Miracle Review 04/03 - 04/10

[dbrucern]

Just as an FYI we are in our 50's and traveled with friends who were there as first time cruisers. Overall, we agreed that the trip was wonderful and they can't wait to cruise again however as we normally cruise in the Winter months this was a new experience with all the children on board. This is not meant to be a negative, we are parents and grandparents but we found that there was a lot of rollerblading up and down the aisles out side our rooms very late at night and the pools/hottubs were always full of children and toddlers even the one designated for adults and into the late hours.
Embarkation: Probably the best we have ever had cruising. We arrived at 12 and boarded the boat within 30minutes. Our luggage was outside our room by 1:30 (the time we could go to our rooms).
Dining: This time we chose early seating since we would be had to be back on the ship usually before 6pm. We found that regardless of what we ordered the meal was always served hot or cold depending on what was ordered and very good. If you have not thought about the supper club Nick's and Nora's, you should! Not only was the food excellent, but it was all about presentation and relaxation over a fine meal, well worth the additional $50/couple. The service, regardless were we chose to eat was always superb and found that our particular waitresses went out of their way to make sure we were surprised by offering us something that was not always offered on the menu like the Banana splits they brought to our husbands after hearing them talk about them the day before.
Excursions: We took the city tour of the Grand Caymans and because of an over turned tanker truck we were rerouted and had the opportunity to see parts of the island that most tourist do not go too. There is still a lot of devestation from the hurricanes and our guide was quick to point out the lack of financial help they had received. We all felt like we were being hit up for a donation. We did enjoy going to the Rum cake factory and trying the free samples and we highly recommend Breezes for lunch and drinks it is right at the pier (try the citrus Mango Salad or the jerk chicken both were excellent). They do not bargin in the Caymans the price marked is the price you will pay. The tide was too high at Costa Maya so we had to spend the day at sea. Carnival immediately applied the money we had paid for excursions to our S&S as well as $25/pp for lost of port. While we were disappointed at not being able to see the city we were lucky at the Casino and Bingo so we decided it was meant to be. By the way we found that the slots pay off if you wait until after 10:00pm to start playing basically we were lucky enough to end u[ having our trip paid for. Cozumel - I can highly recommend the off road 4x4, it was better then any ride at WDW and our guides were extremely entertaining. Definitely not for pregnant women or those with back or neck problems. A genuine mexican lunch was served and lets just say what went in hot came out the same way. If you drink then don't miss Carlo's and Charlies, you will see someone from every age group there and it was one of the best afternoons we had for entertainment. At our last stop Belize we were a little concerned about what had been previously posted on this site. However we found the people warm and the city not nearly as bad as had been stated. There was poverty but we have that in the South as well and there were some beautiful homes. We found the best bargains on pottery and carved wooden bowls. Jewlery, even silver was better priced at St. Thomas/St. Marrten. Overall it was a wonderful time and yes the dining room is a bit gaudy Vegas style but it was easily out wayed by the fun we had.

[KentuckyTam]

Thanks for such a detailed review!

[stlrboo]

Thanks from us too... every new, good review makes it a little more exciting!!