NDIrishO3

I laughed a little bit at your Cheeky Charli comments. We were on the Magic in June and had a great cruise. Ryan was the cruise director and was awesome. I didn’t know any other entertainment staff names except for Cheeky Charli because she stood out to us (and not in a good way)! We literally saw her twice the whole 8 days, on the docks as we were getting back on the ship in ports, and both times we thought she was way over the top and annoying enough that we remembered her name. I think she’s just trying to be fun and enthusiastic but yeah it needs toned down a bit.

We were on the magic on June 20th for 8 days and did the park and cruise package at the Hampton Inn Ridgefield Park. I definitely recommend it. Their shuttle is back - they just started the service back up in mid-June. There were no issues with leaving our car there and transportation to and from the port was smooth. Be prepared to wait - they have to make several trips to and from the port to get everyone, and traffic can definitely slow down that process, but we weren’t in a hurry so we were fine. In fact, we had a 1:00 check in time for embarkation and still got to the port early at 12:40 despite the shuttles running behind. If you want to spend a few additional days in New York, we stayed there after the cruise and found that driving to the N. Bergen park and ride (about 8-10 minutes away) and picking up the bus there to Manhattan was very easy. The only drawback to the hotel was that the entrance is a little tricky to navigate because of traffic. We had to embrace our inner New Jersey driver and just go for it several times LOL

Do you what point level or generally how much you have to gamble to get DOU, and how they tell you? We were recently on an 8 day Magic cruise, and my husband mentioned on day 5 or so one of the bartenders said “you haven’t gotten free drinks yet?” He never did get them…I’m guessing it’s because although he plays for a long time, he plays at low bet tables (usually $6 blackjack). I was curious though about how you are notified, just in case somehow he missed it!

I was on the Magic on June 20th out of New York and had a great experience with verifly. Our embarkation was really fast and smooth - it felt like we just constantly moved through the lines without much stopping and waiting! I heard quite a few people complain later about how long and difficult embarkation was, which was not our experience at all. I don’t know if we just got lucky with our check in time (1:00, although we got there around 12:40 due to the hotel shuttle times), or if verifly truly made it easier, but I would definitely recommend it.

I just got off the Magic today! As a couple other people said, the headline was a little deceptive. Today was our scheduled debarkation date and we were at the regular pier where we were supposed to be (88). Also, early last evening the captain had announced an estimated arrival time of 6:00 am in New York so I’m not sure that we even docked earlier than expected. Truthfully I didn’t even know anything had happened until we got off the ship and I saw it on social media. I did notice a lot of coast guard people on board as we walked through the lobby, but that was it.

Oh that’s good to know. I’m on the bigger side as well - I enjoy working out, I run and do triathlons, but you would never know it looking at me LOL. That’s definitely helpful to know not to stress if they don’t fit. Thank you!

Thank you so much!! That is exactly the info I was looking for. I really appreciate it! Thanks for the payment heads up as well - I prepaid so now I know not to worry if I see it on my sign and sail.

Ha yes I purposely booked it for the first full day for that exact reason! I’m a former lifeguard who has spent probably YEARS outside if you add it all together, but that Caribbean sun is brutal on my Ohio skin and blonde hair. We are leaving out of NYC so maybe a little bit of northern sun at the beginning will help me ease into it, unlike my last cruise years ago out of Ft. Lauderdale that just dove right in!

I have a salt scrub booked at the spa next week (on Carnival). This sounds dumb, but the thing that makes me most nervous about spa treatments is not knowing what to do or wear. If you have had one, can you talk me through what it will be like - what do I wear, do they give me a robe, do I leave undergarments on, am I on a table with a sheet like a massage, etc? I do know they will try to sell me products afterwards so I’m prepared for that LOL. Thank you!