RCI cruiser on Carnival Magic?

[39august]

So frustrated with such limited RCI cruises in the fall, so I'm considering Magic from Galveston fall of 2013, since Navigator won't arrive until late December. Can anyone here tell me about your Magic, or other newer Carnival experience, please? We have been taking GS's on RCI, but think we could do with a balcony cabin, as I understand they are larger than RCI's balcony cabins. Also, there are no perks with Carnival suites except priority embarkation and tenders. Any drink specials, two for one, etc? I will miss the concierge lounge for sure! But I can take wine on board "legally". We like to go out of Galveston because we can drive there.

[Eng23]

So frustrated with such limited RCI cruises in the fall, so I'm considering Magic from Galveston fall of 2013, since Navigator won't arrive until late December. Can anyone here tell me about your Magic, or other newer Carnival experience, please? We have been taking GS's on RCI, but think we could do with a balcony cabin, as I understand they are larger than RCI's balcony cabins. Also, there are no perks with Carnival suites except priority embarkation and tenders. Any drink specials, two for one, etc? I will miss the concierge lounge for sure! But I can take wine on board "legally". We like to go out of Galveston because we can drive there.

I'm sure there are a few folks here that have cruised Carnival and can lend some advice. You might also pose this question over on the Carnival Board. (If you have not already) That may help you in forming an opinion.

[fas64]

Sorry no CL on Carnival, from what I can remember you have priority boarding and disembark, no reserved chairs at shows or pools and no free drink. and only one cruise credit.

[Tucker in Texas]

I have done mostly Royal Caribbean the past few years, the most recent being the Mariner in January and the Voyager in April.

 

I did the Magic in March only because we had friends going. Had not been on Carnival in probably ten years.

 

I found the Magic very good! In fact, so good that I did a comparison of plus and minus when I got home to sort my potatoes. The plus side of the Magic was longer than the plus side of the Mariner.

 

Major pluses for the Magic were being able to bring on two bottles of wine; better food (in my estimation but I am not a picky eater); better service in the dining room (that can be luck of the draw but we had ATD with several different wait staff); cabin (liked the long vanity counter, magnifying mirror in the bathroom, shelves vs. medicine cabinet in the bathroom (didn't think I would like that but found it was much easier to find things); shower even though it had curtain rather than solid door. Curtain did not make love to me. More elevators, didn't have to wait for one long; canned soda with the soda card rather than guns; chocolates on the pillows; among some of them. Quite a few minor ones like butter pats vs. foil wrapped, more choices of juice in the mornings, trivia hosts that spoke fluent English, etc.

 

Pluses for Royal are the Royal Promenade with various activities; more drawers in the cabin but they were smaller; better closet design with shelves; the reading lights next to the bed (the ones on the Magic was too low to be of any use); penny slots (the ones on the Magic had a 30 cent minimum); lunch menu in the dining room has some daily variety and the wonderful salad/pasta bar vs. same menu for lunch every day on the Magic; theater design seemed better, there were more poles blocking views on the Magic; demographics a little better for us old folks but it was not red-neck city on the Magic, just younger--lots of kids but they were entertained enough to stay out of my hair; balcony door slides open whereas on the Magic you had to pull it open which was difficult if there was any wind; coupon book; and, the trump cards--Diamond+ balcony discount and CL privileges.

 

Those last two will keep us leaning towards Royal but if the Magic has an itinerary and price that interests me, I would take it in a NY minute.

 

Tucker in Texas

[rjrpar]

We are RCCl cruisers who were on the Magic in Europe last year. We enjoyed it. Good variety in food, good service, lots to do but the main pool is small. Most RCCl fans will probably disagree but we found the overall experience very similar to a Voyager class ship. i do agree with a previous comment on a poor theatre design - too many poles.

[Tapi]

We sailed on RCI Allure followed by CCL Dream (sister ship to the Magic) last year. Yes, it's not fair to compare ANY ship to the Oasis duo, but you can still expect to have an enjoyable time on the Magic, just a different kind of enjoyable.

 

The "wow" factor won't be there (except for maybe to say "wow, the decoration is quite flashy"), the suite perks wont be there, but there are several things on Carnival where they excel over Royal Caribbean (although I still consider the Royal Caribbean product to be a bit better).

