Magic

[dpepper64]

Was wondering what everyone thinks about the Magic.   Looking at a cruise in Oct next year out of Norfolk.  We would not have to fly as we live close by.  Never been on a Carnival ship because worried about too many kids.  Love kids but want to be able to relax while on vacation.   Please give me all the good and bad.  Thanks

[groundloop]

We just got off of Magic a couple of weeks ago.  It's a perfectly fine ship, no complaints at all. 

 

As far as kids, that's largely a matter of booking a cruise when they're in school.  

[havanadaydreaming]

My first cruise was Breeze, Magic sister ship. We have sailed Magic 2x, had a great time.  

 

My wife thought it was a little worn, in places, and i then saw it too.  Didnt impact my fun whatsoever but it could impact those seeking perfection.  

[mondello]

1 hour ago, dpepper64 said:

Was wondering what everyone thinks about the Magic.   Looking at a cruise in Oct next year out of Norfolk.  We would not have to fly as we live close by.  Never been on a Carnival ship because worried about too many kids.  Love kids but want to be able to relax while on vacation.   Please give me all the good and bad.  Thanks

You should be fine in Oct. 2022. Most kids will be in school. There are always some, either home schooled or just taken out of school because that's when parents can afford to cruise. It would be great to not have to fly to get to the cruise.

[Colorado Beach Bum]

Magic has a very nice layout.  October shouldn’t have as many kids but we’ve never had a problem with too many kids as we don’t really hang out in same areas as them.  

[Alvarado Cruiser]

On 10/10/2021 at 10:34 AM, dpepper64 said:

Was wondering what everyone thinks about the Magic.   Looking at a cruise in Oct next year out of Norfolk.  We would not have to fly as we live close by.  Never been on a Carnival ship because worried about too many kids.  Love kids but want to be able to relax while on vacation.   Please give me all the good and bad.  Thanks

Same. Looking at Oct 2023 though.  Have only sailed HAL in the past and would welcome anyone with a direct comparison to share their opinion.

[ChrisNCruiser]

Sailing out of Norfolk is great and I''m considering that same Magic sailing. I just went on the Magic for the first time last month and I'm going again next week - it's not my favorite Carnival ship but I don't hate it either. I agree with another poster that the ship has a little wear and tear but doesn't look raggedy. The decor is a little generic and humdrum compared to any of the Carnival ships that followed it (Carnival started using other designers after the Magic), but it's not ugly and it has plenty of amenities. I believe it will be the largest ship to sail out of Norfolk, which could be good or bad depending on your preference. While we love a party atmosphere, we also enjoy quieter times when cruising, and we were always able to find a quiet corner somewhere. On a full sailing (which is likely out of Norfolk), you may want to consider a balcony cabin on the Magic if you want a place to avoid the masses. 

[Bostwick girl]

We are going on our 3rd cruise since August 30 on Magic Oct 31, so guess you could say we like it! It’s a nice ship, yes a little worn, but that doesn’t bother us. It’s really a good size, enjoy the Ocean Galley area for entertainment, trivia and stuff like that. The non smoking casino on deck 4 is nice, the main casino on deck 5 is much better about smokiness since you have to be actively playing to smoke in there.  The crew is awesome, everyone is so friendly and happy to be working again!  As for kids, we haven’t seen very many on either of these cruises, most likely because of vaccination exemptions. Basically to avoid kids, don’t sail in the summer months.  There’s plenty of areas where you can relax. Serenity is fine.  Enjoy your cruise!

 

[jsglow]

I had not known that Magic has assumed the role of 'east coast rover' in the same way Sunshine used to.  I think that's great because that means some interesting and different itineraries to include the Canadian maritime provinces.

 

She's a very nice ship.  One of Carnival's most popular.

Edited October 15, 2021 by jsglow