carribbound

Ohhh, when I looked back I guess I was looking at an “unofficial” dry dock schedule. It sure is in need of it.

I have cruised with Carnival many many times (enough to be at Platinum status for a while now). First time on Carnival Magic. Embarkation: This was a piece of cake. Cabin: Adequate. We had a cove balcony which we always book. The mattress was awful though. Awful. Balcony was rusty and dirty most of the week. We expect it to be salty as it is close to the water, but this was dirty and gross. Staffing: Definitely seemed short staffed. Dirty dishes left on tables much longer than normal. Hard to get bar service. Cabin attendant was amazing! Met our needs and more. The cruise director was less than average. Entertainment: Lacking! It appears there have been cutbacks. It used to be I would have to decide between 2 or things to do if they were at a certain time and this time found myself to be bored. I had a discussion with the cruise director. I asked if there were cuts to comedy and he assured me there were not and it's the same as always. No, not the same. Used to be more shows. He repeatedly disagreed with me. Comedy shows should be in the large theatre as the current venue is always packed. Usually standing room only. There were some movies shown, which we like to do usually, but many times spinning ice cream cones, the movie showing schedule and a wiener dog falling asleep in the sun was on the screen most of the day. Music midday was played at the Lido pool for a few hours. They did some contests midday like usual utilizing guests at the Lido pool as well. Tons of Trivia. Multiple times a day. But that only takes one staff member so I am thinking if they are short staffed, that's an easy way to provide "entertainment". We watched one show and peaked in on another in the theatre. The one we went to was 5 singers sitting on stools singing for 30 minutes. Literally, sitting on stools with the one singer occasionally getting to sing. Poor presentation but the singing was ok. I looked in on another show later in the week, same thing, singers sitting on stools singing. Food: The food was par for Carnival. I feel like the steakhouse was better on other Carnival ships I have sailed on. We never were hungry and there were plenty of options. We usually drink the ship water but it tasted awful this time. We ended up buying bottled water all week. Pizza, Mongolian Wok, BBQ, burgers, and tacos were all great. Buffet was par. I did notice one day after the sea side BBQ, the buffet had pulled pork and Mac n cheese with burnt ends mixed in. So maybe feeding leftovers ?? General condition of the ship: Not good. Needs many repairs. Carnival Magic is an older ship, but is certainly showing its age. I believe a dry dock is scheduled for Jan 2025. It needs it. It was much more dirty than I have experienced on other ships. Grates near the pool were bent up with signs over them. The laundry room had only 2/4 dryers that were working and one of the 3 washers leaked all over one day. The door on our cabin would need a gently hit with the hip to get it open as it stuck hard. The casino really needs a better ventilation system. Very smoky anywhere near the casino. We opted to walk the deck below to get from forward to aft vs walking through it. This also made shopping non existent in the shops as it was such a strong smell of smoke. Other: No enforcement of any of their policies. Chair saving was ridiculous. Many times saw chairs with towels on them for 4 or more hours and nothing was done about it. People also smoking anywhere they wanted to on open decks and nothing was said to them. There was tons of security on this ship. More than I have ever seen on a Carnival ship. Debarkation: getting off the ship was acceptable, luggage reclamation was a nightmare. Going through customs was a breeze. Overall, I would not sail this ship again. I have to admit though, I do favor the newer Carnival ships now and maybe that makes me biased.

Stopped by La Danza Restaurant for an appetizer and soda. Clearly I offended the waitress when I asked if they had guacamole and chips. She lashed at me that was NOT in Mexico and they don’t have guacamole. After she returned with out drinks, I asked if they had Corona Beer. She said yes. I said… but we’re not in Mexico. She argued with me saying it was an international beer and that they actually keep a tally of how many people ask for guacamole. She was rude and argumentative. Well, in Minnesota, you can get guacamole in an American food restaurant. It wasn’t that far fetched of a question. I don’t recommend this restaurant simply because of the service.

If we took the ferry to honeymoon beach on water island, would it be reasonable to walk around the island vs renting a golf cart? We are able to walk a few miles without issues. The island looks small enough. I only see that people rent golf carts. Thank you

I will be on Carnival Magic and in port from 7-4. Looking for tips and experiences for going to water island. Thank you

Is Celsius drink considered a soft drink? It’s in a can.

