Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic first debuted in May 2011, and offers year-round Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, just east of Orlando. The second of Carnival’s Dream-class ships, the Magic marked a departure away from the bright (and at times overwhelming) design of earlier Carnival vessels, which were characterised by architect Joe Farcus’ distinct palette of bright neons. Magic’s modern and updated decor was matched by other innovations in restaurants, cabins, and entertainment, most notably Sportsquare, an activity deck with outdoor exercise equipment, and the now iconic RedFrog Pub, a late-night pub where Jimmy Buffet would feel right at home.

Carnival Magic is perfect for travelers seeking non-stop celebration with an informal, backyard-barbecue vibe. You can expect the public areas to be bustling and loud on sea days, and a jovial and rambunctious attitude is shared by young and old passengers alike. The Serenity adults-only area is a great option for those looking for a temporary escape from the commotion, but introverts and wallflowers will likely feel overwhelmed by the nonstop energy. With a capacity of 3,690 passengers, Magic is still one of the largest Carnival ships in the fleet, and was only recently surpassed by Carnival Vista in 2016.