Carnival Magic

The Carnival Magic was the second of three Dream Class cruise ships to be launched for the Carnival fleet. Along with its sisters, the Breeze and Dream, it was built by Fincantieri and was designed to be a bigger and better version of the previous Conquest class of vessels.

As the world's largest cruise line, Carnival cruises to locations around the world. The company was founded in 1972 and stood apart from its competition by offering shorter and more affordable voyages - making cruising a holiday option that was accessible to families and younger passengers.

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Today, Carnival has a massive fleet, comprising 23 resort-style ships, each one chock-full of fun activities and world-class entertainment, catering to guests of any age.

The vessel splits its time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. In the summer, it is generally based in Barcelona and travels to destinations like Marseilles, Civitavecchia, Dubrovnik, Venice and Sicily.

In the autumn, the Magic crosses the Atlantic - with a stop in the Canary Islands on the way. For the winter, it is then based in Galveston, Texas, and sails to locations like Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 4,631
Year entered service: 2009
Beam (ship width): 158 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.2 feet
Length: 1,004 feet
Tonnage: 130,000
Crew: 1,367
Maximum speed: 22.5 knots
Number of passenger decks: 14
Number of lifts: 14
Number of swimming pools: 3
Number of cabins: 1,823

Food, cuisine and dining

Going hungry will never be a problem on the Magic - there are a number of different restaurants to choose from, catering for every taste and craving.

There are two main dining rooms - the Southern Lights and the Northern Lights. These are large, elegantly decorated spaces where voyagers can go for a traditional cruise-style meal. There are two main dinner services, although passengers may also opt for Your Time Dining, which allows for a bit more flexibility in your schedule.

In addition, there are various alternative options - although some of them may incur an extra charge:
• Lido Marketplace
• Sushi & More
• Cucina del Capitano
• Prime Steakhouse
• Cherry on Top

Room service is also available 24 hours a day.

On-board entertainment and activities

For those who like to sit back and enjoy a nice cold drink, the Magic is home to a number of lounges and bars where you can get your favourite tipple.

A popular choice is the RedFrog Pub, which is the first pub at sea to carry the line's own brew - called ThirstyFrog Red, it's sure to hit the spot and tastes great with the venue's bar snacks. There's also the Play It Again piano bar, Spotlight Lounge and the Escape bar.

If you'd like a night at the theatre during your cruise, then the Showtime Theatre is the place to go, or why not enjoy a movie on the giant screen above the main pool deck? Alternatively, you could dance the night away at the Vibe Dance Club, or head off to the casino to test your skills and luck.

Meanwhile, facilities for kids are extensive and include a video games arcade, a youth-only club and a teen hangout area. Activities, entertainment and educational programmes are also offered throughout the voyage.

And don't forget fabulous the waterslides - they're sure to be a hit amongst passengers of any age!

Spas and fitness facilities

The ship is home to the enormous Cloud 9 Spa, which includes a relaxation area, thermal suite and treatment rooms where you can indulge in therapies like massages and body wraps - there's also a beauty salon.

There's a massive adults-only retreat called Serenity, where guests can go to enjoy some real tranquillity. This area has loungers and umbrellas, as well as daybeds and hammocks, and offers the perfect place to go to wind down.

The SportSquare is an outdoor space that's new to the Carnival fleet. It offers a range of recreational activities, such as the first ropes course at sea, as well as a two-level miniature golf course.

If you prefer a more traditional workout, the ship is home to a large gym, or you could go for a run on the jogging track, swim a few laps in one of the three swimming pools or take a fitness class.

Cabins

With more than 1,800 cabins, the Magic gives passengers plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

Selecting the right cabin will depend on how many people are in your party, as well as the amenities you require, your ideal location on the ship and whether or not you want a room with a view or a balcony.

There are 19 different price categories and if you're seeking low-cost cruise deals, then interior cabins might be the best option. These have no view, but are spacious enough to comfortably fit two people.

Alternatively, the largest, most luxurious rooms are the Grand Suites, which are large and include a number of swish amenities. There are also Cloud 9 Spa Cabins - guests in these rooms can enjoy unlimited use of the spa facilities, as well as some additional benefits.

All rooms, regardless of type come with televisions, private bathrooms and plenty of storage space. Fluffy towels, soft bed linens and dressing gowns are also provided.