So where did we find our Zen? Attending the daily RedFrog Pub trivia quiz - it's cumulative, so you play with the same people for the entire cruise for a more intimate experience. Even trivia sessions were jam-packed, with teams of eight monopolizing the tables, forcing smaller groups to stand or even sit on the floor. Getting off in port for excursions felt like a blood sport. Serenity Deck clamshells were claimed by 8:30 a.m. Tickets for Punchliner Comedy performances were gone hours before the show. Thirty-minute waits (or more!) for popular eateries, like Guy's Burgers and Mongolian Wok, were the norm, not the exception.

On our summer sailing, with the ship at well more than double occupancy (Carnival Magic has a maximum capacity of 4,724 passengers), the queues were persistent, to the point where the crush cut into our enjoyment. Dance lessons, casino tournaments, spa specials, a robust kids’ club program - Carnival Magic throws it all at the wall - and passengers respond with enthusiasm.Īll this stuff, though, comes with a price – and that's lines. If you like games, Carnival Magic has you covered besides group participation favorites like Hasbro the Game Show and Liars Club, the daily program was packed with options like Yahtzee, Scattergories, Clue and a Jenga-type tower game in the lobby (plus shuffleboard in the RedFrog Pub and pickup pool, Ping-Pong, beanbag and mini-golf options around the ship). The number of choices falls significantly at dinner.Īctivities, too, are designed for a wide range of interests – and there are lots of things to do on Carnival Magic. Dining may not be fancy, but you can choose from the key cruise food groups: burgers, burrito, brats and barbecue, as well as Asian, Indian, deli and pizza - at least at lunch. A wide range of cabin types, including family 'quints' that fit five people, make it perfect for the packs of friends and family we saw onboard (in matching T-shirts, natch). More than a later, the Carnival Magic cruise ship may no longer be the fleet's most innovative, yet it holds up as a floating destination that offers something for everyone. Carnival Magic Deck Plans Pack in Tons of Family-Friendly Entertainment Options Although the 3,690-passenger ship wasn't first in its class – that honor fell to Carnival Dream – the vessel boasted several firsts for the Fun Ship line, including Cucina del Capitano Italian specialty restaurant, the RedFrog Pub and its signature Thirsty Frog Red Ale, the SportSquare outdoor recreation area and the first ropes course at sea.

When Carnival Magic appeared on the scene in 2011, the cruise industry sat up and took notice.

Carnival breeze cabins to avoid