Anyone Going on Costa Magica 3/19?????

[lawyerrose]

We're so excited about our upcoming cruise! Would love to "meet" some fellow passengers prior to sailing!

 

Rose:)

[taszmom]

We're doing a family cruise, sisters, nieces, nephews, granparents etc. looking forward to it immensley. Not a lot of info about it yet...waiting for feedback from cruisers this winter season on their caribbean sailings. Have lots of questions :

 

- Can I bring wine onboard?

 

- Children's program says it starts @ 9pm, but they moved up the late dinner seating to 8:30 so it's more American-friendly (vs 9pm for Europe sailings) so we were hoping they would make everything in sync. Kids don't want to sit through 4-5 course meal with adults. Like to feed kids, take them to progam and have an adults-only dinner. Also, no mention of program hours on port days.

 

- Would also love some feedback on the entertainment.

[lawyerrose]

We're doing a family cruise, sisters, nieces, nephews, granparents etc. looking forward to it immensley. Not a lot of info about it yet...waiting for feedback from cruisers this winter season on their caribbean sailings. Have lots of questions :

 

Wow, how many of you are cruising together? That must be so much fun to have all your family going with you. Did you pick early or late seating?

 

We, too, are wondering what Costa Magica will be like in its Caribbean setting. Have read everything I can find on the ship, but it's all European based so much of it doesn't apply. For instance, they say there's a charge for room service on the Mediterranean cruises, but I doubt they'd do that on a Caribbean cruise. The ship looks beautiful from the few photos I've seen. What cabins are you in?

 

Rose

 

- Can I bring wine onboard?

 

- Children's program says it starts @ 9pm, but they moved up the late dinner seating to 8:30 so it's more American-friendly (vs 9pm for Europe sailings) so we were hoping they would make everything in sync. Kids don't want to sit through 4-5 course meal with adults. Like to feed kids, take them to progam and have an adults-only dinner. Also, no mention of program hours on port days.

 

- Would also love some feedback on the entertainment.

[lmf27]

We were on a Mediterranean cruise, but I would think something’s are the some.

Dinner – You choose how many courses you want, when you are finished eating they bring the next one. They do not wait for the entire table to finish one course. So if your children eat less, they are free to leave when they are finished, if you will allow that. On the two formal nights they have a special dinner and party for the kids.

Entertainment – We went to all, but 2 shows. We felt they were pretty good, just the crew performing. Bingo was interesting to watch, it usually is during the show. Following bingo is a band and dancing. On deck 3, a bar lounge area with a piano player, several bars with piano players actually. Also the animation crew/team is always entertaining. Always something to do. The kids also have there own entertainment schedule, you will find everything in the Today.

Wine – I would think you could bring it on board. We were told we couldn’t, but no one stopped us...

Hope this helps…

[taszmom]

to lawyerrose..

 

so far we are 17, but more will be joining. we are on the late dinner seating. i would doubt if room service had a charge, i would tip though. the ship looks awesome...it's the same class design/deck plan of ccl conquest class ships. huge.

[veromom]

Hi Rose my family and I will be on the cruise too. 2nd time cruising for me first time for DH and 2 1/2yr old. We will be going with my dh aunt and uncle. A little apprehensive due to the postings. Hope it all works out. My daughter will not be quite 3 by then so I guess she will not be able to participate in the youth program :mad: . Well still looking forward to a much needed vacation. The last trio to an a-inclusive to Mexico in Spet. and my daughter wound up very ill the entire trip, rarely left the room. It can only be up from there! :D

[lawyerrose]

I wouldn't get too upset about some of the postings. I cruised on Costa years and years ago on a tiny ship and had a blast. This ship looks like one of the mega-Carnival ships so I know the rooms will be larger than most cruise lines and nicely appointed.

Personally, I think a large part of whether or not one enjoys a vacation is the attitude one takes to it. I remember my dad always saying as we embarked upon a vacation that he was going to enjoy it no matter WHAT happened!! That's kinda the way I feel. Sure, sometimes there's a snag or two that throws me, but, hey, I'm on vacation on a beautiful ship, I don't have to cook, I can be as pampered as I want . . . How can I truly have a bad time unless I allow my attitude to bring me down? I take the best, and disregard the rest.

