Just recently, our family was invited to spend the day aboard the Carnival Magic while docked in Galveston Island, Texas. This was an exciting opportunity for us, because like me, my husband and boys had never step foot on a cruise ship either. I could not wait for the moment we all stepped onto that ship!
Whenever I would talk or think about a cruise, never did I consider it being a family affair. The thought just never crossed my mine and I always considered it as something adults would do and not something being very kid- friendly. Before our tour, I would be that person to ask questions like, What if we get bored? What if my kids hate the fancy food? You mean I have to spend the entire trip on a boat with my kids? Surprisingly, those concerns were fastly put to rest the moment I step foot onto the Carnival Magic. Little did I know, we were up for a great treat.
While all the moms got to hear about all the kid-friendly and family friendly options available on the ship, our husbands and kids got the chance to explore? a few areas of the ship until we met up with later. It didn’t take me long to locate my husband and boys as I knew they were heading straight to the top deck for some fun water play. All I had to do is look for the big water slide.
The Magic was designed with families in mind, and it shows. Little did I realize that it is nearly impossible to get bored on a ship like the Magic. There are kid friendly activities like a ropes course, mini golf and foosball, a video arcade and of course the WaterWorks water slides. Where else can you go down a waterslide high above tropical seas?
Onboard entertainment like comedy shows and poolside movies make for an extra special trip. And did I mention the new Hasbro Game Show where cruisers bring classic board games to life? Sign me up!
One look at the dining options calmed my fears about the food. With kids menus and cuisine ranging from Guy?s Burger Joint to Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, there?s something for even the pickiest eater, plus even a candy store.
And don?t worry about having to spend the entire trip doing just kid stuff.? Parents can take advantage of Carnival?s special kid and teen programs and enjoy time at the adults-only Serenity Retreat or Alchemy Bar. Camp Carnival gives kids age 2-11 their own place to run wild with art projects, games and fun under the watch of trained counselors. Older kids can spend time at Circle C (12-14 years old) or Club O2 (15-17).
We were having such a great time and did not want to get off the ship before they geared up to set sail. The boys really enjoyed their experience and it was great family experience. My husband has always been one to down play taking a cruise but ever since our experience, he has not stopped talking about the idea of us taking a future family cruise.? The Carnival Magic may have just won him over!
Have you and your family taken a cruise before?
?Disclaimer: Carnival Cruise Lines and the?Galveston?Island Convention and Visitors Bureau invited my family to spend a weekend exploring the island and aboard the Carnival Magic. All opinions are my own.
This is great information.
My folks will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015, and they want the whole family (kids and grandkids) to go on a cruise. I’ve been worried about keeping my kids entertained on a non-Disney cruise.
After reading this, I am feeling much better about the idea.
We have not taken a cruise, but I have the itch to go on one soon!
I have been itching to go on a cruise. This looks awesome! So colorful and so much fun!
What a spectacular experience!! I haven’t been on a cruise, but it’s definitely something I want to do with my family when my kids get a little older.
Oh my, this ship looks AMAZING and so totally kid friendly! I’ve gone on 3 cruises- 2 of which were on Carnival ships and had nothing but fantastic experiences. I’m looking forward to cruising with my kids in a few years!
This sounds like so much fun! I have been on one Carnival cruise, but without the kids. They would have a blast for sure!
Ah, this looks like such a great ship! We haven’t taken our kids on a cruise yet – I think they are finally old enough!
I went on a Carnival Cruise about 10 years ago. Nothing like this one though. It would be a blast to take the family on a cruise.
We are huge cruisers – we done 5 in the last 9 years. We’ve done the Eastern Caribbean twice, Western Caribbean once, a Transatlantic one and an Alaskan one. Now that we live in Texas we’re looking forward to driving down to Galveston and porting out of there.