Miracle Jax Review, better late than never

This was our 21st cruise and our 15th with Carnival. This is the 3rd "Spirit Class" ship we have sailed and loved them all. We sailed on March 26, 2004 - Wife, teenage daughter & niece.
Sailing out of Jacksonville was GREAT!! We were on the ship eating lunch by 12:30PM. I hope Carnival expands this port to more ships.
Freeport Bahamas was ok as we had been there before but found the Pier shops better than before and the live music GREAT! We were able to open our balcany door and here the music all day. We did the Pirates Beach excursion, was nice but rather expensive. Bus ride rough and we had to mob the guy before he would take us back even though we had a full load.
The food was very good, Lobster fair. The dining room staff was GREAT, Cabin Stewart way below avg and sometimes rude. Being a brand new ship made thing extra nice. The new self assist baggage getting off the ship was good, we always HATE the waiting the final morning. Overall, a good cruise! I hate to see the Miracle leave Jacksonville and the very OLDER ship take it's place.

We were on the same cruise and seems we had the same ship impression. Cabin steward at times non existent, food very good, great serving staff, nice ship, plenty to do. Jacksonville may turn out to be a good port to cruise out of, once they get a final location for their terminal. A Holiday Inn is almost finished about a half mile from the port at the 9A exit. Roads being improved and plenty of parking and terminal help.

Jim