Decisions, decisions... RCL Navigator or CCL Magic

[prattmom]

Looking at booking next Thanksgiving's cruise. I had already decided on the Magic, but have begun to think about other lines... The RCL Navigator sails from Galveston the same week and I'm torn.

 

I've never sailed anything but Carnival and think it would be fun to try something new. I'm hoping fellow CCL and RCL fans can help me decide.

 

What I like most about Magic:

Red Frog Pub

Serenity

Lanai around deck 5

Spa heated loungers and pool

 

What I like about NOS:

Better itinerary IMO (Cayman, Jamaica, Coz) Magic sails the exotic Western that week with Belize and Roatan. We just REALLY like Grand Cayman and will be doing the exotic western this year. Its been awhile since we were in Cayman.

 

Any input is appreciated! TIA!

[Aquahound]

Same size ships. One has 500 more people than the other. No thanks to the more crowded one (Magic).

 

Just my opinion. :)

[reney313]

Looking at booking next Thanksgiving's cruise. I had already decided on the Magic, but have begun to think about other lines... The RCL Navigator sails from Galveston the same week and I'm torn.

 

I've never sailed anything but Carnival and think it would be fun to try something new. I'm hoping fellow CCL and RCL fans can help me decide.

 

What I like most about Magic:

Red Frog Pub

Serenity

Lanai around deck 5

Spa heated loungers and pool

 

What I like about NOS:

Better itinerary IMO (Cayman, Jamaica, Coz) Magic sails the exotic Western that week with Belize and Roatan. We just REALLY like Grand Cayman and will be doing the exotic western this year. Its been awhile since we were in Cayman.

 

Any input is appreciated! TIA!

 

I haven't been on Carnival Magic, but based on your list, Navigator of the Seas should have all of that and much more.

 

There is a Pub on the Promenade, the solarium (I'm not sure if that's the same as "serenity"?, a full open promenade outside, and they also have spa heated loungers).

 

I think you would be happy with Navigator, but of course I am biased toward them. I have not been on a Carnival ship in many years but I have been on other lines. I still prefer Royal Caribbean's ships to other lines. The only time I really go elsewhere is for a specific itinerary or a last minute cruise and that's what is available.

[Gigi11111]

I've sailed the Navigator and just loved it.

[yogimax]

The Royal Promenade and Ice Shows make all the difference!

[mechcc]

My biggest complaint about RCL is that they do not sail year around from Galveston and Carnival does. When we have a choice of the 2 lines we always choose Royal because they are not as crowded and the flow of the ship just seems much better. Unfortunatly there are times that we or family can sail and the only line going out of Galveston at that time is Carnival.

[cambio]

My wife have been on the Magic and RCCL Adventure and Mariner OTS (but not Navigator).

 

We liked the shows and lounges better on Magic, plus the water slides are incredible on Magic. We also like the food better on CCL in general compared to RCCL.

 

Like the others have said. RCCL Voyager class ships have the really nice promenade and skating rink as well as Quest.

 

We would probably go Magic because it is newer, but I'm sure we would enjoy either ship.

 

BTW, we are booked on Allure. Just love that new ship smell!

[DebJ14]

Go with the Navigator. We have done the Magic twice and find that it is just way too crowded. Lines at Lido buffet were horrible. Lines at the slides, Lines for the ropes course, lines at Guest Services - lines everywhere that held up people just passing through. It was hard to get a slot machine as the casino was so crowded. Yes, the Red Frog Pub is nice, but not nice enough to cause us to cruise on that ship again. The promenade on the RCI ships is so much nicer and they do have the skating rink and ice shows. We did not think the food on the Magic was any better than our last RCI cruise. Guess we don't think Mac n Cheese and Meatloaf as cruise food.

[Ladysilver]

When my husband and I and our daughter, son-in-law and their 3 kids couldn't agree on the Carnival Magic or the Navigator, we decided to each go on the cruise line we wanted. They're going on the Magic and we're going on the Navigator. They feel that Carnival offers more "fun" for their young family. We were looking for a more laid-back relaxing cruise. We both will get want we want. :D

[vital1]

I've never sailed RCCL before, but am doing the Navigator this Thanksgiving out of NOLA. I was originally booked on the Conquest, but RCCL had a MS resident rate that I couldn't resist! I'm excited to FINALLY try RCCL and will post a review when I return!

[lady_cruiser]

If you have cruised on The Magic then you owe it to yourself to try The Navigator. That way when you compare both cruiselines that you are comparing them on your personal experience. :p

[prattmom]

If you have cruised on The Magic then you owe it to yourself to try The Navigator. That way when you compare both cruiselines that you are comparing them on your personal experience. :p

That's kinda how I'm leaning. :-)

 

And I didn't find the Magic too crowded, but it may have just been because of where we chose to hang out. ...

 

Thanks everyone for the input.... still thinking!

[matj2000]

Why would you want to do the same exact cruise next year?

Try something different.

If you are not that happy with the choices, look into New Orleans.

They have different ships including NCL.

[yogimax]

Why would you want to do the same exact cruise next year?

 

 

 

Why not?

 

Seriously, if you enjoy a ship and the ports, why not do it again?

 

Best is a balance between the new and the familiar!

[wantocruisemore]

We LOVED the Navigator last summer. If you like that itinerary better, I say go for it.

[cynt]

You will enjoy both. My vote is the Navigator..promenade deck w/ lil' sandwiches, snacks and cookies on one end, open 24/7 and pizza on the other end. LOVE MY PROMENADE DECK!!