Just Back from Magic in Mediterranean June/ July….got questions? Ask away

[Buzzster]

Here we go…

 

[Budzooka]

Is this the best cruise ever? On day 3 and absolutely loving it. Especially after doing a week traveling on land through London, Paris, and Rome. So much more relaxing and less stress. Looking forward to Greece tomorrow!

 

[SerialCruiser]

Anything that surprised you about the sailing? Good or bad, I'd love to hear!

Sailed the Med on the Magic in July 2019 and it was truly magical. Probably my favorite sailing.

 

[Buzzster]

I was surprised that…

• We were SO anxious while awaiting test results
• The food was better than I remembered in rotational dining
• A full verandah was so much better than Navigator’s Verandah
• The beer selection was so poor
• There was NO Mediterranean Cruise Merch AT ALL
• The App as Personal Navigator works well
• How tired we are…Greece is a workout

 

[SerialCruiser]

Happy to hear that about the food! Do you know how full your sailing was? We are scheduled for a northern europe cruise this summer and are also feeling anxious about the testing at the port. Sad to hear about the merch...

 

[Buzzster]

We had 1833 total onboard. Capacity is 2400 I think. Yeah the testing is agonizing, but just for a bit while you wait.

 

[holula]

What shows/entertainment did you have on board other than the Broadway style ones?

 

[Buzzster]

Brilliant pianist in Keys, four or so sets daily
Irish Trio in O’Gills, same
Magician, two shows
Juggler/ Comedian, two shows
Ventriloquist, two shows
Eurovision Violinist, two shows
DJ, a few performances in atrium
Guitarist solo act, Preludes lounge

thank is what I recall

 

[insureman]

Any chance that the Palo brunch buffet is back? We will be on her for the September 18th WBTA.

 

[Buzzster]

Do not know about brunch. We had dinner at Palo. Really good but the upscale and price increases have really soured us on Palo.

 

[insureman]

Do not know about brunch. We had dinner at Palo. Really good but the upscale and price increases have really soured us on Palo.

I agree. The only reason we go is because of it being free for the Platinum tier but I know 100% for sure I would not pay for it.

 

[holula]

I agree. The only reason we go is because of it being free for the Platinum tier but I know 100% for sure I would not pay for it.

Absolute same. I wouldn’t pay for it, but I’ll use my platinum perk on it.

 

[Budzooka]

Any chance that the Palo brunch buffet is back? We will be on her for the September 18th WBTA.

I am having brunch there next week. Will report back.

 

[tidefan]

Do not know about brunch. We had dinner at Palo. Really good but the upscale and price increases have really soured us on Palo.

We had brunch at Palo (we were on the same cruise as @Buzzster . However, they are not doing the "buffet" layout. They bring everything to your table. It was quite good.

Honestly, I'll second most everything said above. I didn't think I'd ever be on a cruise that could top our 2015 DVC Member Cruise to Alaska, but I think this one may have been better. Absolutely loved Mykonos and Santorini. Both are "must see" IMHO, especially Mykonos. I was also a bit surprised that there was not only no Greek Isles merchandise, there was no Med merchandise of any kind. Also, I didn't see many people shopping in the shops at all this trip. I think that had part to do with it as well as the fact that we had a letter in the stateroom saying that since the cruise was totally within the EU, that Italy was making DCL charge a 22% VAT on top of everything purchased.

Food was best I've had on DCL in awhile. It was outstanding. The Magic is in excellent shape. The only thing I could think of was that one of the elevators mid-ship seemed out of service most of the cruise. Other than that, she was immaculate. This is the perfect sized ship for this itinerary. We had 1750 people on board (was supposed to be around 1900, but about 150 were denied boarding - remember, if just one tested positive in a party, they denied boarding to the whole party).

Prenetics as a testing company was absolutely horrible. Took us almost 3 hours before we could board once we took our tests...

One thing to note. These ports are HOT. The Greek Isles themselves weren't too bad, but Rome, Athens, and especially Naples were miserable.

Last thought. About the Icelandic Eurovision violinist... Our running joke was to ask her if she could play "Ja Ja Ding Dong" (if you know, you know...)

 

[Buzzster]

Last thought. About the Icelandic Eurovision violinist... Our running joke was to ask her if she could play "Ja Ja Ding Dong" (if you know, you know...)

OMG…hilarious

 

[Buzzster]

Have to admit, I’d like to know the specifics of folks that were denied entry to sail.

 

[Trisaratops]

Thanks for this!!! I'm so so anxious about our norwegian Fjord cruise!

 

[wendygator]

Sounds wonderful! Considering taking a Greece cruise next summer. What types of excursions did you take on Santorini and Mykonos? Or did you do those islands on your own? Thanks so much!

 

[asgur5]

We had brunch at Palo (we were on the same cruise as @Buzzster . However, they are not doing the "buffet" layout. They bring everything to your table. It was quite good.

Honestly, I'll second most everything said above. I didn't think I'd ever be on a cruise that could top our 2015 DVC Member Cruise to Alaska, but I think this one may have been better. Absolutely loved Mykonos and Santorini. Both are "must see" IMHO, especially Mykonos. I was also a bit surprised that there was not only no Greek Isles merchandise, there was no Med merchandise of any kind. Also, I didn't see many people shopping in the shops at all this trip. I think that had part to do with it as well as the fact that we had a letter in the stateroom saying that since the cruise was totally within the EU, that Italy was making DCL charge a 22% VAT on top of everything purchased.

Food was best I've had on DCL in awhile. It was outstanding. The Magic is in excellent shape. The only thing I could think of was that one of the elevators mid-ship seemed out of service most of the cruise. Other than that, she was immaculate. This is the perfect sized ship for this itinerary. We had 1750 people on board (was supposed to be around 1900, but about 150 were denied boarding - remember, if just one tested positive in a party, they denied boarding to the whole party).

Prenetics as a testing company was absolutely horrible. Took us almost 3 hours before we could board once we took our tests...

One thing to note. These ports are HOT. The Greek Isles themselves weren't too bad, but Rome, Athens, and especially Naples were miserable.

Last thought. About the Icelandic Eurovision violinist... Our running joke was to ask her if she could play "Ja Ja Ding Dong" (if you know, you know...)

Did she play it?

 

[Buzzster]

Greece was mind blowing, we loved it. For excursions:

• Katakolon-explored on our own, Greek Technology Museum and Taverna Jimmy
• Heraklion- Archeological Museum and free time booked via DCL
• Athens-Acropolis Climb, Museum and Art Museum booked via DCL
• Santorini-Sailed and swam Caldera booked via DCL
• Mykonos-explored on our own, beach and shopping

The only 8 hour excursion was the Acropolis, the others were basically half days. I would keep to that. There is so much to see, the full day excursions can kinda hamstring your day. Plus we were dead tired after the HOT day climbing the acropolis but it was AMAZING. Our pictures are honestly not to be believed. So amazing to experience.