Carnival MAGIC review

Its almost been a month since I got off the Carnival Magic. And I already want to book another cruise (of course), but I wanted to share a bit of my thoughts with you all on this Cruise.

For starters the ship was beautiful & the staff as always ON POINT. I was sad to see people leaving dishes and even half eaten ice cream cones in the elevators or just pretty much any corner they found. I try very hard to make as little extra work as possible for the crew, and I made sure to tell my 6 year old daughter that it was not cool. I am raising a lifetime cruiser (this was her 4th) and I want her to be a model guest.

I got a day pass to the CLOUD 9 SPA and used the THALASSOTHERAPY POOL. That was one thing I was SUPER looking forward to but ended up disappointed because I found the water lukewarm at best. Now I know I can handle pretty hot water so maybe it was just a "me" thing. But I have gone to the hot springs of Puerto Rico and couldn't even get in one of the pools there because it was like boiling hot. I was hoping this pool was more like those. I will say though that the 2nd thermal spa area was a nice toasty warm and I enjoyed it quite a bit.

(Spa Photo Credit ORBITZ)

Cove Balcony - well it was nice but I am not sure I would book one again. We were close to the front of the ship so the sea spray kept it wet most o the time. I would dry the railing every time I went out which was really no big deal at all really. I just think I would like to be higher on the ship.

We were there for Easter Sunday (also my Birthday) and I was so glad that they offered a Service for those interested. Quite a few people showed up. It was not long at all but it was a very nice option for those of us that hoped there would be something offered.
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I pretty much lived on the Guys Burgers, they were super yummy and so were the fries, and I never found the line to be super long. 7 days and I never got to the Italian place for lunch or the BBQ place. It seemed the BBQ place only opened on sea days and only for a short while, so not worth the crazy line.

Belize - I was not looking forward to that port after all I read. I told my hubby about the 30 minute tender and he was OUT. But once the day came I just could not in good conscious stay on the boat so I went. I am SO GLAD I did, first the tender was 15 minutes TOPS! Then the port had a very large strip of shops to look at and music and action. I did not leave the port but spend a little over an hour just looking around (and getting my hair braided). It was a lovely time and well worth the visit!

Build a Bear at sea Party - It was a bit disorganized at first. They did not really explain how it was gonna work. My advice is to go early. If it starts at 4pm be there no later than 3:40. They go in order of who is in line first and by 4pm the line was crazy (we got there early). The prices were on par with what you find at the stores in the malls, but the selection is very limited (another good reason to get there early).

There were so MANY hot tubs...I think there were 6 of them on deck 5, and 2 on lido, and to be honest I did not even step foot in the serenity area but I THINK there was one there too. We used one on deck 5 every time, and it was never crowded.

The water park was really great, my daughter loved it, and really so did I. Nothing better than getting splashed with cold water after sitting in the hot sun. If they could figure out how to add a "lazy river" I would be in heaven.

The Casino...I hated it, but only cause I kept winning just enough to suck me in. First time I ever gambled that much (over 1000 points). But ended up still a little in the red. I also discovered you can withdraw money from your charge account right at the machine, did NOT need to learn that....you should forget I told you (trust me).

The Camp Ocean was also very good. My daughter went once a day, usually after dinner, and stayed till 10pm (they start charging after that). She made friends and we were able to have adult time (insert crazy casino spending here).

All in all it was a GREAT time, and I would for sure go again in a heartbeat.

P.S. I thought maybe (ONE) of the hardest workers on the ship was "Thomas" at the Pizzaria. He was there every time I went (and yes it was often and at crazy hours) busting out pizzas with a line that just seemed to never stop. He must dream of pizzas.

(If you want to learn about how I budget and save for my cruises check out www.CruiseWithJosie.com)
PEACE.LOVE&CRUISES to all...