Debbierpof

30 minutes ago, rukkian said:

If you are looking at getting OW, you will need more than one port (at least with PADI) as you cannot do 4 training dives in one day.  

Agree with rukkian. Grand Turk would be a great place to start those four (4) required supervised dives. On your last port you'll be certified! Make sure you get those confined/basic skills dives done before you cruise. I'm hoping to have our teens certified for our next cruise! They've done discover SCUBA twice... 

On 7/8/2019 at 1:37 PM, dani85bri06 said:

What night was the electric white hot party?  

The White Hot  Night Party was on Tuesday (first day at sea) at 10:15 pm in the Magic Lobby and the after-party was at 11 pm at the Vibe Nightclub. We set sail on a Saturday. Hope this helps!

On 7/8/2019 at 10:29 AM, dreamv said:

We are going next week. My daughter would appreciate any info on club O2. She’s curious if you have name of camp director for it? Thx

My son did Club O2, although I think he spent more time playing basketball. 🙂  I'll check to see what info I have at home and post later.

On 7/8/2019 at 10:43 AM, Weeziblu said:

We're sailing Magic in a few weeks!  Looking forward to  your review!  Any feedback on the current CD?

You'll have a fantastic time! We didn't participate in many on-board activities or attend any shows (I know, I know...). But Simon London was a delight!  He was funny and kind with my daughter -- in the end, he made her feel special so that's all I cared about. 🙂   Lovely Jubbly!

Here's where you can find all of the Carnival cruise directors (per John Heald):

https://airtable.com/shrxzucqLGHbpDmm8/tblZJCAW6us7UhDmZ?blocks=hide

On 7/8/2019 at 7:36 AM, Emmabelle said:

I was looking into that ship for July 2020.  Glad you liked it!

Highly recommend! Might have to sail her again next year!

On 7/8/2019 at 12:19 AM, jbethel11 said:

Activities list please?

I'll add from home later today. I tried last night but I was having problems posting. 🙂

22 hours ago, dctravel said:

We are on the same itinerary in about 7 weeks! We are debating where to pay for a snorkel excursion in Grand Turk, Curacao, or Aruba. Would love to know what you did and whether you used a Carnival excursion or a private party!

 

Thanks!

This was my angst. In the end, we did it on our own. To be clear, we have gone SCUBA diving and snorkeling in Grand Turk in the past. While I loved our time at Governor's Beach (just outside of the Grand Turk Cruise Center past the shipwreck), I would suggest you pay for a tour to the wall. It's really spectacular. We used Oasis Divers three years ago (can't recall if we went through Carnival or contact them on our own). They're very reputable.

We did Curacao and Aruba on our own. In my opinion, these can be done on your own -- the ABC islands are known for their shore dives. The locations we considered but didn't go to (and hope to be able to return to experience) are:

ARUBA - Arashi Beach, Mangel Halto (should be a strong swimmer), Catalina Beach. I would love to go to the Antilla Wreck which requires a boat tour. 

CURACAO - If we had more time, we would have gone to the Tugboat, but it was further away than we wanted to go. But it's supposed to be a really good spot. The other great spots I've read about all seem to be very far (so tour probably recommended). Mambo Beach seems like a good alternative. I've attached visuals/maps of where we went. Most of the recommended locations (on the internet) are all far north, with the exception of Tugboat.

Hope this was helpful. :-)

17 minutes ago, Wolfsrule said:

I’m gonna be cruising on the Magic next September, can’t wait!

 

Did the Serenity deck have adults only hot tubs? If so how late were they open?

 

does this ship have a Mongolian Wok like the Dream? I really missed that when I sailed on the Conquest.

 

How crowded would the wraparound outside deck be? (I read one deck made a whole half mile loop around the ship). I’d love to take advantage of this if I’m not constantly running into people. Thanks!

I think Magic is my favorite Carnival ship! I was in the Spa more than the Serenity deck but I do recall at least one hot tub with a terrific view. I think the hanging/swinging day beds were da bomb! And I think they were open until 10 pm or midnight...

There's a Mongolian Wok - although I never saw it.

One of the comments my husband kept making was how the ship seemed "empty". Our sailing was fully booked so we couldn't figure out where people were hiding. :-)  I know there were many places I missed = didn't make it to that deck you're talking about. 

