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

[SenatorsFan]

I'm here, too, and enjoying your review. I would love to go to Texas someday. :)

Heather

[Catrin]

DAY THREE

DAY AT SEA

 

This day started out very similar to the previous day! I woke up with everyone still sleeping and I went to the GYM. But.. before I went to the gym, I ventured down to Guest Services to check out how my Iphone was feeling!! I found it turning on just fine... with about 10% battery life left Video worked, music worked and things seem to be back to normal!!! YEAH!!! (FOR NOW... ). So I went to the gym and rocked out and got a great workout.

 

Came back to the room to find three very lazy family members still sleeping!! We were going to go to Brunch this day, but the kids just wanted the normal Lido deck faire. By the time everyone got showered, changed etc... it was a very late morning.

 

Before we ventured out, we once again put our Laundry together. The laundry perk when you are a Platinum cruiser is probably the #1 useful benefit for our family. We had handed in a bag the day before and received our clean laundry that night during dinner. This day, we gathered another load, but did not have the form to fill out. In the past, we have just written a detailed list of X amount of Shirts, X amount of shorts, etc. So we did the same and left it for our Room Steward.

 

We made it to the Lido deck just in time for Breakfast. It was Omelet day and they were excellent!! We never did make it to the dining room for breakfast this week and we realized the last day that we forgot to redeem our free drink coupon .. what a waste. We had a very relaxing breakfast at the Lido Deck pool area, behind the towel hut in the shade. We loved this spot. By this time, most beach chairs were taken and people were having a great time. It is usually the second full day that people really get into their routine and are relaxed!!

 

Allison wanted to go to Camp Carnival for an hour or so. The schedule they provide really helps her plan out her day. She chose to go based on the activities featured. While there, I ventured to the Photo Gallery and found some pictures from the past few days. I only purchased four pictures this cruise. Prices have increased significantly - and almost $80.00 for four pictures is ridiculous. I really wish Carnival will step up and offer packages similar to Disney or really considered revamping their photo program.

 

We picked up Allison at Camp and her and Steve spent a really fun early afternoon at the Waterpark!! During this time, they had the Ice Carving demonstration and Miss Carnival Magic. Steve watched it all from a very good vantage point and kept cool in the process!!

Waterworks is so much fun. A waterbucket, slides, and play area. Allison could have stayed there for hours! This area is such an improvement over the Conquest Class slide.

 

Pool time was over when Allison announced... "I want to go on the Sky course!!".... Yikes.. who is going to go with her? MOM!!

 

Coming up... a crazy fun adventure in the sky.

Catrin

[itolduso]

Loving your review... I am cruising on her in 31 days.There are not a lot of Magic reviews so you made me very happy when I happened upon a new review. Can't wait to read more. definitely subscribing.

[grumpyjr88]

I'm reading, Catrin! Looking forward to the rest. :)

 

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[Catrin]

The Carnival Magic Sky Course......

 

I have seen pictures, and even a few You Tube Videos ... but I never imagined I would be going up there with Allison. Matt had gone a few times with his friends the day before, and said it was easy. So I had no issues with Allison going. But.. she wanted MOMMY to come along! So, I said to myself, how hard can this be?

We ventured up the 12 deck where the Sky Course is located. There we met Robert, who assured me I would be fine.... and he took his time strapping us in. Once we were all set, they gave us the rules. One at a time on the bridges. I was to go first, wait for Allison, help her guide her rope to the next location and go again.

I had to concentrate.... and it was not HARD, but not that EASY... and it was FUN!! My heart was pumping, and I was proud of myself that I did it! Allison DID need some help moving her rope from station to station. But she loved it!!!

 

The entire sports area was a fun place to hang out. Ping pong, mini golf, Pool tables, HUGE chess, and CONNECT FOUR!!

 

They also had HOT DOGS!!!! So lunch was as simple as it can get!!

[sweetshell637]

Lovin this review!! Great pics!

 

 

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[Catrin]

We had a great afternoon playing in the sun.. and got a LOT of sun!! We brought SPRAY sunscreen with us... HUGE MISTAKE... Lotion is really the best for the strong Caribbean sun!

 

Before we knew it, afternoon was turning into late afternoon.... little by little the pool area emptied out. I think a LOT of people enjoyed afternoon naps!!

 

I decided to watch a Journey Concert on the Big Screen.... very relaxing and enjoyable!!! They had music concerts during the day, movies at night. A lot of people took advantage of the wonderful relaxing atmosphere during the afternoon and nights. Some of the movies played were Discpicalble Me, Iron Man, Monster University, Goonies, Teen Beach Movie and the Great Gatsby.

