How many kids can fit in the Magic's hot tub???

[A&Jfamily]

The answer is 22. :D Pizza and ice cream cones and all.:eek:

 

All amazement aside, we had a wonderful cruise last week. We traveled with our sons, 18 and 12 to Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk. We really enjoyed each of the stops and would take this trip again.

 

But, we did have some very specific observations with regard to the Magic - particularly in comparison to the Sunshine. But before I go into those, I love Carnival - and as you can see below, have taken the majority of my cruises with them. Ships are more similar than different and the following commentary is not intended to insult or bash anything - but rather shed light on some of the tiny details that might impact my decision choosing between particular Carnival ships.

 

I was hoping to find the Magic to be our new favorite ship, but Sunshine still holds that honor. And the reason is encapsulated in the title of my thread - Magic feels MUCH more crowded. There were 4600 people aboard, and it felt like it. We couldn't get into the cooking demo even though we arrived early because it was already packed. The service often felt rushed. In doing some research about the ships, there is a reason; the passenger to staff ratio is worse. We have noticed a change over the years that the staff, particularly the dining staff, doesn't have a moment to breath. Sadly, this was more true than ever on the Magic.

 

We were also expecting Magic to be impeccable shape; but they had to repair our balcony door, and the drawer under the sofa (both initiated by steward, not us). The Lido buffet area was consistently not properly air conditioned, being hot throughout. The door latch velcro cover flapped over the cove storm door latch because the velcro had lost it's stick. The wallpaper was peeling and the bathroom mirror was turning black at the bottom. The ship was as creaky as the older ships on which we have sailed. None of these are a big deal, or a deal breaker, but just surprising to find on a 6 year old ship IMHO.

 

We were in a cove (kids in an inside) and preferred this for this style of ship because Deck 5 would have blocked the view straight to the water on the higher decks. But when seas are rough, be prepared for lots and lots of hull noise - sounded like a lion roar off and on for the first 36 hours. There is also more vibration compared with deck 7 in an Aft L where we normally stay. It was nice not to have the plexiglass and extra privacy, but the trade off was that the stars were partially blocked by the lifeboat. All in all, we would stay in a cove, but would prefer an L on most ships.

 

Final observations about the crew - they were not as friendly as on other ships. We didn't care for Schwartz making announcements as late as 9:45 or 10 pm about upcoming activities. The bar tending was not consistent, and for the first time ever, my husband had a bad martini in the alchemy bar (which is badly position shoved in a corner); we ended up using the lobby bar as we found Glenda who knew what she was doing. And they were not prepared for the Christmas special events - on two separate nights they had failures with the lobby Christmas tree as they did both the lighting on the first night and the arrival of Santa on another.

 

So in short, Sunshine wins. Fewer passengers. It feels less crowded (despite comedy club issues and all). It has better food/bar options - while Red Frog snacks were acceptable, the BBQ was so-so (we live in SE VA so we know good BBQ) on Magic - Sunshine wins because of Havana bar, JiJi's and Bonsai. Much better Alchemy bar - with both the bartenders and the location. The ships are otherwise very similar in amenities so it is these little details that make Sunshine preferable over Magic. All in all still a great family vacation and would happily sail Magic again.

 

With regard to some of the oft asked questions, I can cut a few off at the pass and add that they did not remove anyone's door decorations as far as I can tell and no one took my tinsel trees. My first ever Platinum gift was the disappointing bamboo stationary box which was never opened and left in the room, and our room was serviced twice daily (again, not the best steward we have ever had - towels were not always folded or in correct place - but he clearly had more rooms than I have ever seen) without any flyer or questions. Our sons, at 18 and 12 (gold) were allowed to board with us and take advantage of priority debarkation. My past guest party invite did not include my Hubby but we asked at Guest Services and were told I could bring one person (the party had less than 75 attendees and was in the comedy club at 11:45 am on the last sea day - horrible timing if you as me!). If you have any other questions, ask away!

