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Anyone back from the Miracle new itinerary yet???

celticd1

By celticd1,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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Travel Bear

Travel Bear

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Too late last night to finish so here’s my take on the other ports.

Aruba was ok. I had really been looking forward to this stop and it was the reason we booked this trip. We did a tour around the island which was around 50.00 for the tour (10.00 pp), drop off at beach and pick up and return to ship. The tour was informative and I enjoyed the cactus and desert like setting but I have seen islands I enjoyed more. The natural bridge is not there anymore and the explanation our driver gave was the lasers from the F 14 fighter jets and the vibrations of the jet engines that flew over during that “unfortunate incident” caused the bridge to collapse-we offered her no comment on that. We wanted to stop at Eagle Beach but she said the water was “too rough” and so we didn’t insist which I believe was a mistake on our part. Palm beach was nice though and the loungers we 5.00 each. She did return and continued our tour and then returned us to the trip.

 

Grand Turk was just the wonderful stop it always is for us. We spent a lovely day right at the port beach and pool, little shopping and back to ship at last minute. We had rented a car on a previous stop there and toured the entire island so we just hang out at Margaritaville now on return trips and love it.

 

Curacao was my favorite stop. What a clean, beautiful island and very nice people. We went to Blue Bay so had a nice ride 25.00 each way to the resort and and 8.00 admission. Well worth every penny. The beach was so beautiful, I loved it more than Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda. Admission includes loungers and palaypa(sp) Water was clear with gentle waves, some coral rocks but not a problem. It sprinkeled for 5 minutes but blew over quickly. There was a nice restaurant and bar and prices were around the same as previously posted – very reasonable. There is a snack bar for things like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and fries or an outdoor restaurant with a more pricey menu. Can’t wait to go back to this island and stay so we can explore the rest of the island.

 

Now about the ship. We have sailed most other lines including Carnival and each has it's own identity. This was the first time on the Miracle. It is much like the Costa Atlantica and Mediterrania. The cabin - Verandah deck with extended balcony was great. The balcony was large enough for the 3 of us and we were able to have the door connecting to our friends opened which gave us a very open, airy place to hang out and relax. The cabin was spacious with more than enough storeage. Didn't even need the extra sorage under the sofa!!. Suitcases all fit under the beds, beds were comfortable, cabin temperature easily adjusted and bathroom was very roomy. I always bring extra dry cleaner (thin metal) hangers and these were necessary as few hangers and the wooden ones take up a lot of the closet space. Stewards were unobtrusive, very responsive and kept the cabin spotless. Hallways were wide and easy to walk through even if carts were in halls. Odd thing, the day we were to stop in Aruba at 12 noon, they chose to clean all the balconies between 9 and 12 and came thorugh even if you were in room having your coffee. Nice to have them so clean but might have been better on a day we stopped earlier in a port but no big deal.

 

Food is very subjective so I will just say we enjoyed our meals, always had more than enough choices and liked almost everything we had. We did anytime dining and only had a short wait on 2 nights. Loved the anytime dining and wouldn't have minded if we had to wait longer to eat when and with whom we wanted. Most of the service was fantastic. They did some dancing shows which we are not especially fond of but they were short and not too annoying. I personally loved the colors and lights in the Dining room. I know much is made of the "grapes" but I thought the decor there was great. Buffet was ok. Breakfast was good, lunch fair, dinner - didn't use. Grill was good and 24 hour pizza and ice cream very nice. Some trouble with ice machines not working on several days but did get corrected each time. Seats were available without much searching but traffic patterns are congested however we find this on most CCL ships. They still use the buffet lines rather than the small stations and the overall feeling is one of lines and crowding although the wait times were not long. It was nice that they come around and refill your drinks.

 

I felt the crew was efficient and polite but not as friendly or interactive as on other ships except in the dining room. We thought we would have a crew that was relaxed and renewed following their 2 days from NY and the run of the ship, but I did notice they seemed a bit "distant". In no way was this a negative just not what we are used to.

 

The pool area was not over crowded and we never had a problem getting a chair. I think the fact that there are no loose towels available goes a long way to keeping chair hogs under control. Most don't want to risk their towel disappearing at 22.00!!!!! Watch out for the slippery decks when pool in use. The flooring is very slippery and I saw several people fall. The material is not absorbent and the water pools. I wore my sandals to and from the chair to the pool because I was so afraid of slipping. Very few children around the entire cruise so this was not a problem by the pool. Music was very loud so I would usually move away from pool area when they played.

