Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Magic

Introduction

Unveiled in May 2011, the 3,690-passenger (double occupancy; at most it can fit 4,730) Carnival Magic is the second in Carnival’s Dream Class series, but it’s not a carbon copy of its older sister (Carnival Dream, launched in 2009). In addition to two large pool areas and one of Carnival’s trademark WaterWorks aqua parks with multiple water slides, its deck-top areas include such additions as the first ropes course at sea as well as the first outdoor weight-lifting area at sea (think Venice Beach). Dubbed SkyCourse, the ropes course is part of a deck-top area called SportsSquare that also has a basketball court (which supposedly doubles as a soccer playing area), a miniature golf course and ping pong.

On the inside of the Carnival Magic are several showrooms and a wide range of bars and lounges including Carnival’s first-ever pub, the RedFrog (serving Carnival’s own craft beer, ThirstyFrog Red). In addition to two main restaurants, the ship also has a steakhouse (a Carnival trademark) and a new-for-the-line casual Italian eatery. Like other mass-market lines, Carnival offers flexible “dine at your time” seating in one of its two main restaurants (the other offers dinner at fixed seating times). In general, the Carnival Magic is a casual ship, with a “cruise casual” dress code in all of the restaurants (although the ship does have an “elegant” night, where everybody sports their best attire).

In addition to such cruise ship mainstays as a duty-free shop and photo gallery, Carnival Magic’s retail shop line-up includes a first-for-the-line sweet shop. Families, couples, and singles should find plenty to do.

Gene's Opinion on the Carnival Magic

Say what you will about industry giant Carnival, but it does know its market — a spirited, fun-loving crowd — and it builds its ships accordingly. Prim and proper, the Carnival Magic isn’t. Fun and memorable? You betcha. While the Magic’s cabins may be relatively plain (though completely functional), and its cuisine is far from gourmet, this is a ship that is hard not to enjoy — at least if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind a little deck-top silliness, offbeat humor and flashy interior decor. Would you get up on stage to sing karaoke or at least have fun watching your friends do it? This is the ship for you. Horrified by the idea? Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.

Keep in mind, the Carnival Magic is a relatively low-cost product. Luxury, it isn’t. But for travelers on a budget, it’s a great choice. Lined with some of the cruise industry’s coolest deck-top amusements (the 312-foot-long Twister water slide is a scream-a-minute, and we love the SkyCourse ropes course), it’s also a great ship for families with children both young and old. That said, adults without kids aren’t forgotten. The adults-only Serenity area atop the ship is one of the nicest adults-only sunning zones at sea (and unlike on some ships with similar areas, it’s open at no extra charge to enter, to boot).

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