Welcome to my Carnival Magic review, where I’ll dive into the highs and lows of my recent cruise aboard one of Carnival’s older ships. While it promises fun and entertainment, it’s clear that this “Fun Ship” is showing its age. From the moment I boarded in Port Miami, I was cautiously optimistic. But after a few days onboard, it’s hard to ignore some glaring issues, despite a few bright spots in the entertainment. Let’s dive in.
Embarkation: Smooth as Butter
Credit where credit’s due: boarding the Carnival Magic at Port Miami was incredibly smooth. From being dropped off to stepping onboard took about 10 to 15 minutes. No lines, no stress—Carnival nailed this part of the experience. If only the rest of the trip followed suit.
You can watch my Carnival Magic embarkation day vlog from Port Miami below.
The Aging Ship: It’s Showing
Launched in 2011 and last refurbished in 2021, the Carnival Magic feels dated in most areas. The atrium, upon first entry, still looks impressive, but as you explore more of the ship, you start to notice wear and tear everywhere. From the worn-out floors to scuffed staircases, it’s obvious that upkeep has been lacking. It’s not just about the ship’s age—it’s about how well it’s been maintained, and on that front, the Magic falls short. When compared to newer ships like Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, Magic simply doesn’t hold up. The difference in cleanliness, design, and overall upkeep is stark.
Stateroom: Interior Cabin 9297
For this cruise, I stayed in an interior cabin—room 9297, to be exact. This was my first time staying in an interior room, and if you’re looking to save some money, it’s a solid option. The basics were there: a comfortable bed, decent storage, and a well-sized bathroom. For cruisers who don’t spend much time in their room, it gets the job done.
That said, the room’s design felt dated. There were quite a few scuffs and marks throughout, and it lacked modern touches, like bedside outlets or USB/USB-C ports. If you need to charge your phone overnight, you’ll have to plug it in across the room—definitely a letdown in today’s tech-driven world.
Additionally, while the room attendants were friendly, the service was a bit inconsistent. I had to remind them to restock the bottled water and glassware a few times, which shouldn’t be something you need to chase on vacation.
If you or your travel companion deals with claustrophobia, the tight space and lack of natural light might be an issue. My wife, for example, couldn’t handle it. But if that’s not a concern for you, it’s a perfectly functional choice.
Want to see what the interior cabin looks like? Check out my video review for a closer look at the room and some helpful tips if you’re considering booking one. Watch my Carnival Magic interior cabin tour below:
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Casino: A Cloud of Smoke
Here’s where things really took a nosedive—the casino. It’s one thing to expect a smoky casino floor, but Carnival Magic felt like the last ship on Earth still allowing this level of lax smoking. The cigarette smell was overwhelming, and it drifted well beyond the casino itself. Sitting in the nearby café, trying to get some work done, all I could smell was smoke. It’s not just unpleasant; it’s suffocating. If you’re sensitive to smoke or just prefer to enjoy your cruise without inhaling it, you’ll be sorely disappointed. And don’t get me started on the vaping allowed throughout the ship, even in the non-smoking areas.
WiFi: Frustratingly Bad
Carnival claims their “Premium WiFi” powered by Starlink offers solid connectivity, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For a service that’s supposed to be the best at sea, it was easily the worst I’ve encountered. Even simple tasks like checking emails were slow and unreliable. In today’s world, when we rely so much on our devices, this was a major letdown. Everyone I spoke to onboard echoed the same sentiment: the WiFi is a disaster, and Carnival needs to fix this ASAP.
Entertainment: A Few Bright Spots Amidst the Chaos
Thankfully, not everything on Carnival Magic was disappointing. The entertainment, for the most part, was actually one of the highlights of the cruise. Here’s a breakdown of what stood out—and what didn’t.
