Celebration vs Magic

[DG2004]

I haven’t cruised in 12years and this will be my #11 on carnival and my girlfriends first on carnival.
 

We are deciding between the magic and the celebration.  Same itinerary slightly different different lengths small price difference.

 

does anyone have any insight or advice?

[Drose716]

I’ve been on both. I’ll say they felt drastically different. The celebration is obviously newer. It has more/better dining options & some interesting new bars. It’s larger. It’s really pretty/modern in design. I didn’t love the layout in some ways though. The food options are far more spaced out & it was very inconvenient sometimes for a large family (4 kids) that all wanted different things that happened to be decks apart. I also felt very disconnected from the sea. High glass all over. Dream class has some of that, but not all over.
 

I loved the magic when I sailed it back in 2018. I like the layout of dream class. Still has a good amount of updates & dining options. The decor is still the old Farcus era, but still nice IMO. 
 

if the itinerary/price or something else important to my decision gave Magic the edge, I wouldn’t hesitate to sail Magic again. But all things being fairly equal, go with Celebration. In fact, I was originally booked on magic when Celebration opened up. The itinerary was better for us & the price difference was small so we jumped ship quickly.

Edited July 24, 2023 by Drose716

[jimbo5544]

Been on both within the last 8 months and the Magic 3 times.  Totally different experience.  Food - Celebration.  Things to do on ship - Celebration.  Crowds - Magic.  Entertainment  - Celebration.  What are your expectations?  Cruising is cruising, but there are tons more bells and whistles on Celebration but there are also a lot more people. 

[joe/jack]

51 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Been on both within the last 8 months and the Magic 3 times.  Totally different experience.  Food - Celebration.  Things to do on ship - Celebration.  Crowds - Magic.  Entertainment  - Celebration.  What are your expectations?  Cruising is cruising, but there are tons more bells and whistles on Celebration but there are also a lot more people. 

Been on Mardi Gras and Magic 

if you like bells and whistles yes

Celebration 

if you like less crowds and a little 

more laid back than Magic would

be a better choice 

For us Magic suits our taste 

[Essiesmom]

I haven’t sailed a Carnival ship larger than Magic.  Don’t want to.  But I’m an old lady.  But if it is her first cruise, Magic will wow her.  No need to start with the newest,  biggest.  EM

[hard_eight]

Done both, the Magic a few times...

 

As others have said, depends on what you're looking for. I wouldn't hesitate to book either but, I'd prefer the Celebration slightly. Large non-smoking casino matters to me. 

[vacruisin]

We've done both (Magic 3X and Celebration 1X) and love them both.  I'll echo what many others have said and it just boils down to what you're looking for on that particular cruise.  We've been on both the Celebration and Mardi Gras and they definitely have more bells and whistles, hence more people, than the Magic.  However, I much more enjoy the layout of the Dream class ships.  More condensed and less crowded works just fine for me; and I love the T-pool!  

 

To me you can't go wrong no matter which you choose.

 

Happy Sailing all!! 

[Mr305]

Been on Magic prior to its recent dry dock but here are some comparisons:

 

Magic:

• Rooms are a bit dated, at the time I went on, the carpets were in need of replacement (Stains).
• Mattress was on its way out but besides this and above, everything else worked as expected.
• Rust was everywhere, even the paint job as a whole had an orange look to it (Pre-Covid).
• Shower curtain, no big deal.
• Staff was fantastic as well as all the dinning venues, older Carnival shows but you'll enjoy them.
• Internet was abysmal.
• No USB or additional outlets by the bed, just the desk area.

 

Celebration:

• Blazing fast Internet.
• Rooms are a bit more narrow but longer, bathroom is on the small side.  It has a shower door and lots of storage space.
• Plenty of outlets at the desk area, USB by the bed, both sides.
• Newer ship, decor is more pleasing compared to Magic.  Not that the Magic decor is horrible in any way, shape or form.  More modern/upscale looking.
• Lots of dinning options including some new restaurants (Shaq's Chicken, Rudi's Seafood Grill, ChiBang, Street Foods by Lido (3 options), Emeril's.
• Lots to do on the ship while at sea (Bolt, Bigger Obstacle Course, Multiple Pools,Etc.)
• Al Fresco options when it comes to dinning/eating, as well as plenty of outdoor seating areas.
• Loft19 as well as an expanded Serenity area.
• Ship is big and didn't feel crowded at all.
• The only negative about the XL Class is the stage area where most shows are held, seating is limited as well as the viewing areas.  It will be a turn off as you'll have to get there quite early if you want good seats.
• Limited shops, for a ship this size, not many.
• Also, depending on where your cabin is, the viewing angle to front/back of the ship might be limited.  Unless that is, your cabin is one of the ones at the very edge of the ship or a Cove Balcony.  Avoid a cabin next to a Suite (Corner Ones) as they can see into your cabin from their balcony.  YouTube to get a better idea.
• Main dinning room food or service was not great, however, I went on the inaugural cruise out of Miami.  Expected as the crew is just getting their sea legs when it comes to service.
• Breakfast is served in different venues, plenty of options, not just Buffet or Main Dinning Room.
• Guy's Burger has its own covered seating area.  Pig and Anchor is much larger, includes a "Heroes Tribute Lounge", plus you can get dinner as well as a free breakfast option here.

 

We had a great time on both, I prefer Celebration.  In fact, we will be back on this Thanksgiving on a 7 Day to the Eastern Caribbean.  With that said, you can't go wrong with either one.

[DG2004]

Thanks for the feedback all

[CruizinSusan70]

You didn't go into the different days involved 8v7, 7v6 and the price as well.  You also said it was your GF's first on Carnival, but if she has cruised before, what ship was it?  It's usually better to go with the longer cruise versus a shorter one, but if your GF previously cruised on one of the newer, larger ships from NCL or RCI, then the Celebration will be a possible upgrade, while the Magic not so much.