We initially chose this cruise based on the number of sea days (four) and ports we hadn't cruised to before (Amber Cove, Grand Turk & Half Moon Cay). We were warned about cruising on Carnival out of New York due to the crowds, etc., and failed to heed the warning. Our worst cruise so far and we most likely won't sail Carnival again, especially out of New York for a number of reasons.

Embarkation and Disembarkation are usually a fairly seamless process, but on this trip both were a complete disaster. For embarkation we were left waiting in line for over an hour to get on the ship and three hours to get off the ship on disembarkation in spite of agreeing to carry our own luggage off. When we were finally led off the ship we were met by members of the U.S. Coast Guard who had to be called in to escort the Magic back to Pier 88 after a brawl involving 60+ people broke out in one of the bars early Tuesday morning before disembarkation. Carnival will blame in on the Port of NY but it was clearly Carnival's lack of people to check you in that created a back up felt by everyone getting on board.

Balcony Room Deck 8: we chose a balcony cabin on Deck 8 (aft) to have close proximity to the Lido and the Tides Bar and Pizzeria, as that is where our son spent the majority of his time on the last cruise with other kids. The location proved convenient and we were able to move around fairly easily to get to meals. When we needed to go somewhere else on the ship we could walk the entire hallway on 8 and get to other elevators with relative ease. The cabin itself was fine and our balcony was big enough for two people but we all agreed that our next cruise our son will get his own room as it felt crowded at times when all three of us were trying to get ready for dinner or all wanted to be on the balcony at the same time. Read more