Magic Easter Cruise - some highlights & thoughts

I will write up a full review in a few days but wanted to share some thoughts on my recent Magic cruise.

This trip included my family of 3 - DH (41), myself (40) and DD (12) as well as my in-laws (60's). This was our 4th Carnival Cruise and the in-laws first cruise ever.

We both had cabins on deck 8 - 8374 and 8284. GREAT locations. Loved the easy access to the pool deck, casino, Circle C and really everything!

We had YTD - this cruise was BUSY but always seemed to luck out and never had to wait for a table. We didn't eat at really off times I thought but we always seems to be about 15 minute ahead of the rush and the resulting line ups (which included beepers for the rest). We always had immediate seating.

The food was outstanding - the in-laws LOVED everything and they are not always the easiest to please. We always found something to snack on, munch on, graze on and feast on LOL. The buffet is well... a buffet. I'm not a fan of them really ever - not in Vegas not on a cruise ship. We enjoyed the Steakhouse on our first night - so good. And enjoyed 2 bottles of wine - one red, one white. Sure its merlot but it was free and I'm not that much of a wine snob.

We also all had the Cheers package. Between each couple we definitely finished ahead of the curve on drinks. I loved not having to think about where my bar bill was at. We will always get this.

Speaking of things we will always purchase - we all were able to obtain FTTF. This worked so so so so so so so well in Galveston. Probably the best embarkation and debarkation ever. We passed so many people in line at embarkation (noonish) that the in-laws felt that passing everyone right then and there made the $50 money well spent without any of the other benefits. Our bags took a little longer than normal and we probably could have complained but they were there by muster and our rooms were ready so didn't seem worth complaining about the bags.

Lets see.... rooms, food, booze, FTTF..... PORTS!

Jamaica - this was the port I looked forward to the least and it was my fav. Spent the day at Dr's Cave Beach - perfect beach day

Grand Cayman - too short. I wanted to love it here but we spent the day at the Turtle Farm - thought it would be great for my MIL and my DD who were a bit skittish about the idea of the stingrays.... it was a fun day but would have loved to get some beach time in.

Coz - Spent the day at Channkanab. It was awesome - shout out to Charlie our waiter at the restaurant and the beach. He really made our day awesome. It was freaking hot out though and wished it was easier to get in and out of the water.

OH Circle C - DD loved this program when stuff was going on. It ended up being mostly an evening thing which worked for us. She made some friends and had a great time. Its mostly facilitated activities not totally organized and administered like the younger ones - mostly here is an idea of something to do. Which worked for her.

Final thoughts (I guess this ended up longer and more detailed than planned):

- YES the ship was busy, I will try to avoid sailing over a major break again but it wasn't terrible. We just know how much more relaxed it can be without 2,000 + kids on board

- YES kids were loaded up in the hot tubs - seriously where are the parents??? I had no problem telling them to sit down or get to the pool or call security when it was needed.

- Drink service and food service (except for one night) was great speed and we never had issues being on the Cheers program and getting the bar servers to come by.

Would we sail on the Magic or out of Galveston again??? In a heartbeat. It is a great ship with great amenities and an amazing team. We also really enjoyed a few days in the area - shopping, a Rockets game and a bit of touring around.

Ask me any questions and I will do my best to respond quickly. :o

Great to hear it! We will be sailing on the Magic for the first time in 19 days. Thanks for the review and glad it was a positive one (so many negatives).

Great to hear it! We will be sailing on the Magic for the first time in 19 days. Thanks for the review and glad it was a positive one (so many negatives).

Sorry couldn't resist the title.

I honestly think the negative reviews are seeking out reasons to complain. I was on holidays on a beautiful vessel with my family - what more does a person need???

Sorry couldn't resist the title.

 

I honestly think the negative reviews are seeking out reasons to complain. I was on holidays on a beautiful vessel with my family - what more does a person need???

I am just happy to be on vacation, out in the Caribbean with my family, and all of the amenities that come along. I feel very lucky to be able to even take a vacation. My parents could never afford one and our vacations was a Sunday drive out in the country. lol Okay to see some negatives but some people are just 100% negative and would not be happy anywhere.

Thanks for the review! I'm boarding the Magic two months from today. :D

Overall you'd say you had a positive experience with your time dining? This will be my second time trying it. I prefer late dining, but this will be better since I'm bringing family along. Was service pretty quick? Did you request the same waiters each night? What time did you arrive so you didn't have to wait?

Magic is a great ship-fantastic. Much better than the Conquest class, which is not to my liking.

Thanks for the review! I'm boarding the Magic two months from today. :D

 

Overall you'd say you had a positive experience with your time dining? This will be my second time trying it. I prefer late dining, but this will be better since I'm bringing family along. Was service pretty quick? Did you request the same waiters each night? What time did you arrive so you didn't have to wait?

We love ATD - the service was fantastic. We sat in a different section each night. Only one night/team was a bit slower but we never felt like the meal took too long at all.

We arrived a different times but around 7ish I'd say give or take 15 mins before or after. We always met up with the family in the Atrium Lobby Bar for a few cocktails before dinner and would head in when we were ready.

I have been on the Conquest twice. Loved it! So nice to read a positive review for the Magic! Going 15 days!!!