Anniversary Getaway

Carnival Magic Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 114

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Carnival Magic

8 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 14, 2023

Ship: Carnival Magic

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 7414

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We really enjoyed all ports on this cruise and the layout of the ship is easy. We just wished the food would get better.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
The embarkation process went pretty smoothly. We got there about 20-30 minutes before our time, but since there wasn’t anyone in line, they told us to go ahead on in. We didn’t wait very long at all before they started calling zones and we were on the ship in no time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
So, on this particular ship our wait time would say a certain time for the dining room after checking in, but we would wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour longer. So not impressed with that at all. And one night it took us 3 hours to get into the dining room, get our food, and get out of there. I feel like the food in general is getting more bland on the ships compared to about 8 years ago especially the desserts. They just don’t have much flavor at all. My go to is usually the salmon in the dining room. As always Guy’s, Blue Iguana, the pizza, etc were still good except I miss the natural cut fries at Guy’s burger.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
This ship was sold out and we were never able to get into the pool or hot tubs. People were crammed in them like sardines.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
We enjoyed the entertainment for the most part. Just wished the women would put clothes on that were more modest in the playlist productions. These shows are for the whole family and we just don’t enjoy the half naked women. This ship was actually a little better than some though. The cruise director Joey was amazing.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
As always, everyone was great. The only problem we had was getting our food one night in the dining room. It was a 2 hour process to get our food from the time we sat down and missed 2 shows because of it.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
The cabin was fine for an interior. I just think they’re too small but I knew this going in.

Ship tip

Sign into the dining room a lot earlier than what it says it will take for your table to be ready if you have my time dining.

Ports of call

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

4 out of 5
The port itself does not have much but a little shopping area and then the pool area. We chose to do an excursion this time here. We did the Mountain View’s and city sights excursion through carnival and enjoyed it very much. It takes you to the top to see the Christ statue and the amazing view from the top and the botanical gardens and then back to the bottom of the city for walking around the city sights. This excursion is on an open safari like truck.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
We have been here before and enjoy doing excursions that involve the history of the area. It’s a beautiful port with beautiful views from the fort and the castle.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Another beautiful port. We have done the sky-lift to paradise point both times we have been here. It’s an amazing view from the top overlooking the bay. This time we did go into the pirate museum which was interesting if you like that kind of stuff.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
This is a beautiful port. We did not do an excursion here. We chose to just ride the water taxi to go back and forth from the ship to shopping and beach.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
No problems at all. Easy off the ship.

Traveler Photos

View from the fort View from Paradise Point Sunset at St Maarten Cruise director Joey Top of the mountain
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10 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     6 months ago

Thanks for sharing

GriffFamily    1 year ago

Great review. Thanks for the detail.

javawoody    1 year ago

Appreciate the review

tavo6    1 year ago

Thanks for your review glad you enjoyed most of your cruise 🛳️

natelorip    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing. Glad you had a good time.

lsbs    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

WhippetMum    1 year ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise

strauss3396    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing. Loved the magic when I went on her

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed review. We enjoy the Pirates’ museum. Glad you enjoyed your cruise in spite of the food.

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