 

I have written a review for both cruises. Feel free to click on the links below if you'd like a more detailed comparison.

[traveling psych nurse]

Sailed on the Magic in April. 4th. time sailing with Carnival [2 on Conquest and 1 on Spirit]. Too many people for the public areas and the shows.We had to wait in line 40min. for a comedy show. The line for the hamburgers at lunch took 25min. one day. The theatre has too many obstructions in the way and is way too small for the number of people. The pools and pool areas are smaller than the Conquest which has a thousand less passengers. The ship felt crowded on sea days. We had an ocean view roo and it was large.Lots of storage. Two nights I was awakened by loud slapping sounds and one night by roaring sounds. The seas were rough all 3 nights.

[BenjiRodney]

Last 6 have been onCarnival, you can bring wine or chanpagne on with you at check in. You can all call Bon Voyage Dept to have liquor delivered to your room. Be prepared for the sticker shock.

[cruisinskier]

So frustrated with such limited RCI cruises in the fall, so I'm considering Magic from Galveston fall of 2013, since Navigator won't arrive until late December. Can anyone here tell me about your Magic, or other newer Carnival experience, please? We have been taking GS's on RCI, but think we could do with a balcony cabin, as I understand they are larger than RCI's balcony cabins. Also, there are no perks with Carnival suites except priority embarkation and tenders. Any drink specials, two for one, etc? I will miss the concierge lounge for sure! But I can take wine on board "legally". We like to go out of Galveston because we can drive there.

 

We did the inaugural sailing of the Magic last year. While RCI is our preferred cruise line, we did find more similarities than differences between the 2 cruise lines. Yes we were able to bring wine onboard at embarkation, there are drink deals but similar to RCI (i.e. bucket of beer, drink of the day, etc). The Magic is toned down some from the neon on other Carnival ships....this was our 2nd Carnival trip and we have enjoyed both, but back to RCI for the Oasis in only a few months now :D With the water park, ropes course, movie screen, etc there is lots to do onboard....and the Red Frog Pub is very popular.....

 

If you are interested in photos of the Magic, we have lots in our travel forum here: http://bondfamilytravel.com/carnival-magic-2011.html

 

I am sure our trip in the Med is different than cruising the Magic in the Caribbean but give it a try...we did and enjoyed it!

[dfgf]

There's a link to my most recent Carnival cruise in my signature. The lines are more alike than they are different. It was certainly nice to be able to bring a bottle of wine and a bottle of champagne aboard - but I missed the perks of the Diamond event/lounge.

[hubofhockey]

Sailed on the Magic in April. 4th. time sailing with Carnival [2 on Conquest and 1 on Spirit]. Too many people for the public areas and the shows.We had to wait in line 40min. for a comedy show. The line for the hamburgers at lunch took 25min. one day. The theatre has too many obstructions in the way and is way too small for the number of people. The pools and pool areas are smaller than the Conquest which has a thousand less passengers. The ship felt crowded on sea days. We had an ocean view roo and it was large.Lots of storage. Two nights I was awakened by loud slapping sounds and one night by roaring sounds. The seas were rough all 3 nights.

 

Agree 100% with this post. Pools are ridiculously small and there is overcrowding everywhere. I would not cruise again on that ship because it's too hard to relax when you have to compete with others for public space. Entertainment and service were awful on our cruise as well. I expected more from their signature ship, which was less than 100 days old on our cruise. Still had a good cruise with 7 Med ports in 9 days, but would never do a Caribbean cruise on it.

[BecciBoo]

August I want you to go and give us your 2 cents so we can compare with Tuck. We said never again after Ecstacy, but since Magic is new....maybe....we need more input. Personally, I don't know if anything could make up for my Solarium. The adult area aft on Ecstacy was a joke and Magic's doesn't look any better. Go and get back to us!

[richstowe]

August I want you to go and give us your 2 cents so we can compare with Tuck. We said never again after Ecstacy, but since Magic is new....maybe....we need more input. Personally, I don't know if anything could make up for my Solarium. The adult area aft on Ecstacy was a joke and Magic's doesn't look any better. Go and get back to us!

Please don't cruise Carnival again. Read your Ecstasy review and it was comical.

