Magic Inaugural cruise

[Cruisetex]

It had to be replaced in Rome and is acting up again? Wonder what in heaven's name is wrong.

 

Exactly what does the thruster do? Did anyone notice the tug boat pulling us around when we left Progresso? I have never seen a tug boat required to turn around in port, not sure if they fixed it.

Was a little bummed about missing Costa Maya as Carnival cruises out of Galveston do not offer that port very often but had a great time any way.

[English Tim]

Exactly what does the thruster do? Did anyone notice the tug boat pulling us around when we left Progresso? I have never seen a tug boat required to turn around in port, not sure if they fixed it.

Was a little bummed about missing Costa Maya as Carnival cruises out of Galveston do not offer that port very often but had a great time any way.

 

They are like propellers, but on the side of the ship, front and rear, usually used to move the ship away from the pier, so that the main propulsion can be used more efficiently.

[nonna5]

Was a little bummed about missing Costa Maya as Carnival cruises out of Galveston do not offer that port very often but had a great time any way.

 

 

Glad to see someone else had a great time.:)

[LHP]

Wished you would have been there it was cruise from HELL ,Don't comment until you walked our cruise it was HORRIBLE.I EXPECT SOME COMPENSATION FOR A VERY EXPENSIVE CRUISE I COULD HAVE DONE ON TRIUMPH FOR 1/2 THE PRICE SO THEREFORE UNTIL YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED OUR POSITION YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT OUR POSTING WE ARE SHARING OUR views AND yes it was bad SOME GOOD MOST not so good .go to your room and have to smell sewer for days and not get rooms cleaned until very late and get stewardess complain your going into your room before she gets it cleaned after you were out of it for 8 hrs also see waiters and servers get into fights and being accousted by a young drunk person .:mad:

 

 

I was there and it was no where near a cruise from hell....

 

there is nothing wrong with writing an honest review. But these kinds of hysterical exaggerations are the ones that should be ignored as the "starfish variety".

 

It was not the best cruise I have been on. This was number 48 for me, so I have some experience with it.

 

They have gone to the 3 man team in the dining room and the wait staff are far to rushed (IMHO). This may work in theory, but when you have a table for 8 consistantly showing up 30-45 minutes late, it does not work in reality.

 

Most of my food in the Main Dining Room was good and adequate proportions (some were to much for me to eat)...but there was the occasional dish that I have had on other Carnival ships that could have been better.

 

Yes, there was a "whiff" from time to time...but you will find that where a self contained system is involved.

 

As for the port change, they were in hopes that they could get it repaired in Galveston. The dive team worked all day Sunday and Monday. They were working as we were getting on the ship, so I do not understand all this hysteria about Carnival "lying" to them. That is just ridiculous.

 

When it was obviously that they were not able to repair it, Carnival tried to find a place to them to work safely.

 

Carnival's first choice was a berth in Cozumel to overnight, but the spot they needed was not available. So Progreso it was. They needed clear water of Progreso and Galveston could not provide that.

 

Carnival paid for a gaming license there in Progreso, so the casinos and gift shops could be open. So those who love to gamble could be accommodated.

 

And Carnival did not have to give us a dime in compensation. No, that was NOT a refund of any port charges. The $4.91 per person that we also received was.

 

Anyone planning to "run" to RCCL should go over and read about the entire ship being "dumped" in France to get home on their own, when RCCL had mechanical issues.

 

If you are dealing with a piece of machinery, things happen.

 

Progreso is not a slum. It is just not commercialized (like Cozumel was 25 years ago). Many enjoyed overnighting, so they could attend the light show at Chitzen Itza...something cruisers rarely get to see.

 

The beach was fine....just not the clear blue Caribbean water, because it faces the Gulf of Mexico instead of the Caribbean.

 

You can get an excellent massage for $20 for an hour right on the beach. Actually shopping is better in Progreso that Cozumel. Retina A that people pay $11.00 a tube for in Cozumel is only $4 in Progreso.

 

Personally, I just don't understand when people get in a snit about ports.

This is a cruise ship....not a bus.