 

Entertainment was just so so. Ticket to Ride was nice and the Welcome Aboard was good but that was about it except for Kareokee and Comedy. Comedy was good and Ventriloquist was good. The comedy shows were repeated on different days and times so you could usually find one that fit your schedule. The Kareokee wasn't so good. I think they did a good job putting together an odd group for the last night talent show but I really would have preferred a ship show. They didn't have a good response to the audtions and the one Kareoke I watched was painful. The daily activities were ok but no interesting lectures/info shows. Tea the first sea day was nice but the second sea day it was very mechanical. Hot water was cool, had to ask for a second pot of water, asked for milk, didn't get it, had to ask again. Servers appeared bored. Announcements througout cruise were minimul which I did enjoy and I never felt bothered or bombarded about any selling/promotions/etc. I found that to be particularly enjoyable. There are plenty of nice quiet areas to relax and read or meditate. Card room is small - just 4 tables I think and very crowed if someone is sitting in there. Library is poor with a tiny selection and while I usually find the library a nice place to vist and relax a bit, this one wasn't. The promonade deck doesn't have any chairs for sitting in along the wall. This is something I enjoy on the other lines. Didn't miss it too much because of the balcony but would have if I had an inside or oceanview. I like sitting in the cool quiet shade, reading a people watching.

 

Just a few more observations and I will end this - sorry I didn't intend it to be so long.

Embarkation was long. We got to pier at 11:30 and porters were not easy to find but once baggage loaded up we got right in and filled in our infection control form and got on line to check in. The line was long and it took about 40 minutes. This was the longest check in we have every experienced so I guess we are usually lucky. The line did move and people were pretty laid back so the wait wasn't too bad except the air was stifling - fans would have been appreciated. The reps were friendly and efficient. By the way they did open our carry on and inspect it. We had 2 12pack sodas, a 2 liter bottle of soda and a small box of wine for the 3 of us. Once checked it was oked and we proceeded. They were spot checking. Anyone with scooter, wheelchairs, etc checked in at a different area. It was reported that this was not smooth and the people seemed confused. This took longer than the regular long line check in. Rooms were ready at 2pm. Safety drill was swift and usual. No jackets were needed which makes it better. Little TV choices but we didn't care about that. Casino was too tiny for number of people, few machines and little choice. Tables seemed to be popular and didn't seem over crowded. VERY Smokey, and uncomfortable at times. McGuire sports bar right next to it and opens into casino and that is a cloud of smoke. Of course between the playoffs and Sunday and Monday football kept it pretty busy. If they are going to have all that smoking perhaps better ventilation would help. I don't think any day was non smoking in the casino although I thought I heard they were going to be doing this. Because the entertainment isnt' up to par the casino was probably used more which added to the smokey crowds. The theater and Mad Hatter show rooms were non smoking. The seating was good and very comfortable with adequate leg room for the taller cruisers. I think it was one of the more comfortable show rooms I have encountered.

 

All in all I enjoyed our cruise very much and while I wouldn't seek out this particular ship I would definitely sail it again if the price/itinerary were good. Nothing we encountered would be a deal breaker but there are other ships we have liked more. I hope to read more about the various reactions to this new itinerary. Happy Sailing

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Crazy4Koko

Crazy4Koko

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ARUBA:

 

A group of 14 of us booked a private tour thru DePalm tours. Our guide was Nestor and he was just beyond fabulous. We were taken to various sites around the island, which included the Natural bridge and the new baby Natural bridge, the California lighthouse, Alto Vista chapel, some beautiful rock formations, and a lovely tour along the coastline. We had time at each stop for picture taking and wandering around.

 

LaRomana:

 

well, the more research I do, the LESS happy I am with this port.

 

Quickly, we booked the AI Bayihibe resort thru Carnival at just under 65 bucks a person..it didn't matter whether or not you were a drinker for this excursion, there was no price difference for minors. So, we choked on the $270 price tag for 2 adults and 2 teenagers, 13 and 16. Food was not included, and I'm not so sure the 'restaurant' was even open in order for you to buy any?

 

It is a 25 minute ride to the resort, which itself is LOVELY. Very large, well maintained. The pools are lovely, the beach, tho a bit turbid, is also very rocky and not marked 'caution' at all..there is a large coral bed along the shore line at about knee depth that you need to walk over to get to smoother sands..the problem is, you can't SEE where it is rocky..the less than sure footed would have a difficult time with it, and could easily injure themselves trying to maneuver over the formations...depth is very deceiving. And yes, there were a couple topless sunbathers.

