Researched and Written By

Researched and Written By Aaron Saunders

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Bring on the Magic

Installing the trademark funnel aboard the new
Carnival Magic.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

A few weeks ago, Carnival's newest vessel passed something of a milestone at the Fincantieri shipyards near Venice, Italy: the installation of the trademark "whale" funnel aboard Carnival Magic.

Set to launch on May 1, 2011, Carnival Magic is the newer sibling of the Carnival Dream - the line's most innovative, unique ship to date.  Despite launching a full three months beforehand, the maiden voyage of the Carnival Dream was somewhat overshadowed by all the hoopla surrounding the launch of Oasis of the Seas in December, 2009.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic aims to change that.

Onboard amenities and comforts rival that of many premium lines, and include Carnival's largest-ever spa (complete with a special Spa Stateroom category featuring enhanced amenities and priority spa access), a waterpark, separate adults-only retreat areas and areas just for kids, and an innovative promenade deck design that saw lifeboats moved under the deck instead of being suspended above.  Not only is the retention of a promenade deck rare these days, but freeing it of shipboard clutter is almost unheard of, and could be a cue taken from the very-upscale Crystal Serenity, which also houses its lifeboats under the promenade deck.

The launch of the Carnival Magic marks Carnival's return to European sailings after a brief hiatus.  From May to October 2011, the ship will sail a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, culminating with a 16-day crossing to Galveston, Texas where the ship will homeport for the winter, sailing the lucrative Caribbean run.

For more information on Carnival Magic, including stateroom categories, deckplans, and details of her maiden season in Europe, be sure to visit Carnival's website.

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