Optimusprime2529body

I will have to echo a lot of the reviews the thread leader posted. So, other than actually bumping into them, we saw the same events and had just about the same experience.

I really compliment Carnival on its Salute to Veterans. I don’t know if it was just because Veteran’s Day was on the last day of the cruise, or if they do this every single cruise, but I enjoyed meeting veterans in the lounge area aft and it was attended by the Cruise Director.

Half moon Cay

We had a great time in the sun. We did not get off with the crush of people. The little sun cabanas on the beach were occupied quickly. However, we found a shade tree right on the beach next to the pirate ship, and the fellow passengers watched our stuff as we watched theirs, so we got a chance to frolic in the water with the ship in the background, dance at the pirate ship and watch the games played there. I was almost drafted for the “Baywatch Contest”. I also got a burger that was medium on the inside - a pink center. When I pointed this out to one of the crew, they took it, got another and brought a cooked one to the picnic table. CARNIVAL CRITIQUE: Either have more drink filling stations or have bottled water and sodas FOR THE GUESTS FOR FREE. Trying to get water or lemonade was an adventure with lines going the wrong way or people jumping from once ice machine to another slowing down the process. We took in the sights at the gift shop trap, then went down to the beach. Carnival photographers were hard at work here also. No problems with the tenders back to the ship.

Nassau

Read the posts on TripAdvisor. I am not a fan of this port. Would have preferred to remain on the ship, but wifeprime wanted to roam and get magnets, PLUS she did not want to go alone SO... We started our day playing basketball and walking the track. This, we were on deck watching the docking procedures. The Carnival Pride out of Baltimore was right behind us. The Magic is at least three decks taller. So, I knew that it would be crowded - and it was. The only thing worth watching was the crowd surfing that we got a chance to do. Some poor guy was so drunk, he could not walk, and his friend was tired of dragging him to the boat. He wandered over to the Pride. We also had some people who met the inside of a Jamaican Jail as they tried to take something for free or not pay for something. I guess there were cruisers without home training...

Day at Sea

Wifeprime went shopping. I found a quiet place on Serenity. Very lively and met some TARHEEL fans up there and a Vet who served in a hole with me in OIF/OEF. We watched as the ship’s course took us out to sea, back down towards Turks and Caicos, another two turns toward the NW, back across Nassau toward Florida and then a slow lumber directly toward Port Canaveral. We had room service for our last night. The couple in the cabin next to us entertained us as one of the peeps in the ship’s brig belonged to them, so all of their family had to vent loudly for most of the evening.

It just dawned on me, and I forgot to ask, when I posted a few minutes ago.

 

Do they still have the $10.00 or $15.00 sale, close to the end of the cruise?

Yes, they do. It had a lot of attendence for the cruise. I think it started on the first day at sea, and lasted until the night of day six.

Hey HolySpearit

I guess we were on the same boat!! I'm enjoying your reviews.

I am a foodie. I love seafood and, because Mrs Optimusprime2529 does not, any time that I can get some, I'm on it. However, I don't go to McDonalds for the Fish sammach.

In the MDR, we had early dining in Northern Lights. There, we met our hostess Dijuanna who would seat us daily, including when we were on Half Moon Cay and/or eating in Southern Lights for breakfast. I could tell she enjoyed her job, she loved her home country of Belarus, and since I was stationed in Germany AND had visited (I told her she was in Kindergarden when I was there), we had some other things to make nice and talk about. She offered (or tried to offer in my wife's case) things that she liked. However, I was there for the sea food!

We also had to sit as a couple amongst people who were close to us that we could read the menu from our table. We chatted always with people to our left and right, sometimes two tables over, but when it was time to eat, it was as if there was no one there until dessert. The first night in the MDR, we were seated right away (6:30 pm) and was in and out in one hour, 15 minutes (I ordered two apps, two mains, one dessert and coffee). They brought the plates one at a time this night. We were next to some immature children who tried to give the waiter a hard time. He kinda deserved it as his serving style was not good, but I think those young adults would be a little more appreciative if they ever worked at a Golden Corral, IHOP or Olive Garden and had themselves this night as a customer.

