LIVE-ish Carnival Magic May 19 - May 26 Family Cruise Eastern Caribbean LET’S CRUISE!

[Hogladyrider]

@TravelBluebird...great pics of today's beach activities.

[TravelBluebird]

5 hours ago, Hogladyrider said:

@TravelBluebird...great pics of today's beach activities.

@Hogladyrider Hey there!  And thank you; it was an awesome beach day!

[TravelBluebird]

I always feel like the next to the last day is the day I’m trying to squeeze in so many things I want to do!  Just got back to the room and its 12:40am.

 

After sail away, we got ready for second elegant night. DH and I listened to the latin music in the atirum and then headed to meet the family at our dinner table.

 

I must say SIL really has made the most of this trip! At dinner about 10 people came up to say hello to him at dinner tonight. He had half the people on the beach wishing younger grandson Happy Birthday (his birthday is toay!).  And was not afraid to dance up on Lido or during Showtime at all.

 

Formal dinner tonight was just perfect. We really adore our wait team of Ekka, Jerome an Jauvena (I hope I spelled that right). So attentive and also just really great people to talk to! 

 

I had no appetizers and so the prime rib and yep, 2 lobster tails. I’m so glad they no longer bring you a huge stack of plates when you do this…DH had his lobster tail and prime rib on one plate, and I did end up with 2 plates, but that was OK. My second lobster tail was actually my youngest,grandson’s as he’s just happy with chicken nuggets, so no charge.  Eldest grandson had the prime rib, when I explained that was exactly what he likes that DH cooks for Christmas Dinner every year! He really ventured into the main menu this tirp.

 

Lobster was perfectly cooked and decently sized, and the prime rib was medium rare and very nice.  I had chocolate melting cake for desert since tomorrow I’ll want the Baked Alaska and had to have the melting cake 1 more time.

 

After dinner we saw Sean Finnerty comedian for the 7:45 show. That show is such a gem—PG for a family to go to it, and never, ever a line.  The show after that is usually standing room only.

 

Photos tomorrow…dead phone is charging.

[TravelBluebird]

After the show went to buy birthday grandson the ship model. and HORRORS they have taken the nice, heavy ship model and madd it lighter and more plasticy feeling//looking. The heavy model was out on display, and when we picked up the 2 boxes left, they both felt empty. When opened, that was NOT what we were expecting, Rudee in the ship was able to find one of the old style for grandson. I wonder if this will be a fleet-wide change? Hope not; although some people may prefer the lighter model for packing purposes.

[TravelBluebird]

We headed back to the Atrium, and there is this fun red-carpet pre-show for the FLICK show that happens there. I was one of the “celebrities” interviewed—shows up on a huge screen in the theater!  Was lots of fun; CD Frankie asked questions, like what actress would play you in your life story (I said Bette Midler, cause people say I look like her….) Of course clueless DH, who was saving seats in the theater, did NOT video it for me, but DD did in the atrium of the filming part.

 

Flick was an interesting show, I think it was the best show for this cast. They were down a cast member because one of the female singers had her last show with Carnival last night (flowers, hugs and goodbyes after Country Roads).  The main female singer for this show was fantastic; really killed the songs, even Whitney Houston.  Dancingf was elegant and even acrobatic.  My only complaint was the costumes. The show really deserved better costumes…hoodies, and cape and drapey things, and after seeing shows like Celestial Strings, I know what a difference beautiful costumes make.

 

DH went to see Country Roads alone last night. This is his quote, not mine: “It was a little lackidasical” and he didn’t like the song selection.

[TravelBluebird]

Wandered around a bit listening to music here and there after the show. 

 

Then I ended up back in the casino. I sat down at a weird Wheel of Fortune machine. By the time I realized I was betting $6 a spin, I had two Wheel spins so was way up, and then moved to my fav Little Shop of Horrors machine where I managed to stay up, but ended the night about $100 less than my high point.  Had fun.  Bar service has been decent in the casino; but then I’m usually gambling late, and this cruise seems to have more day time gamblers. NOT as busy as the Excel class ship casinos overall, for whatever reasonl

[TravelBluebird]

Off to the Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast!

 

8:30am—what was I thinking when we booked this? 😂

[TravelBluebird]

Thing 1 and Thing 2 Breakfast!

 

 

 

 

Edited May 25 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

More from the breakfast!  It was very sweet and fun! $15 a person. Samg Happy Birthday. A Dr Seuss Showtime, photos with the characters.  Food was fun—I had basic eggs and sides but also the French Toast which was covered in corn flakes with peanut butter and strawberry jam in middle.  Boys tried the pancakes.  Omelettes were fluffy and good. Everyone got birthday cake!

 

I don’t usually eat a big breakfast so that is all until dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 25 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

I am completely packed!  I find that my last day at see is always more fun once the packing is out of the way. After the thing 1 and thing 2 Breakfast, we attended the Wave show live, and there was all of six people in the live audience! The boys did the rope course (sunny warm day!) and then packing and the playlist productions cast Q&A. We’re going to Frankie’s Q&A and then pretty much have the afternoon free!