 

I came back to the room to ....somebody sleeping in my bed!!

 

Before we knew it.. it was dinner time and guess who showed up?? Matthew!! He spent his day with his wonderful group of friends. They went to the Pasta Restaurant for lunch as a group, went on a scavenger hunt, went on the skycourse, and had a blast. I was so glad that he was having a really fun time.

We had a normal dinner with the kids being silly and fun.

This was not my favorite menu.... but... but.... but..... It was BITTER n BLANC night for dessert.... the most wonderful dessert EVER!!! I am actually glad it comes with this menu, so I can save room for it!

And of course the Carnival Waiters dancing and singing.... it would not be a Carnival Cruise without the dining entertainment. Is it needed? No, not really... but little things like this is what makes us remember we are on a Carnival Cruise.

 

That night was a fun night. Allison went to Camp Carnival right after dinner. Matt brought her and she signed herself in. Although we did not always let her come and go on her own, it was such a plus that we did not have to wait in line to sign her out this time. 9-11 Group has perks!!

 

We went back to the room and found our laundry.... OH NO... NOT WASHED. Because we did not have an official form, they would NOT take our list. So our Steward did not wash it. We asked him and he said, sort of abruptly... "You Should have Called me!" Well, yes, I guess we should have. So we got a form from him and asked him if he could then take it. He did but said it would not be done until the following day. The only thing that was in there that I wish I had the next morning was my Gym clothes. So, looks like I was going to have a day off from the gym!!

 

Steve and I decided we needed a NOTHING night... so ... we went to the Red Frog Pub! The Pub was hopping this night, with Robbie Litt playing awesome tunes and totally engaging with everyone. What a great entertainer. At 8:45 Assistant CD Louis came in for a round of PUB Trivia! What ever team won received a BEER TUBE or a FISHBOWL Drink to share! Steve and I were ready to play as "Team Rhode Island" when three ladies from Texas asked us if they could sit next to us, and they joined our team!!

 

Well the questions were FUN .. some easy, some hard, and some just made you think ("Which President is on the $100 Bill??).....

and guess what... WE TIED for FIRST!!! And the funny thing is, we tied with the table next to us... so the two tables got a Tube of Thirsty Frog Red and a Fishbowl Rum Drink to SPLIT!!! The couple who we tied with already had SO MUCH to drink that they soon left us with 3/4 of their Beer Tube that we shared with people surrounding us!!

Where are the pictures you ask? This was the ONE NIGHT when I did not bring my camera!!!!

 

At 9:55 I picked up Allison and she came back to the Red Frog to pick up Steve. We stayed for a few minutes so she could see where Mom and Dad go.. and then we said goodnight to our new friends and left. That night, was the Red Frog Caribbean Beach Party. We stayed a little bit and we found Matthew! Doing the Limbo with his friends. We checked it out.. and although we wanted to everyone was quite tired from a fun day at Sea. Steve put Allison to bed... I stayed out there for a little bit and watched everyone dance and sing... those parties have a great atmosphere with James Dunn and his team getting everyone involved.

 

Another great day on the wonderful Magic....

But enough of Sea Days... we hit land tomorrow.. Roatan!

 

Catrin

[LadyBird14]

Awesome review-diary! I love reading it! Ill be on the magic in 2 days and this is just making me sooooo excited! Thanks again for the review, this Texan loves it!

[Catrin]

Awesome review-diary! I love reading it! Ill be on the magic in 2 days and this is just making me sooooo excited! Thanks again for the review, this Texan loves it!

 

Thank you ... and to everyone else who has responded!!!

 

 

DAY FOUR - ROATAN

 

We had been to Roatan in 2011 on the Dream. That day, the Boys went Zip Lining with ZipNClip (now only available through the ship, but then it was an independent company). Allison and I did the Beach Break package at Mohagany Bay with the Flying chairs, Clamshell and Mats.

 

This year, two weeks prior to the cruise, I checked out that package again, and it was sold out. This was a good thing for Steve, who was not thrilled with Mohagany Bay at all. First, on that cruise, Allison was bit by something in the water... and we found the beach to not be that clean, with tons of seaweed. But we did LOVE that it was right near the ship and FREE!!!

 

What we did not want was a real tour. My kids, unfortuntatly get antsy during tours. They usually want either adventure or just a beach day. So, last minute.... the night before, we decided just to go and try the Beach Break at Tabanya Beach through Carnival. We knew it was over-priced... but we liked the idea that we wouldn't have to think much.. just get on the bus and go.