 

The ship is a vacation destination, not just a mode of transportation. Folks should be a traveler, not a bus rider. If someone "must" go to a particular port, they should fly there.

 

Apparently most of the ship agrees with me, because there were only 7 complaints about the port change. Out of the entire ship...only 7.

 

As someone who cruises to sing karaoke, I was disappointed they did not have it at all one day. But I would never allow that to "ruin" my cruise. That is life. You go with the flow.

 

 

Overall, while there were many negatives.....the positives far outweighed them.

 

I loved our Cove Balcony. It is neat to sit out there and have no wind blowing on you even when the ship is clipping along at top speed.

 

Every team member that I greeted with a smile...returned with a friendly greeting.

 

 

Mutzie was hilarious. Solo performers in the lobby and Red Frog Pub were excellent. And Blood Power were great.

 

I think they did to much trivia. IMHO, that is lazy entertainment. A couple of the Entertainment Staff were disorganized and disinterested and it showed when they handled events.

 

This class of ship (just like we experienced on the Dream) has more of a roll to it. But it wasn't anything overwhelming.

 

Once things get settled, I think Texas will grow to love the Magic, just as they have the Conquest. The addition of the Cloud 9 Spa will be enjoyed by many.

 

The clientele that Carnival draws there are fun loving, easy going individuals that like to have a good time. (as evidenced by the casinos were packed every night)

[LHP]

@nonna5

I was the one who posted this. This was what Guest Services told me. The $4 was for the drop in Petroleum/oil prices since it was higher until the day the Magic left Galveston.

In regards to what someone said about the port tax being a lot less than $25, I would have no idea. I was only going by what Guest Services told me.

 

You are incorrect.

 

Ships collect port charges at the time of booking based on the highest rate per passenger possible.

 

When a ship fills up past capacity, it gets a price break for volume. The more the ship is full....the better rate per passenger.

 

Hence the refund we get usually on every cruise. It had nothing to do with fuel.

[LHP]

Ken being attacked had nothing to do with a crew member being overworked.

 

This crew member had been demoted before by Ken. When this waiter started getting complaints on the very first night, Ken made it clear that he was going to be demoted again.

 

This was just some nutcase from Indonesia that resented having complaints made about him from the passengers.

 

He was deported in Progreso.

[steveNcindy]

This is a cruise ship....not a bus.

 

 

A bus has wheels. A ship has propellers and a rudder.

 

A bus travellers on man made roads. A ship tours the ocean.

 

What exactly are trying to say:confused:

[GlendaleCruiser]

Let's put it this way - I have never ever seen such a long line of new crew members waiting to board in Galveston. We were at the overnight event on Sunday the 13th. We had a balcony overlooking the pier. There was a steady stream of new crew members coming on board in Galveston with all their luggage. Usually, there are a few every cruise but this line just seemed to grow longer as the day wore on.

 

 

They weren't necessarily all new crew members. Immigration does a complete check about every 90 days and every crew member has to get off and get back on with their current identification. I've sailed from

Galveston before when they did this, too, and it added about 1.5 hours to the embarkation time.

[wentworth]

A bus has wheels. A ship has propellers and a rudder.

 

A bus travellers on man made roads. A ship tours the ocean.

 

What exactly are trying to say:confused:

 

 

I think her point is that we all should cruise for the ship instead of the

ports. If you prefer the ports, you are a bus rider. Am I correct

LHP?

 

I DO consider myself a traveler. However, I cruise for the ports

and the ship. We have taken many land vacations and will probably

do more. While we try to include different ships in our plans, the islands

the ships port at are our main interest. Oh well, maybe Carnival will

name their next ship the Greyhound.:p

[steveNcindy]

I think her point is that we all should cruise for the ship instead of the

ports. If you prefer the ports, you are a bus rider. Am I correct

LHP?

 

I DO consider myself a traveler. However, I cruise for the ports

and the ship. We have taken many land vacations and will probably

do more. While we try to include different ships in our plans, the islands

the ships port at are our main interest. Oh well, maybe Carnival will

name their next ship the Greyhound.:p

 

I cruise for the ship and to relax but ports are nice.

