Carnival Magic Review
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This was my family's first cruise. We had been dreaming about it for years, thinking it was an easy way for a family with special needs to travel. We found, unfortunately, that cruising just was not for us. Some of that is the nature of the travel (i.e. the feeling like every port is picking you up by your ankles and shaking the money out, and the feeling like cattle herded) and some of it was our experience on Carnival Magic. I will keep this review about the Magic and Carnival.
Embarkation: A mess! We didn't get on until 8pm, then we had the Muster Drill, and the kids were wiped out. I heard other people had better results though, getting on and having dinner. But for having so many fog delays, it seems like they would have a plan B well sorted out.
Food: We thought it was ok, actually. Some was really good, some was average. Nothing was "awful" besides one entree in the steak house. We are food snobs too. I think that the key is low expectations and then you will be surprised. I am in shock to read people complain about portions. We never once needed to get seconds and usually left food on our plates. There was a lot of variety throughout the ship.
Cabin Review
Spa Ocean View (obstructed views)
This cabin is a Wheelchair Access Cabin and is very accessible for our needs (manual w/c with ability to transfer easily). It sleeps 4 nicely and has enough space for us. However, because it is high and forward, it moves a lot! There is constant motion, a lot of jerking and rocking. Beware if you have any motion sickness! You can't lay down if you are feeling motion sick, it will make it much worse. Also it is next to the Steward closets. I didn't have an issue with noise, but the smell was awful, especially after 3 days at sea. It was in our room by the 3rd day. Other times, it was just as we left our room (also not helpful for sea sickness).
At night people walking by can see in the window, but not during the day. Not many people are out there. Its nice to have easy access to the front of the ship and the ship cam on your TV is your view.