High hopes ... but it was only okay

Carnival Magic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 0
Helpful Votes: 41

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Magic

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 10, 2011

Ship: Carnival Magic

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 13 years ago

Review summary

Carnival Magic was a not a magical ship - decor was okay. Spaces were confining. Layout was poor. Italian restraunt directly below the basketball court. We were the 11th sailing - ceiling already cracked and a recessed light fixture hanging from the ceiling. Dining room food was very good, other food on the ship was average buffet food. If you purchase a "pop" card, you must hunt someone or somewhere to use the option. Thirsty Frog Pub is fun. Entertainment on the ship is a mixed bag. Thirsty Frog pub has better entertainment than most of the other areas. Cruise director has tired old jokes - not cool to use the same jokes and stories repeatedly. Ship sailed past active volcano - very cool. Spouses first cruise and my second, spouse is not wanting to try another as felt value was so-so. No special features - no ice scupltures or carved fruit, no special frills or extras, just average.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Steward was very nice. Wait staff were average depending on dining room. Of course, there were others who were superior. We missed our dining time and they graciously seated us at a later sitting. Excursion desk - not at all helpful if not doing a Carnival Cruise excursion. Would not even answer general questions and just kept pushing their trips.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Public areas were clean but closed in. Layout is poor. Ship is quite large and makes for a non-crowded feeling.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Our balcony stateroom was very nice. We also had a second room across hall. Very nice touch of the plush guest robes.

Ports of call

Messina, Sicily

3 out of 5

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

5 out of 5
Don't Miss: Rome

Naples, Italy

5 out of 5
Don't Miss: Capri and Pompeii

Monte Carlo, Monaco

5 out of 5
Did a private tour - great.
Don't Miss: Casino, marina and palace

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

5 out of 5

Pros: Dining room food was very good

Cons: Closed in spaces, nickel and dimed constantly, staff were okay but not really helpful.

Recommends Carnival Magic? No.

Was this review helpful? 42

Be the first to comment

Other reviews of this sailing