 

I think I need to wait until Carnival unviels the Carnival Amtrak then to cruise again...

 

:confused::D

[luv2cruz44]

I was there and it was no where near a cruise from hell....

 

there is nothing wrong with writing an honest review. But these kinds of hysterical exaggerations are the ones that should be ignored as the "starfish variety".

 

It was not the best cruise I have been on. This was number 48 for me, so I have some experience with it.

 

They have gone to the 3 man team in the dining room and the wait staff are far to rushed (IMHO). This may work in theory, but when you have a table for 8 consistantly showing up 30-45 minutes late, it does not work in reality.

 

Most of my food in the Main Dining Room was good and adequate proportions (some were to much for me to eat)...but there was the occasional dish that I have had on other Carnival ships that could have been better.

 

Yes, there was a "whiff" from time to time...but you will find that where a self contained system is involved.

 

As for the port change, they were in hopes that they could get it repaired in Galveston. The dive team worked all day Sunday and Monday. They were working as we were getting on the ship, so I do not understand all this hysteria about Carnival "lying" to them. That is just ridiculous.

 

When it was obviously that they were not able to repair it, Carnival tried to find a place to them to work safely.

 

Carnival's first choice was a berth in Cozumel to overnight, but the spot they needed was not available. So Progreso it was. They needed clear water of Progreso and Galveston could not provide that.

 

Carnival paid for a gaming license there in Progreso, so the casinos and gift shops could be open. So those who love to gamble could be accommodated.

 

And Carnival did not have to give us a dime in compensation. No, that was NOT a refund of any port charges. The $4.91 per person that we also received was.

 

Anyone planning to "run" to RCCL should go over and read about the entire ship being "dumped" in France to get home on their own, when RCCL had mechanical issues.

 

If you are dealing with a piece of machinery, things happen.

 

Progreso is not a slum. It is just not commercialized (like Cozumel was 25 years ago). Many enjoyed overnighting, so they could attend the light show at Chitzen Itza...something cruisers rarely get to see.

 

The beach was fine....just not the clear blue Caribbean water, because it faces the Gulf of Mexico instead of the Caribbean.

 

You can get an excellent massage for $20 for an hour right on the beach. Actually shopping is better in Progreso that Cozumel. Retina A that people pay $11.00 a tube for in Cozumel is only $4 in Progreso.

 

Personally, I just don't understand when people get in a snit about ports.

This is a cruise ship....not a bus.

 

The ship is a vacation destination, not just a mode of transportation. Folks should be a traveler, not a bus rider. If someone "must" go to a particular port, they should fly there.

 

Apparently most of the ship agrees with me, because there were only 7 complaints about the port change. Out of the entire ship...only 7.

 

As someone who cruises to sing karaoke, I was disappointed they did not have it at all one day. But I would never allow that to "ruin" my cruise. That is life. You go with the flow.

 

 

Overall, while there were many negatives.....the positives far outweighed them.

 

I loved our Cove Balcony. It is neat to sit out there and have no wind blowing on you even when the ship is clipping along at top speed.

 

Every team member that I greeted with a smile...returned with a friendly greeting.

 

 

Mutzie was hilarious. Solo performers in the lobby and Red Frog Pub were excellent. And Blood Power were great.

 

I think they did to much trivia. IMHO, that is lazy entertainment. A couple of the Entertainment Staff were disorganized and disinterested and it showed when they handled events.

 

This class of ship (just like we experienced on the Dream) has more of a roll to it. But it wasn't anything overwhelming.

 

Once things get settled, I think Texas will grow to love the Magic, just as they have the Conquest. The addition of the Cloud 9 Spa will be enjoyed by many.

 

The clientele that Carnival draws there are fun loving, easy going individuals that like to have a good time. (as evidenced by the casinos were packed every night)

 

 

A bit verbose, but the points were made. Well said, Linda!

[nonna5]

You are incorrect.

 

Ships collect port charges at the time of booking based on the highest rate per passenger possible.

