Just off Magic

[mompella]

we had another great cruise on the Magic. It was the second time we have sailed it. We were on it 2 years ago. Here are some highlights and disappointments.

 

-Embarkation was slow slow slow, not sure why. We had faster to fun and my daughters kept saying there is nothing fast about this. After we finally got on we went to our rooms and dropped off some of our bags and headed straight to the Lido deck and Guys burgers. It was soooo good and fun to eat at! The fries are yummy!

-We had any time dining. Which we really enjoyed going whenever we wanted. Our meals seemed to take a long time. It took 2 hours a couple of nights, which to me is too long. We had good service and bad service. Some waiters seemed to forget about us.

-The shows were okay. We found they were pretty much exactly like the shows from 2 years ago, so that was a dissapointment. I figured they would be different.

-We loved the movies under the stars on the lido deck. It was a highlight of the trip.

-We ate breakfast most mornings in the Lido buffet. It usually wasn't to busy. And always something for everyone to enjoy!

-They ran out of ice cream cones a lot which seemed weird, and several of the ice makers ran out of ice several times. I would for sure recommend bringing along a tumbler type cup from home that is insulated. The cups that are in the lido deck are soo small, it seems like you are constantly filling your water cup up all the time.

-We were a little disappointed in the room service menu. It was very limited and half of the choices cost extra. Even french fries were extra, which seemed strange to me.

-Our favorite port was Grand Cayman, we visited the sting rays, star fish and snorkeled. We booked with Eco Adventures, check them out!! They were the best and they stay away from the crowds!

-Our least favorite port was Jamaica. Everything seemed totally unorganized, traffic was terrible, our tour company showed up 45 minutes late. Next time I would book an excursion through Carnival.

-Debarkation was extremely easy. We had tag #1 and we were off the ship and to the airport in around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Let me know if you have any questions.

-

[Trumpster]

Any big waits for tables with any time dining? 2 hours is not terribly uncommon for dinner.

 

Did you try the new BBQ joint on deck 5?

[mompella]

We never waited more then a few minutes for a table with any time dining!

 

Yes we found the BBQ joint on like day 5 :) It was very good!! To many yummy choices for lunch!

[riclop]

Thanks for the report.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for your report.

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[Keith1010]

Welcome home and thank you for your report.

 

Keith

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you for writing that, question, do you recall or know the name of the live band that usually plays outside the casino at night? Did they have a live band on the ship other than one or two acoustics?

 

Do they have the regular BBQ outside on the Promenade deck I assume its only open on sea days?

 

Did they have any milkshakes or ice cream sodas anywhere....the cheers package now includes them but they don't have the soda shack, was thinking whether I can get one of these at the coffee shop or the bake shop?

 

Where is the alchemy bar located and Guys Burgers?

 

At the lunch buffet do they remain to still have a meat carving?

 

Thank you!!!

 

BTW Once in awhile they have a crew inspection. we always get FTTF and got on the ships quickly only once there was a crew inspection that we had to wait longer, perhaps this happened on the cruise it sure explain why the delay in boarding with FTTF unless it had something to do with customs being late on that ship coming back.

Edited March 31, 2016 by lyndamr

[luv2trvlnow]

Thank you for writing that, question, do you recall or know the name of the live band that usually plays outside the casino at night? Did they have a live band on the ship other than one or two acoustics?

 

Do they have the regular BBQ outside on the Promenade deck I assume its only open on sea days?

 

Did they have any milkshakes or ice cream sodas anywhere....the cheers package now includes them but they don't have the soda shack, was thinking whether I can get one of these at the coffee shop or the bake shop?

 

Where is the alchemy bar located and Guys Burgers?

 

At the lunch buffet do they remain to still have a meat carving?

 

Thank you!!!

 

BTW Once in awhile they have a crew inspection. we always get FTTF and got on the ships quickly only once there was a crew inspection that we had to wait longer, perhaps this happened on the cruise it sure explain why the delay in boarding with FTTF unless it had something to do with customs being late on that ship coming back.

 

I am not the OP but I can answer some of your questions as I just got off the Magic on Sunday also.

 

The band plays in the Oceans Plaza not by the Casino on the Magic. Their name was Alterr Band.

 

They had a duo playing in the Lobby, a man and woman called Sweet 2. They had the 2 guitar players, Joe Perri and Bradley Edge.