Your first line indicated that you were bound and determined to have a rotten time.

 

"Disappointed in Texas

Well, just returned from our first....and last....Carnival cruise.

Hated the Ecstasy, she was filthy, the service was appalling and the layout of the ship was terrible."

 

Then your review really got nasty.

You repeated all your views again and again on this board as if you were doing a public service

in warning people of the great danger that would befall them if they dare to cruise Carnival.

 

The last line of the review was perfectly typical.

"We expect nothing from Carnival for this unenjoyable cruise, caveat emptor! But we have learned our lesson. "

 

Take your own advice.Don't go!

[JeffT237]

We sailed the Magic this past March and our family of 4 had a great time. We stayed in an ocean view suite and the room was nice because of the size and location, however there are no real perks except the priority embarkation. The main pool deck could get crowded as did the buffet and poolside grill but there are so many other options. Serenity was nice (although it is close to the water park) and deck 5 had plenty of lounge chairs and open space to relax. As far as wait time for food we did hear of people waiting in lines for the poolside grill and pizza, so we ate at the Cucina del Capitano for lunch (no fee for lunch) and they served made to order pastas, lasagna, salads, and bread. There is also a seaside grill on the 5th deck on sea days that serves sliders, tacos, quesadillas, and hot dogs that is much better than the poolside grill (also no fee). keep in mind if you do have a room starboard side mid ship the seaside grill would be right below you and the noise and grill smoke could be an issue if you have a balcony. It is only open late morning into the afternoon I believe. We did have a great meal at the steakhouse and our MDR staff as well as our room staff was very good. Overall great time on the Magic, and we have sailed both RCI and CCL and agree with most that they have many similarities. Our next cruise is the Allure of the Seas and we are looking forward to an awesome cruise as well.

[39august]

becci, If we go it won't be until fall/winter of 2013. I'd rather stick with RCI for all the perks we get, but don't want to wait until late Dec. for the Navigator. Thanks to all who responded.

[05mak05]

I have done mostly Royal Caribbean the past few years, the most recent being the Mariner in January and the Voyager in April.

 

I did the Magic in March only because we had friends going. Had not been on Carnival in probably ten years.

 

I found the Magic very good! In fact, so good that I did a comparison of plus and minus when I got home to sort my potatoes. The plus side of the Magic was longer than the plus side of the Mariner.

 

Major pluses for the Magic were being able to bring on two bottles of wine; better food (in my estimation but I am not a picky eater); better service in the dining room (that can be luck of the draw but we had ATD with several different wait staff); cabin (liked the long vanity counter, magnifying mirror in the bathroom, shelves vs. medicine cabinet in the bathroom (didn't think I would like that but found it was much easier to find things); shower even though it had curtain rather than solid door. Curtain did not make love to me. More elevators, didn't have to wait for one long; canned soda with the soda card rather than guns; chocolates on the pillows; among some of them. Quite a few minor ones like butter pats vs. foil wrapped, more choices of juice in the mornings, trivia hosts that spoke fluent English, etc.

 

Pluses for Royal are the Royal Promenade with various activities; more drawers in the cabin but they were smaller; better closet design with shelves; the reading lights next to the bed (the ones on the Magic was too low to be of any use); penny slots (the ones on the Magic had a 30 cent minimum); lunch menu in the dining room has some daily variety and the wonderful salad/pasta bar vs. same menu for lunch every day on the Magic; theater design seemed better, there were more poles blocking views on the Magic; demographics a little better for us old folks but it was not red-neck city on the Magic, just younger--lots of kids but they were entertained enough to stay out of my hair; balcony door slides open whereas on the Magic you had to pull it open which was difficult if there was any wind; coupon book; and, the trump cards--Diamond+ balcony discount and CL privileges.

 

Those last two will keep us leaning towards Royal but if the Magic has an itinerary and price that interests me, I would take it in a NY minute.

 

Tucker in Texas

Thanks for posting this information. We also lean toward Royal but are taking a hard look at the Magic. We'll miss our Diamond Plus perks, too. I had to laugh when you said there were lots of kids but entertained to the point of staying out of your hair.

[Jumbiecruiser]

Please don't cruise Carnival again. Read your Ecstasy review and it was comical.

