Carnival Magic
May 2011
Making Magic At Sea
Part Two
Lido Fun
Beach Lido Pool |
Carnival WaterWorks |
The heart of Carnival Magic is certainly her vast multi-deck Atrium, but the area sure to dazzle most passengers is the incredible Beach Lido Pool. The central pool deck itself is somewhat typical with its "Carnival's Seaside Theater" with a 270-square foot screen for showing full length movies, concerts, and on board programming. However, just one deck up is the splash-tastic Carnival WaterWorks.
The most mesmerizing WaterWorks feature is the Power Drencher—a “dump bucket” that fills with 300 gallons of water and dumps it into the area below every minute. There are water sprays, water jets, and a 312 foot long twister slide that looks like a lot of fun. No age groups get left out—twin racing slides are sized for younger cruisers. On the periphery, moms and dads can watch their children from the shade of seating areas, or they can join in.
There are no whirlpools adjacent to the Beach Lido Pool on Deck 10. Instead they are sensibly located on either side of Promenade Deck 5 and cantilevered over the side of the ship for uninterrupted sea views—those views are also a theme at the aft located (and quieter, more adult-oriented) Tides Pool where two whirlpools flank the swimming pool and the ship’s wake is a magical sight.
If your preference is for a totally kid-free zone, the adults-only Serenity area forward on Deck 12 is the spot where you'll find plush padded loungers, shaded cabanas, a bar for refreshments, two more whirlpools, and total tranquility. However, while Serenity offers seclusion from the pool area, it’s only one deck above the Waterworks where there’s a lot of noise on a sunny sea day. Get there early for a spot near the front of the deck (closest to the bow) where it’s quieter.
Public Areas
Inside, the Showtime Theater, anchors three decks forward. Tiered seating provides good sight lines on all three levels and views of the stage are obstructed by few columns.
The main promenade on Deck 5 connects the entries to a variety of lounges and public rooms, each with a distinctive style and all reflective of the more magical things in life:
- Ocean Plaza, the heart of the promenade action—an indoor piazza-like space with access to the Lanai outside, a nearby bar, plenty of seating for afternoon games, and evening dancing to a live combo.
- Plaza Cafe, the promenade patisserie and specialty coffee and tea bar, with an adjacent snack bar at the center of Ocean Plaza.
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RedFrog Pub
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RedFrog Pub, where the ambiance is decidedly British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West with a touch of nautical mixed in—wood details are accented with portholes and ships-at-sea artwork. It’s the perfect spot to kick back with a piña colada, local island brews, and top-shelf Caribbean rums. The laidback island vibe of the pub’s décor is a nod to Carnival Magic’s Caribbean itineraries. There's indoor and outside seating (on the Lanai).
- Sushi & More Sushi Bar, for (what else!) sushi and similar treats.
- Vibe Dance Club, it's the hottest dance spot aboard.
- Play It Again Piano Bar, features distinctive sparkling ceiling lighting for a sophisitcated club feel.
- Fun Hub Internet Cafe to surf the Internet if you didn't bring your own laptop to capture the ship-wide WiFi signal (even available in cabins). You'll also find Fun Hub kiosks throughout Carnival Magic's public areas.
- Spotlight Lounge, the aft show lounge where the Comedy Club and SuperStar Karaoke are regular features.
- Hat Trick Casino, depicts good luck with magical rabbits popping out of top hats.
- Cherry on Top is a new gift boutique concept on Carnival Magic—a confection shop with bins of bulk candy, fun-and-fanciful gifts, novelties, and colorful custom apparel. Shopaholics need not worry, all the traditional jewelry, perfume and cosmetics, and logo items are still stocked in other shops onboard. Sale tables still appear in the passageways outside the shops.
Deck 4 is where you'll find:
- Books & Games Library with a modest selection of books and board games.
- Club O2, the Teen Club for ages 15-17 is a totally-hip and oh-so-cool hangout.
- Circle C, the club for tweens ages 12-14 to get together for fun.
- Warehouse, the expansive gaming center.
- Escape Bar, a quiet spot for conversation or a nightcap.
For Active Lifestyles
Staffed by Steiner Leisure, the Cloud 9 Spa on Decks 12 through 14 boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences. For those who can't miss a daily workout, the Gym sports state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of exercise classes. For sheer serenity, the spa's thallasotherapy pool is a haven where day passes for the thermal sanctuary, which includes the therapy pool as well as the thermal suite and relaxation area, are available. If you aren’t into scented steam rooms and the spa’s other sensory delights, you don’t have to miss out on a sauna after your workout. There are complimentary saunas for men and women in changing rooms adjacent to the gym. Sadly, unlike the Conquest-class ships, Carnival Magic’s don’t have floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the sea.
