Jump to content

A New Englander meets Texas! Magic Review April 20 - 27 WITH PICS!!


Catrin
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello!!

 

After being home for a week, I have decided to start my review of our Carnival Magic Cruise on April 20th.

This review will be a Diary of our events, including some details of our pre-cruise stay in Houston. I have completed similar reviews of our our past few cruises... we love to look back and re-live our experiences!! If you want to read those, please click the links down below at my signature. I hope everyone tuning in enjoys the review! (And please be patient, as it may take a week to complete.. will do a few installments each night, as I am back to work).

 

A Bit about us!!

We are a family from Rhode Island... Cathy, Steve, Matt (15) and Allison (9). We also have a son Kyle, who is in his first year of college, who for the first time, we cruised without. This is our 15th cruise, all on Carnival. We pick Carnival for the same reasons many of us do... FUN, PRICE, Family Fun, and a reality of expectations. Every year, we always look at Royal Caribbean, but always find a value from Carnival that just cannot be beat. Plus, with our Platinum Benefits, there are perks that we just cannot deny!!

 

 

Picking a Cruise - 2014

Our 2013 Cruise was on the Splendor out of NYC. While we had a great time, we knew we wanted to try something different in 2014. Last year, in discussions here, quite a few people suggested trying Galveston for April School Vacation week, as flights to Florida are OUT OF CONTROL!!! And sure enough... when flights opened on Southwest, we were able to find flights from Boston to Houston were SO MUCH CHEAPER than to Florida!! We knew then, that we would try something different.... We would travel to Texas for the first time ever, and we would go on a new ship for us.. Carnival Magic.

 

The Islands really do not matter after 15 cruises. This would be our 7th time in Cozumel, 2nd in Roatan and 2nd in Belize. We loved that this itinerary only had three stops, as we love At Sea days the most!! Our Pre-Cruise excursion plans only existed of a pre-cruise booking at Mr. Sancho's in Cozumel for the All - Inclusive beach break. Everything else we were going to decide while on board!!

 

I will be back soon!! Having a hard time getting the picture website to work. May have to upload them to another hosting site!!

 

Please feel free to ask questions ... and I will have more soon!!

 

Catrin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok.. back to the drawing board on the pictures.... ugg.

 

Thanks!

Edited by Catrin
testing pictures.... having a hard time!!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi fellow Rhode Islander. Looking forward to your review. We have thought of cruising from Texas also, looking forward to hearing about your travel to Texas and pre-cruise stay. We always cruised April vacation also but now son is in first year of college at RIC so Christmas cruise last year and this year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi fellow Rhode Islander. Looking forward to your review. We have thought of cruising from Texas also, looking forward to hearing about your travel to Texas and pre-cruise stay. We always cruised April vacation also but now son is in first year of college at RIC so Christmas cruise last year and this year.

 

Hello Reno!!

 

My son is in his first year as well. He goes to RPI in New York. Pictures are loading into Photobucket... will get these fixed then come back shortly with the first part of the review.... including flight info, etc. All I can say is... it was an excellent decision and I highly recommend it!!

 

Catrin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

eec9f9ac-9ef4-4cce-b316-e7c687998db8_zpsd7e10bd7.jpg

 

Ok... Here we are!!

 

Saturday, April 19th.

 

When we researched flights, our goal was to fly out of Providence to Houston on Southwest, as Steve has points through his Visa. But we could not leave until the afternoon, as I work for retail company and needed to work Saturday morning. Boston, however, had a direct flight at 2:30PM for quite a value.. so we jumped on that!! Unfortunately, coming home was a different story, as we had to stop in Atlanta and change planes. That .. however, was better than two stops to get to Providence.. so Boston it was.

 

I was able to get all my work done that morning.... and we finalized packing, loading the car.. and we were off!!

