Review-Miracle 5/31-6/8

[Lostinthe50s]

This is our 3rd cruise aboard the Miracle and she keeps getting better. We have taken the same cabin and itinerary 2 years in a row as we loved it so much. We always book on the 8th deck towrds the aft with extended balcony ( 1 flight up to Lido and right near rhe elevators to go down to the dining rooms.) We are now hooked on the anytime dining option and are never disappointed. We had 2 great waiters named Kristian and Earle who we always asked for when we went to dinner and got one or the other. There was no waiting time except one night we waited about 15 minutes and the gave us a beeper- no big deal. They even sent candy to our friends cabin because we had to wait-amazing.

The food was awesome in the dining room and we ate at Nick and Noras one night which is an experience in itself and so worth the money.

The CD is Malcolm and he was great- he was even better than the comedian that they had one one night.

The still are doing the beatles tribute show and there was a singer impersonator that was fantastic.

The lines at Lido buffet do get very long at lunchtime especially at the deli and salad station. The pizza and 24 hr yogurt and ice cream are always a hit.

Both embarkation and debarkation went very smoothly and no sweat.

It turned out to be a wonderful week with good friends and I am sure we will be back as no other line seems to give you the same value for the price as Carnival.

Please ask me any questions you may have and I will be happy to answer.

[cruise pup]

I was on the same cruise. We were blessed with calms seas for most of the cruise and some gorgeous, gorgeous weather. Half-Moon Cay was just perfect. I stayed onboard in Nassau and enjoyed the aft pool and no lines in the lido buffet either. But I ate all 4 sea day lunches in the mdr where I had an excellent service (thanks to Maros & Ivan) and one of the best meals ever of any cruise (fried calamari, chicken parmagiana with linguini and a to-die-for chocolate eclair). Speaking of the food (which was too good) I requested Indian dinners on 2 nights and enjoyed both. Santosh, one of the maitre d's , even brought me an Indian breakfast to try one morning. A far cry from a lumberjack breakfast, nevertheless, it was so delicious and I pushed away the pancakes I had ordered in favor of this new (for me) discovery. My french door outside (a free upgrade from a 1A gty) was lovely and since they do not permit loungers on the outdoor promenade on the Miracle, it doubled as a "cabana" on the days I wanted peace and quiet by keeping the doors open and enjoying the fresh air and (partial) sea view. This was my first Spirit class ship so I don't know if thinks are run differently than on the Desitny and Conquest class ships, but it seemed to me that they have cut back on the number of musicians (no classical trio, no jazz band except for some soloists from the orchestra played early one evening). However, Clare, the pianist, made the afternoon sea-day teas very enjoyable. I was disappointed with a number of features; such as the number and size of the whirlpools (although they kept the one in the spa whereas they were pulled out of the Triumph and Victory); the size of the pools; the size of the sauna (can only seat about 2 or 3 at the most). And not being able to sit out on the promenade deck was a major disappointment to me.

[WorldlyTraveler81]

I keep seeing upgrades for Carnival. I'm a first time Carnival Cruiser and would like some more information - do i call and get on the list? I depart 6/16 so I know time is short.

[WorldlyTraveler81]

This is our 3rd cruise aboard the Miracle and she keeps getting better. We have taken the same cabin and itinerary 2 years in a row as we loved it so much. We always book on the 8th deck towrds the aft with extended balcony ( 1 flight up to Lido and right near rhe elevators to go down to the dining rooms.) We are now hooked on the anytime dining option and are never disappointed. We had 2 great waiters named Kristian and Earle who we always asked for when we went to dinner and got one or the other. There was no waiting time except one night we waited about 15 minutes and the gave us a beeper- no big deal. They even sent candy to our friends cabin because we had to wait-amazing.

The food was awesome in the dining room and we ate at Nick and Noras one night which is an experience in itself and so worth the money.

The CD is Malcolm and he was great- he was even better than the comedian that they had one one night.

The still are doing the beatles tribute show and there was a singer impersonator that was fantastic.

The lines at Lido buffet do get very long at lunchtime especially at the deli and salad station. The pizza and 24 hr yogurt and ice cream are always a hit.

Both embarkation and debarkation went very smoothly and no sweat.

It turned out to be a wonderful week with good friends and I am sure we will be back as no other line seems to give you the same value for the price as Carnival.

