Picking the Best Cabins on the Carnival Magic

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Carnival Magic's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Carnival Magic? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Carnival Magic? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Carnival Magic?

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Carnival Magic Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins on the Carnival Magic: staterooms on Deck 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12.

Cabins to be wary of o the Carnival Magic are staterooms on Deck 2, 6, and 9.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Carnival Magic

Deck 1 -- Riviera Deck

Cabins on Deck 1 of the Carnival Magic have cabins above them -- this means that they are more quiet when compared to cabins beneath public areas. It should be noted, however, that Riviera Deck staterooms are just above the mechanical runnings of the ship. Engine noise and propeller vibrations could be issues in accommodations in the aft section of Deck 1 

• Forward on Deck 1 of the Carnival Magic, 1210, 1212, 1211, and 1215 are the smallest cabins on the deck. Each offers 160 sq. ft. These are listed as Interior Staterooms, but each has two portholes. 
• 1214, 1216, 1217, and 1219 are Porthole Staterooms. Each provides 170 sq. ft.
• The rest of the exterior cabins on Riviera Deck of the Carnival Magic are Ocean View Staterooms. Each of these offer 220 sq. ft.
• Ocean View Staterooms 1238 and 1240 port side and 1241 and 1243 starboard have staff areas between them. Noise could be an issue in any of these cabins when staff are busy.
• Interior Staterooms 1337, 1343, 1414, and 1429 share walls with elevators. Noise could be an issue when the lifts are busy. 1429 is also next to the Ironing Room on Deck 1 of the Carnival Magic. This could also add to noise issues for this stateroom.
• Interior Staterooms 1343 and 1347 share walls with a stairwell area, from which noise could be an issue.
• On the Riviera Deck of the Carnival Magic, cabins 1408-1467 (in the stern / rear of the ship) could experience propeller vibration and engine noise.
• Aft on Deck 1, cabin 1448 is oddly shaped to accommodate stairs. Noise could be an issue in this stateroom. 
• Aft and port side, Ocean View Stateroom 1450 is beside a crew area. Noise could be an issue in this cabin as a result.

Deck 2 -- Main Deck

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Some cabins with potential problems

Deck 2 on the Carnival Magic is right beneath several major public areas on the ship, to include the Ovation Theater, the main dining rooms, the ship's galley, and the main lounge. Light sleepers may want to look for accommodations on decks with cabins above and below to help buffer noise from public areas, and from areas in which staff are busy. 

• Forward, 2204, 2203, 2208, and 2207 do not have portholes.
• Exterior staterooms 2208- 2242 port side and 2207- 2263 starboard, and inside cabins 2206- 2218, 2205- 2219, and 2225- 2269 are all beneath the theater. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be of concern in any of these staterooms.
• Starboard, Cove Balcony Staterooms 2273- 2281 are in a relatively quiet area on Deck 2 of the Carnival Magic.
• Cove Balcony Staterooms 2262- 2334 port side and 2287- 2361 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2266- 2336 and 2291- 2363 are beneath the Breeze Lobby, which includes a bar and a dance floor, and the Sapphire Dining Room. There could be noise issues in any of these staterooms, and this could especially affect guests in the inside cabins.
• Interior Stateroom 2367 shares a wall with an elevator. This might produce noise concerns when the elevator is busy.
• Starboard, Cove Balcony Stateroom 2375 is across the hall from the Self Service Laundry. Noise and heat could be issues in this stateroom when the laundry is busy.
• There are several staterooms that are beneath the Carnival Magic's galley. Noise from above could be problematic in Cove Balcony Staterooms 2338- 2420 port side and 2365- 2447 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2367, 2348- 2364, 2377- 2395, 2390- 2410, and 2421- 2433.
• On Deck 2, the Carnival Magic adds Cove Balcony Staterooms (2248- 2414 port side, and 2273- 2441 starboard) to the list of cabin choices. Each offers 185 sq. ft. with a 45 sq, ft, balcony.
• Aft, Ocean View Staterooms 2424- 2476 port side and 2449- 2501 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 2422- 2466 and 2451- 2491 are beneath the Blush dining room. Noise could be a problem in any of these staterooms when the dining room is serving, and when staff are cleaning.

Deck 6 -- Upper Deck

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Some cabins with potential problems

Along the entire Upper Deck, be aware that the main drag of the Carnival Magic is right beneath you. The theater, the casino, the night club, and the aft lounge on Promenade Deck below can all produce noise that could be an issue. 

