The Carnival Magic is a popular cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line that has garnered many positive reviews from passengers. Looking ahead to 2023, there are high expectations for this ship as more people plan to experience its magic. Passengers who have sailed on the Carnival Magic often rave about the ship's spacious and comfortable cabins. Many note the cleanliness and attention to detail provided by the ship's housekeeping staff. The cabins are well-appointed with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests. The dining options on the Carnival Magic are also highly praised.
Best & Worst Carnival Cruise Ships (Ranked By Reviews)
Of all the ocean cruise lines, Carnival’s fleet is one of the biggest. There are currently 27 ships in the fleet, from the oldest still in operation (Carnival Sunshine) right up to Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Firenze, the newest in the fleet.
But newest doesn’t automatically mean best. There are some treasured favourites and newer ships that are still really good but don’t quite have the same magic.
With that in mind, I set about ranking all of the Carnival ships in the fleet from best to worst. Everyone loves a good ranked list, and this is a great opportunity to remind everyone of what makes Carnival such a popular cruise line – and identify which ships are best for you.
I first made this list in 2022 but this has now been updated with customer reviews from 2023 – and I’ve let you know which ships have improved and which have dropped in the rankings, too!
Let’s take a look…
How I Gathered the Data
Before we dive into the ranked list, I wanted to explain how I put it together.
After all, I’ve been on a lot of cruises, but I’ve not sailed on every Carnival ship. So for me to base it just on my gut opinion would hardly be fair, or very interesting either.
So, instead, I’ve looked at the average Carnival cruise reviews for every ship across Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor.
Why those three? Because I know that they are independent, and they have enough reviews that one or two unfair ones won’t skew the scores too much.
By taking an average of the scores across all three sites, I’ve been able to get the ships into a relative order.
Then for any tie-break scores, I’ve then looked at other factors which either make the ship more appealing or more unique – anything which can settle which one is better.
There are some tight scores, but overall this is a fair representation.
And one last thing before we get into the list – remember that this is from “best” to “worst”. Not “good” to “bad”.
In fact on average scores, the worst ship on the list scored a 3.2 out of 5 – that’s still pretty good.
So remember, this is still subjective but it’s based on cruise passenger experiences, and all of the ships are at least “good”.
But now, which is best?
The dining options on the Carnival Magic are also highly praised. The ship offers a variety of restaurants and eateries that cater to different tastes and preferences. From casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants, there is something for everyone.
What Is the Best Carnival Cruise Ship?
The best ship in the Carnival fleet according to reviews is the Carnival Breeze. While not the newest ship in the fleet, she is the most well-rounded. Itineraries are interesting, cruises are good value and there is loads to see and do on the ship for all ages.
Now, let’s have a look at what people love about the Carnival Panorama, and which other ships get high praise (or not)…
The quality of the food is consistently reported as excellent, with fresh ingredients and delicious flavors. Entertainment is a highlight of the Carnival Magic experience. Passengers can enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music performances, comedy acts, and more. The ship's entertainment team is known for their energy and talent, keeping passengers entertained throughout their journey. Onboard activities and amenities are plentiful on the Carnival Magic. The ship features multiple pools, water slides, and a sports deck for those seeking an active vacation. There are also spa facilities, fitness centers, and a casino for relaxation and entertainment. Passengers appreciate the wide range of options available for both leisure and recreation. The service provided by the crew members on the Carnival Magic is often commended by passengers. Crew members are friendly, attentive, and always ready to assist with any needs or requests. Their warmth and professionalism contribute to a positive overall experience for guests. In terms of destinations, the Carnival Magic sails to various ports of call, providing passengers with the opportunity to explore beautiful and diverse locations. Whether it's the Caribbean, Europe, or other regions, the ship offers exciting itineraries that allow passengers to immerse themselves in different cultures and experiences. Overall, the Carnival Magic receives excellent reviews from passengers who have had the opportunity to sail on this ship. With its comfortable cabins, delicious dining options, exciting entertainment, and attentive service, the Carnival Magic is expected to continue captivating passengers and creating memorable experiences in 2023..
Reviews for "A journey to remember: Exploring the Carnival Magic's 2023 European itinerary"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I recently went on the Carnival Magic cruise in 2023 and I was honestly quite disappointed. The ship itself was outdated and in need of some renovations. The cabins were small and cramped, with old furniture and fixtures. The food in the main dining room was mediocre at best, and the buffet didn't offer much variety. The entertainment options were also quite limited, with only a few shows that didn't really impress. Overall, I felt like I didn't get my money's worth and I wouldn't recommend this cruise to others.
2. Michael - 3 stars - While the Carnival Magic cruise wasn't a complete disaster, there were definitely some aspects that fell short of my expectations. The service on board was inconsistent, with some staff members being friendly and helpful, while others seemed disinterested and unapproachable. Additionally, the onboard activities were limited and didn't cater to a wide range of interests. The dining options were also lacking, with the food being average and not particularly memorable. Overall, I wouldn't say it was a terrible experience, but there are definitely better cruise options out there.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Carnival Magic cruise in 2023, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The ship itself felt overcrowded, especially during the peak times like meal hours and shore excursions. The buffet area was chaotic and the food quality was subpar. The entertainment options were also quite disappointing, with the shows being lackluster and not very engaging. Additionally, the onboard staff seemed overworked and not always attentive to guests' needs. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this cruise to anyone looking for a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.