Carnival Magic Review - Feb 18, 2024 to Feb 24, 2024

[wgeddings]

Cruise aboard the Carnival Magic – 2/18/24 to 2/24/24

 

February 18, 2024 – PortMiami

 

It was raining when we arrived at the Miami port. Unloading the luggage was no problem, but trying to find a way to get into the parking garage was a nightmare. The signs were misleading, and there were a lot of one-way streets that meant we had to circle the entire parking lot, about six times before we found the right road to take us to the parking garage. When we got into the garage, all of the spaces were occupied. This was surprising since we were trying to park at about noon so I have to assume that a lot of people on other cruises must’ve parked in garage D. The embarkation process was extremely fast and far easier than it has been on cruises in 2022. When we got on the ship, it was raining and the cabins were not ready yet so the buffet area was very crowded, but that is to be expected.

 

We found some seats, and got some lunch. I was pleasantly surprised at how flavorful the buffet food was. They had the cabins ready a little before 2 o’clock, so things began to clear out, and we went to our cabin (an interior cabin on deck eight). The cabin was smaller than many other interior cabins, but otherwise it was OK. We walked around the ship and checked out the layout after we did the self muster drill. The muster drill took only a couple of minutes and I really like this process much better. The rain was coming down harder at Sail-away time, so most people were under cover or involved in other inside activities. Tried to take showers but our shower drain was clogged so water would not drain.  Called Maintenance and within 10 minutes it was fixed and good to go.   I am excited because we were able to sign up for the behind-the-scenes tour on board and I have never been on that excursion.

 

Dinner that night we were at a table for eight and I asked the meter D if we could get a table for two. He quickly accommodated it and made the changes so going forward. We have a table for two in the main dining room. The food in the MDR was well above average based on other carnival cruises. So far so good. Usually on the first night, there is a show that includes various performances from the playlist performers, but this time there was no music and only a comedian.  I later learned it was because they were having some technical difficulties that prevented the normal musical show so the comedian was an “on the fly” adjustment.

 

Feb 19 - first fun day at sea.  Drizzling rain and a high of 75. We slept late. I ate lunch at Guy’s Pig and Anchor barbecue. It was hard to find, but I think it was well worth finding. I have eaten at the Pig and Anchor on other ships and I thought this was much better.  There was a group having a private disco party. Saw people dressed for a disco after lunch and did not realize why at first.  Started thinking there were some really weird hippies on board before realizing that it was a group having a party.  Not many at late seating in the MDR.  Filet and short ribs instead of filet and lobster.  Filet was overcooked.  The show was “88 keys”.  Preshow a guy was great guy Rodney on the piano who really got the crowd involved.  Show was very static with almost no dancing so I did not like it very much.  

 

Feb 20 - Grand Turk - like many Caribbean ports, Grand Turk is a pier that leads into a secure port area. Inside this secure port area is a beach, pool, Margaritaville, and the usual assortment of cruise line shops. Tried to rent a golf cart to tour the island. The cost was $120. There was also an option to rent a car for the same price. We walked out of the port area toward the town, and there were more people renting golf carts and cars, but it was the same price. Apparently many people had prepaid for a jeep or something else because they was a lot of angry people at the kiosk in the port. We were unable to get any price better than 120, perhaps because there were two ships in Port, and all of the golf carts were quickly rented out. There were ATVs and scooters, but the ATVs were only available as part of a tour package and we were not interested in a scooter. There was no rental by the hour. DW was not interested in paying $120 for renting a car since it would only be a short time and the island seemed to be the same as most other islands. We returned to the ship after walking around in the secure port area.  The locals are apparently doing a great job of holding steady on the $120 price so it is either pay $120 or walk.   Based on the people angry and complaining, I encourage anyone to be very careful about pre-paying!  High winds kept us docked until 1:00 AM but made next port timely.  Apparently if you are on side of the pier, the wind is no issue but if you are on the other side of the pier, high winds will smash you into the pier if you try to move.  

 

February 21 - Amber Cove.  We have been here before so we only got off the ship to aces free WiFi to check on things back home and to check emails. Pedicabs are available top take you from the ship to the port building and although they are free, a tip is expected and I would not use one if I did not have tip money. The show that night was America Rocks. More of a concert than a show. No real dancing but okay show. It was the performers last show before their contract was up and they were leaving the ship when we docked back in Miami.

