So just got off the Magic from the 11/29 voyage - another great cruise. Probably not going to do a trip report this time - there are so many others who excel at it, but thought I would note a few tips for those of you that are planning a trip. Feel free to ask any questions:
1) Had room 5640 - Navigators Verandah. If you are wondering if these are good rooms I give it
I loved the privacy of the semi-enclosed verandah. There was still plenty of room for two people to stand side by side and look out the opening but it was enclosed enough that when it was a little windy, we could sit out on the verandah perfectly comfortable. Also, there really was no way for someone to look into the verandah (unless they really, really worked for it).
2) It looks like they are getting ready to do something new with the photos. At all of the stops where you could walk up and take pictures with the backgrounds, as well as embarkation, they scanned your room key. Now I don't think they have it up and running quite yet fully, but the cool thing was, as soon as the photographer finished the set and uploaded their pics, you could go to a screen, put in your card and view your pictures. This cut our "searching" time in shutters down - we looked at the pictures on the screen, then new which ones we wanted to search for.
3) Try Topsiders for dinner one night if you just want something different, want to sit at your own table or don't want to do formal night. Since I was traveling with Dsis, we decided to skip the whole formal thing and eat up there. I assumed it would be a buffet - nope, it was a very nice casual dining where you had a server, the same type of courses plus they had a nice little salad bar. Best part - the desserts were just as good!
4) If you are running out of minutes on your internet time, they will charge you the "package" rate you purchased for any minutes you go over in that last session. So if you just have to check one more email - make sure you don't sign out or you will be at that higher rate.
5) Check out the 7:30 family shows - as two adults, we were a little hesitant, but we went to the performances for the magician, the ventriloquist and the juggler - all were totally worth it.
6) Ginger chew are the next best thing to sliced cheese. The first part of our cruise was a bit rough (according to the ship info screen, we had waves up to 15 ft at times). I didn't really feel it until we missed the Grand Cayman stop - but a ginger chew later and I was on my way with no further problems.
7) One of the best kept secrets on the ship is the $15 Rainforest room - I hadn't been in a few years and the upgrades they have done over the years really made it even better. But those heated chairs are magical - give me that chair, a slight rock on the ship and nigh, nigh
8) If you aren't a drinker (which I am not), add a "smoothie" fund to your budget - they serve really yummy smoothies in the Walt Disney theatre - my fav is strawberry/banana but I saw a really good looking chocolate one too.
9) Take an extension cord and room freshener (nuff said)
10) You can actually borrow a book from Cove Cafe - they have a small library of pretty current books
Okay - thats a top ten for now - if I think of others I will let you know
Oh wait - almost forgot my total new fav - Cozumel - eat at Pancho's backyard (all the way down the main strip - but SO worth the walk - has a great little store right there too (Los Cincos Soles)
1) Had room 5640 - Navigators Verandah. If you are wondering if these are good rooms I give it
I loved the privacy of the semi-enclosed verandah. There was still plenty of room for two people to stand side by side and look out the opening but it was enclosed enough that when it was a little windy, we could sit out on the verandah perfectly comfortable. Also, there really was no way for someone to look into the verandah (unless they really, really worked for it).2) It looks like they are getting ready to do something new with the photos. At all of the stops where you could walk up and take pictures with the backgrounds, as well as embarkation, they scanned your room key. Now I don't think they have it up and running quite yet fully, but the cool thing was, as soon as the photographer finished the set and uploaded their pics, you could go to a screen, put in your card and view your pictures. This cut our "searching" time in shutters down - we looked at the pictures on the screen, then new which ones we wanted to search for.
3) Try Topsiders for dinner one night if you just want something different, want to sit at your own table or don't want to do formal night. Since I was traveling with Dsis, we decided to skip the whole formal thing and eat up there. I assumed it would be a buffet - nope, it was a very nice casual dining where you had a server, the same type of courses plus they had a nice little salad bar. Best part - the desserts were just as good!
4) If you are running out of minutes on your internet time, they will charge you the "package" rate you purchased for any minutes you go over in that last session. So if you just have to check one more email - make sure you don't sign out or you will be at that higher rate.
5) Check out the 7:30 family shows - as two adults, we were a little hesitant, but we went to the performances for the magician, the ventriloquist and the juggler - all were totally worth it.
6) Ginger chew are the next best thing to sliced cheese. The first part of our cruise was a bit rough (according to the ship info screen, we had waves up to 15 ft at times). I didn't really feel it until we missed the Grand Cayman stop - but a ginger chew later and I was on my way with no further problems.
7) One of the best kept secrets on the ship is the $15 Rainforest room - I hadn't been in a few years and the upgrades they have done over the years really made it even better. But those heated chairs are magical - give me that chair, a slight rock on the ship and nigh, nigh
8) If you aren't a drinker (which I am not), add a "smoothie" fund to your budget - they serve really yummy smoothies in the Walt Disney theatre - my fav is strawberry/banana but I saw a really good looking chocolate one too.
9) Take an extension cord and room freshener (nuff said)
10) You can actually borrow a book from Cove Cafe - they have a small library of pretty current books
Okay - thats a top ten for now - if I think of others I will let you know
Oh wait - almost forgot my total new fav - Cozumel - eat at Pancho's backyard (all the way down the main strip - but SO worth the walk - has a great little store right there too (Los Cincos Soles)
