As first timers, we spent a good bit of time learning about the cruise ships sailing out of Galveston and, in particular the specifics about The Magic. Sailing out of Galveston was a no brainer. We live in League City, TX - just 35 miles from our front door to the ship. We also liked the idea of being on a newer ship. Since we ride our motorcycle to Galveston often, we met casually others that had been on The Magic. Those informal reviews were nearly 100% positive. The one or two that weren't sounded a bit like "cruise snobs" to us, so we took their criticism with a grain of salt. We chose the Western Carribean for our first cruise - Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Cozumel.
My wife and I are still romantic and very close, so we wanted a feeling of privacy and selected an aft-view extended balcony. We absolutely loved our room from the moment of entry. I doubt we will ever have any other cabin on the Magic. The extra balcony space is quite significant. We heard no noise in the passageway during the trip. The crew servicing our end of the ship was awesome. We never waited long for ice or anything we asked for. We tipped them generously at the end of the cruise.
I noticed that one reviewer mentioned "prop" noise when the engine is docking. Yes there is some very slight vibration, but it is rather insignificant. I suspect the noise may be stern thrusters rather than the props. To me, it was like a gentle wake up nudge, notifying us to get up for an early morning view of each new port.
Cabin 8468 is quite nice. A slightly larger balcony than the other aft-view extended balconies. Very quiet. Great view. Romantic. Private.