 

Feb 22 - at sea day 2 – We were excited for the Behind the Fun tour. Met in library at 9:15 for the 9:30 tour. Tour guide was from playlist show – Brent. There were 15 people and we had to sign releases. Souvenir hats and lanyards got distributed and at the end of the tour got a bag too. We saw the galley, theater behind the scenes, crew areas, crew bar, crew galley, Storage areas, engine control room, and ended at the bridge to have a picture taken with the captain. Cost $130 per person and took about three hours. I had seen most of the areas on TV shows like Mighty Cruise Ships, but it was still interesting to see. DW have not seen the shows so enjoyed it.  The crew we encountered were extremely nice and polite and it is amazing.  If you have not watched the Mighty Cruise ship documentaries, I highly recommend them in addition to this tour to appreciate what all goes on behind the scenes. 

 

Feb 23 – Nassau – We have been to Nassau often and there was nothing we needed to see or do so we did not get off the boat.   I did notice that the new port area was complete (it had been under construction the last several times we were there) and it looks nice.   Our wait staff in the main dining room remained outstanding and DW and I were both surprised at how few people seemed to eat in the MDR late seating the entire cruise.   Many tables were empty or partially empty the whole time.  Our wait staff (Merrily and Myat) commented that the early seating was busier but it is something to note.   Also interesting to note that even on “formal” nights, fewer and fewer people were wearing even a tie.  I am not a huge dress up fan so it doesn’t matter to me but it was interesting to note. 

 

Feb 24 – Miami – Debarkation was probably the fastest and smoothest I have encountered.  The only problem is that we departed from Terminal D and parked at Terminal D but we returned to Terminal F.  There was a shuttle available to take everyone to Terminal D parking garage or we could walk but since it was drizzling rain again, most chose the option to take the shuttle.   There was 1 person loading the luggage onto the shuttle then driving it so loading took a while.  Plenty of porters and other staff around but I guess loading luggage was not in their job description.   Getting out of PortMiami was a little easier but not by much. 

 

OVERALL –

·       It may seem we did not do much and that is true.  We wanted to rest, relax and eat and we accomplished those goals just fine.  We got just what we wanted.  If you want a high energy, that is great.  We wanted relaxing and got that so I wanted to shout out to all those who just want to relax.

·       Gift Certificates – I had several gift certificates from AARP ($45 for a $50 certificate or $450 for a $500 certificate).  They were in e-format and I have never had a problem before.  On the Magic however, none of the kiosks would allow you to manually enter the card number and insisted on the physical card.  Had to go to Guest Services for them to enter the card and it went through without a problem but having to deal with Guest Services is always a bad situation.

·       Smoke-free casino – I loved this!  The main casino on Deck 5 had smoking but they had a smaller version on Deck 4 that was smoke free.  It was seldom crowded and it was a huge relief to not have to choke on smoke!  I had the “Drinks on Us” program that is supposed to be free drinks while playing in the casino but you are supposed to order only from the waiter/waitresses circulating and they seldom did that.  The servers in the Deck 4 casino were simply awful. And the bartender would get testy if you went directly to the bar.  

·       Magic showing its age – The ship was nice but there were numerous rust spots visible and other signs showing that it needs a good renewal in dry dock soon. 

·       Doorways are great places to gather – It entertains me to watch people and my fellow cruisers are always good for a laugh.  It continues to amaze me how people cannot resist gathering in a doorway or any area of congestion rather than the wide open spaces.  If you’ve been to a wedding reception or any similar function you know what I mean. 

·       Cruise Director Jake – He just annoyed me with his swarmy attitude and fake happiness.   He came across as less genuine than most other cruise directors.  

·       COVID – DW and I felt fine all the way home but Saturday night, I developed full COVID and a few days later she started symptoms too.   There were no masks onboard and I feel sure we touched something we should not have touched and then touched our faces so it is just the risk you take in today’s world.   I did not enjoy COVID (that thankfully is over for me now) but at least it waited until I got home.

