Some trips live in your memory like a postcardāfaded at the edges, but bright where it counts. Our Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Magic in 2016 was one of them.
š“ Cast Off Into Caribbean Comfort: Aboard the Carnival Magic
In 2016, we sailed away on the Carnival Magicāa floating city of flavors, fun, and a few unexpected towel animals. From our balcony cabin where sunrise coffee was practically ritual, to late-night burritos and frozen cocktails from The Thirsty Frog Pub, every moment was its own little escape.
We came prepared: drink passes in hand (top shelf only, of course), door decorations to find our way home, and a plan to experience it allāfrom buffets to bingo, pools to poker, magic shows to excursions ashore. Our steward kept the cabin pristine, the casino tempted us with neon dreams, and the shipās heartbeat pulsed with music, laughter, and the occasional karaoke superstar.
This post is a look backānot just at the places we visited, but at the rhythm of life aboard the ship itself. Itās a reflection of what it felt like to drift for days between sea and sky, where time slowed and indulgence reigned.
š Balcony Bliss: Our Cabin
We lucked out with a balcony stateroomāa game-changer.
- Morning coffee with ocean views? Yes, please.
- Tip: Bring magnetic hooks! The walls are metal, and itās perfect for hanging hats, swimwear, or even a hanging laundry bag.
- The cabin was cozy but efficientāplenty of storage in drawers and under the bed.
šļø Steward Magic & Towel Zoo Surprises
Every day, we returned to a spotless cabin and a new masterpiece of terrycloth whimsy.
- Our stewardākind, invisible, legendaryākept everything crisp, restocked, and somehow remembered our names after Day One.
- Tip: Leave a friendly note or small thank-you early on. It goes a long way, and sometimes results in bonus towel artistry.
- The Towel Animals were a highlight:
- Hanging monkey by the curtain rod š
- Regal elephant on the bed š
- Grumpy crab in a beach pose š¦ (okay, we made that emotion up, but it fit the vibe!)
- They even did a night where they decorated the hallway with a parade of creatures.
Every creature felt like a hello from someone who really cared, and it gave the room just a touch of whimsy between excursions and poolside cocktails.
š³ Morning Fuel: The Buffet
Guy’s Pig & Anchor may have drawn crowds later, but for breakfast, the buffet was classic:
- Fresh fruit, pastries, DIY omelet station.
- Tip: Go early or late to avoid the stampede. The mid-morning rush? A sea of waffle seekers.
- They even had grits for Southern soul food lovers and smoked salmon for the fancy folks.
š½ļø Evening Elegance: Dining Room Feasts
Dinner was more than foodāit was an event.
- Rotating menus with hits like prime rib and lobster tail.
- Waiters who sang and danced (sometimes better than the show performers).
- Tip: Ask for the chocolate melting cake every night. Theyāll oblige, and your taste buds will thank you.
šļø Pools & Play
Carnival Magic had multiple pool areas, including the adults-only Serenity deck.
- Kids splashed in WaterWorks, while grownups sipped frozen cocktails in peace.
- Tip: Grab a deck chair early or itās towel-on-plastic purgatory.
š Activities Galore
From trivia contests to karaoke showdowns, youād have to actively avoid having fun.
- Bingo felt like high-stakes Vegas lite (we won zip, but the tension was real).
- The cruise director kept the mood festiveāenergy like a Red Bull in human form.
š© The Magic Show
One night we drifted into the theatre andāboomāillusions, levitations, mind-reading.
- Tip: Sit mid-range for the best view. Front row gets lots of audience participation (which may or may not be your thing).
- We still donāt know how he pulled that card from his shoe.
š° Casino Daze
Glitz, neon, and no clocks in sight.
- Itās where time (and coin) slipped away fast.
- Poker, slots, and roulette aplentyāsmoky and bustling.
š» āThe Thirsty Frogā Pub
This little watering hole had its own charm.
- House-brewed beer, lively acoustic sets, and surprisingly good bar snacks.
- It felt like stumbling into a coastal diveāonly afloat.
- Tip: Try their ThirstyFrog Red. Not bad at all.
š¹ Drink Pass Wisdom: Cheers to Top Shelf
We splurged on the unlimited drink passāand made every sip count.
- Pro tip: Donāt waste it on the usual. Go top shelf.
- Call for the Grey Goose, the Glenlivet, or those fancy tropical mixes with ingredients you canāt pronounce.
- Bartenders were cool about itājust flash your card and sip like a vacation legend.
šÆ 24/7 Munch Madness
Carnival Magic kept the cravings in check, no matter the hour.
