Magic Trans (boy it's a big ocean) Atlantic Review

[capndinghy]

Carnival Magic Trans (boy is it a big ocean) Voyage Review

 

Hello to everyone. My name is Chuck aka capndinghy. My wife Pat and I have just returned from the 16 day Transatlantic Voyage on the Carnival Magic. I have been writing about the trip in my daily blog and have decided to use that venue for this review. I will be posting it a bit at a time as we transverse the the ocean.

Carival Trans Atlantic Route Map by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

This trip was born when Pat and I took a Trans Pacific Trip on the Carnival Spirit last September (2010). We enjoyed the long voyage so much we decided to book the TransAtlantic. You may find the Spirit Hawaiian review here: Link to Vancouver Hawaii Cruise Review on Carnival Spirit http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1279418 The Magic Voyage was our 14th Carnival Cruise.

 

Please bear with me as I blend in comments and photos of our voyage along with my daily blog. You will notice I may change from past, to present, to past participle (whatever that is) tense. It has been a while since I have been in school, not that I was much of a student any how.

Pen and Ink Well by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We joined the Roll Call last November when we booked the cruise. The Magic TA Roll Call may be one of the largest ever. There were many members and a lot transpired over the more than one year period. Some good, Some not so good. I shall be posting my observations throughout this missive. I am sure there will be some that do not agree. I have been taken to task already and was chastised just a few days ago by a know it all, lady already. So be it.

 

Along with the Roll Call, there was a Face book page with over 105 members. To make a long story short, the Face book page was responsible for an offshoot group forming, calling ourselves “The Guttersnipes”. What a great group. We all became cyber friends over the past months. When we finally met for real in Barcelona and on the Ship it was like old home week. I cannot recommend making friends through this medium enough. It made the trip special for everyone. Although some on the roll call criticized and ostracized us Face Book folks, the Face Book page allowed us to 'chat' in real time and get to know one another.

 

Guttersnipes United Ship Art Nametag by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We arrived in Barcelona after an overnight flight from DFW to Madrid and then on to Barcelona. I am an very experienced traveler (not to toot my horn, but after over 40 years as an airline pilot, I did cover a few miles). I made a major blunder by choosing to connect in Madrid. My advice is, if at all possible, fly nonstop to where ever your European destination may be. I will put it this way. Whenever an Iberia agent noticed someone heading their way..they would Run and Disappear. This made it extremely difficult for some older travelers who had been bambozzled into thinking they were connecting on American Airlines in Madrid, rather than on Iberia. One poor fellow refused to believe me when I tried to explain it to him. I think he may still be looking for the American Airlines Flight to Athens, Greece!

 

073 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

The morning has dawned Grey and wet in the land where " the score was Don Quixote =0 Windmill =1. The temperature was in the low 60s F and generally miserable as listen to the mournful toll of the Cathedral Bells ringing again and again and again in their beconning call to the faithful to bring the daily tithe. (Euros of all demonimations accepted)

 

Pat and I stayed at a hotel located directly across from the Barcelona Cathedral. Our Hotel, Hotel Colon was booked online via hotelbooking.com. This is a very nice 4 star hotel located just off Las Ramblas on Catredral 7. Our room, balcony included cost $450. Nothing is cheap in Europe..remember to bring several pocket fulls of Euros!

Hotel Colon Barcelona by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

If one is into churches, Spain is surely the place to go. You will get plenty of exercise genuflecting since there is a church or almost every corner there.I must say, the Pope sure did have a lot of money in those days. The Spaniards really like to display all of their (plundered) gold that was no doubt donated by Mayans and Aztec Indians that converted to Catholism due to the great efforts of Spanish missionaries in the olden days. (I wonder if a Gun or 2 may have been involved?)

 

090 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

We were fortunate because directly across the Square from the Cathedral there was a great little outdoor cafe where Pat was able to sit in comfort and comtemplate her (not so happy) Parochial School days as a child . And she could also join in with the vast majority of Euro <trash?> folks who <gasp> smoke.

I must say, the Spanish have it figured out. There are out door cafes and coffee shops located everywhere.

