Newbie Cruises the Caribbean: Review of Magic 3/15-22 Cruise to Bahamas

[Beachiekeen]

We set the alarm for 6:45 am. Since we were on Deck 1, we didn’t need to use our FTTF to disembark because if we did self-assist (which we planned to do), we could leave at 7:30 am.

 

So that is what we did and we were off the ship by 8:00 am the next morning and on our way home.

 

 

Goodbye Magic!

 

Overall I enjoyed cruising more than I thought I would. I never felt claustrophobic or trapped, although a 7-day cruise with three sea days is probably the maximum I would ever want to do. I loved relaxing all day and the beautiful Caribbean weather.

 

I can definitely see the advantages to having a balcony and I told DH I would love to have one next time. There were so many times DH and I just wanted to sit and watch the water and talk—it would have been so nice to be able to do that without having to get on an elevator, fight crowds, hear noisy chatter all around us, etc. The one thing I found weird was that it was very hard to ever be anywhere where it was quiet even on a ship of this size. So without even having a balcony, I can see the appeal of one.

 

I was happy with our room though—the only thing I could not get used to was the toilets. They were so loud and I jumped every time they flushed!

 

I would not cruise again at such a busy time of year as the ports and common areas of the ship were just too crowded—that was something I knew to expect, I just wouldn’t do it again. I would also research the ports and excursion options more carefully.

 

But all that said, I had a great time and hope to plan another cruise in the near future. I really appreciate all the great advice I got from this forum. Thanks for reading and safe travels to all! Bon Voyage!

 

[tandemcruzr]

Thanks for the review. Hope you enjoy your next cruise. :D

[HippyBuggsGirl]

I just loved reading your review and seeing your photos. My hubby and I were also on this cruise both of us first timers. Luckily we had a seasoned couple with us to show us the basics. We also had FTTF and did not recieve our baggage until after 5. We were pretty anxious for fresh clothes since we had flown from Tulsa early that morning and we had Steak House reservations at 6:30pm.

 

All in all we had a blast. The food could have been better all around but I didn't expect much and I didn't go hungry so it is what it is I guess. My favorite meal was the night we had The Italian Restaurant. My favorite dessert was the Cappacino Pie in the dinning room on the last night.

 

Hubby and I really enjoyed the Punchlne and Vibe Clubs in the evening. We played lots of trivia and did one of the scavenger hunts. We stayed in a Cove Balcony and I really enjoyed that. We had an awesome Steward and the towels critters in the evening were so much fun.

 

Port Days.....

 

We did the Trolly on off in Key West. Hemingway House was wonderful. The grounds were beautiful and the kitties were a delight!

 

The Freeport Beach Day was probably the biggest bummer of the trip. I loved the the beach but the drinks had no alchohol and the the locals were a bit rude.

 

Nassau was another tourist day for us we did the City Tour but the other couple with us did the beach. I hear we missed out. But I wouldn't have wanted to give up the tour of the city we did.

 

I miss our cruise already. it was like a second honeymoon for us. How can it already be over? :(

Edited March 25, 2015 by HippyBuggsGirl

[Beachiekeen]

I just loved reading your review and seeing your photos. My hubby and I were also on this cruise both of us first timers. Luckily we had a seasoned couple with us to show us the basics. We also had FTTF and did not recieve our baggage until after 5. We were pretty anxious for fresh clothes since we had flown from Tulsa early that morning and we had Steak House reservations at 6:30pm.

 

All in all we had a blast. The food could have been better all around but I didn't expect much and I didn't go hungry so it is what it is I guess. My favorite meal was the night we had The Italian Restaurant. My favorite dessert was the Cappacino Pie in the dinning room on the last night.

 

Hubby and I really enjoyed the Punchlne and Vibe Clubs in the evening. We played lots of trivia and did one of the scavenger hunts. We stayed in a Cove Balcony and I really enjoyed that. We had an awesome Steward and the towels critters in the evening were so much fun.

 

Port Days.....

 

We did the Trolly on off in Key West. Hemingway House was wonderful. The grounds were beautiful and the kitties were a delight!

 

The Freeport Beach Day was probably the biggest bummer of the trip. I loved the the beach but the drinks had no alchohol and the the locals were a bit rude.

 

Nassau was another tourist day for us we did the City Tour but the other couple with us did the beach. I hear we missed out. But I wouldn't have wanted to give up the tour of the city we did.

 

I miss our cruise already. it was like a second honeymoon for us. How can it already be over? :(

 

Thanks for adding your thoughts! :) I really wish we had seen more shows. But the late dining hampered us I think. We left for the cruise in the middle of a remodel, our house a mess and us both stressed to the max--it's like once we got there, all we wanted to do was sleep!

