Carnival Magic Review (Cove Balcony) January 19-26, 2014 with pictures

[2Okies]

Here is what it says on Galveston Park N Cruise - not sure why you would go through Priceline and pay $70 when you can get it for much cheaper.

 

No, you misunderstood. We went through Priceline for the HOTEL, not for our parking. We went online to Park N Cruise's website & made reservations for our parking.

 

Thanks for posting your information regarding the parking though. That is certainly helpful for future cruisers! We've used another parking area for our other 3 cruises, but we enjoyed the convenience of Park N Cruise, AND the covered parking, so we will probably always use them for any future cruises.

[stvntra]

That's what I was thinking. The priceline booking for the hotel made much more sense in my head than for the parking, but I wasn't sure and wanted to pass the info along just in case. I am really enjoying your review and pictures, however. We will be on the Magic in September of this year for our best friend's 20th wedding anniversary and our 17th! :)

 

 

No, you misunderstood. We went through Priceline for the HOTEL, not for our parking. We went online to Park N Cruise's website & made reservations for our parking.

 

Thanks for posting your information regarding the parking though. That is certainly helpful for future cruisers! We've used another parking area for our other 3 cruises, but we enjoyed the convenience of Park N Cruise, AND the covered parking, so we will probably always use them for any future cruises.

[2Okies]

That's what I was thinking. The priceline booking for the hotel made much more sense in my head than for the parking, but I wasn't sure and wanted to pass the info along just in case. I am really enjoying your review and pictures, however. We will be on the Magic in September of this year for our best friend's 20th wedding anniversary and our 17th! :)

 

Congratulations! Have fun!

[2Okies]

Great start!!! Thanks for doing a review:D:D

Our last room steward on the Breeze, was awful. Same types of things and we had never run into these issues before, but like you, it didn't ruin our cruise, by any means.

 

 

Thank you! Yes, I guess sometimes you just get a "newby" steward or something. This was the first time we've ever had any problems. Last year we called our steward the "Ninja Steward" because he seemed to have radar of when we were out of our room. We could leave for just a few minutes & come back and things were cleaned, etc. He was awesome. And, he knew are names, and was always nearby to check on us, and help us if we needed it. This one definitely wasn't that way. But - it didn't ruin our trip. Its all good.

[txponycruiser]

Great review! I have a question about the Cove. We're considering booking one in 2015. Is there too much sea spray/salt on the balcony to hang a beach towel (clipped to a chair of course) to dry? That's what I did on our balcony on the Triumph this summer and it worked really well.

[2Okies]

Great review! I have a question about the Cove. We're considering booking one in 2015. Is there too much sea spray/salt on the balcony to hang a beach towel (clipped to a chair of course) to dry? That's what I did on our balcony on the Triumph this summer and it worked really well.

 

If you are in a Cove that is mid-ship, I would say it probably wouldn't have too much spray. If you are anywhere near the front though, you probably would get a lot more spray.

 

However, you really aren't supposed to put things out there on your balcony. We did put a towel out on ours one day (clipped to a chair) - only while we were in the room to try & get it to dry. But, they advise against it for safety. Of course, in the Cove balcony's its not going to blow down into someone else's room.... but, still they don't want you to do it.

 

If its a Carnival towel - you can easily trade it in for a dry one.

 

Our balcony was mid-ship, and we did have quite a bit of salt build-up on our balcony banister. Our balcony floor was also salty. But, I think that is because our steward never cleaned it!

[dramaqueenjan]

Actually, my daughter helped me do it, as she had done it before (I was chicken!) I'm pretty sure we put in 3 star - I think that 4 star is about the highest they have on Galveston, and the 4 stars are very pricey. I think we did put in about $70 if I remember correctly. I was nervous to try it, but very happy w/the results! I think the final cost w/taxes, etc was around $70-80, because we split the cost w/our grown kids who were with us, and our part was $35.

 

I would be afraid of getting A different Hotel As you cant bid on property But thats A great deal

[mompella]

Thanks for the review. We go in April and need to find a hotel and parking. So appreciate the hints and advice!!

[dramaqueenjan]

First, I’ll tell you about our stay in Galveston. We used Priceline, and ended up with Galveston Beach Hotel which is right on the Seawall & 17th, and is an EXCELLENT hotel! We were so pleased, and we only had to pay $70/night! We had a balcony that looked right out on the ocean. I believe all their rooms have balconies. It does not serve free breakfast, but does have a dining room where you can buy breakfast. We went to Denny’s about a block East of the hotel which was a lot cheaper. I believe this hotel does offer free cruise parking to guests that stay at the hotel, and their parking is behind hotel in locked fence area. You have to have a code to enter the gate. We had already made previous parking arrangements or we might have considered it.

 

How far out did you book your room ? Right now prices are 199 for our cruise

[Almost Packed]

Thanks for taking the time for a review.

