I loved the Carnival Magic. Our itinerary had changed due to the hurricanes this summer but the ports offered were fine. I did like Half Moon Cay but didn't care for Nassau. I hope to do San Juan and St Thomas in the future. Ship was very well organized and should be used as a model for other ships as far as muster stations and tender staging.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Port Canaveral is by far the smoothest place to get on and off the ship that I've experiened so far (vs Tampa and Miami). The lines kept moving and we were on our way to the fun within no time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Magic had my favorite food offering (the Mongolian Wok) so I ate there a lot. But also did the omlet bar, Lido salad offerings, main dining room, Guys BBQ Porkshop, and a burrito from the Blue Iguana. The only thing that was "meh" was the bagel and toast from room service. Other than that, the food was fine.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Lots of people having fun all over the place.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
It's probably just me but I find the "musical" stage offerings similar to a high school musical performance. After five cruises, I have yet to be blown away by the stage performances. Granted, all of these performers have more talent in their pinky than in my entire body but the productions all seem corny to me. I just need to quit going to them.
Children's Programs
No children in our party.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
I usually tip extra to all the staff but this was the only time I did not tip my room steward. I'm not sure what was up but something was just off. Carnival is now asking guests if they want morning, evening, or both room cleaning options. We tried both morning and evening but always felt like something was missing (either the water glasses weren't replaced or the blue towels weren't refreshed). These are things I shouldn't have to ask to have done. I have another cruise in 26 days so I'll see how the service is on that ship with this new am/pm/both schedule. Other than that, the service was fine elsewhere on the ship.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Loved the layout. I always hate having to walk through the casino/smoke central to get to the back of the ship but this ship had nice walk around options.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was fine. Had two portholes. The couch was turned into a second twin bed (we were expecting bunk beds), either option didn't bother us. Only observation is that is was a very noisy location on the ship (heard clanking all night, engine noises when pulling into a port, etc.). And the room steward issue mentioned previously. Water in the shower was hot, good pressure, beds were comfortable. That's all I need from a cabin.
Ship tip
This ship has inside muster stations!!! This was a great experience and the first time I've ever had that. They also stage people in the main theater for the tender ports. Very well run operation. The best ship I've been on so far.
This was a nice port. It's about a 30 minute walk to a small beach. A lot of pressure from the taxi drivers and shop merchants which I didn't like. Bring your passport, they'll stamp it for you. Nice hot day. I'm going back in 26 days so I'll be able to explore some more.
Rode jet skis and hung out at the beach. Loved this port; would like to go back. The jet ski excursion was great. Rode for a good hour and was able to ride out in the ocean. Fun time!
We did self assist, took the shuttle back to where we parked the car (Park n ride) and were on the road by 8am and we weren't even trying to hurry. Best debarkation process ever!
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