This was the shortest cruise we've been on and we did it mostly to introduce our daughter to the experience. We all had a great time
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The process was great. Got very crowded in the waiting area though. Would love to see return of Faster to Fun
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Only went to the main dining room twice. First time the waiter was VERY pushy with cocktails. This made my wife and my daughter (25 year old first time cruiser) uncomfortable. The second time we had a different waiter who spoke very fast and we couldn't understand him. Forgot some of our dishes. Made up for it by trying to push more wine on us (free? Don't know as we had drink package and weren't really worried about maxing it out). Food both nights was excellent though.
Ate one night in the Italian restaurant. Wait staff was excellent and food was incredible.
Buffet seems to still be behind where they were pre-pandemic. Fewer lines open, shorter hours makes it very crowded when it is open. I understand the staffing challenges. Food is fine. Hope it continues to get better.
BarBQ on 5 continues to be a hidden gem. Food is fantastic. Almost dont want to mention it so people stay way. More for me :)
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
I'm only going to review the Magic Rock Band because they deserve special attention. They are incredibly talented and versatile musicians. I was on the Magic in August and was very excited to see that the band was still intact on this trip. My daughter (first time cruiser) was blown away as well. This band may very well be the one thing that convinces her to come on another cruise. They've set the bar very high. I was sorry to hear that they will be splitting up in January. But if they stay with Carnival they will each raise the level of any team they join.
Btw I have been a working musician for almost 50 years so this isn't just fan stuff.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
It's not really fair to everyone else that two experiences with wait staff in the dining room would bring down the rating so let's forget about them. People at the excursions desk, guest services, the room stewards, really everyone else were great.
Special thanks to Ida Bagus for making us feel at home on the Magic two cruises in a row. He is a GREAT waiter and a really nice guy. My family and I wish him and his family all the best!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This was our fourth cruise on the Magic and we absoulutely love the layout and the ship in general. At this point we don't specifically seek out this ship when we are considering a cruise but are always pleased to say "and best of all, it's on the Magic"
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We've had balcony rooms on the Magic before and keep coming back. TV didn't work but didn't care
Ship tip
1) Do it!
2) there are way more places to lay out in the sun or shade than on the lido deck. Explore deck 5. Chairs always available. Deck 11 can be good too but be aware that smokers use basically the whole starboard side
Stayed at the Holiday Inn vacation club for a few days before the cruise. Short walk or Uber over to Fishlips or Grills for food, music, drinks, and fantastic views of cruise ships heading out in the afternoon.
Holiday inn was fine but if you booked through Expedia be prepared for a high pressure (and somewhat insulting) attempt to get you to listen to a presentation from their sales team when you check in.
Love the look of this port with the mountains all around you. Took an excursion up the highest peak which was beautiful. Then went to Puerto Plata which was ok.
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