 

091 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

In fact, Pat discovered the best Greek Salad in the whole wide world right there at her little restaurant on the square. Could it be because Greece is located just up the “coast”? Whatever the reason, should anyone want to sample it, just visit the cafe located next door to the Hotel Colon!

093 by capndinghy, on Flickr

[rdreid]

Nice start Chuck, keep it up

[najnelle]

Looking forward to more! We would love this kind of trip.

[athebay]

I so enjoyed your Spirit to Hawaii review when I came across it a couple of months ago. When I saw the ticker in your signature counting down to a TA I hoped you would review that as well! I am very glad that you are indeed writing one. :)

Thank you for taking the time to do this!

[English Tim]

Nice one Chuck. I'm sure that our 'friend' Schultz will soon be along to admire your artwork.

[capndinghy]

We had a fun day on our second say in Barcelona. As Pat and I were walking down Las Ramblas Street, (which is a big street with wide boulevard and trees and lots of people) two ladies stopped us. I put my hand out and starting saying in Spanish we are not interested BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. That is one of the ways one gets robbed. One person gets your attention while the other picks yourr pocket, purse, or whatever else is handy. Since these two ladies surely looked like shady characters, I was sure we were about to get robbed! Well, guess what? It turned out is was Donna and Deb who recognized Pat. Once I realized what a jerk I was we had a big laugh! It is a small world huh. I certainly am glad that Donna and Deb have a good sense of humor.

Pat, Wanda, Donna Barcelona by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We had planned a little get together at 4PM that afternoon with some of our fellow floaters. Sadly it started raining cats and dogs. So I sent out a message via Face Book not to get wet and miseralbe trying to find their way to our hotel.

103 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

However, some of our intrepid pals indeed found their way to our hotel where we met. We all left around 5PM, which caused us to miss 3 other couples who had been delayed due to the rain. I really feel bad we missed them. We left the hotel and headed to a fun little TAPAS bar next to our hotel where we became better acquainted, visited, while imbibing in beer, wind, and delectable snacks. I do not know why I was too stupid to leave a message at the desk for those who arrived a bit late!

 

Barcelona Day 2 005 by capndinghy, on Flickr

Spanish Tapas Bars are one of the best inventions I have ever seen. These are establishments where delectable snacks are lined up. They can be seafood, oysters, clams, vegetables, meatballs, you name it. One chooses what ever one wants and enjoys the repast with their favorite wine, beer, or Cava (Champagne). The waiter counts the toothpicks that were in each Tapas to determine how much you owe him. It really is a lot of fun!

Barcelona Day 2 008 by capndinghy, on Flickr

(Note: I think the girl costs extra)

[capndinghy]

Ooops...double post. Sorry!

[JustCruizeIt59]

It was a great cruise with a great group of people. Can't wait to hear about the rest of our cruise.

[nanuak]

Thanks for starting your review, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment :)

[capndinghy]

We had a good time exploring and got to see some of really great old buildings as we wandered the narrow, cobblesotne streets that date back to Roman Times.

Barcelona Day 2 011 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

We even found a little riot for Pat to join in. Pat had been telling me for over a year she did not want to visit Europe because of the Shaky Financial and Political Turmoil. So this Demonstration fit right into her fears! Actually from what I could tell the demonstraors were School teachers who were about to get screwed out of their Pensions! Sound Familiar????

Barcelona Day 2 020 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Our Hotel room was located on the second floor and had a balcony that looked over the Cathedral Square. That night we were entertained by a fellow who was not very happy with his girlfriend. He stood in the middle of the square, 2 giant suitcases in tow, screaming at the top of his lungs what a "Puta" his girlfriend was. (Note: Puta is a all encompassing derogatory spanish term for whore or bitch, often resulting in a fat lip or black eye) It was a free show and I wondered just what the girl did that had this poor guy so upset!

 

097 by capndinghy, on Flickr

The poor fellow was standing right in the middle of this square where you see the couple walking, yelling as loud as he could!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Nice PICS...