23 minutes ago, basicprincess24 said:

Do you know if the aft pool was adults only on your sailing? I've heard that the policy varies based on number of kids on board?

I'm not sure... I'll ask my kids :-) 

22 minutes ago, firedisney97 said:

Can I see one for Circle C also please?  My 13yo and my husband are going on the Magic in Feb (without me, boo-hoo) and he would love to see what goes on

 

Our daughter couldn't wait to board the ship to check out Circle C (she had such a great experience last year on the Glory - where we celebrated her birthday on board, she turned 14). This year didn't disappoint! She was out until late every night and went straight to the Club after breakfast. I'll look for their schedule and post it later. I know there was no Club when we were in Aruba (long day). I recall everything from a scavenger hunt to contests to prom night (one of the elegant nights). 

On 7/8/2019 at 9:29 AM, purplephenom said:

What were your hours in Curacao?  Where did you snorkel?   If that was your late departure port, what time did the shops close- did you have time to walk around after snorkeling?

Unfortunately, Curacao was only 8 am to 5 pm (back on board by 4:30 pm). Loved Curacao!!! 

We had a hearty breakfast in the dining room, grabbed our snorkeling gear and got off the ship around 9:45 am (love time stamp on phone photos). We decided to walk around Willemstad first, took the obligatory photos, and visited shops until about noon. Lovely town -- would have loved to spend more time here.

There's a taxi stop right by the Queen Emma bridge (the floating bridge). We had avoided all of the tour buses waiting for cruise passengers at the port -- they were all going to Mambo Beach. Our taxi driver took us to The Dive Bus (towards Mambo Beach). The cost was $20 (I think it may have been less) for the four of us. We had considered diving with them, but at the last minute we decided we would just snorkel. Their outfit is located across the street from the beach, but they were very helpful in giving us direction on where to go. So we crossed the street and went to the landing area next to the Sea Side Terrace restaurant/bar. When facing the ocean, you can see a protected beach that goes all the way to Mambo Beach. To the right, is a small inlet. There's a platform where local kids were jumping off and having a great time. My husband stayed with our belonging while the kids and I went in the water. So it was very windy (shocking) and there were pretty good waves. But once in the water, it felt calm (you just bob). We are all very strong swimmers. We snorkeled the inlet, as well as outside the protected area. We saw a barracuda, one very tiny lionfish, many juvenile fish (parrotfish, grunts, etc.), school of tang fish, many sea anemones, elk coral, sponges, fan corals, puffer fish, wrasse, and much more. A group of shore SCUBA divers went by.... They have also set-up areas along the bottom to grow coral -- which is fantastic!

We snorkeled for about 2-3 hours. As we were leaving the beach, a school group arrived (so this is where the locals must go). The water is beautiful. We went back to the dive shop to buy shirts and called our taxi driver to pick us up (her info is below). We were back in Willemstad in 10 minutes and walked across the Queen Emma bridge just before the bridge opened to allow the pilot boat through. A great day!

Reference:

http://www.thedivebus.com/

Taxi driver: Rignalda Mauris (TX 163), rdmauris@hotmail.com   Her whatsapp number is +59995157521 

On 7/8/2019 at 9:23 AM, cruise to live said:

How early do they let you off the ship, on your return to Florida.

We were in no rush to get off so we slept in (7:30 am). I think they were already starting to disembark folks by then (those carrying off their luggage, called by deck - I think they called decks 11 & 12 first). We went up to Lido for breakfast and sat there until our number was called (Group 17) around 10 am. Carnival staff seemed ready to get everyone off the ship, it was US Customs that held up the process. We weren't rushed and it all looked very organized and pleasant.

On 7/8/2019 at 8:22 AM, phoneman69 said:

DW and I are sailing on the Magic in less then 10 weeks. Sept cant get here early enough. I am sure you are going to cover it but how was the boarding process threw Fort Laurdale ? We bought the transfers from FLL to the ship. Was this a smooth process from the flight to the ship. (sorry assuming you flew in). We have never been to Aruba so looking forward to your review and how the snorkeling was their.

Thanks Matt

We actually drove from North Florida to Ft. Lauderdale so I can't help with the transfers. Port Everglades is a great port, it was certainly much more pleasant than our experience last year at Port of Miami. 