Critique time: On my earlier cruises, there was a show where the wait staff would dance to music while the maitre-d acted as the set up man. We had a female maitre-d and all she said was: "its SHOWTIME!" But, there were none this first night and I only remember the first elegant night and a couple of nights thereafter. Carnival, where did my showtime go?

Amber Cove

We got off the boat at 9:30 AM HolySpearit noted that Holland America Oosterdam ship was 30 minutes ahead of us into the port, although we were abreast of each other coming in - they were on our starboard side for the trip in. I noted I was a foodie. Ms Optimusprime2529 is a shoppie, so we spent the first hours visiting each shop. I was searching for free wifi to contact family back home (we had an expected death in our family). It was not crowded and she stayed on budget. We also "toured" the island and found the fake falls (picturesque nonetheless) and the amber resin display, then we headed to the boat for a quick meal before returning to the cruise. That was when the rain came. We ate, got back off the boat, headed out to the bar on top of the hill next to the zip line station and zip lined a few times. The pool was not croweded and we were able to enjoy some water sports before heading back to the ship at 3:45. I must say that I will love to revisit Amber Cove again. I could see why Carnival invested in this site - the views were great!

Reading HolySpearit's posts and I think we passed each other a time or two, and enjoyed the free popcorn during the movies (Hidden Figures and Pirates of the Carribean). The lines for Lido Deck fair were long at times. But, what are you going to do - you are on a cruise with 3,000 people. I did find the Taste Bar, but hated that I had to go through or near the casino/smoke to get there. I ate at Tandoor and found its offerings also very good. and supplemented my Lido Buffet plates with its offerings daily. Ditto for the Pizza. It was good enough to return again and again.

Yes, there is lobster on the first elegant night.

One can also purchase it for $20 a night in the MDR. I don't know if it is unlimited servings, though.

I was on the same boat at the same time. I was there with my wife - no children.

MUSTER

We had muster station A3 which was the ground floor of the show theater. The muster was cool. One of the performers was our Muster person. She noted that she was from the great country of CALIFORNIA (with her exotic accent) and that she was one of the 2% of Americans on the boat. She told a great knock knock joke that I heard five years ago on the Carnival Paradise (KNOCK KNOCK......Who's there......DISHES......DISHES WHO? "DISH ES your Captain Speaking from the Navigation Center...) ROTFLMAO with the Italian male accent! Went pretty quickly - It took awhile to seat everyone on the first floor then the balcony. I agree that overall it was painless and I enjoyed being inside even though it was not hot out.

SAILAWAY

We took in sail away from Deck 12 Forward at the front of the boat. I did not see the Disney Boat sailing behind us. Quiet but breezy. We left this area once we got out to sea and the color of the water changed.

BARS

No bars - I drink socially, my wife drinks never. We both knew that those drinks were going to be too much. We had a bottle of non-alcoholic Muscadine Wine from Duplin Winery in Rose Hill, NC.

HUB APP

I must agree, I thought the HUB APP was great! I am Team iphone / wife swears by her Trac Phone Android. My iphone app worked as advertised. Her Trac Phone Android never worked, so mine was the one passed between both of us for show times and menus. I liked the fact that we could look at port information, fun things to do and the menus of the restaurants and MDR. We also wanted to use the HUB APP for communicating with each other, but it would not work on Team Trac Phone. We ended up having to use our walkie talkies or just hanging with each other.

INTERNET/WIFI

We also purchased the $35 social app and it worked very well on my iphone. Team Trac Phone Android - not so much.