Besides, I don't think there will be much "bad" to disregard on this new ship. Hope we get to meet up!! ;-)

Rose

[taszmom]

I got a little sneak preview of the Magica!!! Put your fears aside and disregard those bad reviews. This ship is fantastic! She is absolutely gorgeous. The food was great. The service was great. I took a look at all of the categories. The insides are small @ 160 sq ft. You can just get around the queen bed. The oceanview & balcony are larger in size & layout +/- minus the balcony. They both have a looong sofa and little coffee table. Plenty of room. There was no language problem with the staff. Everyone I interacted spoke English well. They do have everything written in 5 languages, including the ship's TV station which gives explanations of the accommodations & amenities in your stateroom. This ship is huge and will take some time to get your navigation down. I had the hardest time trying to find the fitness center. When I did, it was worth the trouble. They don't have a lot of signs/deck plans like they do on other ship, but they do give you a pocket-size deck plan with your room key.

 

I did check out the kids area, Squok Club (because we have 7 kids in our group from ages 3-16). The kids rooms was farely large and right next to that was the teen area. I saw DJ equipment in there, but at the time there were no kids onboard and the room was closed. They have a bar right outside, so teens can get sodas, non-alcoholic cocktails, juices etc. very easily. I asked the bartender if the kids could get drinks and stuf (I didn't mean alcohol, I meant soda and stuff), he said no, no, no alcohol, only non-alcoholic. It was very obvious that he knew he had to verify their ages before serving and he took it very seriously. Just outside the Squok Club, there is a toddler pool. Actually a pool within a pool. The inner pool was about 1 ft and the outer pool was about 6 inches for wading. Then there was some toddler play equipment with a slide. Oh yea and the BIG slide. There is a small arcade just off the casino. The aft pool has a retractable dome and is climate-controlled. If you have any questions, ask away!

[llgator]

We're also going on the 3/19 cruise with children ages 8 and13. Also concerned about the negative reviews. We've been on just about every other line except Costa and thought we'd try something different. A little worried about the kids being entertained. Have heard there are many non-English speaking passengers. Hoping since this is Spring break there will be a larger number of American kids!

[taszmom]

The majority of passengers will be Americans. Most of us do speak English, some Spanish too! LOL! The staff speak English as well. I just got off the Mediterranea. I overheard a family with 2 boys saying how much fun they had and can't wait to go on a Costa cruise again! Wait till they get a load of that waterslide! There are some good reviews posted on this board as well as the bad ones.

[Elaine515]

........

 

Seriously thinking of joining you guys but I have one question (for now)... especially to tazmom and lawyerrose (only because they live sooooooo close to us)....

 

How old are the kids who will be cruising with you, boys or girls, and have they ever cruised before?

 

My girls Danielle is 15 (16 in July) and Lauren 12. My nephews are Landon 11 and Adam 8.... We have cruised before, mostly Carnival and always have a great time but with Carnival we know there will always be lots of kids... With Costa, I'm just learning.... :)

 

While on a cruise, no matter which one, you can always have a good time but I want the kids to also enjoy themselves so I'm just doing a little bit of homework....

 

Thnx all....

 

Elaine

 

 

03/??/2006

09/02/2005 Carnival Fascination Bahamas

03/18/2005 NCL Spirit Southern

3/20/2004 Carnival Triumph Western

3/16/2003 Carnival Spirit Exotic W. Caribbean

08/02 NCL Sun

12/21/2001 Carnival Spirit Southern Caribbean

10/15/2000 Carnival Destiny Southern Caribbean

1/31/2000 Ecstasy Western Caribbean

10/17/1999 Carnival Destiny Western Caribbean

10/98 RCL Grandeur of the Seas

10/18/1997 Carnival Fascination Southern Caribbean

10/6/1996 Carnival Sensation Western Caribbean

10/7/1995 Carnival Imagination Western Caribbean

10/94 Dolphin IV

11/6/1993 Carnival Celebration

11/1/1986 Carnival Carnivale

[taszmom]

TO ELAINE

 

CAT 6 - Oceanview quad - Ask for Kids Sail Free Promo. Hurry.

