Miracle Review: Jan 23 - 30

We got home late last night from the Miracle – Jan 23 – 30. I’m working on my huge, colossal, “soon-to-be-novel-length” Miracle Cruise Report, but in the meantime I wanted to share a few highlights with everyone.

About Us: The cruise was for my DW and I to celebrate our upcoming 40th birthdays. This was the first cruise for both of us.

Pre-Cruise: We flew from Omaha, NE to Tampa on Friday Jan 21, and spent two nights at the Holiday Inn near Busch Gardens. We spent Friday eve and all day Saturday touring the Tampa area, seeing the sights and watching the sun set over the Gulf. We also watched the “winter wallop” taking place on the East Coast, and crossed our fingers for our fellow cruisers who were trying to make it South out of that mess.

Embarking: All things considered, embarking was a breeze. The Miracle was able to come into Pier 2 okay, and they started boarding at about 11:45. After dropping our rental car off at the airport and hopping a taxi down to the pier, we arrived at around 11:15, and were in boarding group #6. Check-in was fast and simple with the FunPass complete.

The Cabin: We were in cabin 8167, an 8I on the Panorama Deck starboard side. We booked last March during Carnivals “one day only” (cough, cough) sale, and went from a balcony guarantee to the 8I. Let me tell you – it was worth every cent to have that balcony to sit on and watch the sun sets. Ahhh. We spent a lot of time out there watching the world go by. Our cabin steward was Jorge, and although we rarely saw him in person, he did a great job taking care of everything. He iced our water bottles down for us, and left us plenty of towel animals to play with.

The Ship: The Miracle is in fantastic condition, and the crew works very hard to keep her clean and pristine. No funky sewer smells, no stained carpets, no significant wear and tear. The cigarette smoke in Maguires is very strong, and at night the smoke in Mr. Luckys was also overwhelming, but it didn’t seem to drift into other areas that much.

POSTCARDS: Much has been said on this board (and others) about asking the purser’s desk for free post cards. Well, you can skip that advice here. I asked, and was curtly told that if I wanted postcards, they were available for purchase in the gift shop for 40 cents apiece. Playing cards? Those were $6.50 in the gift shop, although I did meet a pax who got a free deck from the casino.

The Pax: The passengers on board seemed to be much older than I expected, and there were a lot of European accents heard – some French and German, plus many I couldn’t make out. (Sounded like Eastern European to me.) There were very few kids on board. We met a lot of very nice people while on board – very few jerks/Ugly Americans/drunks to be seen (or heard).

Food: We ate breakfast each morning at Horatios on Deck 9; it was the same selection every day, with the alternating of pancakes/French toast every other day, and oatmeal or cream of wheat every other. We had lunch at Horatios too when we weren’t in port, and enjoyed the French fries and ice cream a little too much. I thought the onboard pizza was only okay – not bad, but not great either. It could’ve used a couple of extra minutes in the oven, IMO. But the grilled deli sandwiches were fantastic, and have I mentioned the ice cream yet? Ah, yes – sundaes from 3:00 to 5:00. Good stuff.

For dinner, we ate 6 of the 7 nights in the Bacchus dining room. We had originally requested the early seating and a table for two, but we ended up with late seating, table for 4. But this was actually a blessing – it worked out well to have the extra time after port stops to rest before eating, and we were seated with a wonderful couple from Tampa. We had a great time with our tablemates, and I hope that we all can stay in touch.

As far as our dining room servers go, let me tell ya – if the stars align right and the gods smile on you, then you’ll have Tatiana and Jana as your servers. They were the GREATEST!!! Both ladies are from Slovakia, and took such good care of us. Tatiana also insisted that we get up and dance with her every night, and who was I to refuse?

The Bacchus food was great for the most part – the lobster was just right, and the filet mignon and chateaubriand were outstanding. The only dishes that weren’t so hot were the veal parmesan (tough) and the basil ice cream that comes with the pear tartlet one night. Want to see your friends and family make an incredible “Mr. Yuck” worthy face? Then get the basil ice cream to sample. Horrible, horrible stuff.

