I go on one or two cruises every year and am up to almost 50 by now. This was our first Carnival line cruise. We normally go on Holland America or Royal Carribean. We are an older couple. First of all, we were amazed that the food was excellent and the portions at dinner were larger than we got on our other cruises. They even gave us steak and lobster for no extra charge.
The balcony cabins on Carnival are larger than on other cruise ships, and that has been a known fact for years. It was less expensive for us to take a Carnival cruise than other cruise lines. Usually, we get a suite for the two of us on Holland America. This time there were no suites available, so we got two adjoining balcony cabins, which was perfect, as we left the door between them open and had the two rooms which provided us with our own bathrooms and space to be in the cabins without overcrowding. We had four days at sea, so having large cabins was helpful. I recommend to always take Meclizine with you as we had hurricanes both going down and returning from the Caribbean and the seas had 9-foot swells. As an older couple we did fine.
Make sure to take some formal wear for two dressy nights, as people really did dress in their finery with sequins and all. The pandemic is over and people are back to bringing their formal clothes as they want the freedom to express themselves, dress up again, be seen, and party. There was also a 70's dress up night and dance on deck and, thank goodness, I had a 70's outfit with me as nobody told me to prepare ahead of time. Other cruisers seemed to know and really dressed up in costumes.
Our three ports were wonderful experiences and we were never bored as we have been at some of our ports in the past on cruises.
During this time of high inflation and costs, it is nice to sail on Carnival Cruise Line, which has less expensive rates. It was also nice to be able to drive to the port rather than having to spend the money to fly.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food on this ship was superior with large portions and wonderful selections.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I went to two of the Build a Bear programs, bought inch of gold jewelry, and attended the broadway-style shows, which were enjoyable.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
There was a huge variety of shows. The country music was enjoyable. The violin music was great and quite relaxing. Any type of music venue was available on the ship, depending on one's taste. We also had a dance party on the top deck of the ship that was so fun.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service on the ship was excellent and all staff members were friendly and supportive.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We had two adjoining balcony cabins, which I highly recommend. When we opened the adjoining doors, it was like having a large suite where we could entertain. The problem is that we were located right above the large show theater. Make sure to know what noise will be right under your cabin as we had loud noise all day coming up from beneath our cabin which made it impossible to relax or take a nap in the cabin. Always examine what is above you and below your cabin before selecting your cabin. Since the weather was warm, we spend a lot of time on our balconies reading, talking, and enjoying the sun or shade. The views in ports from our balcony of the Caribbean islands were spectacular, so we often stayed out there to watch the sun setting behind the mountains.
Ship tip
The Carnival Magic was more of a budget cruise, cost-wise compared to other cruise lines. We usually sail on Holland America. Because of this, you will find more families rather than couples. We actually sailed when school was in session, so there were very few children. You can expect much more noise on the ship if you sail when children are out of school. We live in Virginia and were so happy we did not have to fly to our Norfolk port, so this saved time and money. I recommend checking local ports in your state as more cruises are now departing from Norfolk and Baltimore.
Since it was a hot day in September, we took a mountain rainforest tour where the temperature was 20 degrees cooler and the rainforest was very beautiful. The tour was followed by a tour of the old historical section of Puerto Rico, where there is so much to see, so many house tours and museums.
We loved the Dominican Republic and everyone said they want to return some day. From the port in the distance we could see the beautiful lush green landscape, with the highest mountain in the Caribbean in the distance. The beaches and blue water were lovely. We spent our day at the Ocean World Adventure Park nearby and this really was the best tour from the ship. They have a pirate's pool with waterfalls and caves and swimming in this pool was the most fun I had on the whole cruise. The bird exhibits were amazing, and we actually went in to interact with the birds and get photos. People were swimming with the dolphins. They also had a snorkeling reef, feeding and swimming with the sharks, and a sea otter show. There was also lagoon swimming and picnic areas facing the mountains and sea. This was the best Sea World type park I have been to and I have been to all of the others in Florida. The cost for the bus and to get into the park was only $50 per adult.
The cruise port is right at a resort area which was free to Carnival Magic passengers. The beach chairs were plentiful and free and we went swimming in the ocean where the water was clear and beautiful off the beach. They also had a huge swimming pool and many high-end shops, all for free use of the cruise ship passengers. Additionally, we grabbed a cab for an island tour for $35 per person and drove around the entire island. There are many donkeys on the island and beautiful views from the places where we stopped.
The Norfolk cruise port has a separate location where you take your vehicle to park. Then you wave down a porter to get your luggage out of your car. The porter takes the luggage to a truck, which then takes it to the ship. The passengers then board a bus to the cruise ship. You do have to wait your turn to board the ship at a reserved time. There is a park there at the port where you can sit down with your carry-on luggage to board the ship. When you return, you hire a porter to take your luggage to the waiting buses and back to the parking lot. Then another porter will take your luggage to your car. The parking cost is $15 per day. Make sure to go to the bank and get $5 bills to have available for all of the porters you will be using. Of course, plan to tip drivers and waiters throughout your trip.
So nice to hear from people who have been on other cruise lines that once they give Carnival a chance ,that they realize Carnival has more bang for your buck. Great to see that you had a good cruise.
Magic is my favorite ship. I have 40+ cruises on Carnival and love sailing on carnival ships. I have been on Princess once and NCL twice they were nice but it seems like carnival has a totally different vibe that I enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
Well though out descriptions in your review. Good pointers about the parking procedure for future cruisers fron Norfolk. Also good advice about picking cabin location.
I’m glad you enjoyed your cruise on the Carnival Magic. The Magic is our favorite ship based on our limited experience so far. Amber Cove and Grand Turk are also ports that we enjoy. Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed review.
😎🛳️☀️🩴🏝️🪸🐠🌺🙏🏻
One of the best reviews and perspectives I have ever read on this app. Thank you for giving Carnival a fair chance and seeing the pros in your experience. Us Carnies would live to see you sail with us many times again.
I appreciate this review. For those of us who call ourselves carnival loyalists, it’s nice to hear this perspective. I think carnival cruisers are the coolest people on earth. If it ever comes down to it and I get to pick who I spend my last days with, wobblers to the front.
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