Anyone on Magica 3/26/06

[stowawaykc]

We were just wondering if anyone was on the same cruise with us who might be able to give some insight on things they may have learned about the cruise.

 

Look forward to hearing from you...:)

[JPhotoz]

I am on this sailing also. I don't have any insight though since I have not been on a Costa before.

 

Myself, Wife, 8 y/o daughter & 6 y/o daughter.

Jordan

[stowawaykc]

Hi Jordan, My wife (Chris) and I have also cruised before. She has been on a Costa ship, but it was a number of years ago, and I have not sailed on this line. We kinda know what to expect, but are always looking for the "deal".

Any info that might help get a cabin upgrade, free/cheap alcohol, tips on excursions, etc would be appreciated.

 

We have 4 kids (all between 9/15 yrs old), but they are staying in Ohio with Grandma. So Chris and I will just have to rough it without

them.:)

Kurt

[wardidaho]

Glad to see a roll call started for our cruise. We have 3 cabins booked, 5 adults and 5 kids (ages 5-11). This is our kids first cruise and we're all very excited! :D

There is a lot of great info on these boards about what to expect on Costa, such as toga night, etc...

This is our Spring Break week and with the kids sail free promo I'd guess there will be lots of kids on this sailing??

Hope to hear from others!

[stowawaykc]

bump

[stowawaykc]

I just cant believe that I started that thread and almost no one has entered anything much on there:confused: . The cruise before us has a ton of people talking about the cruise they are going on. Dont you think it would be nice to maybe meet someone who is going to be on the same cruise as you????:D

Maybe as we get closer, the thread will get more active!!!!!

 

Chris

[indyjones06]

I'll be onboard march 26 with my wife and two daughters 18 and 22. Its been 20+ years since cruising and we are looking forward to the experience again. Before kids, we sailed our own boat and have been hooked! Been reading the reports about the magica and choose not to let them influence me. Any day away from work, anywhere, anytime, is a great day.

[stowawaykc]

Hi Indy, Glad to hear there are others going on this cruise!

We are already counting down the days, can't wait for warm water and sunshine. I am guessing by the screen name that you may be from Indiana?? If so, then you know what I mean about the warm water and sunshine. We are from Ohio (northern), and are already tired of the gray skies and cold. (as usual by this time of year).

My DW and I like to try and go on a cruise once every other year, That seems to make the anticipation even greater once we book.

There is a ton of info on these threads, But I believe that you need to be careful how you read it all. It seems some folks have very high expectations, and end up dissapointed if everything is not just perfect.

I don't know about you, but I can't think of a vacation I ever went on where something didn't go wrong, or not turn out as expected. How we deal with the unexpected determines weather we have a good time or not.

I believe if you look for the negatives, you will find them. On the other hand, If you approach everything with a positive attitude, you will get the most for you money. We paid for it, we are having a good time regardless of other peoples experiences.:)

Hope to talk to you soon!

Kurt

[JPhotoz]

I agree that it is all about your attitude. If you look for things to be bad then they will be. I can't wait. This will be our girls first cruise. Our last cruise was while my wife was pregmant with our 8 year old. I guess it has been a long time. Thay was on the Magesty of the Seas. That was a small ship in comparision to this one. We all should have fun. I have two cabins in the bow of the ship (outside cabin) I hope that that cabin location is OK I have heard differing opions.

 

Jordan

[stowawaykc]

It sounds like your cabin locations are miles and miles away from work, so how could it not be O.K? :) We are still waiting for our cabin assignments,

We booked through a T.A. and booked a guaranteed cabin, we had heard that about 80% of the time, if you book Guaranteed, you will end up in a higher cat than you paid for. I hope the info was accurate, but we are not going to sweat it. The worst that could happen is that we get what we paid for.

I am really enjoying these threads of info, If you have not checked out the Threads on the ports,(click on the "boards" at the top of this page, then scroll down to the ports) you are missing alot. There is a ton if info on all of the different excursions, beaches, restaurants Pubs etc...

