Carnival Magic Review
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This was our 3rd time on the Magic. Had it not been "free" from El Dorado Casino in Shreveport I would not have picked this ship - nothing bad - just done it and these ports enough. Galveston is an easy drive from our home so we decided to do it.
This was different for us in that we had no shore excisions booked. My husband was recently ill and we only got the "ok" for him to go 3 days prior to sailing so our plan was to take it very easy. I missed snorkeling but loved sleeping in until noon. We got off the ship in all ports. My best advice for Montego Bay is to book a shore excursion - there is nothing to do at the pier and the last time we ventured out on our own to a public beach we were panhandled to death. We did get a taxi ($17 for the two of us) in Cozumel and go to an all inclusive beach ($55 each) which we enjoyed.
I was very disappointed that the craps table had a minimum bet of $10 - different from the past and I could only afford to play 2 nights. You would think Carnival would take notice; it was empty several times throughout the cruise. But I'm sure they make more profit at $10/bet.
Cabin Review
Balcony
This was a little father to the laundromat than other cabins I've had but was excellent for everything else. It was close to the atrium elevators but not so close that we got noise from the elevators. Our steward Alfonso was great. Something new: have to ask for ice (no bucket until I did) and Carnival has stopped the chocolates on the bed at turndown. This is a basic balcony cabin; everything worked and was clean. If I was sailing again on the Magic I would try to get this same cabin again.
Port Reviews
Galveston
Parking was easy - be sure to pay online in advance to save $5. Embarkation was fairly easy and from the time we stepped in line to getting on board was about 50 minutes.
Montego Bay
Crummy shopping at the pier. Only way to do this port is with an excursion. A ship comedian summed it up well - it's a ghetto surrounded by beautiful water.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
I love snorkeling in Grand Cayman. Did not get to this cruise but I have enjoyed Grand Cayman in the past. The excursion to the Kittiwake is a good.
Cozumel
I am generally bored with Cozumel but did get lucky at a shop that sells dog bandanas - I was able to score some more for Tobey! We did venture out on our own. At the pier we found a taxi ($17 for 2) to a beach which was all inclusive ($55 each). We made it back to the pier just fine and in plenty of time.