Please ask me any questions you may have and I will be happy to answer.

I have questions. I leave 6/16 - I hope I can just list them!!

1. how do we get show tickets/sign up?

2. work out classes? Do they offer them (RCI does and I'm interested).

3. How is lunch at the pool? I want to maximize my sun time!

4. as first time Carnival people, what do you recommend we know?

[AryMay]

since they do not permit loungers on the outdoor promenade on the Miracle

 

Does anyone know if this is true for all Spirit class ships? We are booked on the Legend in August and I will be disappointed if we can not have lounge chairs on the promenade deck. We prefer to be away from the noise and crowds around the pools and just want someplace quiet to read and watch the ocean.

 

We also are in one of the 4K cabins with the french doors...but I want to be out on the open deck...not inside looking around a life boat!

[hill6]

I have questions. I leave 6/16 - I hope I can just list them!!

1. how do we get show tickets/sign up?

2. work out classes? Do they offer them (RCI does and I'm interested).

3. How is lunch at the pool? I want to maximize my sun time!

4. as first time Carnival people, what do you recommend we know?

 

 

1. Lunch at the buffet is great.

 

2. You show up at the lounges for the show. Show up early to get your choice of seats. There is no sign up.

 

3. Work out classes - sorry no clue

 

4. I don't like buffets but thoroughly enjoyed the buffet on the Miracle. The Chinese food is great. They have fresh chips and salsa daily (one day it is on the Mexican Buffet the others it is by the burgers midship)

[hill6]

Glad to hear that you had an excellent cruise. We love the Miracle and sailed her on 5/15. A number of us rebooked it for the same week next year.

[PHILHOWER005]

so malcolm was ur CD and santash was the maitre D? did he keep the dining room entertaining? so happy to hear u all had a great time...tell u more cuz im also leaving on the 16th also. hope we have great weather like u guys did... any suggestions in nassua ?

[steveu44]

This is our 3rd cruise aboard the Miracle and she keeps getting better. We have taken the same cabin and itinerary 2 years in a row as we loved it so much. We always book on the 8th deck towrds the aft with extended balcony ( 1 flight up to Lido and right near rhe elevators to go down to the dining rooms.) We are now hooked on the anytime dining option and are never disappointed. We had 2 great waiters named Kristian and Earle who we always asked for when we went to dinner and got one or the other. There was no waiting time except one night we waited about 15 minutes and the gave us a beeper- no big deal. They even sent candy to our friends cabin because we had to wait-amazing.

The food was awesome in the dining room and we ate at Nick and Noras one night which is an experience in itself and so worth the money.

The CD is Malcolm and he was great- he was even better than the comedian that they had one one night.

The still are doing the beatles tribute show and there was a singer impersonator that was fantastic.

The lines at Lido buffet do get very long at lunchtime especially at the deli and salad station. The pizza and 24 hr yogurt and ice cream are always a hit.

Both embarkation and debarkation went very smoothly and no sweat.

It turned out to be a wonderful week with good friends and I am sure we will be back as no other line seems to give you the same value for the price as Carnival.

Please ask me any questions you may have and I will be happy to answer.

I keep hearing cruisers say their luggage was gone through looking for prohibited items before boarding. Did you hear of any of that from fellow passengers ??

 

Steve

[smeck]

1. Lunch at the buffet is great.

 

2. You show up at the lounges for the show. Show up early to get your choice of seats. There is no sign up.

 

3. Work out classes - sorry no clue

 

4. I don't like buffets but thoroughly enjoyed the buffet on the Miracle. The Chinese food is great. They have fresh chips and salsa daily (one day it is on the Mexican Buffet the others it is by the burgers midship)

 

How were the lines at the Lido Buffet?

[crusingisthewaytogo]

Reply to Steve re: luggage. I was on the 5/15 sailing. Embarkation day around 5:30 p.m. I was sitting in atrium near guest services desk where there were several pieces of luggage on the floor. I witnessed a guest, a security person and a Carnival crew in a white uniform go thru this lady's luggage while she was standing there until they found the confiscated item. It was a travel iron that the security person then walked away with. The guest was then allowed to close up luggage and walk away with it.

[cruise pup]

so malcolm was ur CD and santash was the maitre D? did he keep the dining room entertaining? so happy to hear u all had a great time...tell u more cuz im also leaving on the 16th also. hope we have great weather like u guys did... any suggestions in nassua ?