Aruba snorkeling - Even though we brought our own snorkeling and dive gear, we didn't do much in Aruba (we rented ATVs). We went to Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach (next to each other). There were sea turtles in Rodgers Beach (grassy/sandy bottom) so we just went snorkeled around looking for them -- saw some but they were too quick to get pictures. :-)  If had to do it again, we would have gone up to Arashi Beach instead.

On 7/8/2019 at 7:25 AM, CruiseJB said:

Looking forward to your review.  We are sailing Jan 2020 deck 12 cloud 9 balcony, doing Steakhouse and Chefs Table. Does the Steakhouse offer steak tartar, it's DH's favorite?

The Steakhouse is great and offers an appetizer that pairs steak tartar with bone marrow (delicious - it's what I ordered). :-)

We were in 12042 - quiet hallway, easy access to every place on board, and very friendly steward (very long, difficult name to pronounce).  Don't forget to ask for your complimentary scrub kit at the Spa front desk. Complimentary for spa deck rooms.

Our family of four were on the Carnival Magic a couple of weeks ago (LOVED IT!). I'll be posting a lengthy and in-depth review, but happy to answer any questions in the meantime.

Here are some areas where I may be helpful:

• Chef's Table
• Cloud 9 Spa
• Deck 12 balcony
• Circle C (13-14 year olds)
• O2 Club (15-17 year olds)
• Art Gallery/Auction
• Steakhouse
• Cucina del Capitano Italian Restaurant
• Snorkeling (Grand Turk, Aruba, Curacao)

Almost time for our cruise! Trying to decide if it's worth doing a manicure and/or pedicure on the ship. Also, thinking of a massage as well. We are in a Cloud 9 balcony (excited about enjoying some of the spa amenities). It's not about the cost as much as the experience and results. Appreciate any comments!

On 6/10/2019 at 2:52 PM, TNcruising02 said:

This is a great review.  It sounds like you had a lot of fun in Fort Lauderdale.  The Villa at HMC sounds amazing!  I am enjoying reading all of the details you are posting.  I'll be on this cruise in less than two weeks.

TNcruising02 - Agree! This is a fantastic review - great details. We are also on the June 22 sailing. Cannot wait!!

My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary during our stop in Aruba — our two teenage kids are going with us. Anyone have experience or suggestions for marriage vow renewal ceremony in Aruba? We are there until 11 pm and thought this might be a great place to do it. Just don’t want to spend a lot since we don’t need any of the frills. Just someone to perform the ceremony. Thanks in advance!

Following! 🙂

Will be in Belize next week. It's been three years since our last trip (we've done Goff's Caye and Coral Gardens). Looking at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley - can we wait until we are at the pier to make our arrangements? Or better to book ahead of time? My husband and I are traveling with our kids (ages 14 and 16). Thanks for your feedback!

Playa Cofi - My daughter will be travelling with my in-laws (her birthday gift) on the Carnival Conquest. They are supposed to arrive in San Juan on August 7. I imagine by that date Bertha will be completely gone, but I'm not sure if the ship would be re-routed since they are supposed to be in the Bahamas (Aug 4) and St. Thomas (Aug. 6). Thanks for any info.

So my DH and I have reservations for the CT on the Valor. We have done the CT on the Emerald Princess and really loved it. These reviews/comments are making me nervous. Anyone experience both? How would you compare?

I'd love to post a couple of photos, but I'm not sure how to... I've posted thumbnails (attachments). What am I doing wrong! I'd love to share some photos!!! :confused:

That is low for me. I average about 250 a day. ;) On our major trips (Med / British Isles / Australia / etc) I have been know to take in excess of 5,000 pics. :D

I like it! The Med cruises have definitely been photo-fests!!! Isn't that why God invented digital cameras, extra SD cards and extra camera batteries?? :D

My DH bought me my first digital camera for our first Med cruise. I had a Canon Rebel (film) and was soooo nervous to leave that one behind and that the digital just wouldn't work the same/take amazing pix. We ended up buying extra cards overseas (now always bring extra cards along)!!!

LOVE me some great pictures!!! My favorite souvenir!:)

Perfect - that's how I felt!

 

So 800 pictures in a week isn't normal?

 

I've been on 8 cruises and still take a TON of pictures... but I also do that at home so... I think it's normal (my DH on the other hand thinks I am crazy). :D I'm already trying to figure out which camera(s) to bring and if I should buy an underwater (really, really want one). :)