Allison all ready to go... bringing a few "friends along"

d5e86d31-9efc-46ae-9e51-6c2ff4d23c65_zpsfc9979af.jpg

7baf41ca-ccb3-4379-92e9-e720b732aaf8_zpsc61e9f90.jpg

 

We drove about one hour to Logan Express Parking in Braintree. They were having a School Vacation Week special this week. $22 for the bus faire, and $44 for the week to park. Great value compared to on-site parking! We pulled up just as a bus was ready to go.. got on and we made it to Logan in no time!!

 

Logan Airport, the Saturday before Easter at 12:30 was dead. Wow. We had no lines checking in, handing in our luggage and then only one family ahead of us at Security. Record time!!

 

We had enough time to actually sit down at an Airport restaurant for lunch! Great relaxing way to start our vacation!!

6cf71979-c0f0-469c-a070-05c49ed1708d_zpse111281b.jpg

 

Our Flight....

Flying Southwest... can it get any easier??? We were able to get three seats in a row, with Matt across the aisle. I would appreciate this so much more since we flew Air Tran (which is part of Southwest but NOT the same as we learned) on the way home. Our flight went off without a hitch. I watched Philomena that I rented on my Ipad. Matt was happy with FREE Southwest TV on his Iphone and Allison could track the flight on her Kindle with Free Wifi.

We arrived 4 1/2 hours later... but with an hour time change.. it was actually 6PM at Houston Hobby Airport... welcome to TEXAS!! Luggage arrived... and we found the shuttle to the Hampton Inn Airport.

42c2cc42-b2bc-448b-b131-5e9e263b5b0b_zps0e86c6c0.jpg

 

Coming Up....

Hampton Inn, Transportation to Galveston... and Carnival MAGIC!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love your reviews Catrin looking forward to it ....

This is something we have thought of as well with the flights so expensive

 

Nice to see you here!!

I see you are going back on the Splendor!! I hope you and your family are all well....

 

This is it for us this year.. but we are already starting to think about next year!

 

More to come....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes Cathy going back on the splendor I really want to try one of those chairs by the pool .... lol... and the flight was right can not beat it ( three and a half hour car ride )

 

my son was one of the lucky ones to get one of the free cruises from Carnival along with Ruthanns son so they both picked their moms to go on the Pride in June . 59.00 flight , hopefully we will finally get to half moon caye this time .

 

 

 

Gail

Edited by keene state mom
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We always stay at a Hampton Inn if we have a choice. They are usually very consistent and reliable... and the Hampton Inn at Hobby Airport was no exception.

 

Our plans were to find something to eat for dinner, to find a place to get a 12 pack of soda for the cruise and then to go to bed. That simple. Unfortunately, there is NOTHING around this hotel, except a Gulf Gas Station and other hotels. the hotel offered a free shuttle to many stores and restaurants - anything within 2.5 miles. But.. we really didn't feel like going anywhere....

12813778-eb70-456f-97d6-5d1f57bf7640_zps16ff7675.jpg

 

So, the nice lady suggested the Holiday Inn across the street.. they have a full size restaurant. So, we walked across the street just to check it out. If it was not for us, then we would go get the shuttle. But.. this decision was terrific!! It was very quiet in the hotel and there were only two tables taken. We were able to relax in the restaurant/bar.... and the food was excellent.

7cfe6a2f-4f9b-441c-8c17-5114724689f6_zps05133e8a.jpg

 

 

We picked up some soda at the convenience store. We payed too much for it, but compared to 12 sodas on the cruise, still a bargain!! Then we went back to the room... by this time 9pm, but was 10pm Eastern!! Sleep was as good as you could get with four of us in a room. The morning was hectic as expected... but we managed to get downstairs for breakfast by 8. Normal Hampton Inn Breakfast of waffles, cereal, etc. .... and this was Easter Sunday!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

6300bcdd-cafa-422f-9b74-26d05dce85a5_zpsc163b368.jpg

e5b60493-fc6f-4654-a61f-ae5e87c65313_zps5ac43487.jpg

 

Now...

Transportation to Galveston.

