Carnival Magic Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I normally submit an overly detailed review, but since this was more of a get-a-way fun vacation adventure my mental noting wasn't taking a lot in. So this will be a fairly quick over-view.
I sailed the Magic in Aug 2017 when I won the slot tournament and we acquired 3 of the 4 seats into the grand finale. (1st & 2nd placing at both events). In the end two of us ended up going on this finale trip. I'm not a HUGE gambler like some of the others onboard were, but I do like to play a little. Trying to find a machine in the casino was almost impossible unless you went at 4-6am.... which the casino did stay open just about all night and even while in port at Grand Turk. I'm guessing to suck up as much $$ as they could from the big gamblers to pay for all the tournament events.
My friend traveling with me just turned PLATINUM on this trip. I already was. It also seemed as if most of the ship was also. LOL We did find some things different compared to our last sailing on the Magic back in AUG2017.
Cabin Review
Balcony
CABIN 11244 SPA-BALCONY FWD Deck 11
Should be in a quiet part of the ship, but the family across from us decided to use the hallway as their children's playground. It could use some detailed cleaning.... like the dust above the pictures, the extra socks we found in the back of the sofa under-drawer. details!
The outside divider doors on the balcony really CLINKED loud at night. a folded piece of paper stuck in the latch stopped that quick. :)
Port Reviews
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Very easy embarkation / debarkation. We selected GoPortCanaveral shuttle. Located in the airport just inside slip 18 at luggage pick up. $33 for two and a COACH bus. A= service & ride
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
I've been here with FATHOM where we did humanitarian work. The port is lovely. This trip I spent the day at the POOL and it was VERY relaxing and fun. Plenty of chairs.
St. Thomas
took the day to walk around and check out the stores just off the ship. Wish I had done an excursion. I will be returning in Aug.
San Juan
My favorite port this cruise. From the looks of San Juan and OLD SAN JUAN you would never have known most of the island was ravaged by hurricanes. HOWEVER, I know personally many friends with family just outside the port area that still need assistance. Power is still down in those areas and debris clean up is needed before the next storm hits.
I walked the cobble streets of OLD SAN JUAN. I have not been here since my very first cruise in 2005. Love the architecture and neighborhoods. Very hilly. Stopped in MUCHACHOS barber and got a hair cut. Also walked up to the fort and took a lot of scenic photos. WELL WORTH the price of admission.
Grand Turk
A VERY RELAXING day in port. The NACHO PLATE is HUGE! Come hungry. swim up bar and beach area. There is about a 25' very rocky area just off the beach, but if you get across that there is sand. HINT: Bring a box of FROOT LOOPS or CHERIOS out with you and watch ALL the fish come. Yellow Striped Skip Jacks and larger Angels. We also spotted some flat flounder-like fish as well as one or two larger fish. An underwater camera and a snorkel can be great here as the water is SUPER CLEAN.