Family Carnival Magic Cruise

Carnival Magic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

sheritahooven

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 54

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 08, 2017

Ship: Carnival Magic

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was our first cruise and the experience was fun. Our cruise director was great and the staff and server worked very hard. In addition, I would recommend this cruise for first timers and families. We also enjoyed the excursions and going to the various ports. Our room was clean and our ship steward was fantastic. I enjoyed the dining experience. Although it appeared that they were short staffed and the service was a little slow. The entertainment was great as well as the rest of the activities that were available. However, I was very disappointed when we were told about the dress code for dining (online) and then we saw people in flip flops, slides, baseball and camouflage caps, athletic shorts and t-shirts. It appears that the dress code was only a recommendation and not to be enforced. This also included the buffet dining area, which once again, I read that there was a dress code (at minimum shoes and shirts). However, there were all kinds of people running around the buffet and eating areas without shirts and shoes. Personally, I believe that this is extremely unsanitary and disgusting. In addition, I was perplexed as to why these rules are listed on the website, but not enforced. Because in that case, I could've saved money from buying collar shirts and khaki shorts for my boys and they could've dined with t-shirts and slides like everyone else. I would recommend Carnival Magic for families with children (young and older).

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Our cruise director made the experience really fun!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The food and drinks were fine. I thought the eggs were disgusting. However the servers and staff were fantastic. Although, it seemed as if they were short staffed. In addition, I was told that the service has changed quite a bit and that it wasn't as elegant as it used to be. For example, the service was slower than usual and we waited for our courses over a long period of time with dirty dishes on our tables.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The entertainment was fun. We enjoyed all the shows that were offered and the performers were outstanding.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

I think the services staff was hard working and fantastic! We were especially happy with our room steward and the service he provided.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Ship tip

Be prepared to wait a long time for your luggage to arrive to your room. Take advantage of the room service and make sure you wear shoes with good traction (I fell twice on the main deck and on the promenade) because the floors stay wet.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

4 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

4 out of 5

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

5 Comments

nicole822 7 years ago

I also wish they would enforce the rules better. I have seen people turned away on elegant night for trying to wear shorts, but most other nights they say nothing to those breaking rules.

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baronmom3 7 years ago

I love how it's no swimsuits in the buffet and all the cover ups are lace and see thru. I don't think they can enforce the rules. Everyone has the it's, my vacation and I can do what I want attitude.

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GIL155 7 years ago

Definately a fun family cruise line, and yes, dress standards are lower than most other lines. STILL, no shirts at the buffet is different. Perhaps on the pool deck grabing something to take back to their pool chair???

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Summerholiday 7 years ago

Hi yep some ships are getting very lax regarding the rules it's a shame some people do not make an effort while on the spirit at Xmas they were checking people out and refusing them entry to the dinning room for wearing shorts or flip flops.you are going out to dinner and the least that people can do is make an effort hope more ships adapt that manner as caps and t shirts there's a place for them and it's not the dinning room we have had 18 cruises all ships are different however the rules should be the same good on you for dressing your boys it's not easy and not cheap but shows them that is what u do when you go out for dinner ... come on everybody make a effort there is little else you have to Do.. 60 days until we leave Australia for our next adventure.. enjoy

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crusindudes 7 years ago

I agree that Carnival does not enforce the dress code as closely as some other brands... I put it in the "you get what you pay for category" as everyone that I've talked to about this says the same thing... not saying it's right, but that seems to be the norm on Carnival. Glad you liked the Magic!! We sail her for the first time in September :)

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