 

When a ship fills up past capacity, it gets a price break for volume. The more the ship is full....the better rate per passenger.

 

Hence the refund we get usually on every cruise. It had nothing to do with fuel.

 

 

Thanks for restating this and backing me up. No one seems to believe it until several people state it.

[nonna5]

Ken being attacked had nothing to do with a crew member being overworked.

 

This crew member had been demoted before by Ken. When this waiter started getting complaints on the very first night, Ken made it clear that he was going to be demoted again.

 

This was just some nutcase from Indonesia that resented having complaints made about him from the passengers.

 

He was deported in Progreso.

 

 

Thanks again.

[bonniemari]

I was also on the cruise and I have to agree with Nonna and LHP. We had a good cruise. Somethings were not perfect but I never go with the expectation of "perfect"-that way I am not disappointed when stuff happens.

 

We were fortunate to have a great wait team for our late seating in the Southern Lights dining room. We were seated at a booth but it was just the two of us all week. Even despite how some of our fellow cruisers showed up for dinner 20-30 minutes late, our wait team did an excellent job of keeping things running smoothly. I even said to my husband how our dinner flowed nicely compared to other cruises we have been on. The food was ok, not great and the portions were good (at least for me). There were a couple of the new dishes I tried and didn't like. On those nights our waitress Martina, always tried to get me to order something else and when I said no thanks, she always managed to bring me a huge portion of dessert. The steakhouse was excellent. Our cabin steward did his job and was nice and pleasant whenever we saw him.

 

I was a little disappointed that we did not make it to Costa Maya, but ya know, it is some of that stuff happens thing again and I got over my disappointment pretty quick. Have been to Progresso several times and as we usually do when in Progresso, we stayed on the ship and enjoyed the many new things to do. Was glad Carnival made arrangements to have the casino open while we overnighted.

 

Loved the comedians-especially John Austin ???? (can't remember his whole name). Both shows I went to were standing room only-but he was so funny it was worth standing to see him. Destination Unknown was a really great show-but I love magic/illusion shows so I am probably biased. Had seen the other shows on previous cruises so decided to skip them this time cause I knew the showrooms would be crowded. Both the Welcome Aboard and Destination Unknown we sat up at the top-it was a full house.

 

Can't say enough good things about getting on and off the ship. We were on lido have lunch by 11:30 and were able to catch the 7 a.m. ferry going home. They were very efficient "herding" us folks.

 

Overall it was a good cruise and I would not hesitate to go on the Magic again. We met many new friends from our rollcall group and FB page.

[futaba951]

The torch and pitchfork crowd has finally reached the village square, blaming the victims again.

[capndinghy]

I just go off of the Trans Atlantic. There seemed to be a lot of cry babies on that cruise as well. It was not that bad. I was there. NOthing is perfect, and it seems to me the same complainers always seem to end up....you guessed it wanting compensation. I wonder if these are the same folks that remove their auto tips "because they tip for service", then end up stiffing the staff?

[i3utterfli82]

I was also on the inaugural sailing of the Magic and I didn't experience half of the complaints mentioned in this thread. I actually enjoyed the over night stop in Progresso because it gave me a chance to see Chichen Itza, a much better set of ruins than the ones I was going to see in Costa Maya. I also believe they tried to repair the ship in Galveston, but the water was too murky. Really, it was a great cruise overall.

[GalvetrazIsland]

OK, I pretty much figured out how this works now...I work in the service industry, and I depend on my tips. Neither I, nor my husband, took our tips back from the crew. I read another post that someone was crying about stiffing the help, but we get reports like this all the time. Some of them are bogus, and people are just mad. Some are people wanting something for nothing, and still others are legitimate beefs. I really will not go on the Magic again unless they get their act together. Conquest was my favorite cruise so far, and that was years ago. To the people reading this, I'm over my madness about the smell and how rude people were- it still seems that there were WAY more guests than crew as opposed to the other cruises I have been on- I feel I was robbed because they made such a big hoopla about this cruise, and it turned out to be a bust. I'm not asking for anything, I'm just the customer who won't come back. For everyone thinking about going on this ship, go to everyone's post who posted something positive, look at their profiles, if you're in that age group, you might have a good time. I myself am not there yet, nor am I in the party animal phase of life, I'm somewhere in the middle. I expect a little more, because I saved for about 8 months for this cruise. A NEW SHIP shouldn't have this many problems, and if they do, PULL IT OFF THE LINE and FIX IT! Too many people paid too much money for things to fall apart like they did. I don't have buyers remorse, but trust me, I'd have had a better time camping, and I don't like camping that much!