 

Ok, so what was WRONG? ONE bar..ONE bartender... alcohol? Um... not really. Less than a pinky width of alcohol in each 10 oz cup. Swim up bar was not attended until almost noon. There WERE other bars, but not centrally located to where you wanted to be, unless you were in the pool..then it was just the one. I know it's VERY rude to say this, but the bartender really wasn't versed in English at all, which made it difficult to order anything other than 'rum punch'...but where the heck was the rum? They added a second bartender around noon.. like that helped..Carnival cruisers were leaving at 1:30.

 

Shopping at the resort? Boy, did we get 'screwed'... Some guy in a cigar/rum shop tried to sell us a $50 bottle of rum... COHIBA, 8 yrs old, 'carribbeans finest', yada yada, yada...we wallked away, and he came running.. we settled on $25 for the bottle. I just checked it out online.. less than $20 :mad: Obviously I'm not a connoisseur of liquor,but ya.. I'm pretty angry. I get the 'caveat emptor' idea tho...so consider my mistake your chance to learn from it.

 

The ONLY shopping at the dock is the duty free shop.. mostly alcohol, some cheap touristy type crap. We spent some time talking with one of the crew following the day at La Romana, and the general consensus was that it may be a short lived port of call for Carnival, even they were treated like tourists.......

 

 

Grand Turk: Lots of fun and a very 'easy' day if that is what you want to do. Spend the day at the port beach or pool, or wander off to the right of the dock and do some beach combing and snorkeling. Prefer to go left? After you pass the 'gates' of the Carnival area, you are only a hop and a skip to Jacks shack...great food, great drinks, calm seas, and Topher, the local pet Labradoodle who will sell his soul for a chance at catching a crab...just hope and pray you aren't behind him when he goes digging for one..because he's very serious in his endeavors!

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ChrissyBTX

ChrissyBTX

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The Dreams resort is well worth it. The drinks are great and they have several bar servers that are strolling the beach ready to serve you. There were 2 walk up bars as well so getting a drink was never an issue. We had lunch at one of the resturants and was impressed with service and quality. I had been on the fence about the Carnival excursion and didn't like the limited time at the beach. If you plan on going to Dreams you can get there by 10 am and stay til 3:30pm and still have plenty of time to be back on the ship early.

 

I could kick myself for not going to Dreams with all of you. I had planned on it, but then decided to go to Carnival's Bayahibe beach excursion because my cabin mate refused to do anything outside of Carnival (in DR) and I decided just to go with her instead. I did hear some good things about Dreams, but I have not seen any pictures yet. Would you be able to post some to this thread please?

 

I have several pictures to post of this cruise, including the Bayahibe beach break, which I did not like at all. I don't think I'll be able to get them posted until later this weekend though.

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hockeyluver

hockeyluver

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Thank you so much everyone for your reviews, I will also be copying and pasting to an email for the other couples in our group so we can decide what to do at the ports. This will be my second time on the Miracle and I cant wait!!! more pictures please :)

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jandjfun

jandjfun

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TravelBear, What is the infection control form that you mentioned that you had to fill out. Is that something new? Don't remember that?

Claudia

Hi, I wasn't on this sailing, but the infectious control form is a form you need to fill out before you get to the check in stand. It simply asks if you have had a cold, coughing, flu etc. No biggie. If you answer yes to anything they have the ships nurse look at you and say if you are ok to board or not.

I have had to fill out this form the las couple of cruises so its been over a year since it's been out.

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AngelKappie

AngelKappie

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Thank you everyone for your reviews!!!!! Very interesting and helpful! We are sailing Miracle over Thanksgiving week! :D

 

I think we will do the Dreams Resort! Looks like that might be the best option!

 

Glad you guys all had a great time!!!! ;)

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Lady Arwen Holiday Sharing Rare

Lady Arwen

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We just returned from this cruise as well. I can share what our experiences were on each of the ports but based on what I've read so far it seems to vary quite a bit. Please understand these are my opinions based on my preferences and yours may be different.

 

Grand Turk~ We've been there in the past and love Margaritaville. Quick and easy walk from the ship with a small shopping area before entering Margaritaville. Based on reading so much about Jack's Shack we decided to venture down the beach in the early afternoon. It was quite a walk in the heat but doable. We were expecting something more like Tom's Paradise Beach bar in Cozumel so we weren't impressed and decided to head back up to the ship. I did see several people using laptops so I'm betting there was internet access there.