We have not booked any excursions yet, are waithing to see some of the more recent reviews. We are also concerned about booking, then not getting our money back if the port gets cancelled or if it is raining that day.

If all we do is hit the beach at each port, and maybe do a little shopping, have a few drinks, It will be a great vacation. Any day away from work is a good day.

 

Counting down the days!

Kurt

[JPhotoz]

We have not made a decisions regarding the port excursions either. My daughters are a little young for many options. I think that my older daughter would enjoy looking at the fish but it would have to be in shallow water. She swims like a fish but I think if she has a life preserver on she would be able to see more. I don't think she has used a snorkel but she has used a mask in the pool.

 

The days are ticking away too slowly.

Jordan

 

PS. Where are all the people on this cruise??

[FLMom]

Count us in for a fantastic week! We have two cabins on the Perugino deck, an inside one for the boys (ages 10 and 7) and a suite across the hall for us. Has anyone been in one of the suites before? Are they nice? The deal we got from our TA was too good to pass up, but I'm not sure if the brochure pictures are of the regular suite or the Grand Suite. My DH won't be able to come along (work commitments), but my MIL will be sailing with me and the kids. It's her first cruise and I think she will love it. Does anyone have any shore excursion suggestions that are appropriate for multi-generations? My MIL is active but has had some heart trouble and can't walk too far.

 

Any feedback on the kid's club? I know the age breakdown will allow both boys to be together. We had an incredible experience on the Mariner of the Seas (it was the kids first time cruising) and I'm curious how the kid's staff is on the Magica.

 

Looking forward to a great vacation,

[JPhotoz]

Count us in for a fantastic week! We have two cabins on the Perugino deck, an inside one for the boys (ages 10 and 7) and a suite across the hall for us. Has anyone been in one of the suites before? Are they nice? The deal we got from our TA was too good to pass up, but I'm not sure if the brochure pictures are of the regular suite or the Grand Suite. My DH won't be able to come along (work commitments), but my MIL will be sailing with me and the kids. It's her first cruise and I think she will love it. Does anyone have any shore excursion suggestions that are appropriate for multi-generations? My MIL is active but has had some heart trouble and can't walk too far.

 

Any feedback on the kid's club? I know the age breakdown will allow both boys to be together. We had an incredible experience on the Mariner of the Seas (it was the kids first time cruising) and I'm curious how the kid's staff is on the Magica.

 

Looking forward to a great vacation,

 

Here is a deck plan. Just Click on the deck you are on. If you click the cabin number it will show you a layout of the cabin on the right side.

 

 

http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/Costa/magica.htm

 

 

Jordan

[JoshGrrrr]

I almost booked this cruise, but settled with the Mediterranea instead. I have been to all the ports the Magica is hitting on this sailing, but the Mediterranea is going to some new places.

 

We will all be at the same port on the same day it seems.

[Twin's]

We are also crusing at the same time, same place. We are very excited. :) I have done tons of research on this trip but cannot pass it on right now because I have to get supper. That is something I will not have to do on the cruise:D :D . We have an outside cabin and booked thru a TA. I cruised several years ago but this is my sister's very first cruise. She is a newbie but soon she will be an oldie!!! Glad everyone is looking forward to all this. More after I make dinner!

[Twin's]