[taszmom]

bump.

 

Elaine...did you book yet?

[Elaine515]

bump.

 

Elaine...did you book yet?

 

 

Nancy,

 

WHERE'S OUR TOGAs????????????? Yup, we did it... We booked today... We is the following:

 

Elaine, Doug, Danielle (15, but almost 16) and Lauren (12)

Francine, Scott, Landon (11) and Adam (8)

Naomi & Marty... Elaine & Francine's parents...

 

We have all been on plently of cruises, most of them Carnival. This is a first for us on Costa sooooooooo I'm gonna be asking lots of questions!!!

 

Totally looking forward to a cruise especially after the Hurricane Season that just passed.... Will start looking into tours etc probably tonite....

 

Let me know all about you ...Names? How old are the kids? Etc...

 

Nancy, since you're a previous Costa Cruiser, I might be bothering you lots.

 

We didn't get the cabins we wanted...(well why the hell did we wait so long to book???) but we got what I think is a really good price on an Oceanview quad....Mom & Dad were also able to get a Handicap Cabin which makes them happy.... They're both ok but both of them had knee replacement surgery within the past year and the bars on the walls and in the bathrooms are good for Mom....I'm even surprised that they were still available this close to sailing...

 

Well now I have soooooooo much to do in soooooooo little time.... Looking forward to "chatting" with all of you until we meet??? We will do a "Meet & Greet" won't we???? Let me know....

 

 

 

Elaine :)

[taszmom]

Great! We should do a meet'n greet...I'm sure it's evitable with the kids :

 

Nancy (me) & Chip + 1 : Taryn (7)

Helen (sister) + Jim + 4 : Samantha (16), Shannon (12), James (5), Jillian (3)

Peggy (sister) & Gene + 2 : Melissa (8), Matthew (4)

Tom (BIL) & Carolyn + 2 : Jessica (6), Brian (3)

Grandma (mine) & Grandpa

Grandma (MIL) & Great Aunt

 

I have a copy of the toga diagram they give you onboard. I found some websites that gave all kinds of instructions to "wrap" it plus accessories to go with. I want to get some accessories and pass them around so everyone will get into the spirit of it.

 

I haven't booked shore ex or wine pkg yet. Will do soon. I got a great map of San Juan.

 

Have you seen these pictures of the ship :

http://www.sunquest.ca/destinations/cruise.asp

[Elaine515]

.......

 

Nancy,

 

 

What great pictures!! Ok, now I have to admit that I'm getting excited... I didn't want to get to involved until I knew for sure which ship/cruise we were going to do but now I can't wait...

 

I've even started looking on-line for togas!!!

 

It's so nice to see another family cruising with us, although I suspect there will be plently, with the fact that its Spring Break in Palm Beach County that week... Nancy, does all your family live locally as well?? My sister also lives in Boynton Beach and Mom & Dad are in Boca Raton. We're originally from Brooklyn, New York but have been down here for over 16 years. We have always cruised together as a family and can't help but have a good time....

 

I believe there are other families (one even from Boyton, lawyerrose??) who will be cruising with us.... Where did u go???? :)

 

If you want, if you let me know names/ages I will set-up a list of who will be sailing with us etc..... It's always fun to do that plus it makes leading up to the cruise more exciting....

 

 

OK....ALL 03/19 CRUISERS......... COME IN PLEASE !!!

 

 

 

Elaine :)

[Elaine515]

We just added another family....

 

 

Ellen, Sam, Jason (16 the day we leave, 17 the next day!! and Stephanie 13..

 

 

..

 

not relatives but they might as well be....they are my neighbors and we cruised with them last year as well.... Now I know we're gonna have a great time... Sam is a hoot... just wait until you guys meet him!!!

