Disney Magic 2024 Review + Cruise News [Podcast]

Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Simms discuss recent cruise news, including a viral fight on a Carnival ship, rising cruise prices due to new California laws, and capacity boosts in the Mediterranean amid over-tourism concerns.

Caleb shares his experience aboard Disney Magic, highlighting efficient embarkation, dining options, and exceptional service. He compares Disney to Virgin Voyages, noting differences in inclusivity and service. Caleb offers tips for first-time Disney cruisers and confirms his next Disney cruise on the Dream.

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Timestamps:

• The Carnival Fight (00:00:10): Discussion about a violent fight on a Carnival ship, the viral video, and the potential consequences for those involved.
• Cruise Prices and Transparency (00:02:15): Explaining the increase in cruise prices, the impact of a new law requiring transparency in pricing, and the inclusion of additional costs in the advertised prices.
• Mediterranean Cruises and Overtourism (00:05:22): Discussed the plans to increase cruise capacity in the Mediterranean, potential conflicts with overtourism regulations in Greek destinations, and the impact on cruise itineraries.
• Amsterdam’s Cruise Ship Cap (00:07:40): Talked about the decision to cap cruise ships in Amsterdam, the requirement to use shore power, and the potential relocation of the terminal.
• Villa Vie Odyssey Update (00:08:49): An update on the delayed sailing of the Villa Vie Odyssey, technical problems, and concerns about shortcuts in the recertification process.
• Discussion about Disney Magic Cruise (00:16:30): A conversation with Caleb who just sailed on the Disney Magic, sharing pre-cruise thoughts and the decision to take the sailing out of Port Everglades.
• Embarkation Process (00:17:15): Efficiency and experience at the cruise terminal, including upgrades and boarding times.
• Impressions of Disney Magic (00:18:53): Caleb’s overall impression and experience boarding the Disney Magic cruise ship.
• Dining Experience (00:20:11): Discussion of dining options, including the buffet, rotational dining, and room service.
• Entertainment and Adult Areas (00:24:10): Review of onboard entertainment, including shows and the adults-only area.
• Kids Programs and Crowds (00:25:56): Experience with kids programs and observations of crowd congestion on the ship.
• Port Excursions (00:27:44): Details about the day at Castaway Cay and Cozumel, including activities and locations at the ports.
• Virgin Voyages Cruise (00:30:44): Comparison to Disney cruise, including service, food, and similarities to Disney.
• Status Matching with Virgin (00:32:28): Discussion about status matching with Virgin and benefits.
• Disembarkation from Disney Magic (00:33:18): Process of disembarking from Disney Magic and luggage handling.
• Booking Tips for Disney Cruise (00:34:04): Tips for booking onboard experiences and excursions for a Disney cruise.
• Disney Cruise Experience (00:35:28): Discussion about the experience of a Disney cruise for couples and adults.
• Service Highlight on Disney Magic (00:36:22): Highlighting the exceptional service of Disney Magic and an example of going above and beyond.
• Future Disney Cruise and Final Thoughts (00:37:04): Booking the next Disney cruise and final thoughts on Disney Magic.