 

Santosh was the maitre d' on deck 3 for Yourtime Dining and covered the mdr for breakfast and lunch. The head maitre d' is Mario and he is the one who controls the microphone. He keeps his after dinner announcements brief. The waitstaff did the usual dancing and singing. One waiter was handed the mike to lead the singing in "That's Amore" and "Leaving on a Fun Ship" but you really couldn't hear him.

[marci4tony]

Does anyone know if this is true for all Spirit class ships? We are booked on the Legend in August and I will be disappointed if we can not have lounge chairs on the promenade deck. We prefer to be away from the noise and crowds around the pools and just want someplace quiet to read and watch the ocean.

 

We also are in one of the 4K cabins with the french doors...but I want to be out on the open deck...not inside looking around a life boat!

 

We are on Legend in August also - what is your sail date?

Weve been on Legend before, but we always get an ext balcony so we dont have to deal with people, chair hogs and the pool atmosphere. The promenade deck (deck 2) has your bottom level of the follies stage (front), clubs and casino (mid ship) and lower level of the dining room (rear). There is no open air, and I dont think that is the deck you are looking for.

 

The Lido deck (deck 9) is where all the pools are. IMO - a lounger watching the back of the ship is great! Sometimes, you can get away from the pool crowd. The back of the ship I think is the "adult" area, but not really policed. The Sun deck (deck 10) is up one level from the pools, and that is where we found the most "quiet - non pool crowd" chairs.:D

[Lostinthe50s]

I have questions. I leave 6/16 - I hope I can just list them!!

1. how do we get show tickets/sign up?

2. work out classes? Do they offer them (RCI does and I'm interested).

3. How is lunch at the pool? I want to maximize my sun time!

4. as first time Carnival people, what do you recommend we know?

You dont need show tickets- just show up at the theater at 8;45 or 10;30 show-get there a little early for good seats

yes they offer workout classes every day in the spa and you will see times listed

All 3 pools are located on Lido deck which has the Buffet,pizza and Ice cream- so its all right there

You will have a great time and the ship is so easy to navigate. Try the free sushi in the afternoon on deck 3- its awesome and all you want. There is also tea every afternoon as well with finger sandwiches and cakes.

If you get a chance -eat at Nick & Noras one night- so worth it

[axd0424]

I was on the Miracle 5-23 thru 5-31. Left out of NYC to Eastern Carib. The food was excellent although the choices seem limited compaired to past cruises! We had an excellent waiter - Da was his name. Our room steward..louis was excellent as well. Our drink waitress AAndrea couldnt do enough and we loved her. We had bad weather most of the week and hit a bad storm on the way down. Not a big deal, it's the chance you take. Also excellent was the Casin staff and Pool drink waiters. I wish they had more entertainment due to the weather. we found ourselves with ALOT of down time. Not enough pool entertainment/games. Malcome was ok but his heart didnt really seem into this cruise. Shows at night...well the best one was the Legends with the passangers. the rest of the shows....I've seen better dance recitals. Our Air conditioner started leaking one night..fist a drip and then poured out like a faucet. They took care of it. Got us new matresses etc. I found the recepton desk employees rude and not very helpful. I found the Dining Matrad. non existant. Came to our table once the whole cruise.

I really think the weather just set the mood for the whole cruise. People were looking for money back which I didnt understand but put everyone in a really bad mood. This was my 4th cruise and will probably be my last for a while. You can tell how much they've cut back since the recession. Casino's harldy paid out anything, the drinks we're pushed to the point of being harrassed.

[AryMay]

We are on Legend in August also - what is your sail date?

Weve been on Legend before, but we always get an ext balcony so we dont have to deal with people, chair hogs and the pool atmosphere. The promenade deck (deck 2) has your bottom level of the follies stage (front), clubs and casino (mid ship) and lower level of the dining room (rear). There is no open air, and I dont think that is the deck you are looking for.

 

The Lido deck (deck 9) is where all the pools are. IMO - a lounger watching the back of the ship is great! Sometimes, you can get away from the pool crowd. The back of the ship I think is the "adult" area, but not really policed. The Sun deck (deck 10) is up one level from the pools, and that is where we found the most "quiet - non pool crowd" chairs.:D

 

We are on the August 15th sailing.

