Had a nice time on Magic

Carnival Magic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 153

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Carnival Magic

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 04, 2016

Ship: Carnival Magic

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

I just joined this site today.  I love cruising.  Magic is a nice and clean ship.  I stayed on the Veranda deck mid ship.  I have to have a balcony, its so nice to sit out there in the morning or taking a break from the day.  The crew was nice and attentive.  I only had to go to customer service once just to verify something and GiGi was very nice.  We actually hung out for a bit in Turks and Caicos.

The shows on this particular cruise in my opinion are all seemingly the same from cruise to cruise.  Nothing really to rave about.  Yes, the dancers and singers are very good.  Just the concept of the shows don't seem to change.

I went to see the Magical show.  Lame... The "magician" was also the comedy show manager.  His magic show seamed geared for a child's birthday. I mean seriously, balloon animals and card tricks?

Dr. E was good.  He is lively and around quite a bit and he did make the boat drill more interesting.  He does it with light humor and admits people pay more attention to it.

I rated this as a 4 star only because of the shows quality and the quality of the food in the MDR. Went twice.  Not good. 

The pools are small so good luck with that.  I did only the aft pool because even though it was crowded but not like the main lido pool.  Also.... as a lot of people state.  Parents. Please control your children from misbehaving.  No... the hot tub is not a place to snorkel.  Come on?!

Amber cove to me was nice but boring.  It is a Carnival port and when I was there it didn't seem fully developed.  Hung out near the pool for a bit and the Sky Bar.

St. Thomas is always nice.  I walked from the pier to town in about 35 minutes.  Yes, it is a hike but easily done.  I was able to call my mom from there too.(I am 51 but still love my mom).

San Juan was nice as well.  I walked quite a bit and it is up hill.  I felt safe there with the police presence and did not see any pushy vendors.  (Go to Nassau for that).

Grand Turk was fun and clean as well.  Not much time there so spend it wisely.

All in all Magic is a nice ship and I had a nice time.  I always pay the full gratuities and also tip my favorite bartenders a buck an drink for most of the cruise.  They love it and when they had seen me coming.  I got full service.

I will book again for The southern Caribbean in the summer of 2017.

Don't let negative reviews bother you to much.  Remember.  Its a cruise ship not your living room.

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Steakhouse was great. I liked Guys burgers. MDR... lousy.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Boring and all the same. I meant the shows that is. The rest of the ship was fun.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Nice and clean and roomy. Room steward was very good. Loved room service in the evening and morning.

Ship tip

Remember its a cruise ship not your living room.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

3 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5
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16 Comments

ToddTheCruiser    8 years ago

I know about the 15% included gratuity.  I have no problem tipping my favorite bartenders or waiters an extra couple of bucks through out the cruise.  They appreciate it and the service like I said is great.   

ericm999    8 years ago

Note: the bartenders include the tip already, so when you tip a buck, you are double-tipping.

ToddTheCruiser    8 years ago

I want to go!  Dang... I'm going to pay off my car first.  Guess Ill wait till next June.

Staycievet    8 years ago

Lets go!!!!! @nitac

Pinkalicious    8 years ago

Great insight. Leaving in 4 days!!!

our17    8 years ago

Thank you for giving us an overview of the Magic. We are leaving out on New Years Eve for our first Cruise.Can't think of a better way to bring the New Year in😍. I'M really thankful that they have these Apps,&message boards,because you can imagine we have so many questions...Thank you once again...Counting down 138 days😍😍😍

gatoraugustine    8 years ago

Great review, and thanks for the Amber Cove info!

pammaj    8 years ago

What shows are on the Magic? I went on the Fantasy and Fascination and one of the shows was the same on both. I think it was called Motor City. That's why I'm curious about the Magic.

deuce65    8 years ago

Thanks for the insight, going on Magic in April '17, looksing so forward to it.

ToddTheCruiser    8 years ago

Wow.  Thank you dhogan and saycievet.  Have fun.  I will book Magic definitely.  I also like to stay in Port Canaveral for 3 days prior.  Cool small town. Have fun.

dhogan19    8 years ago

I think this is best review I have read. It is spot on! Thanks. I'm cruising this ships November 5th and it will be my 16th cruise with Carnival.

Staycievet    8 years ago

Well we always had early dining and it seemed kinda rushing and early for us so this time we already did late seating and since it's four of us most times we have our own table to ourselves a table for 4 so we'll see what happens this time

ToddTheCruiser    8 years ago

Choose if you can early seating at 6pm.  Its nice to have a table as long as you have good company.  You will get better service as well.

Staycievet    8 years ago

Oh really? Re: mdr hmmmm i gess we shall see how we do then. We have two kids going with us two boys one 11 and one 12. They cant wait too !!!!

ToddTheCruiser    8 years ago

Good for you Staycievet.  You will have fun. Yes there are kids around which is fine.  They enjoy themselves. Just be aware that the MDR is hit or miss.  Have fun.

Staycievet    8 years ago

Oh I loved reading that!!! we will be on the magic on Saturday we can't wait. I'm packing packing packing today all day! today is packing day!!! #suitelifebaby

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