CRUISE DIRECTOR

I read here (cruisecritic.com) how Dr E was a legend and would be the best of our experience with Cruise Directors. Now, our last Carnival Cruise Director was on the Carnival Paradise out of Tampa, and that guy could play "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" on his fiddle like a champ! I loved that guy and wondered how good this legendary Dr. E was going to be, but we learned before sailing that he would return on the next voyage, and we had Matt. I was impressed with Matt ("Party on") and I got a chance to chat with him during the Veteran's Appreciation Event. I liked his style. So, I can say that I was impressed as Matt replaced this legend. I also loved Matt during the '80's and '90's shows on Deck 3.

I am glad to read the notes of a fellow cruiser. I had a great time on this ship and hope to sail her again next year.

Some of my tips:

1- Use the whirlpool that is next to the gym on the Spa deck. It was quiet and mostly not used during the times that I was there.

2- Taste Bar was excellent and a way to get something that I would not normally order.

3- Go to the Blue Iguana breakfast and order everything separate - not in a tortilla. Easy and quick to get a scrambled egg, hash browns and chicken sausage meal!

4- Tandoor was a great meal! I got to know those guys by name

5- We brought thermoses for drinks - my wife prefers water, but not the general water on the ship. It does have a different taste to it. So, the water in the spa and the water from the drink machine aft deck 5 (Tandoor / Pizza bars) became her favorite watering holes. We were considering buying water while on ship. But finding these spots saved some S&S money for my trips to the coffee and cake shop. Also, ask the room steward for an ice bucket. They would fill it with a different type of ice than in the MDR and the water was great!

I was on the 4-11 Sailing of the Magic!

1- The casino smoke: ARRRRRGHHHH! One could smell it even when you boarded the ship and go there for the free layanard before the cruise sailed. That area was a NO-GO for my wife and I. Sometimes, one could be on deck four enjoying the string musicians and smell it. I echo and +1 the poster who suggested a separate ventilation system for this area, and some closing doors. The coffee shop and the Taste Bar was located behind the casino, and made the experience of these tucked away restaurants nauseous.

2- I enjoyed the 4 ports and the schedule.

3- I really think they should re-look at the requirement for formal dress for two nights on the 7-day voyages. My wife and I were not taking pictures - why should we dress up TWICE? Once would be enough, optional for the days one would want other pictures, or at least get "dressy" by not requiring a T-shirt to the MDR for the second elegant night.

4- If you are going to Guy's Burgers on the Lido Deck, remember (or note) there are TWO lines. Most qued up in the line from the midship elevators. I was able to join the line off the side (doors leading into the buffet area) and get a burger and fries in half the time.

5- Another good breakfast spot was the Blue Iguana - however, don't get a burrito all the time. Have them put the Mexican / scrambled eggs, chicken sausage and hash browns separate and whaaalaaaa - a great offering in less time than waiting in line inside the Lido feeding area. On that note, Carnival, please look at somehow separating those who want cereal and fruit from those who want scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon and sausage. If you wanted just fruit, you had to stand in line with those ahead of you who wanted just the hot plate offerings, or visa-versa. When we discovered Southern Nights as an anytime breakfast place, we started eating there often or just going the the Blue Iguana.

6- We had a Deck One cabin, and felt every wave crash, roll, turn, speed change, etc of our sailing. AND, our cabin neighbors were "very expressive" when either with others in their party or when "whoopee relations" commenced. I did not realize that the walls were that thin, or she was practicing NIGHTLY for a dirty opera scene punctuated by a long prayer, followed by a critique. I met them at the end of the cruise and complimented her on her singing voice. I guess they did not read the "Things You Should Not Do In Your Cabin" article...

7- LET ME GIVE A SHOT OUT TO CARNIVAL FOR THEIR RECOGNITION OF VETERANS ON THIS CRUISE!!! I attended with my wife and met many new friends. They could have given us the room for the evening, set up some finger food and broadcast the even through the ship, but each recognition counts. We would have stayed longer but had to go because we had to get out for the Punchliner set up but hey, Thanks Carnival for the recognition of Veterans on each and every cruise that I have sailed with you guys!