Your first line indicated that you were bound and determined to have a rotten time.

 

"Disappointed in Texas

Well, just returned from our first....and last....Carnival cruise.

Hated the Ecstasy, she was filthy, the service was appalling and the layout of the ship was terrible."

 

Then your review really got nasty.

You repeated all your views again and again on this board as if you were doing a public service

in warning people of the great danger that would befall them if they dare to cruise Carnival.

 

The last line of the review was perfectly typical.

"We expect nothing from Carnival for this unenjoyable cruise, caveat emptor! But we have learned our lesson. "

 

Take your own advice.Don't go!

 

So she can't give her opinion? You sure give your opinion a lot around here. If you don't like what is said on this board about Carnival then maybe you should stay on the Carnival board.

[richstowe]

So she can't give her opinion? You sure give your opinion a lot around here. If you don't like what is said on this board about Carnival then maybe you should stay on the Carnival board.

Um, yeah she can give her opinion and I never said she shouldn't. I wrote that she shouldn't cruise Carnival because it's clear she will hate it.

 

So people who respond to Carnival bashing don't belong here. Are you serious or joking. I can't tell.

 

I thought the topic was about comparing the Magic experience to RCI's. Why are you so afraid of fair comment?

[sail2sea]

August I want you to go and give us your 2 cents so we can compare with Tuck. We said never again after Ecstacy, but since Magic is new....maybe....we need more input. Personally, I don't know if anything could make up for my Solarium. The adult area aft on Ecstacy was a joke and Magic's doesn't look any better. Go and get back to us!

 

Totally agree with you regarding Ecstasy, especially the Serenity. My buddies and I went on Ecstasy last year and man was the Serenity tight and awkward! I'd rather they hadn't added it.

 

I like Carnival Dream though. Magic should be similar. Just to add to OP, if you decide on Magic, check out the cove balcony. It's unique to that class. I personally don't like the look of it but lots of people do. You may want to try it out.

[Jumbiecruiser]

Um, yeah she can give her opinion and I never said she shouldn't. I wrote that she shouldn't cruise Carnival because it's clear she will hate it.

 

So people who respond to Carnival bashing don't belong here. Are you serious or joking. I can't tell.

 

I thought the topic was about comparing the Magic experience to RCI's. Why are you so afraid of fair comment?

 

 

LOL...... I haven't seen any Carnival bashing on this thread. I have read comments where people prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival and gave their reasons why. I guess for the Carnival cruisers, that is bashing and if that's the case then there is Carnival bashing on every board. LOL................ What is the world coming to?:rolleyes::D

[05mak05]

August I want you to go and give us your 2 cents so we can compare with Tuck. We said never again after Ecstacy, but since Magic is new....maybe....we need more input. Personally, I don't know if anything could make up for my Solarium. The adult area aft on Ecstacy was a joke and Magic's doesn't look any better. Go and get back to us!

We just returned from the Legend ... that is one bizarre ship! We had only been on one other Carnival cruise and that was a quick 5 day on the Ecstasy. We booked last minute as old friend that we hadn't seen in a while begged us to go. Our oceanview room was teensy tiny with only 2 straight backed chairs. Still we we had a good time and more or less ignored the "over the top" decor. Well, I'm still reeling from the Legend. It's absolutely bizarre. When you stand in the centrum and look up, you see 8 to 9' silver plastic urns ... that's it ... just urns that reminded me of funeral urns. Creepy. Ceilings are low and black. This was a family cruise of their choosing. I had no input. One of the family members had issues with their seapass card and went to guest services the first night.

She said there was a line of VIP Carnival cruisers asking to be granted permission to get off in the first port which was Cozumel. I know I'm going to be in big trouble with folks on Carnival. For those of you that have given it a good review, please tell me what you found appealing? It's beyond my comprehension. All I could think was a seedy rundown Las Vegas casino with a Mongolian theme. Also, I've read so many threads that claim that Carnival staterooms are larger than RCI. We were in a balcony that was the size of an E1. It was okay but not as large as a D1 on RCI.

[hubofhockey]

I am pretty critical of Carnival. But in no way should anyone confuse one of their older dumpy ships with the Magic.