 

We had considered many options for Transportation to Galveston. Considered the shuttle at $35 per person. Considered and even attempted to share a ride with a fellow CC member (sorry that didn't work!).. but the times just didn't work with our flights. So we decided just to take a Taxi. With Platinum early embarkation, we wanted to be at the port around 10am. We asked the hotel to call us a Taxi for 9am... the woman at the Hampton Inn dialed a number and said.. I have a family of four, 9am. NOT 9:15 am.. 9am!! She was so funny.

 

Promptly at 9am, a black Crown Victoria pulls up- this is our ride? This was not a Taxi, but a private car... and we met Elias... who was the most enjoyable host we could ask for. Not only did he take us to Galveston, but we arranged for him to pick us up and bring us back. His rate was less expensive than the many car services we inquired about and we felt perfectly safe. This was our first dose of Texas hospitality. We immediately felt like we made a life long friend with this kind man. He told us about his family and all about the area en route.

 

We arrived at the port in no time. We were greeted by the kind porters, who took our luggage with a smile.... WHAT?? No yelling? No Shouting? No Dog Sniffing? This was already different than Miami or New York!! We were told to go all the way down to the end... where we found the checkin area. It was too early to check in, so we lined up with the rest of the VIP and FTTF folks in one line. Once opened, we showed our passports, got through security, and then we were escorted into the VIP lounge for Platinum guests and Suite guests. This was a different area than those who purchased the FTTF passes.

caf0af62-9db9-480b-9263-573d26ff9a30_zps63915677.jpg

 

We hung out in the VIP lounge for quite a while. There we met the kindest people! We talked cruising... about different ships, islands, etc. Everyone so far was from Texas.... and they could not believe that our little family flew all the way from WHERE????? Rhode Island???? to cruise!! WOW!! :)

 

 

Right at 11:30am, they said it was time!! We were escorted with the rest of the room ... up the ramps.... and onto the amazing Carnival Magic. Home for the next 7 days!!!

 

Coming Up.. first impressions, our room.... and DAY ONE!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

01a54917-e813-468f-8af0-c0925d8a694e_zpsf8be17b1.jpg

e8bebba3-30d1-4872-9fc3-1ffdb4f60bf3_zpsc2fefc2d.jpg

Hanging out in the VIP Lounge

 

6774b248-e103-4016-b404-881bf10c2f42_zps0c3057fb.jpg

Walking up the Ramp.. anticipating the Grand Entrance!

 

Ok..One thing we wanted to TRY .. was to be the first one's in the Red Frog Pub ... Steve was determined to get that first drink FREE!! Well, we were well on our way, but we took a wrong turn, made a left in the fork in the road near the lanai, where we should have turned left. And... we were second to arrive!!

So, we decided to head towards the Lido Deck, check out the sites, find our room and get something to eat for lunch!!

 

We arrived at the Lido Deck to find a Great Big Texas Welcome!!

5fbd3a8b-40dd-4aec-bac5-73233658c1cf_zpsde547a55.jpg

 

Already we could tell this was a fantastic ship. We loved the pool layout and the amount of chairs and couches one deck up in the shade. We had been on the Dream in 2011 and saw similarities, but could certainly tell this had been updated.

 

OUR ROOM - and ROOM SELECTION

Since we are Platinum members, we could go to our room upon embarkation.. and we wanted to drop off our carryons. .. so we headed there right away.

 

When booking, we had decided early on that this was going to be a VALUE trip. Our goal was to find a deal. We originally booked Cabin 1388 Ocean View in September. But little by little the prices continued to drop. Eventually, we had saved over $900 from our original booking price.. that out of the blue, three weeks before the cruise I said to Steve.. another sale? What are the Lido Deck balconies going for? We eventually upgraded to Cabin 10287 for only $270 from our lowest price paid. It by far was the least expensive cruise we have taken in over 5 years!! :)

 

This cabin location was AWESOME!! The second cabin on the left as you exit the Lido Deck area. There is a door to enter before you go into the hallway... and that door blocked ALL Sound. You would never know you were just feet away from the action. It really was PERFECT!!