 

Window cleaning has happened—out on balcony as DH finishes his packing.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 25 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

Formal Night Dinner photos!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 25 by TravelBluebird

[Greg901]

Do ypu know if they  still pog juice on the the buffet  for breakfast.  We are on the Magic june 23th and our daughter loved it on our last cruise

[TravelBluebird]

5 minutes ago, Greg901 said:

Do ypu know if they  still pog juice on the the buffet  for breakfast.  We are on the Magic june 23th and our daughter loved it on our last cruise

 Pog juice?  I have not had breakfast buffet on this cruise but other family members have, so I will  find out which juices have been offered.

[TravelBluebird]

18 hours ago, Greg901 said:

Do ypu know if they  still pog juice on the the buffet  for breakfast.  We are on the Magic june 23th and our daughter loved it on our last cruise

 

Yes, yes they do have that according to the buffet goers in my family!  It’s like pomnegranate mixed with quava and some other juices, correct?

[TravelBluebird]

Before I catch you up on our last day on ship, this is my current view at the Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Airport.   A bit skewed because more kids are in the pool than just the grandsons so I don’t want to show minors without permission. DD is dead asleep on the lounger next to me, grandies are in the pool, and our big boys are up in the rooms hiding somewhere from us, I think (too much family togetherness?? 😂).

[TravelBluebird]

Ok, winding back to the last day now!  I guess this is the LIVE-ISH part.  That last cruising day is always a killer—packing, picking out photos, cashing out at the casino, and all the last chances at food, pool, events, and evening activities. Plus the last day I walk literally all the public areas in the ship for my video tour of the ship for my YouTube channel.  Total whirlwind!

 

After our Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast and ropes course, everyone went to pack. I was packed up in time for the CD Talk with Frankie. I did not do the Groove for St. Jude for the first time ever—I’ve done 4 in the last year, and its such a great cause, but I really needed the extra time to pack etc.  By the way, if you don’t have the new blue -shirts they are VERY nice (I got mine on the Jubilee in March).

 

Enjoyed Frankie’s CD talk. He’s a “floater” in that he is currently filling in when other CDs take breaks or when other breaks in the schedule show up. He’s been a CD for 22 years, and he started as a CD with Royal Caribbean.  When he was asked about memorable cruises, he was on the cruise where Glory//Legend collided in 2019,  I believe he is on the Magic till the end of June, and he’ll be on the Dream from mid-August to mid-October

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

Almost forgot—before Frankie’s talk we went to the Playlist Productions cast Q and A. With our theater background we really enjoy those.  We were interested in how they were going to do the shows with the one cast member who just retired, and also what happens when a cast member is ill and cannot perform.

[TravelBluebird]

Spent some time out enjoying the sun (so much easier to get a lounger on Lido on the last day, and a bit of time on the balcony (I could sit out there on the aft balcony forever!) and then did my ship tour videos for YouTube.  Here are a few images from my walkabout on the Magic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

We did our last trip to the arcade so the boys could finish off their birthday arcade budget.  Then time for my DH’’s free gold drink (he’s 3 cruises behind me so won’t be platinum till the next cruise).  I completely, again, forgot about the Platinum party.  Honestly, I’d rather have 1 free drink in the evening of the last day like Gold gets than a party. Yes, I know the alcohol is unlimited at the Platinum/Diamond party, but I’m not a big drinker, as you know. 

 

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

Our last dinner!  It’s not over till the fat M’aitre D sings Leaving on a Fun Ship  (he was not fat on our cruise, but the saying works better if I say that…) .

 

I got the beet salad (very nice, maybe a tad too much dressing) and the very good coffee glazed duck dish on the Emeril’s menu that was so good on the Jubilee I was looking forward to having it again, and it did not disappoint! And of course the Baked Alaska for desert.  However, we do NOT recommend the Enchiladas…not authentic at all.

 

We loved our wait staff so much!  Ekka (from Indonesia) Jerome and Jvauna (both from Jamaica).  So attentive and good with the boys. We really got to know them, and we had hugs and photos and some extra tips as well for the exceptional service.

 

Everyone ran off to Pixels after dinner-we really had good photographers on this trip; the photographer with the staircase background was extra. You know you are buying two many photos when they start throwing free gifts at you!  

 

My family LOVES shopping. I guess I did when I was much younger, but you get to an age where you have so much stuff!  SIL got DD a gorgeous emerald ring to replace her wedding//engagement ring that she lost her emerald stone from. Do they give out free cruise cabins if you spend lots in the shops like when you spend lots in the casinos?? 😂. Anyway, she had to stop by the shops also for her certificate and warranty.  And please don’t tell us if the jewelry on the ship is a bad deal (I have no idea if it is or it isn’t)…sometime you just have to live in the moment!!

 

 

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

DH and I split off for some last night on the cruise as a couple fun.