Piano Bar: A True Highlight
Josh Mille, aka the “Piano Man,” was a shining light in an otherwise rough experience. Every night, loyal cruisers gathered at the Piano Bar to sing, drink, and have a great time. Josh’s energy and talent created a fun, casual environment where people could meet, sing off-key, and, let’s be honest, get a little sloshed. It’s definitely a spot worth checking out if you’re looking for a lively, laid-back atmosphere.
Kathlen, the bartender at the Piano Bar, was another standout. Despite being incredibly busy, she consistently delivered excellent service with a smile. Not only were her cocktails on point, but she also joined Josh in singing, showing off her impressive vocals. She’s got the potential to be a performer in her own right, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her take center stage soon.
Playlist Productions: Better Than Expected
The theater shows on Carnival Magic didn’t disappoint, and 88 Keys and Flick were my personal favorites. 88 Keys is a tribute to some of the greatest piano hits in history, while Flick is a more cinematic, visual feast with music that spans genres and decades. While the whole cast did a great job, Keith, the lead performer, really stood out. Unfortunately, I never got his last name, but if you happen to be reading this, Keith—you’re a legend! These performances were some of the best I’ve seen on Carnival in a while, and they’re definitely worth catching if you’re on board.
The Rest of the Ship’s Musicians: Mixed Bag
Not all of the entertainment hit the mark, though. While the main theater shows were great, the musicians scattered around the ship were hit or miss. I’ll give credit where it’s due—the violinists on board were actually very talented, adding a nice touch to some of the more refined settings.
However, the rest of the performers felt more like wedding DJs or karaoke singers struggling to hit the notes. I’m not trying to be too harsh—it’s not easy to entertain a cruise full of passengers—but compared to the Scarlet Night sets on Scarlet Lady, Carnival’s DJs felt flat. You can’t help but wish for a bit more polish and energy.
Dining: Service Shines, But the Food Is Just OK
When it comes to dining, Carnival has never been known for gourmet cuisine, and Carnival Magic was no different. While the dining room staff were friendly and attentive, the food itself was mostly average. If you’re expecting a culinary adventure, Magic won’t be the ship to deliver it.
There are two specialty dining options on board: Steakhouse and Cucina del Capitano (the Italian restaurant). Both come with an additional charge and frankly, for what you get, they feel overpriced. The food wasn’t bad, but it didn’t match the elevated pricing, especially when compared to specialty dining experiences on other cruise lines. You might be better off saving your money unless you’re really craving a change from the main dining room.
However, I’ve found a personal hack for Carnival’s main dining: always order the Indian options when they’re available. Many of the chefs on board are Indian, and they know their craft well. Each night, there was a vegetarian Indian option, and it consistently stood out in terms of flavor and quality. So, if you’re looking to spice things up in the main dining room, definitely give those dishes a try—they’re often a hidden gem on Carnival ships.
Bars: A Mixed Experience
While most of the bars on Carnival Magic were a bit of a letdown, there were some standouts. I’ve already mentioned Kathlen at the Piano Bar, but sadly, that level of service and quality wasn’t replicated throughout the ship. The poolside bars, in particular, were a chaotic mess. Long lines, guests cutting without any sense of decorum, and drinks that were either watered-down or just poorly made. It felt like the bartenders were either overwhelmed or simply following orders to serve weak drinks.
If you want a decent cocktail on Magic, the Alchemy Bar is your best bet. But even that couldn’t fully make up for the ship’s overall lackluster bar scene.
Final Thoughts for this Carnival Magic Review
At the end of the day, Carnival Magic feels like a ship coasting on its past reputation. Yes, the entertainment had its moments, and the Piano Bar and theater shows stood out, but the rest of the ship is in desperate need of attention. From the overwhelming cigarette smoke to the painfully bad WiFi, Carnival Magic feels like a ship past its prime. If you’re someone who values cleanliness, good food, and decent drinks, you might want to think twice before booking this cruise. For those who are content with just passable entertainment and don’t mind the rough edges, Magic might still have something to offer.
But as for me? I’ll be looking elsewhere for my next cruise.
