How I Booked my Carnival Magic Casino Deal
There’s nothing I love more than stacking deals to turn an ordinary trip into an ultra‑cheap getaway. This time, I pulled off a spa cabin on the Carnival Magic, round‑trip flights to Miami, and a free night at a luxury South Beach hotel—all while keeping my out‑of‑pocket costs shockingly low.
If you’ve ever wondered how far casino offers, points, and miles can stretch, this breakdown is going to make your day.
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👉Be sure to check out my Ultimate Beginner Guide to Points and Miles - Beginner Travel Hacking
🎰 Step 1: Scoring a Spa Room on Carnival Magic for $359 Per Person
Carnival’s casino rates are one of the most underrated travel hacks out there. If you’ve played in the casino on a previous sailing—or even just dabbled—you might already have discounted offers waiting for you.
This time, I hit the jackpot.
I found a casino rate for just $359 per person on the Carnival Magic, and not just any cabin… a spa stateroom. These rooms usually cost more because they include:
Priority access to the thermal suite
Exclusive spa amenities
A quieter, more relaxing cabin location
Discounts on spa treatments
Getting all of that for $359 per person felt like a steal.
I share how I book all my trips using points, miles, and travel hacks - How I booked it
I debated upgrading to an ocean view instead, but I loved the spa on the Carnival Magic the last time I sailed, and I don’t mind an interior cabin at all. I sleep so well in them!
Learn more -> Cruise Interior Cabins travel hack
✈️ Step 2: Booking Flights With Miles (Just Taxes & Fees!)
Cruise deals are great, but flights to the port can make or break the budget. Luckily, this is where points and miles shine.
🛫 Flight to Miami — 7,500 Alaska Miles
I booked my outbound flight to Miami using 7,500 Alaska Airlines miles, paying only the small taxes and fees. This is one of my favorite sweet spots for domestic travel, especially when cash fares spike. Direct flight to Miami for 7,500 miles? Yes! Please!
🛬 Flight Home — 12,500 American Airlines Miles
For the return flight, I used 12,500 American Airlines miles. Again, just taxes and fees out of pocket.
Between both flights, I saved hundreds of dollars and kept the trip firmly in “budget win” territory.
New to Points and Miles? Check out this post to get started - Beginner friendly guide to points and miles 101
🏨 Step 3: A Free Night at Dreams South Beach
To make the trip even sweeter, I snagged a free hotel night at Dreams South Beach. This boutique property sits right in the heart of South Beach, steps from the ocean, restaurants, and nightlife.
Getting a free night here meant:
No last‑minute hotel stress
A stylish place to relax before the cruise
Zero cash spent
It’s the perfect example of why I always keep an eye on hotel promos, free night certificates, and partner deals. I have stayed at this hotel twice, and I love the location. They have a great rooftop pool! This is a great boutique hotel steps from the beach—great for couples or solo escapes. Read the Review
Looking for somewhere to stay in Miami?
💸 Total Out‑of‑Pocket Cost
Here’s what I actually paid:
Cruise: $359 per person (casino rate)
Flights: Taxes and fees only
Hotel: Free
For a spa cabin, round‑trip flights, and a South Beach stay… that’s an incredible value.
Cruising soon? If you’re planning lots of port days, these items make a huge difference:
Dry Bag – protects your phone + wallet
Water Shoes – essential for rocky beaches
Hammock float – cheaper than renting
🌟 Why This Strategy Works
This trip came together because of three things I always preach:
🎰 1. Casino Offers Are Gold
Even if you’re not a big gambler, Carnival’s casino program can unlock huge savings. I don’t get offers for all the ships. I am a small-time player, but I am so thankful for the ones I get. It has been a huge money saver for me and my love of cruising.
✈️ 2. Miles Beat Cash Every Time
When flights are expensive, award space often isn’t.
🏨 3. Free Nights Stretch Your Budget
A single free hotel night can turn a good deal into a great one.
🧳 Cruise & Miami Essentials I Recommend
Sunscreen
Portable fan
Packing cubes
Waterproof phone pouch
Cruise lanyard
Motion sickness bands
You can find these and more on my Amazon Cruise Essentials List
About Julie
Julie is the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, where she helps families travel better using points, miles, cruise hacks, and smart planning. She’s sailed multiple cruise lines, explored Alaska’s top ports, and specializes in practical, mom‑friendly travel strategies that save money without sacrificing fun.
📌 Final Thoughts
This trip is the perfect example of why I love combining casino rates with points and miles. You don’t need a massive stash of rewards or months of planning. With the right strategy, you can book a relaxing, spa‑level cruise vacation for a fraction of the cost. I love getting these types of deals. Less than $400 a person for a 6 day cruise, including spa access, is a huge win. I also get free drinks in the casino while gambling.
Ready to start booking trips like this?
Follow along and learn the exact strategies I use.
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