Carnival Magic Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We have sailed for more than 15 years on just about every line. We just returned from a Christmas cruise and our ages are 50, 49, 26, and 23, so we can offer perspective from some different age groups. Our family had a great time because we got to spend time together, despite the fact that this cruise line and this particular ship both leave much to be desired. I've categorized under the following:
THE GOOD: Very nice Christmas morning service that included some Bible reading and Christian songs. I was impressed that Carnival held such a service, in addition to the non-religious festivities that mostly abounded, such as snow in the lobby, Christmas carols, a show that involved the children, and Santa and The Grinch appearances. It was nice to see an organization that wasn't afraid to let people celebrate in their own way.
The cruise director seemed to be a truly nice guy who was down to earth, energetic, and sweet to everyone. He had a good sense of humor and poured everything into his job.
Cabin Review
Porthole
Never, ever again. I booked this cruise 11 months in advance, directly through Carnival, and they SWORE this was the only deck available with two rooms in close proximity. The boat never stopped rocking the entire week, and there was a loud, banging sound every 15 seconds all night long - maybe waves hitting the stabilizer? I ran into a mother-daughter on a higher floor who were so seasick the first two days, they couldn't leave the cabin. And get this - the medical clinic had NO patches available! How is that even a thing?
Port Reviews
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
We went to 7 mile beach and weren't big fans. Had it not been for the powerful drinks at the Tiki Bar, we probably wouldn't have enjoyed this day because the beaches are just overrun with people.
Cozumel
Book the dune buggy tour through cozumelexcursions.com. You get to drive a dune buggy led by a tour company that takes you around the entire island. Includes snorkeling, beach time, visits to local attractions, lunch, beer/water/coke all day, and a tequila tasting. Great way to spend the day and see the whole island.
Montego Bay
We took a local taxi ($80 both ways for 4 people) to and from Sandals Montego Bay. The resorts offer a very limited supply of day passes (this one was $85, all inclusive). We spent the day touring the resort, drinking, eating, drinking more, sunbathing, doing water sports, and just generally enjoying the gorgeous beach and uncrowded lounge chairs. It was the only day all week that we had a beach to ourselves, open pools, no lines, no crowds, just serenity. It was worth every single penny to all 4 of us.