Just off the Magic

[Ready4NextCruise]

My family and I just finished the 7-night Western Caribbean Itinerary, with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. I'm happy to answer any questions about the ship or places we visited.

Some general thoughts.

- This was our first time on the Magic, having only sailed on the larger ships in the past. The Magic may be our favorite ship. We really liked the layout, and thought the Magic had just as much to offer as the Dream and Fantasy. We will sail the larger ships again (I still want to visit Remy), but we may choose the Magic over the larger ships if similar itineraries are offered.

- The AquaDunk was an amazing slide. While I enjoyed the AquaDuck on the larger ships, I always felt the 2nd half of that ride was unnecessary. With the AquaDunk, the drop really was exhilarating, and the ride was only 4 or 5 seconds. The Twist & Spout slide is also much better than the Mickey slide (adults can ride the Twist & Spout, as well). Lines for these slides were never more than 5 minutes during the entire week.

- We liked the layout of the AquaLab. I do not remember how the AquaLab fit, layout wise, on the Fantasy, but it was nice to have the AquaLab, Twist & Spout, and the small child pool all together on the Magic. Similar to the slides, the pools were rarely crowded.

- Formal night was on day 2; Pirate Night was day 5, and semi-formal night was day 6.

- I enjoyed the Western Itinerary. It was a great balance of ports and sea days. While our excursion on Grand Cayman was cancelled, we still took a tour and visited several places around the island. We couldn't anchor in George Town due to winds, but were able to anchor in a different location called Spotts Bay. However, the tendering operation was still really rough as the wind and waves were strong.

- We were unable to dock on Castaway Cay, due to strong wind and currents (The captain made a couple of attempts, but made it an extra sea day mid-morning). Talk about a bummer!

- We did the following excursions:
Cozumel - Cozumel Beach Break (Playa Mia)
Grand Cayman - ended up doing an island tour and the turtle farm after our original excursion was cancelled.
Jamaica - Dunns River Falls and Sky Explorer

 

[CaliforniaMama]

- We did the following excursions:
Cozumel - Cozumel Beach Break (Playa Mia)

Was the Beach Break worth the money? I am going on a 5 day in January with my 4 and 8 yo children, and currently have Dolphin Discovery booked, BUT am second guessing it. The Cozumel Beach Break was something I am also considering, but am also thinking of just staying on the Wonder for most of that day as we only have 4 full days on the cruise, one of which is Castaway Cay. What are your thoughts? Thanks! This will be our first Disney Cruise (kids first ever cruise).

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

- We did the following excursions:
Cozumel - Cozumel Beach Break (Playa Mia)

Was the Beach Break worth the money? I am going on a 5 day in January with my 4 and 8 yo children, and currently have Dolphin Discovery booked, BUT am second guessing it. The Cozumel Beach Break was something I am also considering, but am also thinking of just staying on the Wonder for most of that day as we only have 4 full days on the cruise, one of which is Castaway Cay. What are your thoughts? Thanks! This will be our first Disney Cruise (kids first ever cruise).

We thought it was definitely worth the money! It was the perfect excursion for our kids who are 4 and 9. They have a nice water play area with several slides for the smaller kids that our youngest did not want to leave. Our 9 year old enjoyed the waterslide and the trampolines. As a family we did the pool, kayaks and paddleboats. The beach is nice and the people that work there are very friendly. They also have someone walking around with parrots and an iguana which you can hold. It's about a 15 minute drive from the Punta Langosta pier where we docked. I'd definitely recommend especially given the ages of your kids. One of our biggest challenges is finding an excursion that's appropriate for a 4 year old, but not boring for a 9 year old (or mom and dad) - this was definitely the right choice for us in Cozumel. If you have any other questions about Playa Mia, feel free to ask.

 

[Savikins]

We thought it was definitely worth the money! It was the perfect excursion for our kids who are 4 and 9. They have a nice water play area with several slides for the smaller kids that our youngest did not want to leave. Our 9 year old enjoyed the waterslide and the trampolines. As a family we did the pool, kayaks and paddleboats. The beach is nice and the people that work there are very friendly. They also have someone walking around with parrots and an iguana which you can hold. It's about a 15 minute drive from the Punta Langosta pier where we docked. I'd definitely recommend especially given the ages of your kids. One of our biggest challenges is finding an excursion that's appropriate for a 4 year old, but not boring for a 9 year old (or mom and dad) - this was definitely the right choice for us in Cozumel. If you have any other questions about Playa Mia, feel free to ask.