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Nick & Noras: We dined at Nick & Noras on Tuesday evening, and had a fantastic 3 hour meal. They take really good care of you up there, that’s for sure. We danced, enjoyed the music, and had wonderful dinners. Try the 24 ounce porterhouse – you won’t be disappointed. They seemed to have reservation times available most of the week; I saw the staff in the common areas promoting booking tables for several days, and it was always listed in the Capers. Well worth the $50.

Games: Being the trivia nut that I am, we attended as many of the trivia games as we could. In the end, I won 4 Carnival medallions for my knowledge of all things insignificant. In most cases there were only a handful of people who showed up for trivia, except for the welcoming night game and the one right before the disembark talk.

PLEASE NOTE: They are no longer giving out “ships on a stick” – only medallions and bottles of champagne were given out that I saw. The only ships on a stick I ever saw were in the glass display case in Mr. Lucky’s, and were labeled as for the blackjack tournament. (Although I don’t know if the blackjack tournament winner got one or not.)

The slots were tight, tight, tight. I saw a few people winning, but not many. By each of the casino entrances is a “push the quarter” game; I dare you to sit there for 2 minutes and then try to get the song out of your head.

We entered the slot tournament one day, which with my usual casino luck led to nothing but a good time playing. We didn’t play bingo at all, but there were always good crowds for it. I didn’t go watch the hairy chest contest, but it was replayed many times in the cabin, as were the newlywed game and the Miracle Idol talent show.

Shows: The Carnival Miracle band and dancers put on a couple of super shows – Generations could use a little bit more music post-1978, but it was still fun. And the Beatles tribute was a great experience – don’t miss it. We enjoyed the comedians, although their R-rated late night shows in the Mad Hatters were considerably funnier than their G-rated shows. The hypnotist started out slowly, but by the end he had the audience rolling in the aisles. The singer they had on the last night had a beautiful voice; she sang Shaka Kahn and Gladys Knight songs perfectly.

The Cruise Director was Steve Knisley, who did a great job entertaining the crowds and keeping us up to date on what was happening. His assistants were Karl with a K (who you watch – will be a full blown CD any day now…), Candace, and Aussie Ali, who threw the toughest trivia questions my way. All were very personable and outgoing.

(continued)

Itinerary:

Sunday Jan 23: We left Tampa right on schedule. The seas were a little rough that first night – there was a lot of rocking and pitching, especially during dinner that night, but it didn’t seem to affect anyone’s fun. We went to the welcome aboard show, had a nice dinner in the Bacchus dining room (go RED team!), and called it a night.

Monday Jan 24: First day at sea. We wandered the ship, played in the slot tourney, won the afternoon trivia challenge, then napped before going to the captain’s party and the formal dinner. Oh, yeah – we also posed for about a million portraits. We ended up only buying two 8 x 10s and one dining room photo, but they turned out great.

Tuesday Jan 25: We arrived in Grand Cayman right on time, but had to wait an extra hour or so for the Cayman government to clear us. The seas were a little choppy, and we were afraid they wouldn’t let us tender in, but eventually everything was cleared. We did the city tour/Hell/turtle farm/snorkeling excursion through Carnival, which was a lot of fun. (Being my first time out of the country other than Canada, I booked directly with Carnival. Next time I’ll book independently.) Snorkeling with the stingrays was a blast; the turtle farm and Hell felt a lot like giant tourist traps/excuses to sell you stuff. The island is pretty much devastated from Hurricane Ivan, but they’re quickly rebuilding. Our tour guide was very informative, and also played bartender during the rum tasting at the turtle farm. That evening we went to Nick & Noras.

Wednesday Jan 26: In Costa Maya, we hopped a $3 taxi to Mahajual, and spent the day on the beach soaking up the sun and having fun. We then went back to the port and had an excellent lunch at Mamacitas, where they serve up a killer mango margarita and some really good quesadillas.