[llgator]

Looks like my kids, Griff-13, and Claudia-8, will have lots of company! Has anyone booked excursions yet? Trying to find something different and Interesting for the whole family. We've done this route many times and now my son just wants to stay on the ship! Trying to find something that would entice him! This is spring break in Jacksonville too, so there should be a lot of Floridians!

[Southern Cruiser]

Hello Everyone! I am soooooooo ready to set sail. My wife and I are scheduled for our second cruise ever. Enjoyed our first cruise last year on Carnival Conquest (Western Caribbean). Thought that an Eastern Caribbean Cruise would be fun. Only wish that there were more day stops vs. night stops. Sounds like the Magica is similar to the Conquest, other than the Italian theme.

 

Can anyone tell me the best way to bring Diet Coke on board? Carry-on, checked luggage, etc? Wish they offered, for sell, an unlimited beverage card like Carnival.

 

 

Costa Magica- March 19, 2006

Carnival Conquest- April 2005

[taszmom]

to Elaine - Yes I think lawyerose is local too. My 2 sisters & family live in east Boca, my Mom lives in Delray. We too are New Yawkers, but actually grew up in good ol' Jersey (Parsippany & Toms River). We all moved down here in our early 20's. I've been here for 20 yrs now so I think that now qualifies me as a "native". I can even stand the thought of dealing with cold winters from up north. Even all our spouses are northerners, NJ & PA - all transplants.

 

llgator - I've been to St. Thomas, so this time we are doing St. John. Beaches are supposed to be fantastic. San Juan, will probably just walk around Old San Juan a bit. Dom Rep - will probably do the Kandela Show. Did you see the pictures of that? http://www.kandela.http://www.kandela.com.do/english.htm

 

Nassau - Been to so many times, will stay on ship.

 

For me this cruise was all about the ship & cruise experience (and price!),not about the itinerary.

 

to Southern Cruiser - Diet Coke :how much you bringin' girl? Me, I'm a Pepsi gal - don't care much for Coca Cola. If you are just bringing a 6-pack, put it in your checked luggage. Why carry if you don't have to?

[taszmom]

to ponygirl :

 

We are going to have a great cruise! I actually was on the Magica for a little sampler and I did not have the same negative experience with the staff or food as you did. In fact I thought the staff was fantastic and the food was great. Buffet is a buffet - I don't rate cruises based on their buffet food. If you didn't like it, I'm sure the dining room would have made any salad you wanted.

 

Costa does not operate the shore excursions - done by private tour companies so the staff had no place "helping" the guests. Perhaps the Costa staff was new and tagging along to experience the excursion so they would be better informed when guests asked questions? (Wasn't that one of your complaints?)

 

What's wrong with being on a cruise ship with people from other countries? Sounds interesting to me! Buon Giorno! Afterall, it is an Italian cruise line. It's # 1 in Europe so I would imagine they have a big following of Europeans that want change it up and do a caribbean cruise vs the med.

 

Not sure why you felt it necessary to "dump" here as you already have posted your not so good cruise on other threads...perhaps to warn/scare us? Too late, us 3/19 Magica cruisers are booked and we are all going to have a wonderful cruise! We've got some great people on our sailing! So sorry yours wasn't.

[cronestein]

I am a foreigner, made at last 25/30 cruises with Americans.

 

Once in a while you meet some one who is always complaining

and spoiling the -fun - for the others.

Madam : Don't use this forum for personal GRIEVES ,that is NOT the meaning!

Fair critic we like !

 

One united world ,when you dislike foreingners, no future at all !

In Europe this sounds very bad.

And your ancestors ? I think they were --foreigners --too!

 

It is my first cruise with Costa ,since years, but I like it allready!

 

I am crossing the Atlantic for 16 days , oei -- without ping pong balls and WITH a rude staff '' o la la '' and bad food and----------?

Another point:

Costa staff needs to be on the excursions without doing anything,that is a rule in the cruiseworld.All the other well behaved lines do the same HAL/Cunard/P&O etc.!

 

This foreigner with an accent like to cruise with normal Americans

a lot of times .