 

That morning, we ordered room service for breakfast. We left the card out the night prior and I ordered cereal, pastry and juice. Perfect. Breakfast on the balcony with the Island of Roatan in view.

We got our suits on and took our time getting off the ship, as o

ur pick up time was 11am. We had about an hour to explore the port area and the shops. This is a fun area with Fat Tuesdays, and your typical cruise shops like Del Sol, Diamonds International, etc.

It was VERY HOT that day. JUST HOT. No breeze, humid and HOT. We found our pickup spot and we were escorted to a very FULL air conditioned Bus. Then we ventured the 45 minute long drive to Tabanya Beach. We did not really know what to expect, except the pictures online were very nice. When we arrived, the beach was packed, as expected. We had to walk a ways to find three chairs together, and none in the shade. We met a man who was security and who offered to help us find chairs, and would watch our belongings.

 

Steve, Allison and Matt immediately went into the water. I was happy to read and sit with our stuff, soaking in the sun. We took turns in the water throughout the day. We brought snacks from home (Goldfish, Cheez its, etc) a few sodas too. They did have some beach toys... for a fee. We knew we were going to Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel in a few days, so the kids really did not ask to go on these. They were just happy to swim.

[Catrin]

Some other pictures from Roatan.....

 

The beach break was just OK. First it was just SO HOT, I was sitting in my beach chair just Sweating. Not really enjoyable! When others moved, I was able to back a few rows into the shade.

 

Secondly, I had read many times about the vendors and the people who walk up to you trying to sell you everything.... but I guess I was not ready for how many there would be or how often they would ask. It got kind of ridiculous. A simple no thank you worked, but you needed to say it over and over again.

 

Coming back was a breeze. Busses took you back as soon as they filled. Ours filled within minutes and we were off.

 

Would we do this again? Probably not. We were glad we said we did it and took a nice ride to the beach. But for us, Mohagany Bay would have been just fine. It just was not worth $40 per person. Plus, Steve did not get to go to Fat Tuesdays!!

 

 

Coming up... Elegant Night #2, An Empty Ship in Belize and MORE!!

Catrin

[CrystalBeachGal]

Loving your review. I have two teens so I can relate to your son wanting to sleep. I will be lucky to get mine out of bed by 1 pm! I will be on the Magic June 15. Cant wait to try the Red Frog Pub.

 

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[Gig103]

I just finished day one, and I'm enjoying your review. I think it's clever that GS has rice for phones on standby. Oh, and I'm with you - sea days are the best part of cruising!

[Jenny in TX]

Really enjoying your review! We love the Magic and fortunately for us it is just a 30 minute drive from our house to get onboard. Hoping to sail her again later this year.

[andriadean7171]

Love this review! I'm from Texas so I'm glad the people from Galveston were so hospitable and really held up our standard. We're cruising out of Miami this year but next time we're definitely taking the Magic! Thank you fir so many details

 

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[Catrin]

Love this review! I'm from Texas so I'm glad the people from Galveston were so hospitable and really held up our standard. We're cruising out of Miami this year but next time we're definitely taking the Magic! Thank you fir so many details

 

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You will be so happy that you can travel from Texas to cruise.. how lucky!

I will have more installments this weekend, with a goal of finishing up by Sunday night!! Please hang with me!!

Catrin

[Catrin]

Loving your review. I have two teens so I can relate to your son wanting to sleep. I will be lucky to get mine out of bed by 1 pm! I will be on the Magic June 15. Cant wait to try the Red Frog Pub.

 

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Be sure to visit the Pub and say hi to the Amazing bar staff. It really was a fun place to hang out.

[christyran1228]

Thank you for taking the time to right this review!! We will be on the magic in July. Loving your review.

 

 

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Thank you so much from me, too!

 

6 months from tonight I will be frantically still packing, setting traps to make sure my college sophomore and high school senior are not throwing wild parties at my house while we are gone (lol [emoji322][emoji487][emoji126][emoji481][emoji482][emoji484]) .... freaking out that we will forget something ... and spending the rest of the night too excited to sleep before we make our 3 hour trek to the Magic. lol

 

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[wrigley80]

Love your review. We have the same stops on the Dream in December

[MichelleChell]

My family and I were on the dolphin tour boat honking and waving as you guys were headed out!!

[Catrin]

Love your review. We have the same stops on the Dream in December

 

We did the same route on the Dream in 2011.. my review is below, but I lost all the pictures when the Webshots website shut down. So unfortunately no pictures on that review anymore.

 

Catrin

[Catrin]

Thursday April 24th Belize.... (or not!)