[BoDidly]

How many kids can fit in the Magic's hot tub???:eek: Fairly sure its more than that , did you count the ones diving under the water . Cute little buggers , never see them get out to potty :eek:. Welcome home. Magic over Sunshine , always :D

Edited December 27, 2016 by BoDidly

[A&Jfamily]

How many kids can fit in the Magic's hot tub???:eek: Fairly sure its more than that , did you count the ones diving under the water . Cute little buggers , never see them get out to potty :eek:. Welcome home. Magic over Sunshine , always :D

 

 

You are right - I should have qualified that and said we could count 22 heads above the water at any time. Hehehe.

 

And thrilled u like the Magic more - it will keep my Sunshine costs down!

 

 

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[ryano]

Magic is my favorite ship I've been on yet. Hands down. Sounds like the condition of the ship, the service and everything in general has taken a real nose dive in 7 months :eek:

 

Still looking forward to October though!

[BoDidly]

You are right - I should have qualified that and said we could count 22 heads above the water at any time. Hehehe.

 

And thrilled u like the Magic more - it will keep my Sunshine costs down!

 

 

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No there all rather pricey right now, rode on Sunshine four times now. Not by choice just closer to home . You had fun though , tell us more ;) Any pictures , video?

Edited December 27, 2016 by BoDidly

[45014]

Hopefully NONE!!

[Badfinger]

The answer is 22. :D Pizza and ice cream cones and all.:eek:

 

All amazement aside, we had a wonderful cruise last week. We traveled with our sons, 18 and 12 to Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk. We really enjoyed each of the stops and would take this trip again.

 

But, we did have some very specific observations with regard to the Magic - particularly in comparison to the Sunshine. But before I go into those, I love Carnival - and as you can see below, have taken the majority of my cruises with them. Ships are more similar than different and the following commentary is not intended to insult or bash anything - but rather shed light on some of the tiny details that might impact my decision choosing between particular Carnival ships.

 

I was hoping to find the Magic to be our new favorite ship, but Sunshine still holds that honor. And the reason is encapsulated in the title of my thread - Magic feels MUCH more crowded. There were 4600 people aboard, and it felt like it. We couldn't get into the cooking demo even though we arrived early because it was already packed. The service often felt rushed. In doing some research about the ships, there is a reason; the passenger to staff ratio is worse. We have noticed a change over the years that the staff, particularly the dining staff, doesn't have a moment to breath. Sadly, this was more true than ever on the Magic.

 

We were also expecting Magic to be impeccable shape; but they had to repair our balcony door, and the drawer under the sofa (both initiated by steward, not us). The Lido buffet area was consistently not properly air conditioned, being hot throughout. The door latch velcro cover flapped over the cove storm door latch because the velcro had lost it's stick. The wallpaper was peeling and the bathroom mirror was turning black at the bottom. The ship was as creaky as the older ships on which we have sailed. None of these are a big deal, or a deal breaker, but just surprising to find on a 6 year old ship IMHO.

 

We were in a cove (kids in an inside) and preferred this for this style of ship because Deck 5 would have blocked the view straight to the water on the higher decks. But when seas are rough, be prepared for lots and lots of hull noise - sounded like a lion roar off and on for the first 36 hours. There is also more vibration compared with deck 7 in an Aft L where we normally stay. It was nice not to have the plexiglass and extra privacy, but the trade off was that the stars were partially blocked by the lifeboat. All in all, we would stay in a cove, but would prefer an L on most ships.

 

Final observations about the crew - they were not as friendly as on other ships. We didn't care for Schwartz making announcements as late as 9:45 or 10 pm about upcoming activities. The bar tending was not consistent, and for the first time ever, my husband had a bad martini in the alchemy bar (which is badly position shoved in a corner); we ended up using the lobby bar as we found Glenda who knew what she was doing. And they were not prepared for the Christmas special events - on two separate nights they had failures with the lobby Christmas tree as they did both the lighting on the first night and the arrival of Santa on another.

