Just back from Carnival Magic

[JayDeeJay]

Did b3b in January - enjoyed the Magic greatly - except for long annoying announcements by Swartz (actually by anybody!) . As for Carnival changing policy to no smoking in the casino ? Probably ain't happening - the casino was jam packed day and night! They're not losing any business because of it.

[jgaudette3]

Will be on the Magic in a few days. As part of our standard packing, we always have hand sanitizer and Lysol. We start with the cabin as soon as we walk in, and then clean our hands as needed. Even with all the dispensers on the ship, there is no way to ensure that every thing you touch is truly clean no matter what cruise line you sail with. We have for years always had our Lysol and Hand Sanitizers in our bag, whether on a cruise, airplane or staying at a hotel.

[easyboy]

Too bad your cruise didn't live up to your expectations. Maybe another cruise line may be better suited for you on your next.

[Jamericannn]

Sounds like Carnival isnt for you. I hope at least the shower pressure was good.

[Butterbean1000]

I'm sorry that your wife got sick; its that time of year and no knowing where the virus came from. I was just on the Magic and Carnival has hand sanitizer stations in all the food service areas from the Lido to the MDR so I am sorry you had difficulty finding them. Carnival consistently out-performs many other lines on their inspections so any suggestion that Carnival is less clean than other lines is not based in fact.

 

I agree that the entertainment is mediocre at best...but we don't travel for that. I am not sure where you got the impression that Carnival had excellent shows - the reviews I have read consistently give that award to other lines.

 

I also agree that the Lido can be crazy. And as you discovered, having a meal in the MDR is much more enjoyable. I travel to relax, which includes someone bringing me my food - not waiting in line, using trays like I did in high school and having to wait for tables to be cleared. We will use the Lido for Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana and Tandoor - but only after we have secured a comfortable place to eat. As for the smoke claim on the Lido, I have never experienced that - on the Magic or any other ship.

 

You are spot on about the Casino and the smoke. But if you read the reviews on the ships, and carnival's policy about smoking, it is very clear where and when to expect smoke. In fact, we could smell it on Deck 3 in the Lobby while enjoying a pre-dinner drink. Do I like it? No. Do I wish the ship was smoke free? Absolutely. But it is not, and I know that going in.

 

I think part of your issue is that you had not done enough research about Carnival so that your expectations were in line. I also think you have failed to take into account the price that you have paid on those other lines vs. what you paid on Carnival. I am willing to bet you paid substantially less on Carnival for a comparable room to the other lines. We prefer Princess, but repeatedly chose Carnival because it has a much wider variety of 7 day trips and gives you more bang for your buck. It means smoking in places and a less socially sophisticated crowd that at times lack basic manners - but I know going into that not to have high standards for the behavior of my fellow Carnival passengers and to expect such things as men in tank tops in the MDR at dinner, and line cutting on the Lido.

 

Its all about expectations and if a line will meet yours. As other posters have said, you would be better served with lines that meet your needs. Carnival does not appear to be the line for you. But for many, who are content to simply be sailing, they offer a great product. Happy Sailing!

Well said.

 

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