Costa Magica Review (lengthy!:

[odaisydukeo]

Just returned from Costa Magica, Western Caribbean.

Don’t believe everything you read. If you go with an open mind, you will be pleased and surprised.

Embarkation: We waited until about 2:00pm to get to the port. Left our bags on the curb, checked in (about 10 min.) line and right on the ship. It was absolutely beautiful. People were writing that it was gawdy and had low ceilings. Don’t believe this. The ship is ornate and clean and stunning. You come in on Deck 3 which has a beautiful atrium with panoramic elevators. We went straight up to our room, our Costa cards and everything was there for us.

Room: Veronese Deck 8 w/balcony. The room was MUCH bigger than I had imagined. Tons and tons of space. Do not worry about bringing extra stuff, you don’t need it. There were 3 large wardrobes, several drawers and hidden storage everywhere. Nice couch and table. Vanity to sit at. Balcony is awesome with two chairs and a table. Bathroom quite roomy, with lots of shelves. Loved the shower. Very clean and had everything you need. Body wash dispenser, tons of towels, hairdryer, room under bed for luggage, lots of hangers, etc.

Ship: The ship is just beautiful. Lots of space. We had about 3200 people on board, and there were no lines, or crowds. Very clean. Staff was everywhere, very very pleasant. No complaints whatsoever.

Food: Food was really good. Dining room food had some exotic choices, but could always order salad, hamburger, etc. Also, could order just some of the courses, or two of one course, etc. Wait staff amazing in all restaurants, really wait on you hand and foot. Portions might be small for some people’s taste if you didn’t have all courses. My suggestion: try one of everything! Breakfast in room on balcony was the best. Fill out form the night before and put it on your door. Next morning, you have a wake up call (can choose time) when the room service arrives. Pastries, cereal, yogurt and cappuccino. It didn’t get much better than that. The buffets were quite good as well. Usually the late buffet (730-930pm) served similar dishes than the dining room. If you’re not sure what you want to eat, check out the menus outside the Buffet and there is the dining room menu and buffet menu—then choose. Grill by pool had great food as well. Portofino restaurant was excellent.

Staff: Amazing. Everyone was happy and helpful. Not one crabby person. Very very accommodating and helpful at all times.

Entertainment. In my opinion, a bit amateurish. But, still entertaining. Loved the Toga Night. Hilarious. Entertainment in lounges was mediocre, but again, entertaining at times.

Activities. Really good. Always something to do and see. If you are worried about the Days at Sea, don’t be. You can do Arts and Crafts, go to a seminar at the spa, work out, play tennis, people watch, go swimming, go to Trivia, play bingo, go to the casino, and of course—eat!

Ports: Loved them all. Grand Cayman a bit disappointing. Very commercialized and 8 ships in port that day. A lot of diamond and jewellery hype. Saw WAY too many t-shirts. My favorite: Ocho Rios and Grand Turk. Both beautiful.

Cozumel: Shopped! Ate at La Choza, just awesome.

G. Cayman: Not a lot to do. Ate at the bakery (yellow building) and went on Captain Bryan. $35 and very well worth it. You can buy your pictures with the stingray (bargain with them!). Loved it.

Ocho Rios: Hired Marva Shaw. Absolutely awesome. Took us everywhere we wanted to go (Dunn River Falls, local market, Jamaican restaurant, through the countryside, pottery factory). She was great. www.knowjamaica.com

Grand Turk: Very unspoiled, and loved it. The Horse and Carriage ride was great, but pricey and only available through the ship ($45) and too short. You’d be better off taking a cab to the start of Duke Street (along the water) and walking to downtown. Cab is $5 a person. Downtown has nothing really but neat to see anyway. You could ask the cab driver to drive you around as well. Just beautiful scenery. Ate at Water’e Edge. Incredible view. Good food.

General suggestions: Have breakfast in your room, try all the buffet restaurants. If you don’t like to dress up, don’t. Go to the buffet instead! Join the activities. Book your own excursions if you can. Explore the entire ship.

Not-so-favorite parts of the cruise: 900 high school kids on spring break that were loud and obnoxious. Easy enough to get away/stay away from them. They did dominate the dance lessons or any activities on the stage by the pool. Also, early dinner time. We had requested late seating, but when we went to speak to the maitre’d he insisted that there was no room. (Apparently later we found out all the kids were giving late seating together). Entertainment could have been better. Also, hearing about all the great deals people (and teachers) got—we paid 3x more so make sure you really shop.