OK - supper in the oven - pork chops el la Shake and Bake! We are on the Magica Caravaggio Deck 6 outside cabin. We are leaving from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Excursions - I have done a wee bit of checking. If we pick up an excurison in Ocho Rios as opposed to the excursion offered by the ship, it is 1/3 the cost. Apparently, this is true of all excursions. I have e-mailed Jamaica to ask. Our TA said not to worry, the excursions are not full on board which has been reported. She also said many excursions from shore are the same as offered on ship. Just make sure you get a price from the tour guide before you agree to an excursion. Now, we would not, a two women, get into a cab and head into the interior of a country - that could be dangerous - one does need to be careful - I think. Also, the safe in your room. Use any magnetic card. We are going to use a Zeller's Club Z card. If it gets lost - all anyone gets is my points at Zellers. The point is - she said not to use a credit card or room key card. Any card with a black strip will work. Another point we are going to do. I will go to the main desk and tell them I do not want automatic tipping on my credit card. That is not uncommon. Then, I will tip in cash the folks who deserve the tip - ie. cabin stewart, waiter etc. It could be more it could be less - the point is I will decide where my money goes. This is not an uncommon practice. Also, we will photo copy our passports and leave our passports on the ship. All countries accept photo copy unless you are working with a teller in a bank. In Grand Cayman, the money capital of the world, there are numerous, numerous, numerous, banks and it your are running low on cash - it is a good place to use your inter-act card to get some cash. Another tip I heard about - when you get on board you are handed a drink with an umberalla. If you do not want to pay for it - say no thankyou. It is not a freebie! There is a photo guy on board who takes your picture uninvited - not unusual on ships. He will take it and ask what room you are in - you just bought a picture. If you do not want it - say not thankyou even if has taken the picture. What to Bring - Yellow Highlights to mark what you want to do in the Paper they give you everyday. Downey Wrinkle Release for spray on clothes from a suitcase. Tide Pen for little spills. Toga belts and cheap decorations. Baggies to shore food in the fridge. If you do not use the drinks in the mini fridge have the cabin man remove them and he will. Night lite - those cabins get dark. Take lots of $1 dollar bills for tipping. Corkscrw. Duck Tape. Something to hang a key card on. Clthes Pins. Cheap Watch. Bungie (sp) cord to hold back the curtin your room if you have a window or balcony. Cheap over the door shoe holder - I guess they are invaluable. Travel Clock. Back pack is great for shore excurisions - hands are free. Air freshener for bathroom. Decorate your cabin door so you can find it easily - they all look the same. Just a few ideas so far. We are really, really exited. Supper is ready. Anybody for Pork Chops el la Shake and Bake?

The Twins.

[FLMom]

Thanks for the link, Jordan! I was able to see exactly what I curious about. :D

 

Your daughters - if they both swim well - might really enjoy the snorkeling trips. They do provide child sized life vests, and if they don't like the snorkel they can just hold their breath to look down. On our last Cruise our sons were 5 and 7 1/2. Our youngest is a good swimmer but did not enjoy snorkeling. He loved being in the water with the mask though. Our older one had a blast! The colors were amazing and we all had a great time. This was on another line and in St. John. I've heard Grand Cayman has amazing snorkeling, though. For Cozumel, I did get some info. from a co-worker yesterday that the Jeep Trip to Chack-Tun Cave is well worth the price. She had a great time and happened to be on the trip with her Mom, too.

 

Great suggestions from The Twin's. Based on my cruising experience I concur.

 

The only other item we've done in the past - cruising with kids - is to pack cash in envelopes that we keep in the safe. One envelope per day in port. This acts as our spending money while ashore. The kids have an allotment to buy souveniers and such. The part that seems to make it work for us is that the kids have participated in earning and budgeting ahead of time. They look for all sorts of things to do to earn money up to the day we leave. Any money not used can get moved into another day's envelope. Everything is in cash which makes it easy. Just take out that days envelope and your set. It makes getting ready in the morning - particularly for early excursions - a breeze. One less thing to remember. Plus, if anything happens to it, the rest are safe in the safe!

 

Also, I typically have envelopes made in advance for the cabin steward/ess, waiter, busboy, etc. With extra money anticipating the outstanding service that I will receive. However, I think I read that Costa charges this to your room account, so only extra tipping would need to be done in cash. Can someone confirm this???

 

The last cruise we took I think I had a dozen envelopes when we boarded! DH and I also had a special one for wagering - kind of the designated casino "entertainment" fund. Any winnings either went back into that envelope for the next day or into a port day for extra shopping.

 

It probably sounds like overkill, but it could be my super organized personality.:p

 

Still looking for reviews on the kids club and any suggestions on good excursions for our 3 generation party - particularly in Ocho Rios. I so want to see the Falls but I'm concerned about her walking too much. I think we're going to do a sail & snorkel in Grand Cayman and the Jeep Tour in Cozumel.