Thursday Jan 27: In Cozumel, we took a taxi to Chankanaab Park, and had a fantastic time snorkeling with all of the fish. The water was cold but clear, and when the sun peaked out from the clouds, it shined. I took a lot of underwater photos here, and could have taken more. We then went back to the pier so I could buy a Ron Jons shirt (I’m a fan – what can I say?), then we watched the drunk crawl back to the ship. Castoff was scheduled for 6:00, and at about 5:50 the last 3 missing people showed up to rousing rounds of applause.

Friday Jan 28: We went cave tubing through Carnival in Belize. Be warned: There were 180 people on this excursion. But the good news is that it never felt crowded. They spaced the busses out so that no groups were right on top of each other.

For us, cave tubing turned out to be the highlight of the trip. It was simply amazing. We hung out towards the back of the crowd during the walk through the jungle, and we were able to talk one on one with one of the guides more by doing so. The caves were just breath taking. As for the end of the trip, as we were approaching the point in the where we’d get out, who was standing in the river waiting to greet us? That’s right – a Carnival photographer. Yikes. This was also our last formal night, and we had a lot of fun with our waitstaff in Bacchus, dancing and laughing. The gala buffet was a sight to be seen; we went and took photos with the mobs of other guests, then waited until about 1:00 AM before going down for food. There was still lots left, and no lines. Full and happy, we finally fell asleep about 2:30 AM.

Saturday, Jan 29: We were suffering from a mixture of too much fun during the week and dread that we’d have to go home the next day. We went to morning trivia, then stayed for the debarkation talk, then went and packed before lunch. It was then time for more trivia, a nap, then our last shows and dinner. How quickly time flew.

Debarkation: They warned us the day before that we wouldn’t be coming into pier 2 because of a boat that was blocking the entryway, so we ended up a couple of miles down the way at a big empty parking lot instead. (When I got up at 7:00 AM we were already moored.) Debarkation started at about 10:00 AM, and the last group (us) was finally let off at about 11:45. They don’t say so during the debark chat, but they dismiss by floor, starting with the lowest. So if you’re on Panorama, make yourself comfortable, because you’ll be there for a while.

So now here we are, safely back home, still feeling the ocean swaying in my head while the push-a-quarter slot machine song burns itself into my consciousness. Lots of wonderful memories, lots of photos, and a $700 sail & sign bill (or, as hostess Ali called it, a “drink & sink” card) to remind me of our incredible week.

Thanks to everyone on the Miracle for taking such good care of us. We’ll be back.

Any questions? I have a complete set of Capers and a copy of the excursion prices. I also have 900 photos, and I'm working on the complete story of our trip, which I'll post a link to shortly.

Any questions - fire away. :D

Kevin

I was in the bar, were you there? I saw and met almost everyone except Indy..I heard your wife had on a shirt w/ beans around the world. Sorry I missed you. We had a blast. My son took over the whole ship. I was suprised at how many seniors there were on board, you too? We did get cards from purseres desk for free, no postcards though. N&N did not include tip. Most do not know that. Fod was great though. We ate there Wed. Ship alittle confusing to navigate at first, but I got the hang of it in a few days. Chairs were alittle tough on sea days. Worth it??? I thought so

Thanks for the review! Looking forward to seeing the Capers too! We go at the end of may and I am trying to make sure I don't miss anything! I love the trivia games too!

June

This is Indy...we also had a great time. Beans, you are doing a fabulous job of reviewing the week. It was great meeting you and your lovely wife at McGuire's and other places on the ship. I did not see anyone else at McGuire's Sunday...where were all you folks anyway??? I saw a bunch of Eagles fans yuking it up in the other end of the bar, and even tried to provoke them by saying how much the Falcons would wup them, but no response Donnask8pro. I believe that not meeting you guys and the slamming balcony doors at 1AM by my drunk neighbor were the only two things that I did not enjoy during this cruise. I definately plan on doing this again someday.

spent two nights at the Holiday Inn near Busch Gardens. .

Did you go in the pool???If so wasn't it incredible? I had to check back in on 1/23 as my airport was closed and I had to wait a few days to get home.