Disembarkation: Gave a number, went to meeting place, 10 minutes later, walking off ship, through customs, in bus to airport. 15 minutes max.

The Costa Magica was really fun and I would go again in a heartbeat. This was my first cruise, so not a lot to compare but everything exceeded my expectations.

If you have any specific questions, please let me know. I had sooo many questions and now I have the answers. odaisydukeo@yahoo.com

[cruisernh]

Are the pools heated? Any fresh water pools?

[cruisernh]

Are the pools heated? Any fresh water pools?

[mafig]

Thank you so much for your review.

 

You said you enjoyed the specialty restaurant. Can you give me an idea of what was on the menu? What did you order? Since Costa doesn't serve lobster on formal night any longer, did you happen to notice the size of the lobster tail in the specialty restaurant?

 

Did you order any wine or drink package?

 

How was the casino?

[odaisydukeo]

Hi--

 

The pools were nice, a bit small if you really like swimming (for exercise). Make sure you use the one that is on the ADULTS only side, it was great, and never crowded. I think they were heated, I didn't notice the temp. at all.

 

I didn't go to the specialty restaurant. Sorry, I cannot comment.

 

We bought the X1. I forgot to mention that in my review. it took us a long time to get it from COSTA before we left. It was pretty good value.

 

FYI: the X1 now has it's own "wine", a red and a white, not bad. We were able to get served during lunch until 230 and then again from about 5-10 or so at night in the dining room, at the buffet and at the pool bar. Could not get served at any of the clubs. You really have to use it to pay for it. No mixed drinks, just white, red wine and draft. And soda and mineral water.

 

Casino was disappointing. Did not win anything! Some people playing the tables, the min. bet was $5. There are slots, poker slots and a few tables. I think poker and blackjack. That's it.

 

Keep the questions coming.

[Stormlover]

Did you purchase any of their photos? How much were they?

 

How many hot tubs were there by the adults only pool?

[Jdleong]

What amenities were there in you cabin? ie shampoo,toothpaste?

[mom and wife]

If they do not have lobster! Do they have crab legs on formal night?

 

The shows after dinner are they ok to take your kids (ages 5 and 7) to? Do not want las Vegas (butt sticking out:eek: )

 

Our kids can not wait until they get to use the water slide. Was it really busy and did you see adults go down the slide also?

 

What was your favorite things to order for breakfast from room service? That is what we will be doing most days. I did not know about the sign to fill out for breakfast (door hanger) and time to get up that is a great thing thank you for that advise .

 

On the last day we do not need to get off the ship until we have to. Because we are going back to a hotel and can not check in until 3 p.m. The hotels will let us use the pools until then but could get borning after 5 hours. But we thought we could sleep in and let the people that really need to get off and on there way do that. My question is :

 

What is the latest you can wake up the day we disembark and still eat breakfast?

 

Did you take your passports off with you when you went on land? I am scared then we go swimming with the sting rays that we would not be able to watch them.:eek:

 

Is there smoking by the pools?:confused:

 

Are we going to miss the sail away party sence we are the first dinner?

 

In your cruise "News" ( think that is what it is called?) does it say when renewing vows are, we are doing that and would like to know what day they are doing that?

 

Are the craft and art classes free? Did you go to any what did you make if you did or saw people make?

 

Was the port in FL you got off the ship safe we have to wait for our hotel to pick us up and we have two small children and the hotel can take up to an hour to pick us up.

 

What was at the midnight buffet?

 

Did you have kids with you? If so have some questions about kids club.

 

I hope I did not have to many questions.:( Any advice would be great also.

 

Thank you for your time!!! Can not wait:cool:

[odaisydukeo]

If they do not have lobster! Do they have crab legs on formal night?

Yes, there were crab legs. I don't think you will be disappointed. The dining room is very formal, there are wait staff everywhere waiting on you, and the food is spectacular. As I said earlier, if you are a big eater, make sure you order all 6 (yes 6!) courses or order two entrees.

 

The shows after dinner are they ok to take your kids (ages 5 and 7) to? Do not want las Vegas (butt sticking out )

The shows are good for kids. The one, Cinemagique, the second last night, had showgirl type dancers, but they were wearing body suits and thongs. Most kids wouldn't really notice it. There were kids at every show that I went to. They seemed to enjoy it. There are always 2 shows, one early (7ish) and one later (930 or so) except a couple of nights they were quite late. Depends on the port departure.