 

I enjoyed reading it and the viewing the photos.

[2Okies]

First, I’ll tell you about our stay in Galveston. We used Priceline, and ended up with Galveston Beach Hotel which is right on the Seawall & 17th, and is an EXCELLENT hotel! We were so pleased, and we only had to pay $70/night! We had a balcony that looked right out on the ocean. I believe all their rooms have balconies. It does not serve free breakfast, but does have a dining room where you can buy breakfast. We went to Denny’s about a block East of the hotel which was a lot cheaper. I believe this hotel does offer free cruise parking to guests that stay at the hotel, and their parking is behind hotel in locked fence area. You have to have a code to enter the gate. We had already made previous parking arrangements or we might have considered it.

 

How far out did you book your room ? Right now prices are 199 for our cruise

 

 

I had been getting on different websites to see the prices of the hotels, and were a little shocked how expensive they were in January! We had stayed a Inn of Waterpark in September 2012, and I got a really nice room there for $50/night, but when I was looking last fall for our room for January, the rooms at Waterpark were $150, and all the other hotels were just as high.

 

So, about 2 weeks before our cruise, we knew we had to figure out something. My daughter and my son both had used Priceline before, and both had always been very happy with what they got. My daughter & son-in-law were going to be traveling with us, because they were cruising on the Triumph that went out the day before the Magic. So, we were going to share a room one night, and we would pay for the next night ourselves. I had her come over & show me exactly how she did it. She just picked the star rating & the amount we wanted to pay, and then after you put in your card info, etc., it tells you what you got. When we looked up the reviews of the hotel, we were happy - and even happier once we actually got there.

 

To be truthful - I don't think any place to stay in Galveston is going to be that bad (if you choose 3 star or above) and nothing is going to be that far from the port - the island just isn't that big. I saw a lot of nice hotels all over the island that I wouldn't have minded staying in. So, if you decide to try Priceline, I bet you will be okay in Galveston.

[2Okies]

Thanks for taking the time for a review.

 

I enjoyed reading it and the viewing the photos.

 

 

Thank you! I enjoyed doing it. It's the first time I've done a review like this w/pictures. I just FINALLY figured out the "secret" to posting pictures! :)

[2Okies]

Thanks for the review. We go in April and need to find a hotel and parking. So appreciate the hints and advice!!

 

I would highly recommend Galveston Park N Cruise for the convenience, the covered parking (if that is what you want - they have uncovered also) and the price. But the convenience is the best, especially if you pack where you can handle your own bags.

 

But, even if you feel you have too many bags to roll across the street, you could easily drive through in front of the terminal, drop the bags off with the porter, and then go park, and walk back across. Its a very short walk - Maybe 2-3 blocks total from the garage to the terminal.

 

We've kind of learned over the years of cruising to pack lighter, and not take so many clothes, and still leave enough room to bring back small souvenirs. We would much rather the do the self-debarkation if possible because we have a 7 hour drive home.

 

We had 2 large rolling suitcases & 1 medium size - and we still had clothes we didn't wear! I always pack the lightweight backpacks too (the kind you get as freebies many times - that just have the draw string top & straps), so we could put any souvenirs in them to wear off the ship when we get home if we have to. (They also come in handy as beach-bags to the pool or on excursions). This time, I just packed all our dirty clothes in one suitcase, and packed our breakable or fragile purchases in the dirty clothes! Worked perfectly!

[2Okies]

If you have time while you are in Galveston, go visit the Bishop's Palace. This place is gorgeous!

 

 

It was built in the 1800's, and is one of the few homes on Galveston that has withstood the hurricanes. You can tour the 2nd & 3rd floors for $10. My daughter & I did, and here are just a few pictures of the inside. It is just beautiful!

 

Built in buffet in the dining room - the woodwork is just massive & gorgeous.

 

 

Just one of the MANY lovely fireplaces throughout the home.

 

 

You just don't see this kind of stuff done anymore!

 

The Bishop's prayer room

 

 

More in the next post

[stvntra]

My husband and I went there last summer and LOVED it. Also, just last weekend we actually went back but went to Moody Mansion instead - it's JUST as gorgeous but you only get to view the bottom and 2nd floor. The mansions down there are SO beautiful that it's just unreal. Thanks for sharing the pictures! :)

 

 

If you have time while you are in Galveston, go visit the Bishop's Palace. This place is gorgeous!

 

 

It was built in the 1800's, and is one of the few homes on Galveston that has withstood the hurricanes. You can tour the 2nd & 3rd floors for $10. My daughter & I did, and here are just a few pictures of the inside. It is just beautiful!

 

Built in buffet in the dining room - the woodwork is just massive & gorgeous.

 

 

Just one of the MANY lovely fireplaces throughout the home.

 

 

You just don't see this kind of stuff done anymore!