Steve

I was in the bar, were you there? I saw and met almost everyone except Indy..I heard your wife had on a shirt w/ beans around the world. Sorry I missed you. We had a blast. My son took over the whole ship. I was suprised at how many seniors there were on board, you too? We did get cards from purseres desk for free, no postcards though. N&N did not include tip. Most do not know that. Fod was great though. We ate there Wed. Ship alittle confusing to navigate at first, but I got the hang of it in a few days. Chairs were alittle tough on sea days. Worth it??? I thought so

I would like to eat at Nick and Noras, but I had heard that gratuity was included. Does anyone else know whether gratuity is included in the $25 charge?

I would like to eat at Nick and Noras, but I had heard that gratuity was included. Does anyone else know whether gratuity is included in the $25 charge?

I haven't eaten there, but have heard that the $25.00 does not include the tip.. I can imagine a $10.00 bill wouldn't be that much to ask, depending upon the service rendered.. :D

I haven't eaten there, but have heard that the $25.00 does not include the tip.. I can imagine a $10.00 bill wouldn't be that much to ask, depending upon the service rendered.. :D

Here is the info from the Carnival website. Tips are included.

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Nouveau_Supper_Club.aspx

The Supper Club is an intimate restaurant that accepts reservations for when the guest chooses to dine for dinner between the hours of 6:00pm-9:30pm. Reservations are made by telephone from the guest's stateroom. This is an alternative to eating in the Dining Room or the Lido Restaurant. The Supper Club features prime steaks.

The reservation fee is $25 per guest, per entree. This fee includes the wait staffs' gratuity; additional gratuities are optional and may be extended in cash or to the guest's Sail & Sign Account, at the guest's discretion. The reservation fee does not include any beverage that is normally ordered through the bar service such as wine, liquor, soda and bottled water. There is nightly entertainment during dinner such as a cabaret singer or duet along with a large dance floor. There is also a cooking display area where guests can watch the chefs prepare their culinary masterpieces.

Here is the info from the Carnival website. Tips are included.

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Nouveau_Supper_Club.aspx

The Supper Club is an intimate restaurant that accepts reservations for when the guest chooses to dine for dinner between the hours of 6:00pm-9:30pm. Reservations are made by telephone from the guest's stateroom. This is an alternative to eating in the Dining Room or the Lido Restaurant. The Supper Club features prime steaks.

 

The reservation fee is $25 per guest, per entree. This fee includes the wait staffs' gratuity; additional gratuities are optional and may be extended in cash or to the guest's Sail & Sign Account, at the guest's discretion. The reservation fee does not include any beverage that is normally ordered through the bar service such as wine, liquor, soda and bottled water. There is nightly entertainment during dinner such as a cabaret singer or duet along with a large dance floor. There is also a cooking display area where guests can watch the chefs prepare their culinary masterpieces.

Thanks for the clarification. Might help convince hubby to go with the tip already included. If the service is over the top then a little extra would of course be warranted.

I ate at N & N's on Tuesday as well. If there was a tip included, they hid it well. I eagerly and enthusiastically tipped my waitress Sylvia ten bucks-the quality of service there was second to none. I ate until I almost busted, and then the chef sent chocolate covered strawberries to finish me off. Both my wife and I were so full, that we left one chocolate covered strawberry behind which we have never done before. As far as the controversy over dinner jackets...I asked the reservation person if they were required and she said no, but to dress smart elegant whatever that means. But when I received my confirmation of the reservation, it mentioned that dinner jackets were required. However, I did notice that several men did not wear jackets, and they did not look or act out of place. Of course, they are required on formal nights.Our time at Nick and Nora's was one of the highlights of the cruise and if you can afford it, I would highly recommend it. The fillet I had was the second best of my life (St. Elmo's in Indy takes first place still)

Re: tips at Nick & Noras: I asked Zsa Zsa the N&N hostess about it, and she said that gratuities ARE included in the $25.00 per person charge. There is a line on the receipt you sign where you can include extra if you wish, but basic gratuities are included. W did tip extra because the service was that good.