 

Our kids can not wait until they get to use the water slide. Was it really busy and did you see adults go down the slide also?

I didn't see adults. The water slide has weird hours. I have the "Today" program here, I will look it up for you. The day at sea, it was open 1030-1230 and 230-430. I wasn't really on deck at those times. I can tell you that it looks cool!

 

What was your favorite things to order for breakfast from room service? That is what we will be doing most days. I did not know about the sign to fill out for breakfast (door hanger) and time to get up that is a great thing thank you for that advise .

 

The breakfast is simple. You can order other breakfasts, but you will have to pay. We had yogurt, croissants, pastry and cereal. You can order juice and coffee as well. Make sure you order alot. For two people, we order 2 cappucinos, 2 coffees, 4 pastries, some yogurt and some cereal. Make sure you order the milk and cream for cereal and coffee. There are times on the front in 1/2 hour increments. It was always on time, or early. They bring it right into your room!

 

On the last day we do not need to get off the ship until we have to. Because we are going back to a hotel and can not check in until 3 p.m. The hotels will let us use the pools until then but could get borning after 5 hours. But we thought we could sleep in and let the people that really need to get off and on there way do that. My question is :

 

What is the latest you can wake up the day we disembark and still eat breakfast?

Problem with disembarking. You have to be OUT of your room by 8am,. But, you have put all of your luggage outside the night before, so you just have hand luggage. You are given a certain colour of tag. No matter what you get, go down to Guest Services and change it. I think the latest time is 10am. Breakfast is served in the restaurants until 930 and the buffet until 10. You could have breakfast at 930 and then go. The pools and everything are closed on the day of disembarkation. I would try and find out if there is any way you can get into your room earlier. Another option is there are disembarkation day excursions, like the Everglades tour. When you get on the ship, there is a huge tour brochure. You could go on that, and then go to your hotel later. You should check that out.

 

Did you take your passports off with you when you went on land? I am scared then we go swimming with the sting rays that we would not be able to watch them. You have to take your passport with you. Every time you get back on the ship, they check your Costa Card and your passport. When we went swimming with the Stingrays, we left everything on board. We didn't worry about people touching our things. We could see the boat in plain sight. Plus, these people make their living off cruise ship passengers, they make sure everything is ok. You could buy one of those water-proof thingies and put it there (they sell them on the ship as well), but your stuff is probably safe. We went through Captain Bryan and felt very secure.

 

Is there smoking by the pools?

There is one side of the deck that you can smoke. If you can picture it, on the 9th floor there is a large outdoor area where alot of people sunbathe, with the kids pool and two hottubs. Under the deck above, there is an overhang and tables. On one side, you can smoke. What we preferred is the other side, it is adults only and kids under 6 in the pool. You can't smoke here. In between these two outdoor decks is the buffet.

 

Are we going to miss the sail away party sence we are the first dinner?

There really is no "sail away" party. Up on deck 9, there is a stage, and there is always staff teaching dance lessons, games, etc. If you are first dinner, you will be eating dessert when you pull away. There really isn't a hoopla. As I said before, if you find the early dinner is too early or you are too tired, just wait and go to the buffet from 730-930. Alot of the same food, still very nice with wait staff.

 

In your cruise "News" ( think that is what it is called?) does it say when renewing vows are, we are doing that and would like to know what day they are doing that?

Sure, it's called TODAY. and it comes in your cabin at 9pm every night. It tells you everything, its like a bible. We took some magnets and stuck them to the wall for easy access (walls are metal). The renewal of the vows on our cruise was the last day at sea (Sat) at 5pm.

 

Are the craft and art classes free? Did you go to any what did you make if you did or saw people make?

 

The arts and crafts are free. However, I will warn you that they are for adults only. Some kids got turned away. The kids programs are incredible-- the kids were having so much fun doing their own thing. We made paper flowers, painted on wine glasses, folded napkins, etc. It is very informal, but very fun. Lots of people carrying the paper flowers on the last day.

 

Was the port in FL you got off the ship safe we have to wait for our hotel to pick us up and we have two small children and the hotel can take up to an hour to pick us up.

The port was fine. There are alot of pushy porters, but we just said NO every time they asked us if we wanted a ride. You'll be fine. Once they realized you were waiting for someone, they will leave you alone.

What was at the midnight buffet?

The midnight buffet every night is something different. There were ice sculptures and neat stuff. It wasn't a ton a food, more of a snack. Sometimes we were too tired to make it until midnight! There was italian, mediterrean night (greece, italy, france), flambe, etc.