 

Dominican Republic~ there was a TA in our group that researched Dreams Resort and arranged a driver to take us and pick us up. When we left the ship we headed out of the port to meet the driver. We had no problems walking out of the port and were not stopped or questioned. The ride to Dreams was less than 30 minutes. We were greeted at Dreams with a glass of champagne while paying for our day passes. A day pass is $60 and was payable at check in. This included unlimited drinks, use of the resorts towels, facilities and all non-motor activities as well as food. It was a gorgeous resort and we enjoyed our time there. They offered various activities on the beach which some of the group took part in. I was so happy we were able to experience this. The rates for taxis in this port were quite varied from the people I had spoken to after returning on board. Our cost for the driver was $20 each which was negiotated from a much higher rate. Many people reported that they had spent $35 per person and hourly rates on top of that. We also spoke to a couple on the elevator that hired a taxi driver for $35 each for the entire day for a private tour.

 

Aruba~ After exiting the port we grabbed a taxi with another couple and headed to the Amsterdam on Eagle Beach. The taxi was $13 and that covered as many people as you could fit in the van. The beach was gorgeous, water calm and the people were so friendly. We rented 2 chairs and a palapa for $20 total. There was a bar called Passions with great drink and food right on the beach. They also had bathrooms which were right near the bar. Some of the other resorts required you to walk back across the street to the resort for bathrooms. Late in the afternoon they started setting tables up on the beach near the water for sunset dining. It looked very romantic with torches and flowing table cloths. We grabbed the bus back to the port for $2.50 total cost for 2 of us. Many of the shops had started closing just as we got back. There was an outdoor shopping area that someone called a swap meet with typical tourist items. We purchased t-shirts there for $4 each. Great deals~!

 

Curacao~ I had read that you can head out of the port area and walk a couple blocks to Holiday Beach. Several vendors encouraged us to get a taxi saying it was a long walk. We decided to venture out and walk it. Along the way it got really HOT out and we saw lots of iguanas strolling across the walkways. Poor dh does NOT like them in the least so he had decided we'd be taking a taxi back to the port. We made it to the beach after passing through the lobby of the resort. I have no idea what the resorts name was but it's located right behind Denny's. There was a casino there as well. We found a couple loungers under a palpaya. At that point we did not see any other cruise ship passengers. There's an outdoor bar along with a resturant and a bbq buffet. We ordered a Margarita and a local beer. Our american dollar is equal to $1.80 in the local currency. Prices were cheap at this place with a Margarita being $5 something after a 15% tip that's automatically added in. Dh got whatever the beer for the day was in a bottle for $1.85 which included tip too. Food prices on the BBQ were great. For $4 you could get bbq chicken and fries, or a burger and fries ect. Really tasty too! We talked to the gal taking the money at the bar and was told they love having us (cruisers) spending the day at their resort. We'd love to go back and spend more time there. The conceirge called us a taxi and waited outside with us to make sure the taxi arrived and that we were taken care of. $6 got us a ride in a taxi that looked like something you may have driven as your first car. Door parts were missing and various ornaments were glued to the dashboard. It was comical but a reminder of how spoiled we are here. Our table mates at dinner had ventured out to walk on their own as well. They ended up crossing the bridge and finding endless shopping stores. Someone at the shops told them to take a bus to Mambo beach. The bus ended up looking like a van taxi with air and very nice interior. The cost was just a little over $1 each from the shopping area to the beach. We were laughing about our taxi ride vs their bus ride.

This itinerary was perfect for us and provided us with the lazy beach days we so badly needed on this cruise. We'd book this itinerary again in a heartbeat.

 

For the person who asked about entertainment on the ship...the comedians were awesome. Hal Spears was the funniest comedian I've ever seen on a ship. The comedy shows are a must see for us and we enjoyed them. Phat Kat and Jerry Godspeed were repeats for us but still enjoyed them.

 

The Phantom theater shows were good as well. Malcom's silent skit is one of my favorites. Music Unlimited was awesome in the various areas they played.