[JAXCRUISER]

Looking forward to the rest of your review. Great start, I'm looking forward to it!! Thanks.

[capndinghy]

Thank you everyone for the kind words of encouragement. I hope this is not putting everyone to sleep. :)

 

I will try and post some more tomorrow.

[SkyMaster]

We've already booked the TransAtlantic aboard "Breeze" for next fall. Really enjoying your review and can't wait for the next installment. Thanks for posting!

 

"SKY"

[English Tim]

Thank you everyone for the kind words of encouragement. I hope this is not putting everyone to sleep. :)

 

I will try and post some more tomorrow.

 

The opposite Chuck, it's keeping me awake!:)

[nessz79]

I'm already having a great time reading your trip review :). I look forward to more!

[tright]

I am loving your review. While I wait for more I will be reading your Hawaii review. Love the pictures. We have a transatlanic coming up next Nov. with a stop in Barcelona

could you tell me the cost of the tapas were the some more expensive then others ( seafood more the veggies) Enjoy your cruise! Waiting for more

[JustCruizeIt59]

The opposite Chuck, it's keeping me awake!:)

Read the TA reviews in the review section and that should help you sleep. Hope you and Rosy have settled back into a routine by now. Most of us have been back a week already.:eek:

[capndinghy]

The opposite Chuck, it's keeping me awake!:)

Thanks Tim!

[English Tim]

Read the TA reviews in the review section and that should help you sleep. Hope you and Rosy have settled back into a routine by now. Most of us have been back a week already.:eek:

 

Alas Rosy has been coughing and croaking for about 10 days, but I am just about settled. We are off to New York for a wedding, in 3 weeks, then we go to Austria in early January to see our son, Luke, working as a ski bum!:)

 

ps sorry King Charles for digressing!

[capndinghy]

Before moving on to Sail Away from Barcelona day I thought I would add a few remarks concerning traveling to and visiting Barcelona. This may be of interest to folks who are planning a Med Cruise or perhaps the Breeze Voyage across the Atlantic next year. As I said earlier if at all possible arrange to fly nonstop to your destination in Europe. Connecting to other flights in Europe can be rather painful. Although I do qualify for a good standby rate since I am retired from , I did book a full fare, positive seat flight for Pat and I. It would seem kind of stupid to miss the boat boat! Our full fare ticket purchased through a consolidator cost about $475 each, one way, steerage class. (Yes Steerage Sucks, there is no question about it) Otherwise one can spring a couple of thousand $$ for a fancy first class seat. Somehow I suspect if one can affort first class travel, one is booking a Silver Seas rather than a Carnival cruise.

072 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

There is good transportation availble from the Barcelona Airport to Town. I would suggest staying in the Las Ramblas area. It is a really old section of town and full of visitors from literally all over the world. Contrary to what I have read in other review, the food is excellent. It sure seems pretty stupid to me to visit a place where some of the best food in the world is and then eat at McDonalds or KFC. Go Figure!

 

Barcelona Day 2 042 by capndinghy, on Flickr

At least two CC Roll Call members were know to have preferred this to great Spanish Cruisine!

 

We opted for a taxi to our hotel from the airport and the metered cost was right at 29 Euros. They do charge I think 1 Euro for each suitcase. Be aware the Taxis are small so don't plan on sharing one. There is also bus service available from the airport to the La Cuccaracha (I forgot the name) on the north end of Las Ramblas. It is a short walk to most hotels located in this area. The bus costs 7 Euros and is easily found outside of baggage claim.

If you choose to ride the bus and then walk, remember to be aware of your surroundings. Especially if you are dragging Luggage. The Las Ramblas area is famous for it's PickPockets. This is one reason I opted for the 29E taxi ride.

081 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

We took a Taxi from our hotel in Las Ramblas to the Cruise Terminal. It cost right at 10 Euros. Don't feel bad when you run out of money there. There are ATM's and Money ExChange Banks everywhere, which tells me everyone runs out of money when visiting Baracelona. Just have another glass of wine and enjoy the visit. Thats what we did and it workded great!