 

The Bishop's prayer room

 

 

More in the next post

[2Okies]

More pictures of the Bishop's palace:

 

The Bishop's bedroom.

 

 

The stained glass throughout the home was stunning

 

The front entry & grand staircase

 

 

 

It's worth a visit. Just to BE in a castle is awesome!

[2Okies]

Ok - I decided to post a few of our excursion pictures here as well.

 

We took the Maya Key Snorkel & Beach excursion through Carnival. I think it was about $150 for the 2 of us, but WELL worth the money. We don't usually do Carnival excursions, but I had read many good reviews on this excursion here on CC, and how good the snorkeling was, so that is why we chose it.

 

When we got off the ship in Roatan, we walked up the boardwalk & into the Carnival shopping area where there were many guys standing there w/signs w/the excursion names on them. We just had to find our excursion, which wasn't difficult. He marked our names off his list and put a paper wrist band on us. He told us we had about 30 minutes, and then to meet him back at the fountain. We browsed some of the shops until that time.

 

The Magic & Dream docked at the Carnival port. We walked up the boardwalk here in front of the ships into the Carnival shopping area to the left.

 

A picture of the port from our balcony. You walk up that winding path into the shopping area, and where the excursion people w/signs are waiting to greet you. The fountain is in the center of the shops.

 

 

More of the shops

 

 

Inside the shopping plaza

 

 

Great Picture opportunity!

 

Next - Maya Key

[2Okies]

If you want GREAT snorkeling - this is THE place in Roatan!

 

You will want to go to the end of this pier, where you can put on your snorkel equipment, and enter the 5' water via a couple of ladders. There are red buoys out in the water to show you where to swim to, and then you will follow the water bottles tied to anchors under the water to maneuver through the reef and out to the "drop off" - which is awesome!! Most of the water is probably 10-15' in most places until you get to the drop off, and then - who knows? But this is where you will see some incredible reef. We wish our day had been more sunny, and the reef would have really sparkled. But, it was the most beautiful we had ever seen - regardless of the weather!

 

You can see the anchored water bottles in this picture.

 

 

 

 

Next - my DH swims with the sharks!

[2Okies]

My DH decided he wanted to do the Shark Encounter at Maya Key. The cost was only $35, which we thought was reasonable. They have about 13 nurse sharks in a very large penned area. When you enter the water, it is about 5'. Some of the pen is deeper than that though. There are also a few stingrays in the pen. Here are some of the pictures he took.

 

They feed the sharks right after you enter the water & get in place. They advised them to keep their hands in close (they could take their own cameras into the water to take all the pictures they wanted. They said the sharks were not aggressive, but advised not putting your hands out, or touching them, as they could think you were lunch, and you could get bit. My DH said they rubbed up against him many times. They were over 6' long.

 

 

 

A flounder he saw in the shark tank

 

I'm glad DH got to do it - but it just wasn't something I could have done!

 

I toured the island looking at the animals.....

[2Okies]

This was more my speed! I loved seeing some of the rescued animals they had around the island....

 

These two were a pair. They didn't seem to like me watching them, and were really fussing at me. I kept my hands away & a safe distance from them! The sure were beautiful though!

 

I can't remember for sure what kind of cat this was.

 

This was a roadrunner! A lot bigger than the ones we have in Oklahoma!

 

Friendly little guy.

[2Okies]

Once more we snorkeled before the downpour of rain drove us out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was so beautiful!

[2Okies]

We took the Sergeant Caye snorkel through Carnival. We have a few pictures, but we didn't think it was anywhere as beautiful as Roatan. My camera decided to quit on me during this excursion, so we didn't get as many pictures. (I got it working later that night - thankfully!)

This excursion is out in the middle of the ocean - near a break. We were in about 10-15' of water. The current was pretty strong here. They do make you wear the snorkel vests.

Anyway, we weren't that impressed with the reef. It just wasn't as pretty, the snorkeling was more difficult because of the current, and the water wasn't as clear.

 

As we were coming into Belize, and before our ship anchored. You see a lot of these small islands - or Caye's as they are called. I looked for Gilligan, but never saw him. :)

 

 

The Carnival Dream was already anchored.

 

Another island. They are everywhere!

 

Our excursion boat picked us right up at the ship - which was very convenient. In Belize, the ships have to anchor quite a distance from shore to protect the reefs.

 

Next up - the snorkeling pictures.

[2Okies]

Here are pictures of our snorkeling in Belize.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't you agree that its not as pretty as the snorkeling we did in Roatan? And, really, it was sunnier on this day. We were disappointed. We should have went cave tubing as we planned originally!

[dramaqueenjan]

THANK YOU.Right now i have rooms booked at Laquinta but when the date gets closer I may try priceline as our room is 185

[2Okies]

THANK YOU.Right now i have rooms booked at Laquinta but when the date gets closer I may try priceline as our room is 185

 

 

Wow! That's quite a bit for a Laquinta!