Does Carnival ever have deals on onboard things like internet on Black Friday?

I would never even report it unless I needed medical intervention. We pack mucinex, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and nyquil/dayquil. I pack my own covid tests.

I wish Carnival would stop going to Amber Cove and La Romana all together. You are almost forced into booking a ship sponsored excursion or sitting at the pool/shopping area d/t the lack of safety of venturing out on your own.

Does anyone know if they sell Celsius onboard?

Great suggestions! Thank you!

Right now, I am looking at $775 per person Jan 26/Feb 4. And if we rent a car and drive from Fort Myers, it would be about $267 per person with the car rental. I am flying from MN.

I have read that deposits are non-refundable but are they transferable to a different Carnival cruise? I am having second thoughts this year d/t flight prices. I can almost fly to Hawaii for only $300 more.

Is it just me or are winter flight prices into and out of Miami ridiculously expensive? I can fly into/out of Fort Myers and rent a car and drive to Miami for hundreds less per person.

3 Destiny cruises in a row out of SJ. I’ve mentioned it on the John Heald page a couple times. Strength in numbers! Everyone go to John’s page and slather it with sailing out of SJ!

Thanks for your input! I’m feeling more reassured ☺️

Oh good! Thank you!!! I know bad reviews are more common than good ones but I just needed some reassurance 😉 People are more apt to complain than compliment. I have always loved carnival

I am booked on the Magic for Jan 24. I have been on many Carnival Cruises, my first time on the Magic. I am growing increasingly concerned because the reviews I am reading are so poor. I love Carnival. I considered a different cruise line but decided to book this cruise. Many reviews I am reading say how Carnival has really gone down hill. My last cruise with Carnival was in 2021, so not that long ago. Please comfort my worries and tell me these are just a fluke.

As a non smoker, I will walk up a level or two, across and back down to avoid the stench. Actively breathing in cancer is not appealing. Would be like drinking round up while spraying weeds 😫 I also stay on the non smoking side of the ship while outside. A non smoking section is like someone peeing in the pool. Can’t separate it.

I have packed mini booze bottles in with my liquids(hairsprays, soaps, shampoos) and they went through just fine. I think they just blended in with the surrounding liquids 😂

We love cove balconies!! Booked the next cruise today, almost booked an upper balcony, booked then came to my senses and booked 2 coves. We haven’t experienced an overly salty balcony but sometimes it gets salty. Not horrible though.

I am a loyal Carnival cruiser, however, this time I am shopping around. I am bored with the Carnival itineraries. I miss them sailing out of San Juan. But, I was also bummed they always had an older ship sailing out of San Juan. I dislike Nassau, Bahamas and Dominican Republic. They went to Dominica for a short while which was nice. I would like to see them go to Tortola, Grenada, and maybe some other newer to Carnival islands. I might be trying another cruise line this winter season. I would really miss my favorite Carnival foods but I am certain I can find new ones.

I don’t see a way to book online just a flat rate room without the frills and thrills that are “included”. Can this be done over the phone? If possible, are the prices better for a room only fee? thanks

OMAHABOB, thanks. I know how to use cruise critic. I wanted fresh opinions. How do you know I didn’t already do that? You assume I didn’t. Fresh opinions today. So if it bothers you to see a post like mine, feel free to scroll on by. 🙂 Because your response mucks up the thread and sends the message that you don’t want to help and only hinder. But thanks for your info on the WiFi. To the others that responded, I really appreciate your responses. I feel like NCL has a challenging site to use and didn’t see fine print but I am going to look closer now. Startling internet, I think I heard that before and should’ve known. Good to know about the flights. Seems promising that you got what you would’ve booked on your own . I am flying from MN to Miami. I like to get in a day early mostly to be on the safe side d/t winter weather.

I am a Carnival cruiser considering trying NCL d/t lack of interest in Carnivals boring and repetitive itineraries. I have a couple questions. Booking looks to include excursions, flight, WiFi and specialty dining. Do you have to book dining and excursions considerably in advance to even get a chance at getting on them? Same with specialty dining. Is it difficult to get any availability? Is the WiFi okay? On Carnival, I am able to make WiFi calls without any trouble. Can I expect the same on NCL? And are the flights awful times bringing you in at the last minute with connections?? I am assuming the worst. Looking for some reassurance that it won’t be. Thanks in advance.