 

Did you have kids with you? If so have some questions about kids club.

No, no kids with me. But, I am a teacher and I talked to some of the kids. They loved it. There is a Mini and Maxi club which is 3-12 years and a TeenZone club. Lots of fun activities. The teens had their own special dinners, dances etc. On your way to get on the ship, there is a booth set up with some of the counsellors, balloons and a program of activities. Looked awesome. The kids looked like they were having a blast!

 

I hope I did not have to many questions. Any advice would be great also.

 

Thank you for your time!!! Can not wait

 

No problem! Keep the questions coming~!

[jcbaz]

What is the dress code for formal night? We are bringing our three kids. The boys do not have suit jackets- are shirts and ties ok? And my daughter has some nice dresses but only nice new sandles to go with them- is this ok or should she have proper dress shoes? One of her dresses is a halter top- very classy and long- is this ok? We don't want to be under dressed but at the same time don't want to buy more than we have to!! Thanks for all the info.

[jcbaz]

I'm confused on the room service. On Carnival it was free anytime. How does Costa do this? And what is the earliest they will bring breakfast to your room? There is a restaurant too for breakfast, right? And what hours are they open? Thanks!!!

[Morgsmom]

Room service is free - you should most likely tip a $ or two. The earliest breakfast is served is 7 am, so I was usually up & waiting by the time my cappucinos arrived (as DD slept so soundly in bed). The R.S. menu is MORE limited than Carnival, but will do in a pinch (there is a midnight buffet EVERY night on Costa, so you can do late night munchies more efficently there than through room service.) Have fun & enjoy (and bring lots of singles :cool: )

[Morgsmom]

Sorry, forgot to answer.... any dress will be lovely on formal night. We wear gowns because that is the only chance other than weddings that we get to, but you DON'T HAVE TO. The boys will be fabulous in shirt & tie - no worries, you are on vacation!!!

 

Go, eat, enjoy.

[odaisydukeo]

Hi,

 

To answer your questions: There was a WIDE array of formal wear. I felt most comfortable in a semi-casual dress. I did see only a few very formal dresses, most people had middle-of-the-road dressy stuff. For the kids, don't worry about it, they'll look adorable!

 

ABout the room service. There is basic stuff (consomme and chilled soup), ceasar salad (with chicken, shrimp), a few kinds of sandwiches. Basically easy stuff.

 

As mentioned, the r.s. breakfast starts at 7. There are coffee and crossants served frm 7-730, and the buffet is open from 730-10am. The restaurants have breakfast from 730-930am.

[odaisydukeo]

Did you purchase any of their photos? How much were they?

The photos start at $10. We found that as the trip went on, the prices were cheaper. Many photo opps if you want them (with the captain, in front of a scene for formal night). Don't by them right away, they keep them until the last day.

How many hot tubs were there by the adults only pool? There are two. Not very large though!

[mom and wife]

Thank you so much for answering all of my questions. You had wonderful answers. I am so glad you had a great time. I can not wait my documents came today:D .In my documents it has tours to order form but not at port. How did you here about the tours on port? Do you just wait until you are on ship.

 

What time is early dinner? We eat early so that will be great for us!

 

Do you really need an extra mattress or did they replace the thin ones?

 

Did they make any towel animals? The kids want to know?

 

On Carnical we did not get to take the kids but they had a night when the kids got to eat with other kids and adults got to eat allone is that on your TODAY?

 

Did they have free dance lessons, cooking classes and learn Italian?

 

Thank you for letting me know about no kids in art. I might have brought my DD she loves art!! I hope kids club at same time! So I can go so the fun things.

 

Is there a steam room for free at the spa?

[odaisydukeo]

Thank you so much for answering all of my questions. You had wonderful answers. I am so glad you had a great time. I can not wait my documents came today .In my documents it has tours to order form but not at port. How did you here about the tours on port? Do you just wait until you are on ship.

You can order some online but only up until a few days before your cruise. You can wait until you get on the ship. There is a "kiosk" where you can order them on your own, or there is an Excursions Desk on Deck 3. Very helpful and friendly. Which ones are not at port? Some are on disembarkation day, in case you are staying overnight in a hotel.

 

 

What time is early dinner? We eat early so that will be great for us! It's 5:30 at Portofino or 5:45 at Smeralda. The details will be in your cabin. We didnt' enjoy early dinner (we asked for late) because some of the port times are around 5 or so. So, if you want to make the most of the day, you want to say on land for as long as you want! We ate at the buffet the nights we didn' make the dinner time.