 

Guy's BBQ is on the Promenade only on sea days.

 

The Alchemy Bar is located in the Oceans Plaza port side near the doors opening up to the deck. When the doors open a gust of wind comes in at the temperature from outside.

 

Guys Burgers located on the port side of the Lido deck by the main pool. The Blue Iguana Cantina is located on the opposite side (starboard).

 

There is still a carving station in the middle of one of the buffet lines in the aft, but still inside the buffet area. The pizza is located outside by the aft pool.

 

Sorry I don't know about the milkshakes.

 

I don't know why we were late getting on either. But the previous cruise did make a stop in Belize and I have heard that can slow things down. They starting boarding around 12:30 with the wedding group. Then they boarded the Diamond, Platinum, and Suites, followed by FTTF, Special Assistance, and then the zones.

 

I think they sold way too many FTTF on this cruise. We had FTTF and were there early. We were one of the first passengers to check in and had a prime seat near the embarkation area to watch people trying to get to the front of the line. Many of the FTTF kept trying to get in the area for boarding and showing the staff they had FTTF but they staff send them away. The staff also said everyone had to be sitting in a chair and luggage out of the aisles before we would be allowed to board.

 

[Cruisegirl6]

luv2trvlnow- Thanks a bunch! Yep, your right, the band on that class of ship is Ocean Plaza which we love even better, more places to find a seat.

 

I am very surprised Guys is only open on sea days, unfortunately I not sure whether we try it as we only have two days sea days which we normally don't choose but my adult daughter and her bf want to go to new ports that they haven't been....I am not a fast food type person, we don't go to those places but I hear people rave about Guys so I hope to give it a try once. :)

 

Odd place to put the Alchemy bar guess I can get a drink then move somewhere else before getting hair all blown lol

 

You were on the Magic out of Galveston, I have in the past heard how strict, rude and slow Carnival is at that port...we are going out of Pt. Canaveral so things may be different...sorry you had this issue because with the extra cost you paid for FTTF you should of been treated a bit nicer I think. :rolleyes:

[cruiseonthebrain]

Good information! I agree that 2 hours is too long for ATD. We've always been seated right away, but then the service widely varies. We have actually never made it to dessert with ATD because the waiters seems to disappear after the main course.

[luv2trvlnow]

luv2trvlnow- Thanks a bunch! Yep, your right, the band on that class of ship is Ocean Plaza which we love even better, more places to find a seat.

 

I am very surprised Guys is only open on sea days, unfortunately I not sure whether we try it as we only have two days sea days which we normally don't choose but my adult daughter and her bf want to go to new ports that they haven't been....I am not a fast food type person, we don't go to those places but I hear people rave about Guys so I hope to give it a try once. :)

 

Odd place to put the Alchemy bar guess I can get a drink then move somewhere else before getting hair all blown lol

 

You were on the Magic out of Galveston, I have in the past heard how strict, rude and slow Carnival is at that port...we are going out of Pt. Canaveral so things may be different...sorry you had this issue because with the extra cost you paid for FTTF you should of been treated a bit nicer I think. :rolleyes:

 

Just to clarify, it is the Guys BBQ that is only open on sea days. It is open 12 to 2:30 out on the promenade deck starboard side. Guys burger is open from 12 to 6 pm daily.

 

And OOPS. Reverse the locations of the Guys Burger and Blue Iguana Cantina. Should be Guys = Starboard. Blue Iguana Cantina = Port

 

Well I won't be buying FTTF again. But that is because I will be platinum on our next cruise on the Conquest in April of next year.

Edited March 31, 2016 by luv2trvlnow

[pirate4me2]

Thank you for your information on Magic. We sail on her for the first time in October and I am so excited. I have said for a few years now that I wanted to sail on her. When I saw she was repositioning to Port Canaveral this year I had to book a cruise on her, the décor looks so pretty and I like a lot of the things she has to offer onboard. Come on, October!!

[Cruisegirl6]

So, the Guys BBQ is different and is only open on sea days where the Guys Burger is open daily, did I understand correctly?

