We were spoiled by Disney and not sure we would like Carnival. We would definitely sail with Carnival again. Disney took food and entertainment awards. Carnival excursions and embarking and disembarking were better. Way better.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Fast, easy, and efficient. Better than Disneyšš»
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Food was definitely not as good as our experience on Disney HOWEVER every family member was still happy and satisfied after each meal. Northern Lights was bland but the Carbonara was absolutely delicious. Favorites were Lido buffet, Mongolian Wok, Pizza, and both Guy's restaurants. Planned on eating specialty but was never that hungry by reservation time so we cancelled.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were crowded and they seriously need more. Gym could be good but broken equipment needed to be fixed.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
I found this very lacking. Performers were simply not very good except the strings trio. They were great! It seemed the cruise very much wanted to sell stuff (art, watches) but not provide entertainment you had already paid for.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Kids (9,10) did not enjoy the kids club but did love the arcade. They liked Waterworks and the ropes course but were disappointed when they were closed during port days for maintenance. Kids enjoyed playing Clue and wish there were more experiences like this.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Torn on this. Our steward was a ghost that we rarely saw but did a good job with our room. Bar staff was excellent! Our assigned Northern Lights staff was not friendly but when we tried Northern Lights during anytime dining, that staff was friendly and so nice.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Nothing bad to say. Liked the Magic Atrium.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Smaller than Disney but still okay. Need a curtain between kids bunk and parents bed. Can't imagine this is costly and was the ONLY thing I did not like. Plenty of storage for this overpacker.
Ship tip
Bring a fan. No joke people. The cabins are warm and ours was a lifesaver.
Tender was very well organized. Shark and ray snorkel was an excellent, well organized tour. Friendly operators. A bit crowded BUT they kept an eye out for us since we had the youngest kids in the group.
Gorgeous and well organized. Dolphin snorkel is WORTH EVERY PENNY at Anthony's Key Resort. Loved this port and excursion. The port had a nature trail walk that was short but pleasant. Favorite port by far.
Well organized and surprisingly better than Disney. We carried off and were in our car by 745. Hardest part was catching an elevator but that's to be expected.
Iāve been curious if Disney cruises were really worth it because they are SO much more expensive! I have only cruised Carnival and enjoy it. Would hate to spend so much more and only like it a bit more. Maybe Iāll try when I have kids for the Disney theme.
After having cruised with several lines, have discovered that each one has it's own uniqueness. Whether over the top food, extra care or pampering, special events or services or even places. I can say bad things and good things about all of them. Just depend on what your looking for, expect, and are willing to pay for.
Our daughter got married on the Magic...it was fabulous! We also like NCL. It's very different in that it's " free style"...kind of a do or don't vibe.
I agree thats it's nice to try a few different cruise lines. We love Carnival. The Magic being our favorite ship. We are sailing the Horizon Aug 2018. My kids are adults so Disney isn't an option, however we are looking into RC for 2019. The Oasis looks amazing.
It's perfectly natural to compare cruise lines. How else will you know where to place your loyalty? Amh2520 clearly said they would cruise with Carnival again! Keep on cruisingš¢š
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