ChuckF

Not sure what you like to do on a cruise, but I wouldn't judge all of Carnival based on the Miracle. Larger ships do have more options for entertainment and food choices, but alas, longer lines. We just got off the Celebrity Eclipse and while we had a great cruise, there were things that I missed about Carnival. Guys Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina for lunch was sorely missed. One other thing that we found unusual about Celebrity is that we never saw our room steward. But every time we returned to our room, it had been cleaned. On Carnival your steward will be very visible and shout hello to you every time you step in the hall. There are other subtle differences that just depend on what you like to do. If you like to play in the Casino, go Carnival. If you like to spend money on specialty restaurants, you'll find more options on Celebrity than similar sized ships on Carnival. We thought the Production Shows on Carnival were more to our liking, although the Celebrity cast members were super-talented. A lot of the common areas on Celebrity were taken up by bars and restaurants. I think you'll find more space dedicated to fun activities and live music on Carnival. 

IMHO

Unless you're staying in the Havana area, or really want to ride the bicycle in the sky, I would say Magic. Very similar, but Dream class ships (i.e., Magic) seem to offer most things that the Vista class ships do, with less people. 

I'm assuming you're on the ship now.  Would like to know whether games are being shown, and if so, where? 

Pack extra hangers and at least one multi-outlet adapter. 

Get as many fans (both teams) to ask the Cruise Director about the games. Like I said, he was able to pull some strings and get it broadcast on the Lido deck. 

By the way...Go 'Stros!

We sailed on the Dream out of Galveston last year during the ALCS and WS. Since so many Astros fans were on-board, they somehow pulled some strings and were able to show the games.  I think ESPN has an international channel that they were able to tap into. It was great fun watching those games on the Lido deck. 

One reason I don't play the Pass line. 

Normally $10 on the ships I've been on. I think they have flexibility to change based on how busy the table is at different times. Probably higher on bigger ships because they potentially have more people wanting to play and willing to pay. 

Unless you're staying in a Havana cabin on the Vista, go with the Magic.  Basically same stuff with less people. For me, the Havana area on the Vista class is the only key differentiator. 

Golf courses.  Montego Bay, Curacao, Cabo, Mahogany Bay are all beautiful.  St. Thomas had a great course until a hurricane tore it apart, and Cozumel Country Club shutdown due to lack of revenue during COVID. 

We love the Ocean Plaza, so Dream Class is #1 for us. Vista Class has an Ocean Plaza, and the same feel as the Dream Class, only more people makes it seem more crowded. Only do a Vista with a Havana room, or a good itinerary. 

If you follow one of the Live cruise reviews where the new menu has been rolled out, you can get pretty good pictures and feedback. 

On the Magic in April 2023 and got offered a steakhouse entree in MDR and a cheap bottle of wine.  Asked if we could pass on the cheap bottle and got two glasses of a better wine. They said Yes. 

23 hours ago, kwokpot said:

What was the extra fee from inside to Veranda?

 

Don't remember exactly. About $200 - $250 pp. 

Got a similar post card and called. Upgraded to Verandah by paying difference, and we selected the room. We did do the email thing as well, but after a couple of days with no response we called. 

I definitely think it's worth doing once. But only if you have an adventurous palate. And while there is plenty of food (and you have to be very picky to walk away hungry) this is not for the typical meat and potatoes guy. Definitely not for kids, unless you're talking about a high schooler thinking of going to culinary school. There are plenty of options, so if you don't like a particular item, just skip it and go to the next one. First time on the Miracle (in the nightclub, which was weird) but had good tablemates and it was a new experience, so really enjoyed it. Second time on the Magic in the kitchen, which was loud, less interesting tablemates, and same menu as before. So, we might be done until we know there is a different menu. 

Did a Journey's cruise out of Galveston on the Dream last October. We had a great time. As said before, passengers are generally more experienced cruisers and very few kids. The longer time together means you really get time to meet folks and make friends. It also provides an opportunity to go places you can't necessarily get to in 7 or 8 days, especially from Galveston.  We went to the Panama Canal, although had to take an excursion to actually transit the canal. I know it's not for everybody, but we enjoyed the ballroom dance classes on sea days.  Not the ones you may be used to taught by Carnival dancers, but professional dance instructors. No repeat menus. And while they didn't do a production show every night, there was plenty of entertainment options. The only downside was that the casino made a lot of money.

On the Magic this past April and I could see my points on the Carnival Hub app. Only played craps and BJ. Also, one of the other guys at the craps table told me to always buy in with cash, rather than bringing chips to the table. This way the pit bosses will have a better idea of how much money you're putting in.  

Normally they give you the punch card when you buy your first coffee at Java Blue. If they don't give you one, ask for one. And then be sure you have it with you each time you purchase a subsequent cup and get it punched. 

I think it is buy 6 and get one free. 

Only time I have seen that recently is when they have the Diamond/Platinum reception in the theatre.  And that has only been on our Journeys cruise where practically the entire ship was Platinum+ and the theatre was only place to hold that many. Music was provided by one of the entertainers that played around the ship. 

Currently have 3 Carnival cruises booked, all on casino offers.  But offers are drying up. I still get the emails, but when I go to look at available cruises there are very few to choose from at the advertised rate. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have several booked. 

Interesting though, we recently booked a Celebrity Greek Isles cruise in 2024, and out of the blue I get a free interior room (casino offer) from Celebrity. We have only done 1 Celebrity cruise probably 6 or 7 years ago. They actually offered a cruise to Cabo that appealed to us, so sign us up. Upgraded to balcony for ~ $200 pp. Not a real Celebrity fan, but a free room is a free room.

On the Magic in April. No problems.  Even won money in the casino. Had a great time.