 

We made our last stop to say goodbye to Zora at the Alchemy Bar.  Then we headed over to the Magic Atrium for the White Night Farewell party.

 

I am used to the White Night being a deck party, so this was definitely new for me. I wasn’t sure how I’d like an indoor White Night, but DH LOVED that it was 8:15pm so he still had energy, and it was crowded but not awful. The party was always scheduled this way (it wasn’t due to rain or anything).

 

It was a great farewell party! We danced to music through the decades. A little line dancing, but mostly just dancing and singing along. Frankie made it really fun. 

 

Our only problem was that we ended up sweating all over our clothes and then had to pack them right away to put our luggage outside, which had to be done before 10:30.

 

After sorting the luggage and putting it outside. we went to the comedians final showcase, a packed show in the theater with both Sean Finnerty and Kier performing.  We really have enjoyed both comedians, but were a bit perplexed when Sean, who sort of complained how hard it was to do the earlier PG show we saw, used a TON of the same material, just with much more R rated language.

 

And that was it!  A final stroll. A knock on the door to make sure everyone knew the disembarkation plan. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

Well…maybe not quite over. After tucking DH in bet with his book, I had to have my final Pizzeria del Capitano delicious, true Italian style pizza!  LONG line. Miraculously, however, no one in the entire front of the line wanted the Margarita Pizza, so i was in line less that 5 minutes.

 

Last pizza trip put my steps for the day at 19,000,  Which is not a problem when I’m not in an RA flare up; so glad that resolved.

Brought the pizza back to my balcony, and watched the moon and the water. The moon was SO red when it rose that it tricked my iPhone…the first few photos made it look like the sun was out at night!  I was a little worried I’d missed the apocalypse while on the ship, until the moon rose a bit more. When it got more yellow, I got some nice images of the boat wake and the moon.  Also, I saw 3 cruise ships headed in the opposite direction in a line on the way to the Caribbean…all the Saturday departures just starting their week of fun in the sun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

Disembarkation morning!

 

Beautiful views of Miami from our balcony; not hazy like when we left.

 

We decided on breakfast in the MDR (Southern Lights) so we didn’t have to fight the crowds up on Lido.  Our scheduled group was 22, which was estimated to leave the ship at about 9:05.

 

We got down to the breakfast about 7:45. We didn’t know reservations were required, but we made them on the spot in the app and no wait—not terribly crowded. I did the most important thing first—check in for our Southwest flight which leaves 6:50 tomorrow, right the second we could check in. YAY; group B, not group C.  Nice breakfast menu; I got the avocado toast with poached eggs (tiny bread LOL) and some hash browns and orange juice. Kids had waffles and pancakes. DH the corned beef hash.  We sat there as long as we could justify, but we didn’t hear any disembarkation announcement on the loud speakers AND we got no notifications in the app. About 8:45, we walked to the Atrium.  Still no announcements or notifications. I asked staff what number we were on, and they sort of shrugged and said it didn’t matter at that point, so we got in line and disembarked!

 

 

 

You can see my iPad which I used to get my Southwest Boarding pases hiding behind the breakfast menu.

 

The line in the Atrium to disembark the ship.

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

So, disembarkation was easy, but was the system broken?  No app notifications or announcements in pubic areas seemed weird.

 

Anyway, the line moved quickly also once off the ship. 

 

Instead of the usual giant warehouse of luggage with numbers, the luggage came out on conveyor belts  in zones B,C etc. depending on your disembarkation number. I’ve never seen that before!

 

We all walked off with the facial recognition, no passports had to come out.

We were planning an Uber, but were going to be flexible and if we saw a taxi or shuttle we could take, we were going to do that so we didn’t have to wait.  Right when we walked off, we saw a guy with a sign for a shuttle to Ft. Lauderdale airport. We inquired and he was happy to take us to the Courtyard Marriott Ft. Lauderdale airport, where we were staying. $20 a person (half the price of the Carnival shuttle), so we hopped in. Lots of room for luggage, air conditioned and cold waters for everyone (Mercedes van). had to wait just a short while till the shuttle filled up.  company was ridemiamiservices.com .

Also offered to give tours, but at $100 an hour was a bit much for us.

[TravelBluebird]

We were very pleased when we got to the hotel that one room was ready so we could drop off the luggage and change into bathing suits for the pool.  We offered various amusements to the family…waterparks, boat rides, back to Miami, but everyone is exhausted!  I’ve been sitting in the shade by the pool catching up this thread for y’all, kids been playing, DH having a quiet nap in the cold air conditioned room,  A nice relaxed ending to our trip!

 

We’ll pick a place for dinner tonight. Our flight is at 6:50 am. YUCK but we saved a ton of money to leave tomorrow really early on the flight no one wanted on Memorial Day. The hotel has a free airport shuttle so we’ll pile in at 5am and off to BNA (Nashville).

 

Let me know if you have any questions or comments! Thanks for following along; I’ll also have links to YouTube videos up after I get home, and I’ll link them here for you.

 

 

Edited May 26 by TravelBluebird