• Forward, 6206, 6204, 6202, 6201, 6203, and 6205 are all Interior Staterooms that have picture windows. Each will also offer 170 sq. ft.
• Balcony Staterooms 6208 and 6207 are oddly shaped and could offer slightly more cabin space than standard.
• Staterooms that are above the theater area on the Carnival Magic are Balcony Staterooms 6220- 6266 port side and 6223- 6269 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6226- 6264 and 6229- 6267. Noise during rehearsals and performances could be of concern in these cabins.
• Balcony Staterooms 6266, 6268, and 6270 port side and 6269, 6271, and 6273 starboard are above doors on Promenade Deck that do cause noise issues.
• Staterooms in a relatively quiet are on the Carnival Magic are Balcony Staterooms 6272- 6302 port side and 6269- 6305 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6288- 6304, 6291- 6307, 6365, and 6367. Beneath these cabins are the Fun Shops, which do not represent a late night noise threat.
• On Upper Deck of the Carnival Magic, Balcony Staterooms 6306- 6356 port side and 6311- 6363 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6308- 6358, 6309- 6359, and 6371- 6385 are above the Winner's Luck Casino. Noise until very late at night could be of concern in any of these staterooms. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer a cabin elsewhere on the ship, or bring earplugs. You may also consider investing in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds).
• Aft, Balcony Staterooms 6364- 6476 port side and 6395- 6507 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 6366- 6394, 6389- 6423, 6436- 6466, and 6467- 6497 are above the lounge. Noise could be an issue in any of these cabins.
• On the Carnival Magic's Deck 6, cabins 6389, 6393, 6366, 6436 and 6467 are next to elevators. Noise could be a problem in these staterooms when the lifts are busy.
• Balcony Staterooms 6460, 6468 6470, 6493, 6499, and 6501 have large balconies (75 sq. ft. each) on Upper Deck of the Carnival Magic.
• On the Upper Deck of the Carnival Magic, balcony category cabins in the rear of the ship 6472-6503 all have extended balconies and more spacious accommodations. Most also have the highly sought-after rear-facing views (where you typically don't have to worry about the balcony being too windy).
• The aft balconies on Deck 6 of the Carnival Magic can be viewed from above, and do overlook Promenade Deck. 

Deck 7 -- Empress Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

On the Carnival Magic, Empress Deck is without question the luxury district of the ship. This is where all the best suites are located. There are also cabin decks above and beneath Deck 7 accommodations that buffer noise from public venues. Because the best suites are on Empress Deck, this is also where the best cabin stewards are usually assigned. If you're looking for an Interior Stateroom, reserving one near a suite might be a very wise investment! Some of the best cabins on the Carnival Magic are on the Empress Deck!

• Forward on Deck 7 of the Carnival Magic, 7208, 7206, 7204, 7202, 7201, 7203, 7205, and 7207 are Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. While it's nice to have a view, please note that an outside deck area compromises privacy.
• Thirty-eight of the 44 Ocean Suites on the Carnival Magic are located on Empress Deck! Each of these provides 275 sq. ft. with a 65 sq. ft. balcony.
• All of the Grand Suites available on the Carnival Magic are located on Deck 7! Each offers 345 sq. ft. with an 85 sq. ft. balcony.
• Interior Stateroom 7349 shares a wall with the Self Service Laundry. Noise and heat could be concerns in this cabin.
• Starboard, Balcony Staterooms 7345 and 7347 are across the hall from the Self Service Laundry. Heat and noise could affect these cabins as a result.
• Interior Staterooms 7348 and 7349 are next to elevators. Noise could be an issue when this lift is busy.
• In our opinion, the best situated exterior staterooms and suites on Empress Deck of the Carnival Magic are as follows. Port side through aft, we recommend 7210, 7214, 7230- 7258, 7284- 7334, 7352- 7364, 7396- 7416, and 7430- 7466. Starboard, we suggest 7209, 7215, 7227, 7233, 7245- 7259, 7287- 7335, 7355- 7371, 7397- 7417, and 7429- 7467.
• Balcony Staterooms 7460- 7461 have extended balconies and the highly sought aft views (where you typically don't have to worry about the balcony being too windy).
• Balcony Staterooms 7454 and 7455 have larger than standard balconies.
• Aft, 7458 and 7459 are Premium Vista Staterooms. Each will offer 185 sq. ft. with a 75 sq. ft. balcony with great aft views! 

Deck 8 -- Verandah Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Verandah Deck accommodations on the Carnival Magic have cabins above and beneath them that buffer noise from public venues. -So it's more quiet in Deck 8 staterooms when compared to decks not otherwise situated. Verandah Deck is a great deck for any stateroom, and is highly recommended for those seeking an inside cabin. 