 

I also turn platinum on my next cruise so won't be buying FTTF again lol too bad I didn't save all my past booking numbers, I would of been turning diamond in just three or four more cruises ugh lol

 

I don't mind dinner for two hours in fact when we go out we usually take more than two hours lol

[luv2trvlnow]

So, the Guys BBQ is different and is only open on sea days where the Guys Burger is open daily, did I understand correctly?

 

I also turn platinum on my next cruise so won't be buying FTTF again lol too bad I didn't save all my past booking numbers, I would of been turning diamond in just three or four more cruises ugh lol

 

I don't mind dinner for two hours in fact when we go out we usually take more than two hours lol

 

You are understanding correctly. These are 2 different venues. The Guys BBQ is new, they just introduced it a couple of weeks ago. It takes the place of the Fat Jimmys BBQ.

 

That is really sad that you don't have something to prove you were on those cruises (like a photo, S & S card). This will be my 11th Carnival cruise but I'm not sure if I will make it to 25. It took 11 years to get to 11 cruises. At this rate I will be 78 and my husband will be 82 before we get to 25, if we do 1 cruise a year.

[Cruisegirl6]

Hi luv2tvlnow....Now I get it as it replaced Fat Jimmys, thanks for clarifying it to my slow brain here lol.

I moved and I lets say cleaned out and threw out all my past sail and sign cards and documents away...but you be sure I keep them now haha.

 

God bless you for being 78 and 82, actually my mom is your age and my dad is your husbands age. :D Well many many good safe and healthy years to you both!!

[mompella]

Thank you for writing that, question, do you recall or know the name of the live band that usually plays outside the casino at night? Did they have a live band on the ship other than one or two acoustics?

 

---There was living singing by the lobby on deck 4. Wasn't really a band, just a guy and a gal singing. It was fun to listen to them.

 

Do they have the regular BBQ outside on the Promenade deck I assume its only open on sea days?

 

---They have bbq as in pork and bbq chicken, potato salad and other sides. It was open sea days. My daughter loved it!

 

Did they have any milkshakes or ice cream sodas anywhere....the cheers package now includes them but they don't have the soda shack, was thinking whether I can get one of these at the coffee shop or the bake shop?

 

--Milkshakes are served at the coffee bar on deck 5. there was usually a line and the shakes we had were really watery.

Where is the alchemy bar located and Guys Burgers?

 

The alchemy bar.. not sure.. Guys burgers on lido right by the pool!! Yum

 

At the lunch buffet do they remain to still have a meat carving? Not sure I didn't usually eat there!

 

Too many good choices for lunch, to little time :)

 

Thank you!!!

 

BTW Once in awhile they have a crew inspection. we always get FTTF and got on the ships quickly only once there was a crew inspection that we had to wait longer, perhaps this happened on the cruise it sure explain why the delay in boarding with FTTF unless it had something to do with customs being late on that ship coming back.[/quote is this working]

[Cruisegirl6]

Thanks!!

[crusinpsychRN]

Hi luv2tvlnow....Now I get it as it replaced Fat Jimmys, thanks for clarifying it to my slow brain here lol.

I moved and I lets say cleaned out and threw out all my past sail and sign cards and documents away...but you be sure I keep them now haha.

 

God bless you for being 78 and 82, actually my mom is your age and my dad is your husbands age. :D Well many many good safe and healthy years to you both!!

 

Do you have any pics from the cruises which didn't count? Why does CCL not have your list? I sent in pics of 2 different cruises and got credit.

[Cruise, J.D.]

The live band that most often played on Deck 5 was The Alterr Band. They played at the stage near the Alchemy bar. There was no band at the casino.

[JaniceB]

Thank you for the report.

 

What type of transportation did you use from Galveston to the airport? Did you stay overnight in Galveston pre cruise? How did you get to the port?

[Cruisegirl6]

Carnival just told me they had no record going back a few more years....its ok, its done and over and I just accumulating now lol.

 

I went to tube and saw the band, well not good but its a band so I am happy.

[jimneda]

The live band that most often played on Deck 5 was The Alterr Band. They played at the stage near the Alchemy bar. There was no band at the casino.

 

We loved Alterr Band, great guys and great music. We cruised with them on Paradise in 2012

[Cruisegirl6]

The video's I listened to were from 2013 two other different singers, the current one has better singers.:D

[missmfb3]

Where do you check in for your time dining? The last cruise we were on you had to check in on a different deck than the dining room.