 

I can't believe it's only a month away now... Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

 

Suzanne (sailing 3/26 with sons Alex -10 and Kyle -7 and MIL Barbara)

[Twin's]

All those tips about envelops is a really good. I too am super organized that tip is really a good idea. Thanks. As we said re: tips for waiter etc.

It allows you to pay in cash. I will go to the main desk and tell them I do not want automatic tipping on my credit card. That is not uncommon. Then, I will tip in cash the folks who deserve the tip - ie. cabin stewart, waiter etc. It could be more it could be less - the point is I will decide where my money goes. This is not an uncommon practice.

 

Can't believe it is so close. Anybody have any other great tips?

[stowawaykc]

Here is the passenger list so far:

Stowawaykc- Kurt & Chris

Jphotoz- Jordan/Wife 2 Daughters (6 & 8 yrs old)

Wardidaho- 5 Adults, 5 Kids

Indyjones/wife 2 Daughters (18 & 22 yrs old)

Twins & Her Sister

Flmom/MIL, 2 Sons (7 & 10 yrs old)

Josh- NO WAIT, HE IS ON THE MEDITERRANIA (sp) sorry about your luck Josh! Just kiddin,:) We had a tough time deciding which ship to sail also, we only picked the Majica because we love Key west, and really want to see Grand Caymen. We missed that port on our last cruise because of a medical emergency on the ship.

 

This is a lot of ship for so few people! It looks like there will be short lines at the buffet :)

 

Who is going to do the Toga Night??

We think we want to, but have never done a toga party, so we are a little concerned about looking silly. I guess we wouldn't be as concerned if we knew there would be a lot of others participating.

 

Thanks Flamom and Twins for all of the tips, you guys covered alot of ground in a couple of posts!

 

Was watching Wheel of Fortune tonight, they gave away a cruise on the Majica/Medditerania, It was cool to see "our" ship on TV.

 

Where is everyone from? We are in Northern Ohio (Stow).

Is anybody else FREEZING?

 

Getting closer!!!

Kurt

[JoshGrrrr]

Grand Cayman is my favorite port so far. If I bought a vacation home anywhere in the Caribbean, it would be there.

 

Hope you guys have fun.

[Twin's]

Hi - great to see the comments. My twin sister (Twin's) and I are from Ontario, Canada. It is cold up here but it is not as bad as some other winters. We are doing TOGA night - Where's my Toga; Where's my Toga:) . According to all I have read - upwards from 80% of people on board participate in Toga night. Everyone talks about how much fun it is. Actually, there is a practical reason for Toga night. It allows people to pack and only leave out the clothes one needs for leaving the ship on Sunday. We put our suitcases outside the door before we go to sleep for pickup ( not our carry-on). I understand on Sunday you can pick out the people who forgot to leave clothes out for leaving the ship - they are dressed in Toga's (Ha-Ha-Ha). I agree, it is going to be a very short line up for whatever - ;) We are looking forward to having just the best time - no kids just my twin sister and I. Toga, Toga, Toga

 

Sharon and Karen

[JoshGrrrr]

Twin Sisters? Damn, I did pick the wrong ship.

[Twin's]

Too bad Josh - my twin sister (Karen) says "Well switch it."

I have been following the temps - it ranges from 67F at 7 AM to 92F at noon, to 75F at 7PM. Toga- Toga- Toga!

[JPhotoz]

We can't wait either.

 

It is 29 degrees here in NY right now. But like Twins said this year has been warm in comparision to other years. We do expect some snow tomorrow though. I would like it to be 70 - 90 here right now too.

 

Good idea for the spending money for my girls on the ports. They like to spend. Maybe we could get them to do some work around the house too.

 

Less than 30 days.

 

Jordan

[JoshGrrrr]

Damn. The magica is down to $384pp for an inside.

 

I really do wish I had chosen this ship now.

 

That is by far the lowest price I've ever seen for a 7 day.

 

Damn you people and your newer ship and lower prices....DAMN YOU!!!!