- Hot pizza, melty and always fresh.
- Burrito bar: stuffed to the max with rice, beans, beef, chicken, and custom salsas.
- Midnight snack tip: head to the pizza station around 1 AMāless crowd, more cheesy goodness.
- Donāt forget room serviceālate-night BLTs and cookies were surprisingly decent.
šŖ Door Decorating Tips
- Magnetic Signs & Posters: Most doors are metalāscore! Use magnets to hang a custom āCruising with the Doughertys ā 2016ā sign, your itinerary, or even your favorite memes.
- Theme It Up: Tropical vibes, pirate flair, or an inside joke from your group. Bonus points if it’s photo-worthy.
- LED String Lights: Soft glow around your door at night = mood plus easy navigation after hitting The Thirsty Frog.
- Ribbon or Garland Frame: Stick-on hooks + nautical ribbon = instant framing flair.
- Dry-Erase Message Board: Leave messages for cabin-mates or other travelers: āGone to Bingo!ā or āDrinks @ Frog, come find us!ā
- Mini Welcome Basket: Tape a treat pouch with mints, joke trinkets, or an āIf lost, return to cabinā¦ā tag for fun.
šļø Duty-Free Finds: Smart Splurging at Sea
Hidden on Deck [insert number here] like a secret stash for savvy sailors, Carnival Magicās duty-free shops offered everything from liquor to luxuryābut not all deals were created equal.
Pro Tips for Duty-Free Glory:
- Liquor & Tobacco: Prices were solid, especially on multi-bottle promos.
- Heads-up: Items are typically delivered to your cabin on the last night, so plan accordingly if you’re craving that top-shelf rum.
- Go for brands you canāt easily get back homeāitās about novelty and savings.
- Fragrance Frenzy: Designer scents were tempting, but watch for markdown events.
- Pro tip: Try the tester, then loop back during one of their “last day deals”āthey often slash prices late in the cruise.
- Jewelry & Watches: It sparkled, but unless youāre familiar with the brand value, proceed with caution.
- They do offer certificates of authenticity and price guaranteesāuse those if buying.
- Souvenirs & Logo Gear: Fun stuff like branded hats, tees, and even Thirsty Frog merch.
- Great for that āI cruised and I have the shirt to prove itā vibe.
- Donāt Miss the Raffles: Almost every evening, they hosted a raffle or giveawayāthink free jewelry, spa products, or drinks.
- Easy to enter, even if you donāt win, the energy was a fun break from the sun deck.
š Excursions 101: Plan, Book, Show Up Early
Cruising rule #1? The ship waits for no one. Seriously.
- Pre-Book Popular Tours: The snorkeling trip to Stingray City or the catamaran sail around Cozumel? They fill up fast. Lock it in online before embarkation or head to the excursion desk early on Day 1.
- Timing Is Everything: Whether itās a rainforest hike or a rum distillery tour, always know when youāre expected back.
- Ship departure times arenāt flexibleāand missing the boat means arranging international transport on your own dime.
- Tip: Set your watch to ship time, not local island time. It matters more than sunscreen.
- Stick with Carnivalās Official Excursions When Possible: If they run late, the ship will wait for you. Independent tours? No such guarantee.
- Bring Essentials: Copies of ID, cash in small bills, backup charger. Wi-Fi might be spotty and port shops donāt always take cards.
š Final Thoughts: Life at Sea, One Wave at a Time
Cruising aboard Carnival Magic in 2016 wasnāt just about where we wentāit was about how we got there. It was sunrise coffee on a private balcony, ordering top-shelf mojitos on repeat, decorating our door so it felt like home, and returning each night to a fresh towel critter perched on our bed like a little surprise ambassador of joy.
The buffet never slept, the casino never blinked, and our steward never missed a beat. Between bingo wins (or almost wins), magic tricks we still havenāt figured out, and the familiar comfort of The Thirsty Frog, the ship itself felt like a destination all its own.
But the sea is only half the story.
Coming soon: tales of our tropical stops and salty adventuresā šļø Swimming and savoring lunch at a five-star resort in Amber Cove š Snorkeling bliss in a secluded white-sand cove on St. John š¹ Touring the iconic Bacardi Distillery and enjoying Old Town eats in San Juan š Slowing down to breathe during our tranquil at-sea day š§ Snorkeling, conch salad, and tiki vibes at Grand Turk
Each destination offered its own flavor, splash, and story. And just like the ship, we soaked up every second. Stay tunedāCaribbean tales are on the horizon.