 

We had been to Belize on the Dream in 2011 and went Cave Tubing (with Cave Tubing.bz). That day was a LONG and great day... with exception that Allison was too small to have a tube on her own. This year, we went back and forth on what to do this day. We really did not want to go Cave Tubing again, and we thought about going to Geoff's Cay or something similar... But as the week went on, what was a lot more appealing to us... was>>

 

An EMPTY SHIP!! So, as much as some people would say, "I cannot believe you went all the way to Belize and did not get off the ship" - it was a perfect day for our family.

We slept late again. I am not sure why we could not get up bright and early, but it did not happen this week!! Allison had a complete plan with Steve and Matt. First we were all going to go to the pool.... then they were going to play mini golf, go on the sky course, go to the Water Park etc. I was going to make a serious dent in my book that I had been neglecting. We were going to enjoy the peace and quiet of the ship while everyone was exploring!!

 

There were no lines for breakfast this morning, so we had a wonderful breakfast with made to order omelets. Then we got changed in our swimsuits and hung out in the pool. There were a few concerts on TV - Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson... at one point, we were one of only five people in the pool!!

 

Look at all those empty lounge chairs! This was around NOONTIME!! We were able to establish base-camp in one of the covered huts at the pool.

 

That afternoon... Allison and Matthew went on the skycourse together, then played Mini Golf and then went to the waterpark as planned!!!

I found a quiet spot along the promenade in the afternoon and buried myself in a very good book. Completely relaxed and non rushed. This was really a favorite day!! Little by little we saw the ship become more and more full as people were returning from their adventures in Belize. We do not regret staying on the ship at all. We will return again, for sure.. and maybe next time we will go back to Cave Tubing on another adventure.

 

That night was elegant night #2. Allison decided that she wanted to eat dinner with Camp Carnival. This option is offered nightly and has a fixed menu for the kids. They meet and escort the kids to the Lido Deck Buffet area. There were served Grilled Cheese, Mozzarella Cheeze sticks, Salad, Fruit, cake, etc.

 

When we brought her to dinner, we could not get over the amount of people having dinner at the Lido Deck Buffet area instead of the dining room. It was packed!! I think that many people feel that two days of elegant attire is one too many and after a day in Belize, I am sure most didn't want to bother. We always consider the second elegant night more "semi formal" - I wore a dress but not as formal as the first night.

 

When we got to the dining room, it was evident as well. Empty tables all around and we received great service and attention from our team. By now, Matt always had a Sprite waiting for him, and our staff knew we liked "One of Each" of the bread offered. They knew I liked to have Tea at the end of dinner with my dessert, and it was always ready without asking. Little things like this is the reason why we enjoy a fixed time and table.

[Catrin]

That night... (can you see a routine here??) We went back to the Red Frog Pub. The shows did not call our name this cruise. We just wanted to hang out and relax.

We sat at the bar this night and enjoyed just watching the bartenders do their thing all night. What great bunch of hardworking people!!

 

Here is a picture of the outside of the pub taken during an afternoon....

And the great staff...

 

And Us!

 

By now, we see the same people over and over again at the Red Frog. Two couples from Detroit, and a lot of people from Texas! We really enjoyed playing Pub Trivia each night at 8:45 with Louis, and listening to Robbie and Bradley each night.

Also.. one great fun thing they do.. is they take pictures with their digital camera all day and night. Those pictures instantly show up on the tv screens throughout the pub in a rotation. It is fun to see other cruisers having such a good time throughout the week!! They also print those pictures (of course!!) for purchase. We had a lot of pictures taken throughout the week, but this was our favorite. (Yes, looks just like the picture above but with a Red Frog Border!)

 

We picked up Allison right at 10, and had our Late Night Ice Cream Cone and walk through the Lido deck ... then ventured to bed. Another great day down. We needed our rest because tomorrow was an early morning and our favorite place in the world... COZUMEL!!

 

Catrin

[kybluecruiser]

Great review. Thanks for sharing.

[andriadean7171]

Can't wait to see Cozumel, that's my favorite place too!

 

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[Hockey Addict]

Loving your review! We sail tomorrow (different ship) and you are helping in my excitement! My DH would thank you too because I am not driving him nuts with talk of the cruise because I am soaking in the fun of your cruise!

 

We always go to Nassau, Freeport and HMC. When in Nassau and Freeport we relax on the serenity deck now. We never get off of the ship. We love it. Nice and relaxing! One day we will try new ports but we just love to relax now. Running around in a new port seems tiring in a way!

 

Thanks for taking the time to write your review! I love it!