Carnival Magic Review

4.0 / 5.0
1,504 reviews

Nice, but nothing exceptional

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Magic
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kruzkween
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Additional details

Sail Date: May 2012
Cabin: Interior Upper/Lower

We spent Sat. night with a friend in Galveston and were able to get to the ship earlier than we ever have. At 10:15 we were worried that we might be too early, but things worked out beautifully. We parked at EZ Cruise, took their shuttle over to the ship, dropped off our bags then headed into the terminal for a flawless check-in. We were actually up on the Lido enjoying lunch by 11:15. After some exploring, we went to our cabin and enjoyed a quick nap before our bags arrived.

Although the Magic wasn't the biggest ship we've sailed on, it felt like it. I don't think I've ever done so much walking to get somewhere on a ship. And although walking isn't bad and I do enjoy walking, this ship would probably not be a good choice for physically impaired or very elderly people. There always seemed to be lines, no matter where you were. And as strange as this may sound, many times I felt rather "closed in" because of partitions...inside as well as outside on open decks in some areas.

The two main dining rooms seemed to be very different...Southern Lights more elegant and traditional for a cruise ship main dining room, and Northern Lights more contemporary with an almost casual air, and open to public view thru windows from two different halls. We had early seating in the Southern Lights and enjoyed the dining experience there. One thing that can really make or break the dining room experience is your table mates, and ours were fabulous. Our service was mediocre and the food was good. I can't say that the food was outstanding, but I certainly managed to find something every night that I thoroughly enjoyed. They didn't offer escargot at all and even tho I was quite disappointed, they did offer lobster, for which I was very glad. You could check menus any time on your interactive TV, as well as check your Sign & Sail account and access many other helpful things, including ordering from room service. I must say I was quite surprised by the dining room dress code, or lack thereof. Shorts are allowed in the dining room at night, and I saw many people who I felt were really under dressed to be in that particular venue. Formal night is now called Elegant Night on the Magic, and even tho many did dress quite elegantly, many did not.

Cabin Review

Interior Upper/Lower

Cabin 1A

We were in cabin 2207, all the way forward, port side. It was VERY noisy coming into port, leaving port & docking. We were directly under the show theatre but weren't bothered by any noise there. Guest cabins were directly under us. It's definitely not a location I would choose again.

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