·       Guest Services Desk – saving the worst for last!  There was always a long line that moved slowly since there were only 2 or 3 people working it and one was dedicated for Diamond/Platinum/Handicapped.   Amazing, the 1 or 2 not doing Diamond/Platinum seemed to take lots of breaks just walking away from the counter regardless of the line.  On debarkation day, there is always a long line but still there were only a few people manning the desk and taking breaks.   I keep a close eye on my onboard account to try to avoid having to go to Guest Services the last morning but of course they tried the “water scam” on me.  The water scam is that you have 2 water bottles in your room and if you open/drink them, it is a $5.87 (with tip) charge.  I always put them in the desk drawer or top of a closet to avoid accidentally opening them.  We get a free one as Gold anyway.  When it is time to leave, I pull out the ones with the paper label and return them.  The cabin steward waited until the last evening to record that we had used one of the bottles (untrue) so the next morning at check out, I noticed a $5.87 charge.  I waited in line and had it removed but most people would have just shrugged and figured it was not worth $5.87 to be delayed and stand in line.  With 4000+ passengers, that bogus $5.87 adds up quick to unjust profits so I refer to it as the water scam.  I encourage everyone to ALWAYS check for such things and when they occur, don’t just shrug it off because that encourages businesses to keep doing it while banking that most people will not object to the little charge.   Other Carnival ships have not been as bad at Guest Services as Magic was. 

[Butterbean1000]

Thank you for your review.   We daily on her in May.  This will be our 2nd time on her.  The last time was back in 2018.  I've heard she is showing her age.

[pe4all]

We were on Magic 2 weeks before you, and I cannot tell you how many people in our roll call came home sick.  We wore masks when indoors or in crowds, and came home fine.  Purrelled our hands anytime we touched anything.   I do have to comment on Guest Services - the lines were horrendous.  I actually started going there at 6 a.m. if I needed to, as it was empty then.  Even the Diamond/Plat/Handicapped line had lines, as I think faster to the fun people were allowed there also. We love the smoke-free casino.  That is one of the major reasons we are going back on Magic in January for our 4th time.   

Edited March 4 by pe4all

[4hunters]

Thanks for the review! 

[ninjacat123]

Thanks for the review!  We have Behind the Scenes tour scheduled for Sunshine this Thanksgiving and I appreciate the headsup on watching the Mighty Cruise ships videos.😃

[wgeddings]

15 hours ago, Butterbean1000 said:

Thank you for your review.   We daily on her in May.  This will be our 2nd time on her.  The last time was back in 2018.  I've heard she is showing her age.

I don't like to say "age" because she is not all that old but rather it is just normal wear.  The ship itself is still fine but there are some things that can only really be done in a dry dock despite the crew's best efforts.   For example, one of the stops on the Behind the Fun tour was the crew's hot tub.   It was out of service and apparently had been for quite some time since parts from it were used to repair one of the guests' hot tubs.  Our guide was not too upset about it because he said trying to use it was like trying to sit in a hot tub in a hurricane and when we stopped there, we saw what he meant!  LOTS of wind!! 🙂

[wgeddings]

Here is a link to an episode about a Carnival ship (the Vista) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6551242/?ref_=ttep_ep1

[mz-s]

Glad to hear the food on Magic has improved. Yes the ship is looking very tired and needs maintenance. When I was on her in September they were replacing carpets on port days around the ship which was good to see and it was long overdue. I don't think I saw a stain-free chair or carpet anywhere on the ship when I was on her.

[slimbyspring]

We were on her the week after you, and I returned home very sick as well (pretty certain Covid).  Its definitely the risk you take.  Overall we had a great trip though, and I didn't start feeling bad until Sunday night!  I agree with many of your thoughts - showing age, CD was just ok - Grand Turk was cancelled for us because of wind so we went to Nassau the last day.  We hadn't been there for over 10 years so we did get off and walk around (much improved port). 

[leen50]

Thanks for the review. We're sailing on a Magic B2B this summer. Do you remember the name of the Maitre D? Thanks

[BETSY DOLL]

On 3/4/2024 at 5:47 PM, Butterbean1000 said:

Thank you for your review.   We daily on her in May.  This will be our 2nd time on her.  The last time was back in 2018.  I've heard she is showing her age.

Wondering if the Magic has the Texas HOLD’EM virtual table? We sail May 12!!

[wgeddings]

@leen50 I do not remember his name.  Sorry.  It was Southern Lights restaurant and he was very nice and responsive though.  
 

@BETSY DOLL I know there were poker tables in the no smoking casino but I avoided the smoking one.  Several poker versions so I feel confident Texas Hold’em was one.