 

I'm just wondering how many people on here saying they had a good cruise are Carnival shills...?

 

Goodnight everyone, if you had a good cruise and are writing about it, that's fine. If you were disappointed in the cruise, I'm right there with ya. If you're going on the Magic, good luck, hope your cruise is better than mine was.

[Dave85]

I'm probably going to try the Breeze when it gets to the Caribbean next year but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned that both Dream and Magic had a significant maintenance issue almost immediately after they entered service (Dream's being that awful sewage smell that Carnival determined was due to a misrouted exhaust pipe or something like that. To their credit, they were apparently able to fix it). Lets also not forget what happened with Splendor... the ship that entered service before Dream.

 

A bartender (on Splendor, before she went west and had her issue) who had been with the company for 15 years and on most of the ships told me that he felt the newer ships were being cheaply and quickly built in Italy and were just not of the same quality as some of the older ships. I was in no position to argue with him, he's lived on ships for 15 years! The fact that Splendor, then Dream, then Magic have all had these issues though is troubling and speaks for itself to an extent...

 

...that said, I'm still looking forward to booking the Breeze. While I cruise more on RCI these days, I still love the Carnival product and value and am anxious to experience 2.0! I am encouraged to hear that they seem to have rectified some of the passenger flow issues that they had on Dream on Magic.

[capndinghy]

It is a big secret but the Magic had a Engine - Generator failure 1 day out of Las Palmas in the Atlantic. We and others felt the shudder when it failed about 3 AM. This is the same type Generator that caused the Splendor fire. We are very Lucky there was no Fire! Note: I am not talking about the side thruster. We came across the ocean on 3 engines...which is no big deal. My source says the Gen is being rapaired a little at a time on board the ship.

[Bassic]

It is a big secret but the Magic had a Engine - Generator failure 1 day out of Las Palmas in the Atlantic. We and others felt the shudder when it failed about 3 AM. This is the same type Generator that caused the Splendor fire. We are very Lucky there was no Fire! Note: I am not talking about the side thruster. We came across the ocean on 3 engines...which is no big deal. My source says the Gen is being rapaired a little at a time on board the ship.

 

Interesting! Let's hope for no fires...that would be a BAD thing...

[GlendaleCruiser]

 

I'm just wondering how many people on here saying they had a good cruise are Carnival shills...?

 

 

Interesting that no one can every say anything good about Carnival without being called a name like "shill" or "cheerleader".

 

Thousands of people cruise Carnival every day. It's amazing they are still in business since everyone must either be a shill or cheerleader or lying about their lousy cruise.

 

I'm not a shill or a cheerleader and I had a wonderful time in the Mediterranean on the Magic for 12-days. Didn't expect it to be Seabourn, and it wasn't, thank goodness (I only brought two elegant outfits:D).

[murcor]

It always amazes me that people that were NOT on the cruise know a lot more than the people that were actually there.

 

Doug

 

Agree :)

[krw_2009]

Interesting that no one can every say anything good about Carnival without being called a name like "shill" or "cheerleader".

 

Thousands of people cruise Carnival every day. It's amazing they are still in business since everyone must either be a shill or cheerleader or lying about their lousy cruise.

 

I'm not a shill or a cheerleader and I had a wonderful time in the Mediterranean on the Magic for 12-days. Didn't expect it to be Seabourn, and it wasn't, thank goodness (I only brought two elegant outfits:D).

 

I agree completely!

[geezersgirl]

We are on the Magic in February and I hope they have worked out the kinks by then. Also, can anyone tell me what nights are elegant nights?