 

Here's the part that was most disappointing on this cruise (keep in mind we sailed this same ship the same week last year)......the other entertainment was "sleepy" at best. A guitar player rotated in various locations but never seemed to draw much of a crowd. There were two piano players who played in the atrium and Jeeves lounge but neither were notable. The piano bar was dead every time we went in and the player was very good but lacked the ability to draw the crowd into his act. Karoakee on this cruise was the worst in 8 cruises. The first night was dominated by obnoxious drunks who were vulgar and making poor attempts at rapping. Karaokee was shuffled in various locations during this cruise and poorly attended. The Legends show was still auditioning the night before the show.

 

Thanks so much for your review......answered alot of my questions. Now I just cant wait til January!!

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UpstateCruizer

UpstateCruizer

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Thanks to all that have posted so far!

 

Loving every bit of info!

 

More pics anyone?? :D

 

I have lots of pics that are still loaded on my camera. I'll get them downloaded this weekend and posted on here for you :) Any hosting site that is extremely user friendly (aka posting pics for dummies)? I haven't posted pics in ages so I'm in need of a refresher.

 

When we were at the airport waiting to go home we were chatting with a couple who had just arrived and were killing time having a beer before heading to board the ship at the port. They were doing a B2B on the Miracle hitting St Marteen, St Kitts, St Lucia then doing the Aruba itinerary the second week. Now that sounds like my dream B2B~! Sighhh.....someday :)

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bills blasters

bills blasters

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Crazeecat5, we did a Carnival tour in LaRomana a year ago. It was to the Altos de Chavon, artist colony. I think then we paid about 45$ per person. Afterwards, someone on the ship said that we could have gotten on a bus at the pier and gone there for less than $5 each, and taken the tour on our own. It was kind of nice to have the guide there explaining everything to us, but, there were 10 in our group and if we had taken our own bus we could have saved $400.

 

Claudia

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ChelleBee

ChelleBee

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It was a very relaxing cruise. Ship was clean and the food was good. I tried the escargot for the first time and it was scrumpsious. We were in cabin 6264 with an aft balcony. We loved our cabin steward, Lilith. Our wait staff in the dining room was fantastic. Their names were Manuel and Johanes. The two big production shows were good-especially ticket to ride. all beetles music. the comedians were hilarious. mutzie and hal had my accountant husband really laughing out loud. we didn't really go into any of the smaller bars/shows.

 

The Ports:

 

Grand Turk: we stayed at the beach at the port. Margaritaville was fun, but a little on the pricey side $10 margaritas, but they were loaded with tequilla and delivered to my lounge chair on the beach, so we didn't really mind. It was warm and the water was crystal clear. It was rocky in the water once you got out to around waist deep. Beautiful relaxing way to start the ports of call.

 

LaRomana: we did the catamaran sail and snorkel with rum punch at the end through carnival. We got a late start because we were waiting in the parking lot for some people that never showed up. Then once we were on the move, we had to wait at the opening to the drive to the dock for a fuel truck to finish delivering fuel to a private club we had to drive through to get to the river. Once we were on the catamaran though it was fun. The snorkeling was good and the rum punch or rum and cokes never stopped flowing! We bought cigars at the duty free shop at the pier. if you buy them MAKE sure it has the made in dominican republic stamp on it! at the customs counter at debarkation they wanted to actually look at the packaging and see the receipt for them. i'm glad we had them in our backpack!

 

Aruba: the welcoming festivites were fun to watch from the ship. all the helicopters flying overhead and the television crews filming were and added bonus. we were a little disappointed with aruba because the catamaran snorkel excursion we had booked through carnival was cancelled the day before because not enough people signed up for it apparently. we weren't notified until 9:30 pm the night before we arrived in aruba when we got back from dinner and found the note in our "mailbox". all the other official excursions were fully booked when we tried to schedule something else through the option on the tv set. we ended up just walking through town on our own and going to the casino in the mall. most of the stores closed by 6 pm although the ones in the casino mall stayed open a little later.

 

Curacao: again nice welcoming ceremonies. although no tv crews this time. we did the walking tour of williamstaed. it was very interesting, especially the hour spent at the slavery museum. the town was very accessable from the port area. compared to aruba and grand turk there seemed to be more trash around in the streets. but it was still a beautiful city. the curacao liquor was yummy! there were quite a few shops offering free samples of the flavors--we didn't pass them up. i highly reccommend the rum raisin flavor! malcombe wasn't kidding when he said the curacao would sneak up on you!!! i needed a nap when i got back to the ship.

 

we loved all the ports, but we would skip la romana and just stay on the ship if we did this itinerary again.

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