8 - Entertainment. Okay, I went to every show and participated, except for Flick. That one needed some work. The Country Music Show was my favorite, and I am not generally into that genre. The case were good and talented each performance.

9- This cruise was not without its incidents. I saw the woman being lead away, and there was a gentleman led out also having spent his time in the brig since the first port call. The Brig for five days? Naw, that guy should have been picked up by the Coast Guard somewhere and just taken back to his home with a few charges so that he could "party on" The limit on BB is not a challenge, people! I also heard of a fractured hip on Amber Cove Day. Gosh. And, there was one guy who got into Nassau and was so stoned up, he could not walk to the ship. Good thing his friends were his escorts and made shure he got back on the right ship.

Overall, we had fun and would do it again - planning on doing the Magic again!

I was on the Magic 4-11 November and the CD announced that Dr. E was returning starting with the 11 November sailing. Yes, the "replacement CD" 4-11 November was pretty good! Party On!

As I noted in a previous forum, I did not have a problem with the evening service of our Cabin Steward, and rewarded him with an extra gratuity directly to him for his attentiveness. Now, I am not oblivious to others on the same boat with either a love/hate relationship with their cabin stewards. We simply treated our cabin steward as a valued member of our experience on the cruise, and it worked out very well.

Just got off the Magic (4-11 November). Our cabin steward was on point with whatever needs we either expressed actively or passively. I saw him every day. We only requested evening service, but he spoke to us daily and made sure that our evening requests / observations were addressed.

It does not hurt to ask the cooks at Guy's Burgers. My wife asked if they had a Vegetable Burger offering, and they did! She had to come back to the server in 10 minutes, but they cooked her a veggie burger each and every time. And, if we gave them a heads up, they had the veggie burger waiting for her when it was her time to be served.

This will be our first cruise with just my wife and I - mainly travel with family for cruises. That being said, we now know we don't have to wait in a corner until all of the family have boarded.

We will do the same ole thing - FTTF drop off luggage and soda cases. Head up to the Lido for lunch and then a high perch to enjoy the view before muster. After muster, get in a dance or two as we sail away and continue to get the lay of the land until MDR dinner.

My heart goes out to this family. Certainly not the way a cruise should end. My next Carnival Cruise is in 20 days. My children are grown up, but not out of my thoughts as far as their safety.

I have not received a message yet, but on my cruise documents, I have a few more dollars on my sail and sign card

I will be on the Carnival Magic in November.

Our most crowded port will be Nassau - four ships all in by 1100hrs.

We will hang out around the Port for that one - too many chances for overcrowded transport that may make one miss the boat

47 with Carnival Magic

I do have another question for those onboard..what are the port arrival and departure times? I'd like an idea if this is part of my nov 4 route.

My Cruise information has not changed yet...

11/4/2017 Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL----4:00 PM

11/5/2017 Fun Day At Sea--------

11/6/2017 Amber Cove, Dominican Republic 9:00 AM 4:00 PM

11/7/2017 St. Thomas, USVI 11:30 AM 7:00 PM

11/8/2017 San Juan, Puerto Rico 8:00 AM 4:00 PM

11/9/2017 Grand Turk 12:00 PM 6:00 PM

11/10/2017 Fun Day At Sea--------

11/11/2017 Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL

From what I am hearing, I am concerned about the St Thomas, Grand Turk and San Juan ports of call. If they keep them, I expect the excursions will be limited.

I fault the Navy ship mostly. Inattentiveness, multiple mis-judgements and bad luck are the root causes of almost all peacetime collisions. At this stage there is no good reason not to expect something similar here, and the maxim that exceptional claims require exceptional evidence applies.

Until more information comes out, I cannot see how the Fitzgerald's bridge team can evade a large dose of responsibility; the question is how much mitigation can be found.