alpine6

Hi, DH and I are looking to book our first cruise. We are considering the Magic and the Glory. Both have itineraries that are similar and the cost of flights is less then a $200 difference. I am hoping to get some opinions as to which ship would be better for a first time cruiser. Thanks :)

I've sailed both, and if you don't have kids with you, I'd suggest the Glory over the Magic overall because it has a less crowded feel overall. However, I was surprised at how similar they looked and felt most of the time. The cloud 9 spa on the Magic is fantastic if that's something you'd take advantage of. You also get Guy's BBQ and the Italian restaurant at lunch on the Magic, but wasn't impressed enough with either one to have that make a decision between these two in the future. Overall we absolutely loved both ships, and you can't go wrong with either one!

Tub is great for a four year old! Definitely recommend. We just had this room a couple weeks ago and our almost four year old used the tub daily. We brought some bath toys that doubled as beach toys and let her also play with a bar of soap.

 

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We recently did a sprinter limo transfer for a bit over 200 on this same trek. Not cheap, but easy and comfortable and private. Definitely negotiate a lower fixed cost and shop around

 

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We took our daughter on a 7 day Glory cruise last year. Use Camp Carnival, especially during dinner. We worked hard to potty train before we went, but she didn't use the pool much anyway. She used the splash areas much more on the Magic this year. Ours is a go with the flow toddler, so it worked great, including zip lining in Roatan. Everything depends on the specific kid, but you should have a great time.

 

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We did this on the Magic a couple weeks ago as a walk up. We were surprised they could accommodate us. So even if you don't reserve ahead of time, give the walk up a try and you might get lucky! Definitely worth a couple dollars per person. Food is not anything amazing, but lots of fun.

 

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Was it really that far?

Did this walk a couple weeks ago with my wife and four kids, including a three year old. Not short, but not unbearable, and we are not anywhere close to an active family. The jerk chicken is worth twice the distance, not to mention significantly less crowding on the beach. Just watch out for the boat launch nearby, locate away from that and you're good to go.

 

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thanks for the laundry tip

Guy's BBQ - Why do we have 2 more chances for this? is it open only during sea days?

Yes, unfortunately it's only open during embarkation and on sea days

 

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We asked three different locals where to get great Puerto Rican food, and all three recommended Cafe Manolin. Total diner, fantastic mofongo and other PR specialties. No frills, lots of locals, and family friendly.

 

Can't miss the forts, too. Skip El Morro if you need to choose only one.

 

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We didn't enter coral world, but it was open for sure. Spent the day at coki beach a little over a week ago. Fantastic snorkeling, plenty of options for food, and bathrooms available but a bit rustic. Definitely recommend

 

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We recently spent the day in GT with our four kids, 13,10,10,3. We chose to walk to Jack's Shack and it was a bit long and definitely not packed sand, but totally doable worth the kids. Try the jerk chicken! Worth the walk to get away from the crowd, although there is a close by commercial pier and boat launch, so watch the kids for sure with boats coming and going. If you want to explore, go for the rental.

 

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You may also consider the wash and fold laundry service. You fill a bag with as much laundry as you can, itemize it, your steward takes it and it is returned the next day, cleaned and folded. Fifteen dollars a bag. If you don't find a bag in your stateroom, your steward can provide them.

 

If you like BBQ, head to deck five after embarking to the lanai for guys BBQ. Nobody knows about this yet so no lines and plenty of seating. If you like this food, you only have two more chances for it, one each sea day.

 

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We're in a deluxe ocean view on the Magic in February. Anyone know how many closets there are? Want to hang some over the door shoe organizers but don't know how many to bring.

 

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