 

Do you really need an extra mattress or did they replace the thin ones? Yes, you need the mattress. As soon as you meet your cabin steward, ask them. I coudln't believe the difference. The first one is like a cot, the second one is like a cloud. Ask right away.

 

Did they make any towel animals? The kids want to know? No, no towel animals. But apparently the kids program has lots of fun stuff!

 

On Carnical we did not get to take the kids but they had a night when the kids got to eat with other kids and adults got to eat allone is that on your TODAY? No, nothing like that. Depends how old the kids are. There are 2 kids clubs (mini and maxi() and a teen zone. THere are always events in there. You'd have to ask when you get on board. Better yet, stop and talk to the reps on the way on the ship. They have a huge book of activities.

 

Did they have free dance lessons, cooking classes and learn Italian?

Yes, no and yes. Lots of dance lessons outside on te deck. No cooking classes and there were some Italian lessons.

 

Thank you for letting me know about no kids in art. I might have brought my DD she loves art!! I hope kids club at same time! So I can go so the fun things.

Yes, hopefully. Check them out. There are may diff. activities.

 

Is there a steam room for free at the spa?

Not sure, sorry!

[yuccaman]

I'm confused on the room service. On Carnival it was free anytime. How does Costa do this? And what is the earliest they will bring breakfast to your room? There is a restaurant too for breakfast, right? And what hours are they open? Thanks!!!

 

You will find less free items on the Costa room service menu due to the European influence. Ex: continental breakfast=free, full breakfast=extra charge

[yuccaman]

Hey oDaisyDukeo, thanks for the great reviews and answers! I'm looking forward to boarding in 11 days 23 hours 55 minutes and 11 seconds, but who's counting!

I had done a lot of research, but its great to get the additional insights and tidbits:)

[Poohbl]

Does anyone know if they have afternoon tea? We did a Princess cruise and every afternoon they had tea. My son loved it. He didn't care where he was or what he was doing he came to tea. So we really have our fingers crossed.

Do they have any family activities. That is very disappointing that kids can not come to arts and crafts. We really enjoy doing things together. Don't get me wrong he likes to do the kids program as well but he really enjoyed doing arts and crafts with me during our last cruise.

 

Laurie

[ElNo]

No worries about Ft. Lauderdale. It is a very safe town with lots of good hotels and restaurants. The cab ride from the airport is about $17.00 before tip and if you need to kill some time, do as we did and go to the Marriott (or other big hotel) have the bell staff check your luggage and go to the brunch buffet or hang by the pool. We have done that twice at the Marriott and they were very gracious (as long as you spend some $$ in the hotel).

Good luck.

[ORV]

"Did you take your passports off with you when you went on land? I am scared then we go swimming with the sting rays that we would not be able to watch them.// You have to take your passport with you. Every time you get back on the ship, they check your Costa Card and your passport."

 

_________________________________________________________

 

This was not at all the situation on our cruise. If you are an American citizen taking your ID and Costa card was good enough. Although the TODAY said to take the passport I believe this is for non americans.

 

Different places, different situations I'm sure. All I know is that I left my passport in the safe our whole trip. FWIW, in Dominican Republic the only time anything at all was checked was by ships security as you got back on. Then all you needed was the Costa card. Very lax in my opinion.

 

There was a TEA every afternoon in one of the unused lounges or meeting rooms.

[Highlander0108]

I went down the slide with my 5 yr old just ahead of me. After that, she went down on her own everytime, fearless one that she is. It was fun. There were a few adults using it so I wasn't alone. The water at the end of the pool is sea water so be on the lookout for that. Also, pay attention to the Today paper delivered to your cabin where it lists the times the slide is open. It is not open long enough in our opinion, but it has to be monitored by Costa staff. They had towels you could stand on while waiting in line everyday for us. The blue deck gets incredibly hot in the Carribean sun!

[odaisydukeo]

We had the BEST afternoon tea. Watch for it in the TODAY. It was near the casino, in the piano bar. They had awesome loose tea-- lots of choices, and great finger sandwiches and goodies. LOVED IT.

[odaisydukeo]

You are right about the passport-- I'm Canadian and I had to take mine with me each time. I did see Americans with just government-issue i.d. and the Costa Card.

 

I'd love to know how people got alcohol on board. I got caught every time! Lol!