Magic 6/24 - 7/1

[I082692]

TS Debbie had me looking for a seat belt to keep from flying off my twin size bed the first night. The rest of the trip was smooth sailing. I was with a group of 21 and most of us were in cove balconies port side under the shore excursion desk and noise was not an issue at all. i was on the Dream last year in a Vista deck (9) balcony and decided to try the cove this trip. I enjoyed the shade and privacy of the cove as well as being so close to the water. However, being that low limited your overall view, so there are pros and cons. Just an FYI i specifically had 2268 and 2272 adjoining rooms and the balcony divider between these two was the weather door. 2264 and 2268 had the regular divider that could be left open. seemed like a design flaw to me. If you try to leave the weather doors open they block your door to get out on the balcony. :confused:

 

First stop MoBay- took a taxi to Doctors Cave Beach. rented some snorkeling gear and a couple of life jackes. They have 2 water trampolines there. But the next beach over is Cornwall Beach where Carnivals Irie Man Beach break took place. They have a ice berg and other water toys there. So we paid security 5 bucks and went there for awhile so my son could climb the ice berg. Thats an under the table deal.. And maybe i am just kidding. Maybe.

 

2nd stop- Caymen. We went with http://caymanecoadventures.com and took a private charter to visit sting ray city, rum point and snorkel the reef. I have 44 "days at sea" with Carnival and additional days with RCCL and this was by far the best excursion i have ever done. We took 10 from my group on a boat that could easily hold 25 and avoided the crowds all day and for way less pp than what carnial wanted just to do one of the stops. http://s1079.photobucket.com/albums/w506/Iaught2go/

 

Last stop Cozumel and really the only stop where we were port side to watch the pier runners. Although we had none as everyone was on board on time. We were docked next to the Conquest and a pier over the freedom of the seas. Wife and DD8 did the Royal Dolphin Swim at Chankanaab while me and the other 3 bought observer passes mainly so we could all ride together in the carnival arranged taxis. Most of my group just took the 5 min taxi thier on thier own and saved a couple bucks. we did Dolphinaris in Cozumel last year. So i can compare the two and would say that Chank wins. There is so much more to do. They even have a free sea lion show that was pretty funny. Plus after swimming with the Dolphins you get to swim with the Mantatees. More lunch options, fresh water swimming pool etc.

 

Soooo, most people break up thier reviews and hopefully mine will not get cut off or not post or something. But a couple lines about the ship itself. I really enjoy the new class of ships with the additional dinning options. I didnt feel like the lines were ever long except lido breakfeast. If you wanted a waffle, french toast or a pancake (and what kids dont) you had to wait in the line that is normally the hamburger hot dog line at lunch and dinner. The problem with that is its the only place to get these things and at the very front of the line they were making omlettes which take forever. So whether you wanted an omlette or not you were in the same line just to get a dang pancake.

 

Me and DW ate at the steak house wed night and it was not worth the 35 pp to me. The flat iron streak in the mdr was really very good and DD16 ate it almost every night. save your money. As far as the mdr menu.. Its okay. usually have a shrimp something or another on there and that is always my fall back entree.

 

I ate at the italian restaraunt and it was worth the money. free at lunch and was very good then as well with the create your own pasta they had going on. I tried it all i think. The deli, the tandoori, the mangolian, burrito bar all very good and wish these places would stay open longer on into the eve. i had sushi almost everyday as an appetizer to dinner, also good. Oh last thing.. I made the past guest party which was still operating under the old program (unfortunately). I normally dont bother as i can afford my own drinks. However, with all the hype i made a point to go. What a waste of time. they served cheese and fried bread of some kind. a very limited amt of some other stuff like tomatoes with cheese however i never got any because i believe they had such a limited amt. The cheese and bread were plentiful as well as the free drinks.

 

I am so glad they are upgrading this program. its a pretty cheap event as it is right now and if they were leaving it as is i wouldnt bother. Again free cheese and drinks.. woo hoo.. cmon people. Speaking of free drinks i did get a "drinks on us" card in the casino pretty quick. :D Now that had value. Yes i know i said i can afford my own drinks earlier.. okay maybe its the free drinks offered at the past guest party that doesnt excite me. So i take it back.. to get a free DOD or a crown and coke at will.. certainly is a nice perk that adds up.. i bought a crown and coke on lido and i think they charged me 13 bucks

[newbieMom]

. Oh last thing.. I made the past guest party which was still operating under the old program (unfortunately). I normally dont bother as i can afford my own drinks.

 

ewww... I was excited to see a new Magic review as we will be sailing in less than 2 weeks, but this part of your post ...blech!

[I082692]

newbiemom- The past guest party is being upgraded any day now. However, i believe you will need 30 days at sea to attend. Someone, on here prob knows when the exact start date is for the new and improved version. it might have started this week.. ? I hear they will have samples from the specialty restaraunts now which sounds like a huge upgrade

[Texarribean Chick]

ewww... I was excited to see a new Magic review as we will be sailing in less than 2 weeks, but this part of your post ...blech!

 

Hey there - funny you quoted this - I was just wondering the same thing. When is the new VIFP program set up taking effect?

[I082692]

appears to have taken effect for cruises leaving the day after we set sail

 

:(