 

FTTF ended up a bust for us except for being able to go straight to the room which was really nice.

 

The food wasn't the best but I certainly never went hungry!

 

We will get a balcony next time for sure!

[Beachiekeen]

Thank you for the review. Sorry the food was not that great. The food is usually pretty good (except for the buffet). I don't like the chocolate sampler in the Steakhouse either. I always get the Cheesecake and it is great. Sorry you didn't have a good turnout for you meet and greet. When I help plan one and 20 people say they are coming, I only count on 4 or 5 showing up!

 

Hee we saw another table get the cheesecake and it was huuuuge! Like a gigantic slab of cheesecake. It did look good though.

[abcsteward]

So sad that we didn't get to meet... I was there... And saw ya'll... But wasn't sure, so didn't say anything... :(

 

Your review was spot on... The Magic disappointed me this time around... When I was on her last she was new... This time not so much...

 

We had The Steakhouse the first night and I truly enjoyed my Chocolate Sampler... But speaking with some others that had it later in the week they said it wasn't the same???

 

The Italian Dinner was my highlight... And it was AWESOME just like the first time we had it... From beginning to end...

 

Tandoori would have to be our second favorite... But I was sad that the last couple days they didn't have my favorite... The Peas and Potatoes...

 

The Casino was awful... Always crowded and I almost never heard of anyone winning anything... And you could forget ordering drinks... Ugh...

 

I was spoiled on my 21 day on The Triumph last month for sure... Best CARNIVAL CRUISE food ever... And the service staff was GREAT!!!

[Beachiekeen]

So sad that we didn't get to meet... I was there... And saw ya'll... But wasn't sure, so didn't say anything... :(

 

Your review was spot on... The Magic disappointed me this time around... When I was on her last she was new... This time not so much...

 

We had The Steakhouse the first night and I truly enjoyed my Chocolate Sampler... But speaking with some others that had it later in the week they said it wasn't the same???

 

The Italian Dinner was my highlight... And it was AWESOME just like the first time we had it... From beginning to end...

 

Tandoori would have to be our second favorite... But I was sad that the last couple days they didn't have my favorite... The Peas and Potatoes...

 

The Casino was awful... Always crowded and I almost never heard of anyone winning anything... And you could forget ordering drinks... Ugh...

 

I was spoiled on my 21 day on The Triumph last month for sure... Best CARNIVAL CRUISE food ever... And the service staff was GREAT!!!

 

Oh I HATE that I didn't get to meet you! I begged hubby to take the table decoration with him since I knew I might be late but he wouldn't. :( We never did really sit at tables, we just stayed at the bar.

 

We almost did the Italian place but I had read a bad review on it--so we didn't go. I wish now we had, it looked nice.

 

We had a great time, I hope I didn't sound too negative. I was just trying to give my honest experience. I'm already peeking at cruises for "next time!" And I would love to try the Breeze when it gets to Galveston. The only way we will do Carnival again I think is on a ship with the upgrades.

[pookeysmom]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I cruise the Magic 4/12 with BFF. I've learned not to expect too much from Carnival so I won't be disappointed, and my parents have enjoyed cruising on the Magic twice, so I look forward to it! [emoji41]

[abcsteward]

Oh I HATE that I didn't get to meet you! I begged hubby to take the table decoration with him since I knew I might be late but he wouldn't. :( We never did really sit at tables, we just stayed at the bar.

 

We almost did the Italian place but I had read a bad review on it--so we didn't go. I wish now we had, it looked nice.

 

We had a great time, I hope I didn't sound too negative. I was just trying to give my honest experience. I'm already peeking at cruises for "next time!" And I would love to try the Breeze when it gets to Galveston. The only way we will do Carnival again I think is on a ship with the upgrades.

 

We sat in the bar for a bit... Then headed outside to enjoy the weather... My girlfriend and I kinda thought it was you when you walked in... ;) But since I wasnt sure I wasnt gonna ask... Leave it to me... Im usually not the one to be shy... LOL

 

Maybe we will have a chance to meet again one day... After all we do both live in Texas... :)

[jpegg0]

Too bad about the Nassau day! My husband and I did that in September and it was perfect. We were practically the only ones from the ship that were there mixed with a few couples that were staying at the resort. It was super quiet and we had an amazing time.

 

I definitely think next time you should pick a less busy time of the year to be able to enjoy more quiet! All the noise would drive me nuts, too.