I think - we- never meet because you are not open minded enough to make friends with other language speaking people.

Lucky I speak 4 languages and always meet nice fellowpassengers and

nice cruisestaff.

One more thing :when you spread honey instead of vinegar,even the --rude--staff becomes friendly !

Europe january 26 .

[Elaine515]

.......

 

I actually asked the Host if they could remove ponygirls post from our thread but I guess its still here. Maybe I'll email them again today....

 

I was really angry when I came on here and read it, then I saw that she also posted negative posts at the same time on about 4-5 other threads. At that point, I just decided to ignore her and go on. People like that don't deserve our time of day...

 

...

[cronestein]

Well spoken !

[Elaine515]

.

 

Now on to more positive fun things............

 

Nancy, I think you & I (and the rest of the family) will get along great... We have soooooo many things in common...we are all original New Yorkers (actually all born/raised in Brooklyn) and my in-laws (Mother, Father, Brother & Sister) are all in Jersey now, Marlboro & Manalapan)... We were actually there over the Christmas/New Years week and I hate the cold weather now!!!!

 

We, too, picked this cruise honestly because of the price. We cruise every year and have been to each Island. We just plan on relaxing, taking it easy and having a great time. I love Atlantis, but with just a 5-6 hour stop, we will also probably pass on it this trip. The only thing I might consider is possibly taking the kids over there to see the Aquarium.

 

In Santa Dominco, there is a dinner/show that we are definitely going to book. My parents have already done that and loved it so much they want to go back. Maybe (probably) the same one you mentioned...

 

Don't know what we're going to do in San Juan (again, such a short stop) but definitely going to meet up with fellow past cruisers at Senor Frogs. We cruised with these people 2 years ago and have been in touch ever since. They will be on the Carnival Victory which will be in San Juan the same time we will...

 

llgator... now we know the kids names/ages but what is yours???? :) will you be driving down the day of the cruise? i believe this sailing will be filled with kids and they will have a great time....

 

 

Southern Cruiser....(what are your names and where are you from?) Welcome....and since this was only your 1st post and 2nd cruise, please ask as many questions as you want. I believe between Nancy & Myself, we can answer them for you....

 

As a matter of fact, we are HUGE DIET COKE drinkers... We have always and will always bring on our own.... Being only 1 1/2 hrs North of the Port, its easy to just pack them. And Yes, pack them we do....last year we had 3 6-packs of Diet Coke bottles, 1 6-pack of Sprite and a case of water!!! We wrapped them all in a huge garbage bag (just in case they exploded) and packed them into one suitcase. At the end of the cruise, we had 3 bottles of Diet Coke left and an empty suitcase for all the junk we purchased!!!

 

And, we were lucky enough to have a great room steward who didn't question it but always made sure our ice bucket was full!!! We even took the bottles to the table with us in the Dining Room, and again, the busboy always had our glasses ready for us filled with ice....

 

Cronestein.... are you cruising with us? Or are you doing another Costa 16 day cruise?

 

 

If its ok with everyone, this weekend I will start a "List" of who is cruising with us, i.e. names/ages (of the kids!!!) and where we're all from... should be fun....

 

 

Elaine :)

 

03/19/2006 Costa Magica Eastern Caribbean

09/02/2005 Carnival Fascination Bahamas

03/18/2005 NCL Spirit Southern

3/20/2004 Carnival Triumph Western

3/16/2003 Carnival Spirit Exotic W. Caribbean

08/02 NCL Sun

12/21/2001 Carnival Spirit Southern Caribbean

10/15/2000 Carnival Destiny Southern Caribbean

1/31/2000 Ecstasy Western Caribbean

10/17/1999 Carnival Destiny Western Caribbean

10/98 RCL Grandeur of the Seas

10/18/1997 Carnival Fascination Southern Caribbean

10/6/1996 Carnival Sensation Western Caribbean

10/7/1995 Carnival Imagination Western Caribbean

10/94 Dolphin IV

11/6/1993 Carnival Celebration

11/1/1986 Carnival Carnivale