 

Obligatory Cabin Picture. The couch was only here this afternoon. After dinner, it was made into a Bed for Matthew and the bunk came down for Allison. The bed and bunk stayed made the entire cruise, which worked out perfectly.

5672b466-d255-4975-9d70-f11e37d68ed7_zpsf351da2f.jpg

 

Other Cabin notes >>

Toiletries (I know people ask....)

Just Fructis Shampoo and Arm & Hammer Toothpaste. Gone are the days with multiple samples like lotion, razors, etc etc.

Safe... Four Digit Code

Light Switch.... you need to insert a card. We used a Hotel Key. This was a major pain the first day, but we got used to it pretty quickly!

Wet Bar - Stayed Locked the entire time.

Ice Bucket - We used one from the pool and asked our Room Steward to keep Ice in it all week. No problems here.

 

Coming Soon.... the rest of DAY ONE! Sailaway, pool time, and Camp Carnival Easter Party!!

 

Catrin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Enjoying your review! I have family in Quincy..and love that Southwest flies into Logan now..and have taken the bus ....many times to Braintree!!

 

I have sailed out of Galveston once and it was amazing...porters were so nice and friendly..and everyone we met on the ship were very friendly....so many people from Texas...Oklahoma...Louisiana...Kansas...it was a great trip:) Didn't realize the airfare would be cheaper....also I love Southwest but a little leery of AirTran and flying thru Atlanta..hope that was okay!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so glad you enjoyed Texas and the Magic. Most visitors either love us or hate us...mostly hate us. LOL

 

Galveston is definitely my favorite port to sail out of because of all the friendliness and of that's the closest port for the rest of my family. I will be sailing out of Baltimore this weekend and I'm expecting typical east coast rudeness but hoping for the best!

 

Can't wait to see more of your review.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so glad you enjoyed Texas and the Magic. Most visitors either love us or hate us...mostly hate us. LOL

 

Galveston is definitely my favorite port to sail out of because of all the friendliness and of that's the closest port for the rest of my family. I will be sailing out of Baltimore this weekend and I'm expecting typical east coast rudeness but hoping for the best!

 

Can't wait to see more of your review.

 

We have sailed out of lots of ports! Baltimore was fine...as was Boston last year! The worst I've ever experienced was Miami...almost got run over by this huge piece of machinery:) Also got sworn at....but it's all good..we're getting on a ship:) I did love Texas though..just wish it was closer!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have sailed out of lots of ports! Baltimore was fine...as was Boston last year! The worst I've ever experienced was Miami...almost got run over by this huge piece of machinery:) Also got sworn at....but it's all good..we're getting on a ship:) I did love Texas though..just wish it was closer!!

 

That's good to hear. :D I've been sworn at by a DMV employee here in DC...multiple times! :eek: So my expectations have lowered considerably but as you said, I"m gettin on a boat so who cares! :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I haven't been to RI in years, but I still consider myself a Rhode Islander. I'm enjoying your review, will be doing a b2b on the Magic for my birthday in January. We will be driving down from Kansas, Galveston is our closest port now. I'm looking forward to seeing what you choose to do in the ports. Thanks for doing the review.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Love the review! Hopefully I get to see the end before we board the Magic in just 11 days!!

 

And as a Texan, I'm glad your first impressions were good - hopefully it continues! :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Loving the review. Split time between CT and RI but legal residents of the Ocean State!

 

Love the Magic. Cruised on her 5th sailing to the Med. Stayed in a cove balcony with 4 of us and had a great cruise. Looking forward to some good memories via your review. We have never cruised out of TX but would definitely consider it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are from Arizona and our closest port is San Diego or Long Beach but not a lot of choices on the West Coast anymore for cruises. We tried Galveston last summer and fell in love! Galveston will be our port from now on.

 

Loving your review, can't wait to see more. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...