Cruise vacations: Carnival Magic enchants at sea

By Kim Windyka

Setting sail on its maiden voyage from Venice to Barcelona this May 1, the Carnival Magic will bring the “fun ship” line to the next level in cruising. Offering sailings through Europe as well as the Caribbean, the ship truly offers a little bit of something for everyone in a vibrant atmosphere that easily lends itself to having a great time. For starters, there’s the happenin’ Ocean Plaza – a central hub where you can hang at the bar and cyber cafe by day, and take in some live entertainment or boogie down on the dance floor by night. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle, just stroll down the Lanai, which features amazing ocean views and calming whirlpools.

Families will savor the windy water slides in Waterworks aboard Carnival's Magic, which sets sail on its maiden voyage on May 1.

Speaking of relaxation, staterooms on the Magic go above and beyond to deliver a one-of-a-kind cruise experience. With more than 60 percent of rooms offering an ocean view, and more than 75 percent of those rooms featuring private balconies, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bad spot. For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation, the ship also boasts luxurious spa suites. These accommodations have exclusive access to the amenities of the Cloud 9 Spa, including a steam room, gym, Thalassotherapy pool and soothing Thermal Suites.

Of course, it can’t be all tranquility all the time. Carnival stays true to its fun reputation with WaterWorks, a massive water park that promises excitement for all ages. The crown jewel? The longest Twister water slide you’ll find on any of the fleet’s ships. Dry off with a workout at SportsSquare, the onboard fitness mega-center. With jogging tracks, sports of all kinds, and even Carnival’s first ropes course, it won’t be hard to work up a sweat – or an appetite.

As I discussed in my previous post about the best dining at sea, the Magic showcases some of the latest and greatest that Carnival has to offer on the high seas. This includes The Chef’s Table, which takes a group of 12 diners on an exclusive galley tour led by the ship’s chef. A pre-tour cocktail andhors d’oeuvres reception follows, but save room for the full-service dinner you’ll enjoy in an unexpected location, like the library. Bring the whole gang to Cucina del Capitano for family-style Italian, or unwind with your sweetie or friends at the Red Frog Pub, a Key West-style hangout. Could cruising get any more magical?

Insider tip: Spring into summer during Carnival’s 3-day sale on Orbitz. Get up to $100 in Carnival Cash, free shore excursion, free upgrades and more if you book by midnight on Thursday, April 28.

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Kim Windyka is a travel brands copywriter, bona fide Twitter addict and freelance feature writer whose work has appeared in Metro Boston, the New Hampshire Visitors Guide and the Nashua Telegraph. Despite being a Northeast native, she dreams of palm trees daily.

Tagged: Cruise, Family time