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After listening to my wife hint that she wanted to go on a cruise, I finally began to research my options. The closest port to us was Galveston: we live about 170 miles from there so we avoided the airfare, hotels and other expenses associated with just getting to the boat. That limited our options for cruise lines to the Carnival Magic or the Triumph.
We chose a four day cruise in case cruising wasn't out thing. Turns out that it was a lot of fun. We had passport cards, so embarkation was easy. Lines were long but they moved quickly. Once on board, lunch was being served on the Lido deck. Very nice; huge hot dogs with chili, burgers to order, many other choices.
Our cabin was on deck seven and had a private balcony: the balcony was not big enough for more than three or four people, but enough room to enjoy your morning coffee with a little solitude. Our room was always kept clean and our steward showed us the little supply room where we could get ice anytime we wanted it. Dining room was excellent; wait staff were very friendly and love to visit with their guests. Food was excellent. Buffet food was always good. Nothing real fancy, but you could get a nice meal anytime you wanted it.
The Lido pool is the party pool.. music most of the time, but the back of the boat has another pool that is for those who would rather relax. Never had a problem finding a chair at either pool. Waiters come by all the time but they aren't pushy. The pools are a little small, but that didn't seem to bother anyone.
The kids clubs were very popular. On more than one occasion we heard kids telling their parents they wanted to go back to the club, or begging to stay when their parents came to sign them out. My daughter is 15 and spent a lot of time in the O2 club for teens. She said she liked the counselors.
The gym was nice.. free weights, machines, ellipticals and treadmills. At night they show movies on the huge screen by the lido deck. Very cool.. kind of like a floating outdoor theatre. Very good experience and it went way too fast!
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