Carnival Magic Review

Carnival Magic - 10-17 February 2019

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Magic
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Roly.T
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Feb 2019
Cabin: Balcony
Traveled with children

This was our 4th Carnival cruise (plus 4 Royal Caribbean, 1 Norwegian, 1 Disney). We chose this cruise for the ship amenities and the ports of call: Amber Cove, Dr; San Juan, PR; St Thomas, USVI; and Grand Turk, T&C.

Embarkation was simple and fast. As in the past, we paid for the Faster-to-the-Fun to give us quicker access and more time onboard on our first day, but on this trip there was really no advantage. We were allowed to board at 12:00 noon, but we saw regular travellers arriving within 30 minutes, and nobody could access their staterooms until 1:30 pm. Our luggage did not arrive in our cabin around 4:30 pm. Overall there was no advantage to paying for the FTTF on this trip.

The ship was in very good shape, clean, with average decor. Nothing fancy but no complaints. Unfortunately cigarette smoke was prevalent virtually everywhere onboard. It made us ill, adults and kids alike, and we spent a lot of time trying to avoid the Casino, all lounges, the Red Frog Pub, and much of the pool area due to so many smokers. While cigar smokers are relegated to a tiny area on an outer deck, cigarette smokers seem to have the run of the ship. I wish Carnival would bring their smoking policy into this century and restrict cigarette smoking to a single outside deck only, away from pools and the water park where children hang out. I suppose they'd have continue allowing smoking in casino too, given the demographics in that venue.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin 8G

Our cabin layout and amenities were as expected, and our attendant Jaka was excellent. Our sone had his birthday while onboard so we brought our own cabin decorations. When Jake saw the decorations he added his own flair by decorating our mirror, and getting a birthday travel bag with a big furry monkey. Thank you Jaka!!!

Port Reviews

Miami

We stayed over night pre- and post-cruise at the Homewood Suites by the Dolphin Mall. A $30 cab ride to/from the airport, and $50 to/from the port. Good Hotel, free breakfast, outdoor pool.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)

Very good excursion to a chocolate plantation and factory. I would not travel here unless on a sanctioned excursion. Very poor, dirty, unsafe.

St. Thomas

Kayak, Hike & Snorkel - Very good for active people. Good staff, quite informative.

San Juan

Just another city. Could walk to the fort and old city, but it was a rainy day so we stayed onboard.

Grand Turk

Nice beach, but a rainy day.

3 Helpful Votes
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