• The Balcony Staterooms in the forward section of Deck 8 on the Carnival Magic have balconies that can be viewed from the bridge.
• Interior Staterooms 8351, 8352, and 8355 are next to elevators. Noise when the lifts are busy could be an issue in these cabins.
• The best situated Balcony Staterooms, in our opinion, on Verandah Deck of the Carnival Magic are as follows. Port side through aft, we suggest 8208- 8244, 8276- 8336, 8354- 8374, 8404- 8424, and 8440- 8472. Starboard through aft, we recommend 8207- 8245, 8277- 8339, 8359- 8379, 8409- 8431, and 8447- 8479.
• Cabins 8351, 8352, 8355, 8438, and 8445 are by elevators, which can cause noise when the lifts are busy.
• 8462, 8469, and 8466- 8473 have larger than standard balconies.
• The Aft Balcony Staterooms on the Carnival Magic's Verandah Deck (8466-8473) have great ocean views. However, you can see balconies looking down and be seen from balconies above.

Deck 9 -- Vista Deck

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Several cabins with potential problems.

The Carnival Magic's Vista Deck should be considered in two sections. One has cabins on the deck above it, and the other one has the pool, sunbathing, and dining area above it.

• Forward, 9202, 9201, and 9203 are Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. Each offers 170 sq. ft. of living space.
• 9206 and 9205 are Junior Suites with Obstructed Views. Each provides 275 sq. ft. with a 65 sq. ft. balcony.
• The cabins that will offer relative peace and quiet on Vista Deck of the Carnival Magic are 9206- 9300 port side, 9205- 9299 starboard, and inside cabins 9204- 9262, 9211- 9261, 9286- 9302, and 9285- 9301.
• The rest of the cabins on Vista Deck, from Balcony Staterooms 9304 and 9303, and 9308 and 9307 through to and including the aft staterooms, are all beneath very busy venues on Lido Deck. These include the pools, the sunbathing areas, the casual dining venues, and the Lido Marketplace.
• Aft on the Carnival Magic, 9472-9475 all have either over sized balconies. 

Deck 10 -- Lido Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Cabins on the Carnival Magic's Lido Deck are close to the pool, spa & gym facilities. They are also of interest because they have no public areas above or below them.

• Forward, 10206, 10204, 10202, 10201, 10203, and 10205 are Interior Staterooms with Picture Windows. In our opinion, the best situated of these are 10204 and 10203.
• The best situated Balcony Staterooms on Lido Deck of the Carnival Magic are 10212- 10248 and 10282 port side and 10211- 10249 and 10283 starboard.
• Port side, Balcony Stateroom 10264 is across the hall from the Self Service Laundry. Noise and heat could be a problem in this cabin when the laundry is busy.
• Balcony Staterooms 10290 and 10291, and Interior Staterooms 10288 and 10289 are closest to the pool area. Noise could be an issue in these staterooms when the pool area is busy.

Deck 11 -- Panorama Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Cabins on the Carnival Magic's Panorama Deck are the first floor of Cloud Spa Accommodations and as such, you have private access and amenities, and also receive priority Spa reservations. There are no public areas below these cabins, and most of accommodations on Deck 11 have cabins above that buffer noise from public venues.

• Forward, Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Staterooms 11204, 11202, 11201, and 11203 have obstructed views, and are beneath the fitness center. Noise could be an issue in these cabins when the fitness center is busy.
• 11206, 11205, 11215, and 11221 are Cloud 9 Spa Suites. Each offers 275 sq. ft. with a 65 sq. ft. balcony.
• Balcony Staterooms and suites that are beneath cabins that buffer noise are 11206- 11258 port side and 11205- 11257 starboard.
• On Panorama Deck of the Carnival Magic, Balcony Staterooms 11260- 11278 port side and 11259- 11277 starboard, and Interior Staterooms 11274, 11268, 11275, and 11269 are beneath Carnival Waterworks. Noise could be an issue when the waterworks is open.
• There are several Cloud 9 Spa accommodations on Deck 11 of the Carnival Magic. Please note that spa cabins are strictly non-smoking; there is a $250 cleaning fee assessed if cabin staff notice the smell of smoking in your room.

Deck 12 -- Spa Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Spa Deck cabins are the ultimate Cloud Spa Accommodations on the Carnival Magic! All cabins feature private access and amenities, with priority spa reservations. 

• Forward on Spa Deck of the Carnival Magic, Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Staterooms 12002 and 12001, and Interior Stateroom 12008, are next to the fitness area. Noise could be an issue in these cabins as a result.
• Starboard, Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Staterooms 12007, 12009, 12011, and 12015 are across the hall from the Fitness Studio. Noise could be an issue when this facility is open.
• Cabins 12044 and 12037 are closest to the Waterworks and are likely to be noisier than cabins farther forward on the Carnival Magic's Spa Deck. Past guest reviews of cabin 12037 described a couple of concerns. 
• Please note that spa cabins are strictly non-smoking; there is a $250 cleaning fee assessed if cabin staff notice the smell of smoking in your room.