Somewhat Magical

Carnival Magic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 33

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5
Carnival Magic

8 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 08, 2019

Ship: Carnival Magic

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We had an amazing time although there were a few disappointing moments. But embrace the other great things....like amazing Adelfa, Jay and Nyowen - the outside bar by the Pizza. We danced each night till very late and loved the comedy shows. Miheala made dinner enjoyable and entertaining. (Southern Dining room) .

Embarkation

5 out of 5
As long as your documents are in order and on hand you will have no problems. People shuffling to find their paperwork is annoying. Also keep everyone that is in your cabin together, if you are in a large group.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
The food was ok. I like my filet med/rare and got it medium and asked for a dirty martini and the Head Waiter brought me a menu and asked me to order from the drink menu. I didn't know he was also the bartender.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Enjoyed the jacuzzi by the Red Frog in the morning. Nice and quiet. Pool always full....you have to be an early bird to enjoy. There should be a pool designated for adults only.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Simon London was very entertaining. Violinist the best! Trivia were same questions as the last cruise. The music from the Lip Sync battle (final battle) was the same. Hairy Man contest and Lip Sync auditions are always entertaining.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5
I have cruised for 14 years, I was disappointed in the Magic. Not so Magical. I was disappointed in the cleanliness of the bathroom mirror and shelves on day 1. When I went to point it out to the Head Steward he said "I didn't do it, he did." I had to pause and collect my thoughts and asked him that it needs to be cleaned. It was not cleaned until day two when I had to almost making come into the room and show him again what was wrong. After that the room was properly cleaned. We didn't have as many waiters on the deck and my husband had to go to the bar to get the drinks. You can only order drinks from certain bars. You can order a "jockester martini" only in the Punchline lounge. No one else can make that drink in the entire ship. We encountered this a lot.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Guy's Burger and Blue Iguana are a hit. --- not always kept up and ran out of condiments often.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
We were on deck 8. I have cruised for 14 years, I was disappointed in the Magic. Not so Magical. I was disappointed in the cleanliness of the bathroom mirror and shelves on day 1. When I went to point it out to the Head Steward he said "I didn't do it, he did." I had to pause and collect my thoughts and asked him that it needs to be cleaned. It was not cleaned until day two when I had to almost making come into the room and show him again what was wrong. After that the room was properly cleaned. I requested both morning and turn down service and had to call on the 3rd day for turndown and Head Steward tells me we are still cleaning. It was 9:45pm and no cart in sight. He definitely needs to back to customer service training.

Ship tip

I was trying to address concerns/issues with the staff directly because you have to spend 8 days on a ship with them and don't need my clothes thrown overboard. Don't do that. Go directly to the Department Head and address your concerns don't wait and try to resolve with individuals. Or you'll end up with your steward noting a missing towel and having a $22 towel charge on your credit card. (I came home to make phone calls and have it reversed.)

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5
We embraced the rain!

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

4 out of 5
We had to take a water taxi to the beach. Bring water shoes.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

4 out of 5
We went to the beach Friears Bay (excuse spelling). It was 13 minutes away and we got 2 chairs and 1 unbrella for $30. We were there for 4 1/2 hours. A bit pricey compared to other islands but it was very clean and we enjoyed the clear water.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
We got off early and walked to the Fort and around town until most stores open at 10 ish. Restaurants open at 11 but there are some food trucks around. It's an early port so it's best to do the exploring early and then do the shopping and eating

Grand Turk Island

4 out of 5
Great beach next to port. We went Parasailing. It was amazing.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Again, have your document handy and wait to be called. We took the later departure and it was quick. My cousins did the early and had a longer wait.

Traveler Photos

Lovely Umbrellas Walk along the bottom of Fort Awesome experience
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