 

So in short, Sunshine wins. Fewer passengers. It feels less crowded (despite comedy club issues and all). It has better food/bar options - while Red Frog snacks were acceptable, the BBQ was so-so (we live in SE VA so we know good BBQ) on Magic - Sunshine wins because of Havana bar, JiJi's and Bonsai. Much better Alchemy bar - with both the bartenders and the location. The ships are otherwise very similar in amenities so it is these little details that make Sunshine preferable over Magic. All in all still a great family vacation and would happily sail Magic again.

 

With regard to some of the oft asked questions, I can cut a few off at the pass and add that they did not remove anyone's door decorations as far as I can tell and no one took my tinsel trees. My first ever Platinum gift was the disappointing bamboo stationary box which was never opened and left in the room, and our room was serviced twice daily (again, not the best steward we have ever had - towels were not always folded or in correct place - but he clearly had more rooms than I have ever seen) without any flyer or questions. Our sons, at 18 and 12 (gold) were allowed to board with us and take advantage of priority debarkation. My past guest party invite did not include my Hubby but we asked at Guest Services and were told I could bring one person (the party had less than 75 attendees and was in the comedy club at 11:45 am on the last sea day - horrible timing if you as me!). If you have any other questions, ask away!

 

We have been on the Magic twice. Both times Deck 11 Balcony cabins. NEVER felt like I could not see the water. In fact, the only way you see deck 5 is if you purposely hang over the rail and bend your neck to look straight down.

 

As for kids in the hot tub...sounds like there were more than enough to turn the water yellow. Ugh. And that is why I go for the Spa 9....no kids in the T-Pool. In fact, usually nobody in the T-Pool!

[poobears]

You couldn't pay me enough to use a public hot tub but eww at the thought of one full of kids. Although honestly one full of adults doesn't sound any better to me, especially full of half drunk adults, you think they are getting out to pee, heck no they aren't any better than the kids are. Which is why I repeat, you couldn't pay me enough to get in one lol

 

I know on our last cruise out of NO they were really good about keeping the kids out of the hot tubs. Every time I saw a kid hop in, it wasn't more than a minute or two and I saw a crew member shoo them out telling them kids couldn't be in the hot tubs. It was so cold on deck they were empty most of the time but they kept the little kids out of them.

[KatieCharlotte]

You couldn't pay me enough to use a public hot tub but eww at the thought of one full of kids. Although honestly one full of adults doesn't sound any better to me, especially full of half drunk adults, you think they are getting out to pee, heck no they aren't any better than the kids are. Which is why I repeat, you couldn't pay me enough to get in one lol

 

I know on our last cruise out of NO they were really good about keeping the kids out of the hot tubs. Every time I saw a kid hop in, it wasn't more than a minute or two and I saw a crew member shoo them out telling them kids couldn't be in the hot tubs. It was so cold on deck they were empty most of the time but they kept the little kids out of them.

 

Kids are allowed to use most of the hot tubs on the ships -- just not those on the adults only serenity deck or specific adults only hot tubs on certain ships. On the Magic, kids are allowed in all hot tubs except on the Serenity deck. Most of the Carnival hot tubs are not very hot, so they're perfectly safe for kids of all ages. If the hot tub is going to be packed, I'd rather it be kids than adults, although I have no problem telling other people's kids to stop splashing. My kids understand that there is no splashing in the hot tub.

 

What I liked about the Magic was the deck five hot tubs, which were never too crowded. But I also liked the food choices on the Sunshine better. I thought we had better service in mdr and a better steward on the Magic, but maybe that's because it was several years ago?

[sweetsixteencruisers]

I was on the Magic 12/9 - 12/17, same itinerary. I do not want to start a debate. But I have to say my experience was the complete opposite.

 

The Alchemy was great! Drank Martinis all week. Anca the Alchemy server was awesome.

 

Never saw the ocean plaza hot tubs full. We spent a lot of time at the Alchemy bar/Ocean plaza.