During the week we only met one drunk - he stumbled into the elevator and asked us if we knew where he left his sail and sign card. For the entire ride he pestered us about it, because he was convinced that two strangers he'd never seen before knew exactly where his S&S card could be. Go figure. :)

Steveaaa, that pool at the Holiday Inn was something else! For those who haven't seen it before, it's probably (no exaguration) 40 yards long, with shallow ends on either end and a 6 foot deep middle. It's curved and sort of snake-shaped, and the temp was aaaaah fantastic. I went back in the daylight and took pics of it; it was no kidding probably the best hotel pool I'd been in.

Donnask8pro, sorry we didn't get to meet in person. I did enjoy meeting many of our fellow CCers over the week, but alas - I never did get back in to the Raven to sign the CC log book. The librarian was only there very limited hours, and while I could see it behind the (locked) glass windows, I could never get to it. Oh, well - at least we all know it's there, safe and sound. :)

Any other questions, just ask. I'm hard at work on my mondo-huge photo-packed trip report right now...

Kevin

Thanks, Kevin... for the great review!! We will be going on the Miracle 2/13/05. We can't wait!! Thanks for all the info on N&N... we are planning on going there on Tuesday night also. Hopefully, it will not be top busy that night (Valentine's Day)!!

I'm anxiously waiting for the link to the capers!!!

Thanks again, Lisa

Lisa honey!!!! Valentine's day is actually MONDAY!! :D :D :D I think we are planning on going Tuesday as well... can't wait to meet you guys!!!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time! And are now a true cruiseaholic?? :D Thanks for the great review!!

Junea...I saw you are cruising the end of May...we are on the miracle the May 29th sailing, but haven't found anybody else going then...I posted a roll call on the roll call board a couple of times but with no response...oh well

Just curious if you are on the same sailing.....

Hi - we're sailing with you on the Miracle, May 29th. We've got a group of 8 going so far, but we're hoping a couple of others join in on the fun. We live in Sarasota, FL and we're sailing the day after my 40th birthday! We're looking forward to it - we're sailing with a few first timers.:eek:

We are sailing with myself, husband 18 and 15 year old daughters, my older daughters boyfriend and his family (dad, mom and 22 year old sister). This will be our 4th cruise together. Looking forward to seeing how many others from the boards will be going....

Beans . . . .

I read in an earlier post that there is a "pajama party" one night on the Lido deck (the night after Costa Maya). Is this true????

Island Annie

Kevin,

Wonderful review! Thank you for sharing your time onboard the Miracle with us. I'm looking forward to seeing the Capers and your many photos! :D

Lisa honey!!!! Valentine's day is actually MONDAY!! :D :D :D I think we are planning on going Tuesday as well... can't wait to meet you guys!!!!

GC- Thanks for looking out for me, during my brain fart!!! Yes, we are planning on going on Tuesday night... not Valentine's Day ;) Gosh, you would think I'm already on vacation, by the way I can't even keep the dates/ days straight!!

GET ME ON THE SHIP ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to meet you too!!

Lisa

Beans . . . .

 

I read in an earlier post that there is a "pajama party" one night on the Lido deck (the night after Costa Maya). Is this true????

 

Island Annie

On the night in Costa Maya (Wednesday) there was a Bathrobes & Blue Margaritas party on the Lido deck beginning at 11:45 PM. There was also morning bathrobe trivia on Sautrday AM, but the only one sporting the bathrobe that morning was Ali the hostess. We didn't go to the Lido Bathrobes party, but heard from others that it was a riot.

Enjoy your cruise! :D

I agree I was told tips were included but I went to the pursers desk several times and asked several different pursers and they told me no. I did tip 20 bucks anyway b/c the service was awesome. They probably just wanted me to tip thats why they told me that. Beans I was in the bar with my pink Eagles tshirt on. I left several times to deal w/ the "boy" but was back the last quarter. My husband was the loud one. But we were not sitting at the bar. Those guys were rowdy. Indy what night did you do N&N's?

Junea...I saw you are cruising the end of May...we are on the miracle the May 29th sailing, but haven't found anybody else going then...I posted a roll call on the roll call board a couple of times but with no response...oh well

 

Just curious if you are on the same sailing.....

Sorry, I'm sailing the week before you! I promise to leave the ship intact!!