Carnival Magic
Based in Miami, and sailing to the Caribbean, the 3,690-guest Carnival Magic attracts a crowd of the young — and young at heart. This is a great ship for travelers who are looking to indulge in activities around the clock, whether that's a Broadway-style production at the Showtime theater, a poker game at the Hat Trick Casino, or dancing until near dawn at the Vibe club.
It’s a good time for all ages, plus there's some good grub, too: In spring 2016, TV chef Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse debuted on the ship to join the popular Guy's Burger Joint. Launched in 2011 as part of the line's Dream class, this was the first Carnival ship to have a SportSquare ropes course and the RedFrog Pub, which serves the line's own ThirstyFrog Red ale. A minor 2021 refurbishment during dry dock refreshed the casino and pool areas.
What We Love
Casual Eats: Lines for donkey-sauce-topped grilled goodness can be long, but move pretty fast at Guy’s Burger Joint. There's no additional charge for the burgers and fries here, nor for the barbecue favorites such as pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, and pork butt cooked in the custom wood smoker at Guy's Pig & Anchor. Both spots are open only for lunch.
Cucina del Capitano: This specialty restaurant serves classic dishes from Caprese salad to spaghetti carbonara for a per-person surcharge. (Tip: Their lunchtime pasta bar is complimentary.) The 2016 dry dock also added Pizzeria del Capitano, where pizza topped with fresh mozzarella is available 24 hours a day for no extra charge.
The Serenity Lounge: Yes, peace is possible. Adults 21 years and over can bypass the boisterous main pool area and relax at the bi-level Serenity Lounge. This quiet outdoor Eden has hot tubs, sun loungers, comfy couches, and a bar. It is worth noting, however, that if a bachelor or bachelorette party is in the lounge, your serenity isn’t guaranteed.