roundtrips from homeport Acapulco. However, an influenza A (H1N1pdm09 virus) pandemic that started in the USA forced Pullmantur to cancel the plan and Pacific Dream was deployed in Europe, replacing Atlantic Star (fka Sky Princess / Pulmantur charter between 2006-2010) in Portugal.
  • In August 2010, due to engine problems, for several months Pacific Dream was out of service and replaced by Atlantic Star. Following the drydock, Pacific Dream was renamed to "MV Horizon".
  • In 2010-2011, Horizon was chartered to CVC Brasil (Brazil-based, CVC Corp-owned cruisetour company).
  • In April 2012, following a major drydock refit, Horizon was transferred to CDF (Croisieres de France) replacing Bleu de France (2008-built, fka Saga Sapphire, now "Blue Sapphire").
  • In winter 2013-2014, the cruise ship Horizon operated Caribbean cruises for CDF) out of homeport La Romana (Dominicana) to St Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts (Basseterre) and Tortola BVI (Road Town).
  • In summer 2014, Horizon and Zenith were deployed in Northern Europe and homeported in Calais France.
  • In 2016, Pullmantur closed its Paris office and ceased CDF's operations.
  • In 2017, Horizon and Zenith rejoined Pullmantur's fleet.
  • In winter 2018-2019, Horizon was homeported in Dubai UAE (Port Rashid) for roundtrips in the Middle East.

Horizon's sistership is Pullmantur Zenith - both were initially operated by CDF (Croisieres de France). CDF was a French cruise line brand and a subsidiary company / under the management of Pullmantur Cruises. The ship's last Captain (for Pullmantur) was Charilaos Petrides.

Island Star cruise ship (Pullmantur Horizon)

In 2018, Pullmantur started offering on selected Mediterranean Horizon ship cruises (Adriatic and Aegean seas) electric bike tours. Tours were led by guide instructors. Helmets, bottled water and energy bars were provided, Among the visited land tour destinations were Athens' Acropolis, old towns (Corfu, Dubrovnik, Padua), Mykonos Island, Chania (Crete). Such electric bike tours were first introduced in 2017 summer, offered on voyages in the North Sea, the Caribbean and the Canaries.

For winter season 2018-2019, Pullmantur homeported the Horizon ship in Dubai UAE (overnight port stay prior departure). The 7-day itinerary program included as call ports Abu Dhabi (UAE), Khasab (Oman), Fujairah (UAE) and Muscat (Oman). Prices started from EUR 590 pp (double-occupancy cabin rates).