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SportSquare With SkyCourse Above, Mini-Golf & Sports Court Below
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An outdoor fitness challenge that tests your courage and agility is the SkyCourse, the ropes course on Spa & Sports Deck 12. The unique attraction offers fun and adventure, along with expansive views of the sea nearly 150 feet below. On the SkyCourse, you strap into a safety harness and choose from a beginner or intermediate course, traversing across rope bridges, swinging steps, and beams suspended above the top deck. Each of the 20 different elements on the course is named after a notable bridge in the United States.
You can also get pumped up in the Sky Fitness area that features stationary bicycles, elliptical and rowing machines, punching bags and more. For a run in the sun and fresh sea air, Sports Track is an 800-foot-long jogging path that surrounds the entire area. There is also a lighted multi-purpose space for basketball, volleyball, and soccer, along with a six-station Vita exercise course, a mini-golf course, and ping pong and foosball tables at Sports Court. If you'd rather relax and check out the sports action in the area or on TV, SportSquare also has a full bar with a large flat-screen display.
Camp Carnival
With record numbers of families setting sail on cruise vacations, Carnival Magic's Camp Carnival counselors are prepared. The 5,000-square foot play area is dedicated to delighting youngsters with structured activities tailored for specific age groups. Toys, games, computers... and, most importantly, the trained counselors—Camp Carnival provides an entertaining, educational, and safe environment for kid-fun.
Camp Carnival’s Night Owls program is a new take on babysitting and features movies, games, and snacks. On specific nights, special late night parties are offered between 10pm and 3am for different age groups, with dancing on the customized dance floor, fun snacks, giveaways, and more. Fees apply.
Carnival Magic boasts a 1,075-square foot "Circle C" club. Gaming pods, plasma screen TVs, a juke box, and dance floor set the scene for parties, movie nights, and other activities that appeal to the 12- to 14-year old 'tween set.
Teenagers 15 to 17 years old can opt to participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options offered in the Club O2 program or simply hang out with new-found pals in the adult-free 2,740-square foot teen game room/dance club.
The Carnival Magic Experience...
Should satisfy the tastes of even the pickiest passenger—there's a little something to appeal to everyone. When you're not ashore exploring the ports of call, if nothing appeals to you, there's always your private balcony, a quiet corner to read, or a deck chair from which to contemplate the sea.
What You WILL Find:
- Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages
- Tasty meals, creatively presented
- Service by a friendly staff
- Numerous triple, quad, and connecting staterooms suitable for families
- Attention to accessibility for the physically challenged
- Well stocked duty free shops
- A meeting room for corporate functions, weddings, and religious celebrations
- A computer center and ship-wide WiFi connectivity for laptop users
- Huge, well-equipped areas for children, pre-teens, and teenagers
- A spacious Spa, Salon, and Health Club
- Some of the most professional entertainment afloat, presented by the Carnival Magic production team and guest performers
- Self-service passenger laundry rooms with ironing facilities
- Stroller rentals and group babysitting services
- Fountain Fun Cards for children and adults, which provide unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise for a one-time, flat fee
- Gratuities are automatically added to all accounts, but can be adjusted as deemed appropriate
- Fun, fun, fun!
What You WON'T Find:
Fast Stats
- 130,000 tons
- 1,004 feet long
- 122 feet wide
- Speed 22.5 knots
- 3,690 guests, double occupancy
- 4,724 total guest capacity (all berths, including uppers)
The Magic of FUN Permeates Carnival Magic
After her inaugural season of cruises in Europe, Carnival Magic will sail Western Caribbean departures from Galveston, Texas.
Back to --> Carnival Magic (Part 1)
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Cruise Diva's Blog Highlights from the Carnival Magic Inaugural cruise from Venice:
• Get Your Thrills On Carnival Magic
• Carnival Magic Fun Facts
• Do You Believe In Magic?
• Carnival Magic: Home Away From Home
• Serene Relaxation Onboard Carnival Magic
• Thirsty Aboard Carnival Magic
• Aboard Carnival Magic: Stromboli & Beer
• Carnival Magic Has Watery Fun For All
• Carnival’s Magic In All Sizes
• Carnival Magic: Food For All Tastes
• Carnival Magic: I Love The Nightlife
• Carnival Magic Critters
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