How was the food at the included buffet, and were the drinks at the bar pretty good? Also, did you guys get a chance to check out the inflatable water playground? I have the Playa Mia excursion booked for my 12/12 Wonder cruise and I'm so excited!

 

[Mom of a *Princess*]

Was Playa Mia busy when you were there? We have this booked for our Magic February 2015 Cruise and there's supposed to be 7 ships in port that day.

 

[Melissa S]

We went to Playa Mia last year. DD was 3 at the time. We absolutely loved it. The buffet was horrible. Sad attempt at "American" food would have liked to see some more Mexican food or nachos etc. we didn't mind it too much since we were full from the ship. If you are going on your own don't pay extra for the buffet. The drinks were really good and they will make non alcoholic versions for kids. The all you can eat ice cream was a nice touch too. They also had a piñata for the kids. We swam out to the inflatable because DD really wanted to go (although she was way too young) but it was entertaining just to watch people attempt it. The water park was great for kids and the built in loungers in the pool were so relaxing! It's a lot of fun if you have young kids and/ or like to drink. If you like peace and quiet I am sure there are much nicer places.

 

[neoavatara]

Ready4NextCruise, great info!

We are doing the exact same cruise in a couple weeks and almost had the exact same plan.

How was the Dunns River/Sky Explorer? Nobody seems to have much feedback on that. We have the same issue as you, we have a 4 year old.

Bummer about Grand Cayman...my kids really want to do the turtle farm.

Last question: how was the water temps?

 

[Scillycruisers]

How was the food at the included buffet, and were the drinks at the bar pretty good? Also, did you guys get a chance to check out the inflatable water playground? I have the Playa Mia excursion booked for my 12/12 Wonder cruise and I'm so excited!

We went on what looks like an identical inflatable water playground in Feb this year on Costa Maya. It was myself, DH and DS then 7 and we had a great time! It was quite hard to get on to in places but there was always someone ready with a helping hand! For some reason I fell in far more times than DH and DS much to their delight! We are planning on going to this one next Feb because we enjoyed it so much. Buoyancy vests were provided and were mandatory.

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

How was the food at the included buffet, and were the drinks at the bar pretty good? Also, did you guys get a chance to check out the inflatable water playground? I have the Playa Mia excursion booked for my 12/12 Wonder cruise and I'm so excited!

I would classify the included buffet as average. It's definitely not something I'll remember, but it had enough options that my family was able to get a meal and enjoy the afternoon without being hungry.

I only stuck to bottled water on the excursion, and therefore cannot speak of the alcoholic drinks. My DW ordered a few non-alcoholic drinks and said they were very good.

My DW and 9 year old DS did the inflatable water playground and thought it was great (Our 4yo DS did not want to leave the pirate pool (for little kids), so I stayed behind to watch him). It's a decent swim to get out to the inflatables, but they had a great time while out there.

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

Was Playa Mia busy when you were there? We have this booked for our Magic February 2015 Cruise and there's supposed to be 7 ships in port that day.

I never noticed a crowd for any activity while I was there, but there were a lot of people there. I would say it was busy, but not crowded. I don't remember how many ships were in Cozumel that day, so I'm unsure if that's normal, or just a benefit of going in November.

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

Ready4NextCruise, great info!

We are doing the exact same cruise in a couple weeks and almost had the exact same plan.

How was the Dunns River/Sky Explorer? Nobody seems to have much feedback on that. We have the same issue as you, we have a 4 year old.

Bummer about Grand Cayman...my kids really want to do the turtle farm.

Last question: how was the water temps?

Dunns River/Sky Explorer was awesome, and easily my favorite excursion of the trip. Our 4-year old DS climbed the falls with us, and there were no issues. Each group has a guide who basically knows every inch of the path. Therefore, he'll stop the group in a good spot when a child encounters an area where he/she may need assistance.

Note that there is a shopping area in Dunns River Falls, and the workers do apply pressure. More than I was used to. It wasn't pushy, but you are approached many times. This was the only non-positive aspect, but not a big deal if you don't mind saying "No Thanks" about 25-30 times.

We enjoyed the Sky Explorer, as well. Great views as you travel up to Mystic Mountain, and the lunch provided was terrific (Jerk Chicken, a type of fish, rice & beans, cole slaw. There were hot dogs and fries for the kids). Since we have a little child, we did pay for the bobsled or zip line (these were separate excursions. We only paid for the Sky Explorer), but we saw people doing the zip line (It looked like a blast). Hope to go back there and do that part in the future.