 

I have to admit the smoke in the casino wasn't as bad as it was on the Liberty.

 

We found Schwartz to be a lot of fun.

 

We didn't feel crowded.

 

We ate breakfast and dinner in the dining room. We are not buffet people. Service was always on point.

 

We didn't have any creaking, we were mid ship, Empress. Cabin steward was great, cabin cleaned twice a day. Never asked other wise. Asked for ice the first night, had ice every night after.

 

If I had a complaint it would be the attire worn on at dinner. It was awful. T-shirts that should be rags, cargo shorts that haven't seen an iron since they were made. Baseball hats with sweat marks all over. I'm no ones judge, I get some don't want to dress up, but please can you wear a decent shirt and ironed pants/shorts. And leave the hat for Burger King.

 

We had a great time! Looking forward to next time.

 

May everyone cruise with an open mind and don't sweat the small stuff!

 

 

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[swscruiser]

1 is too many

[BoDidly]

You couldn't pay me enough to use a public hot tub but eww at the thought of one full of kids. Although honestly one full of adults doesn't sound any better to me, especially full of half drunk adults, you think they are getting out to pee, heck no they aren't any better than the kids are. Which is why I repeat, you couldn't pay me enough to get in one lol

 

I know on our last cruise out of NO they were really good about keeping the kids out of the hot tubs. Every time I saw a kid hop in, it wasn't more than a minute or two and I saw a crew member shoo them out telling them kids couldn't be in the hot tubs. It was so cold on deck they were empty most of the time but they kept the little kids out of them.

 

I never get in either, only mine . Public potties is what I call em. With the public in them .

[TEXASMUNK]

No way do we use them

[riclop]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[TheTravelista]

22 kids in a hot tub? Is this for real?

 

And Sunshine over Magic?? Because Sunshine feels less crowded??

 

Wow. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but like another poster my experience could not possibly be more opposite. I wouldn't sail on the Sunshine again for free. Magic is one of my favorite Carnival ships.

[cruizinisthebest]

Having sailed on both as well, I also give the edge to the Sunshine.

 

I loved the size of the Sunshine. And despite other. people hating it, I thought the layout was fantastic. Especially the cabins on deck 5, which is where we stayed. Made it super convenient to the aft parts of the ship. All the kids clubs are together as opposed to all over the ship. I much preferred that. The shake spot was a hit for us amongst other things. Magic is huge. A little overwhelming getting from one end to the other. Dr. E is an absolute blast! IMO he makes a big difference for the better!

 

Neither felt overcrowded. I actually booked both again for 2017 but had to cancel Magic's date due to schedule conflicts.

 

Thanks for the report.

[Drazil65]

We were on same cruise and we agree with some of OP's findings and had opposite feelings on others.

 

We used the hot tubs on deck 5 promenade (port side) a couple of times on sea days. At most there may have been 5 or 6 other adults at one time. We found these hot tubs to be empty around dinner time most of time.

 

We did not find the crowds any different than any other ship we have been on (we have not sailed Sunshine so cannot compare) and went through lines pretty much the same as previous trips. We always expect crowds and lines on a cruise no matter how big the ship I guess and plan accordingly.

 

We were in a cabin on Empress deck, balcony, never felt like I could not see the water directly, have great pictures. I will agree the first 36 hrs or so were rocky as we headed down the east coast (not terrible though as have had worse) but we were getting sea spray on the balcony glass way up there. I cannot imagine being in a cove and we commented that we wondered if they were getting wet and if balcony was usable during that time. Our cabin service was stellar and Kristine was wonderful, changed sheets at least once during week and we always had ice. The fridge temp was cold.

 

The comedy club is a much bigger venue than any other ship we have been on (including Liberty and Valor) and they rotated 4 acts throughout the week. Red Frog and Alchemy bar were fine for us and we enjoyed the little breakfast setup in ocean plaza for a quick bite as no one was ever there so easy to grab quick breakfast on port days.