 

 

[capndinghy]

Pat and I boarded the Carnival Magic on Friday, October 28th for our 16 day voyage across the Atlantic.The Magic, although not the largest ship, is pretty big being over 1000 feet long. We took a Taxi to the port area for about 10 Euros. Boarding in Barcelona was a breeze. We are Platinum, VIP, Snobby, Nose in the Air, Important people so we bypassed everyone as we were quickly escorted to the head of the security line. We were then issured our Sign and Sail Card after surrendering that ever important Credit Card to insure prompt payment. Photos were snapped and away we went. The whole boarding process took perhaps 15 minutes. Our boarding was basically however long it took to walk through the terminal and up the Gang Plank. I did not notice any long lines and it appeared that General Boarding was just as easy for everyone else.

Magic Canon Elf Photos 006 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

After Boarding on deck 3 at the Main Atrium we proceeded upstairs to Lido Deck 10 where we ran into John and Pat and Susan and Foster, fellow Guttersnipes.

Magic Canon Elf Photos 007 - Copy by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

After a nice lunch we proceeded down to our Balcony Cabin 8340 located on the Port side on Deck 8. We were very happy with our cabin. It was located midships near the mid elevators allowing us quick access to the Casino Deck 5 and the Lido Restaurant on Deck 10. Pat was surprised when she found Bon Voyage flowers and a bottle of her favorite rum, compliments of a very generous, smat, handsome, fellow.

Magic Canon Elf Photos 001 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

 

We were happy to see our 4 suitcases arrive! Once again my theory of “you get what you pay” for proved true. I suspect the 10 Euro Gratuity I paid the Porter at the Cruise Terminal Paid off. Laugh if you will, but I figure that 10E went a long way in insureing that our got bags on board the ship as opposed to pissing off your porter and your bags disappearing forever!

 

 

 

There were 3600 fellow floaters on board. Of those passengers 23 of us were Guttersnipes. One of our fellow cruisers has, among other skills, a great talent for writing. She wrote the following explaining out group:

 

Birth of the Gutternsipes

 

The petty fighting and competition on the cruise forums for the transatlantic cruise, had an unexpected benefit; the guttersnipe group.

"Hurled as an insult to a member on the message board; the guttersnipe attack brought forth a wonderful fringe group that became a welcome refuge from the original roll call group for the transatlantic cruise on the Carnival Magic. An unsearchable, private facebook group, created by the person who the insult was aimed at, became an “invitation only” group of friends in July of 2011.

The leader of the group became known as “King Chuck”, and he would be “crowned” in a ceremony at the sailaway gathering of the Carnival Magic. To keep the peace after being insulted multiple times, King Chuck would always jokingly refer to his mistakes as “putting my foot in my mouth”. Along with the crown, King Chuck also received a genuine foot to insert in his mouth on coronation day. In true good natured fashion, King Chuck, the retired airline pilot, poised graciously with his foot in his mouth on the forward deck of the Carnival Magic for all to enjoy."

We all met at the front of the ship where the group surprised me with a Kingly Crown and a foot to put in my mouth. This was for speaking my mind to other folks who had decided they were superior to everyone else. It was great meeting people we had already become friends with over the past year via this electronic medium.

Carnival Magic Transatlantic Canon Elf 009 by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

We all visited, enjoying our Cocktails as our Shipweighed anchor slowly sailing out of the harbor and into the Mediterranian Sea beginning the first leg of our journey.

Magic Canon Elf Photos 015 - Copy by capndinghy, on Flickr

Everyone in our 'group' were quite experienced cruisers, however this was the first time most of us had sailed already knowing someone on board.

Magic Canon Elf Photos 025 by capndinghy, on Flickr

This made all the difference in the world as we would spend the next 16 days exploring and enjoying each other's company.

 

Carnival Magic Transatlantic Canon Elf 034 by capndinghy, on Flickr

We quickly met new people and made new friends!

Guttersnipes Rock by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

And then....Away we went!

Carnival-Magic-Ship by capndinghy, on Flickr

[Eileen2]

can't wait to read more. Have done several Transatlantic from Barcelona . I am enjoying your photo's as well.:)