This was the second year in a row we cruised to the Eastern Caribbean on the Magic. Port Canaveral is relatively convenient (we live in NC) and it was honestly the best value cruise we could find given the time frame in which we were looking to sail. We were originally bound for Alaska but when the friends with whom were were scheduled to sail had a change of plans, we decided to rebook on the Magic with some other friends as they were celebrating their son's high school graduation. My wife and I LOVE to cruise. It was her 10th and my 7th. I wondered what it would be like to take the exact cruise we took 51 weeks earlier. Would we like already knowing the ship or would it seem repetitive and less exciting? Since for me, it's all about the ship rather than the ports, I did miss the opportunity to get to know another vessel but all in all, I've come to really like the Magic and the repetition made it easy to navigate.

Once again we stayed at the Country Inn and Suites across from the Port in Canaveral. I called on Thursday morning before our Friday arrival (and Saturday sailing) and was able to secure us on the 10:30 shuttle. This was our fourth time staying there and I think it gets easier every time. We were at the port by 10:45 and the ONLY reason we weren't on the ship within 20 minutes was our boarding passes had us scheduled for a noon check-in. So, after a short wait, we were on the Magic by 12:30 and riding the water slides by 1:00.(We had learned last year to wear our bathing suits onto the ship so we could take advantage of the pools and water slides before the crowds). In fact, it was the only day we rode the slides. In short, Embarkation could once again NOT be easier and we were happily sailing by 4:30. Two things were immediately different this year than last: 1) the Muster drill was much better (more informative and serious) and 2) our luggage did not arrive until around 7:00 (not a big deal).

We had early dining (6 p.m.) in the Southern Lights dining room. Efrain was our head waiter and Zeno was his assist. I cannot say enough about them. They were spectacular! Our party totaled nine each night and they called us by name, made delicious recommendations and then Efrain sat with us after dinner to review the next day and make suggestions about the ports or sea day brunch. Dinner was both delicious and fun. We LOVED Efrain and Zeno! Read more