The water in Dunns River Falls was nice. Cold at first, but you quickly got used to it and it was actually the right temperature as you climbed. Other places, the water was colder, but did not stop us from doing any activity.

 

[Robin"D"]

You just off today, Nov 23rd 2014??
If so, who was the Capt?
Who was the CD?

Thanks

Robin & Angel "D".

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

Captain Robert.

The Cruise Director was Jimmy.

ETA: Captain Robert said he was going to the Wonder - I think we were on his last trip on the Magic for right now.

 

[jenjen3574]

We are doing this itinerary in January. Thanks for answering questions.

Wondering if there was a tea with Alice, a character breakfast, or the pirate sleepover? DD10 is hoping for all three.

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

We are doing this itinerary in January. Thanks for answering questions.

Wondering if there was a tea with Alice, a character breakfast, or the pirate sleepover? DD10 is hoping for all three.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't think that any of those were on our cruise. Definitely no character breakfast b/c we inquired about that. Don't remember seeing a Tea with Alice or a Pirate Sleepover in the Navigator. And I'm sure my 9 year old DS would have been all over the pirate sleepover had there been one. With that being said, this was a Very Merrytime cruise, so it's possible these events could have been replaced by holiday themed ones.

 

[Julylady]

Can you tell us about the Merrytime special activities? Did you attend the Winterland Ball? Anything a "don"t miss?"

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

Can you tell us about the Merrytime special activities? Did you attend the Winterland Ball? Anything a "don"t miss?"

My Navigators are in the bottom of the suitcase, but I'll do my best to remember what they were. On the first night, there was a tree lighting ceremony for the big Christmas tree in the atrium. There was a Santa arrival party in the atrium a night or 2 later, but it didn't start until 10:15?!?! Not sure why they have it start so late with all the little kids on the cruise. They also had a couple of Santa appearances. There was a "Deck the Deck" party during a sea day on Deck 9 which we didn't go to. They also had gingerbread house decorating and some holiday themed crafts. On the last night, a children's choir made up of some kids on the ship sang a couple of holiday songs. I don't know how they were selected. I don't recall a Winterland ball. If I think of any more, I'll be sure to update the post.

 

[wajones2]

I was on the Eastern sailing right before this one, and it was the first Merrytime sailing. There were ticketed events for Anna & Elsa, Princess Gathering and a Gingerbread House Making. The other events were tree lighting the first might, Santa arrival party which was after 10pm, 3-4 Santa meet and greets, Ms. Claus read stories in atrium, holiday deck party one afternoon.

The princess gathering is held several times , some required a ticket some did not. You must have a ticket for the other two events. They did distribute all tickets, as we tried to rescheduled and were told not possible. I highly recommend using the app and looking ahead to see when characters are scheduled to appear. If I had done this earlier, I might have been able to keep Santa from conflicting with the ticketed events.

No tea with Alice, no character breakfast. Other characters - Stitch, Captain Jack & Hook, Smee, Sofia, Doc, Jake, clubhouse characters, belle, Cinderella, Tina, sleeping beauty, Peter Pan...

 

[stal]

What was your dining rotation?

Did you dress up for formal night?

Any backstage tours offered?

What were the nightly shows?

Thanks!!

 

[Ready4NextCruise]

What was your dining rotation?

Did you dress up for formal night?

Any backstage tours offered?

What were the nightly shows?

Thanks!!

Dining rotation was ACLAACL

Yes, we dressed up for formal night. There were a wide range of outfits, from tuxedos to people in shorts/t-shirt. I felt fewer people dressed for semi-formal night, but we did dress up for that night, as well.

No backstage tours offered. We inquired about a galley tour, but they said those are only offered on the Dream and Fantasy.

Nightly shows - I'll do my best to remember names, but my Navigators are in the bottom of my packed suitcase.
Night 1: Welcome Show (I can't remember the name).
Night 2: Twice Charmed
Night 3: Villains Tonight
Night 4: Magic Dave Magic Show
Night 5: Movie Night (Big Hero 6)
Night 6: Walt Disney - the Dream Goes On
Night 7: Dreams (I may have messed up the name of this one)

My DW and I saw all the shows except night 7. I enjoyed all the shows.