 

Maybe using "Promenade" was confusing since that is the name of deck 2. I just want to know if there are any lounge chairs on the outside on deck 3 (also listed as the "outside promenade" on the deck plan.) The lifeboats provide shade to these outer decks and it is a nice quiet place to relax and watch that beautiful water go by.

[axd0424]

We are on the August 15th sailing.

 

Maybe using "Promenade" was confusing since that is the name of deck 2. I just want to know if there are any lounge chairs on the outside on deck 3 (also listed as the "outside promenade" on the deck plan.) The lifeboats provide shade to these outer decks and it is a nice quiet place to relax and watch that beautiful water go by.

 

We would go out on the deck everynight after dinner and never saw a deck chair

[steveu44]

Reply to Steve re: luggage. I was on the 5/15 sailing. Embarkation day around 5:30 p.m. I was sitting in atrium near guest services desk where there were several pieces of luggage on the floor. I witnessed a guest, a security person and a Carnival crew in a white uniform go thru this lady's luggage while she was standing there until they found the confiscated item. It was a travel iron that the security person then walked away with. The guest was then allowed to close up luggage and walk away with it.

thanks for the info. IMO, Carnival is going to lose a lot of business in the future when people become aware of their new policy. All to snag someone's iron or bottle of moonshine. They used to be the friendly cruise line. I'm sure I could find a nice all-inclusive for my $8000.

[marci4tony]

Maybe using "Promenade" was confusing since that is the name of deck 2. I just want to know if there are any lounge chairs on the outside on deck 3 (also listed as the "outside promenade" on the deck plan.) The lifeboats provide shade to these outer decks and it is a nice quiet place to relax and watch that beautiful water go by.

 

Ahhhh - I know where you are talking about and no, I dont recall seeing any chairs there...:confused:

 

But one can always ask!:rolleyes:

[cruise pup]

We are on the August 15th sailing.

 

Maybe using "Promenade" was confusing since that is the name of deck 2. I just want to know if there are any lounge chairs on the outside on deck 3 (also listed as the "outside promenade" on the deck plan.) The lifeboats provide shade to these outer decks and it is a nice quiet place to relax and watch that beautiful water go by.

 

No deck chairs on the outdoor promenade, deck 3. I discussed this with guest services and with the cd and they said that deck chairs are not allowed.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Keep It coming!!!

[hill6]

I keep hearing cruisers say their luggage was gone through looking for prohibited items before boarding. Did you hear of any of that from fellow passengers ??

 

Steve

 

I know that they updated their confiscated item list. I read about the person having an iron confiscated. That is still not allowed. I know of no one that had issues with curling irons and flat irons. I packed extension cords and had none taken. I did leave it plugged in once and they unplugged it but didn't take it.

 

 

 

 

How were the lines at the Lido Buffet?

 

There were some lines but they moved quickly and didn't seem that bad (we tended to eat early). The one that had a continuous line was the deli but that moved quickly.

[comeon530]

thanks for the info. IMO, Carnival is going to lose a lot of business in the future when people become aware of their new policy. All to snag someone's iron or bottle of moonshine. They used to be the friendly cruise line. I'm sure I could find a nice all-inclusive for my $8000.

 

Irons have always been prohibited. ALL cruise lines prohibit them due to the very real risk of fire. i sincerely hope they confiscate all of the irons people try to sneak on board. An iron and a bottle of moonshine aren't quite in the same catagory!!

[winguill]

I was on the same cruise with my wife and two daughters and agree with the two reviews posted that the service and quality of the food provided by Carnival was very good. We had the 6:00 dining seating time in the second floor where we had Lennox the main head waiter take care of our needs. He went out of his way to make sure that we were pleased with the food and provided suggestions as well. I also ate at Nick & Nohra's and it was well worth the money ($30 pp). The shows were also very good and would consider them of Broadway quality. I liked specially the one done by Ms Grainger female voice impersonator. I stayed in a partially obstructed balcony cabin category 7A in deck 5 (5237) which was a very good value and had no obstruction in front other than being able to see the water below the rail.

 

Overall a very good vacation and good value for the four of us. This is our 4th cruise (2nd with Carnival) and will try them again next year.

[supercarrie]

Thanks for all the news. I sail next Wednesday 06/16 and am getting so excited! I fly out from London on Tuesday to NYC and am counting down the days...so close!