 

The MDR was so-so, probably the least favorite of all of cruises. We had a wonderful table (a private booth type along the perimeter as requested 3 weeks prior to cruise). Our service was below par, the head waiter was hurried and we did not get one smile in the 2 days we went. We decided that perhaps he was having a bad week and did not go back after that. The Lido dinning room service was excellent and the food much the same as any other ship. By far the best food on the ship was Tandoor. Excellent and if it had been open during dinner that is where we would have had our meals everyday (only open during lunch time and the closing time varied a little depending on what port we were in or sea day). Absolutely the best dinning experience we had on this ship and wish all the ships had Tandoor. DH also frequented Guys on occasion and enjoyed it as usual. We had no interest in the restaurants that were additional charge this time around so no experience with them.

 

We loved the serenity deck and the sports deck was by far the best one we have ever experienced. DS spent most of his time up there as did we and had a blast. Really liked the outdoor fitness equipment, ropes course and chess board. The inside gym was quite nice and had a lot of equipment for a ship gym.

 

All in all, we still love the Liberty as our fav but would put the Magic up there right beside it in #1 spot. Had a blast and a great trip (3rd time doing this itinerary in last couple of years), very relaxed and did not planned much in port so made for a no pressure, do what we want time. It was really nice.

 

Schwartz was ok and did a good job but as I have already mentioned in another thread, the "I love you more" bit at the end of EVERY announcement is annoying by end of week for sure! :rolleyes:

[Cr2zCr8zy]

None.....

 

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[mrsfuzzmo]

Been there on the Imagination.....we called it Kid soup!!! Ridiculous.

[sparks1093]

How old is Magic?

[cruizinisthebest]

How old is Magic?

6 years. Debuted in 2010.

 

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[sparks1093]

6 years. Debuted in 2010.

 

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Thanks!

[rollingscruisers]

the answer is 22. :d pizza and ice cream cones and all.:eek:

 

uuhhmm yuck.. The reason I won't do public hot tubs

[NavarreCruiser]

I have been on all the Dream class ships a number of times. Carnival lists their capacity at about 3700. When sailing with this amount up to about 4000 the ships do not feel crowded. At 4400 plus they do feel jammed, sorry you had 4600 PAX on board.

[A&Jfamily]

I was on the Magic 12/9 - 12/17, same itinerary. I do not want to start a debate. But I have to say my experience was the complete opposite.

 

The Alchemy was great! Drank Martinis all week. Anca the Alchemy server was awesome.

 

Never saw the ocean plaza hot tubs full. We spent a lot of time at the Alchemy bar/Ocean plaza.

 

I have to admit the smoke in the casino wasn't as bad as it was on the Liberty.

 

We found Schwartz to be a lot of fun.

 

We didn't feel crowded.

 

We ate breakfast and dinner in the dining room. We are not buffet people. Service was always on point.

 

We didn't have any creaking, we were mid ship, Empress. Cabin steward was great, cabin cleaned twice a day. Never asked other wise. Asked for ice the first night, had ice every night after.

 

If I had a complaint it would be the attire worn on at dinner. It was awful. T-shirts that should be rags, cargo shorts that haven't seen an iron since they were made. Baseball hats with sweat marks all over. I'm no ones judge, I get some don't want to dress up, but please can you wear a decent shirt and ironed pants/shorts. And leave the hat for Burger King.

 

We had a great time! Looking forward to next time.

 

May everyone cruise with an open mind and don't sweat the small stuff!

 

 

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I agree with you about the dress code - but on our last 2 Caribbean cruises, we have had men come to the MDR in t shirts - sporting their underarm hair for all to enjoy. And in the steakhouse, despite a reminder of no shorts, a man came in shorts and a tshirt. I wish Carnival would enforce it and turn people away. But as you say, we don't sweat the small stuff. We truly enjoyed our Magic cruise and I only offered this post as our personal observations and feelings, comparing the very specific details of these two ships. I would sail Magic again without issue.

 

 

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