Rambling thoughts about our Miracle Hawaii 15 day

[gusandgidgetsmom]

I had thought I would write a review on our October 15 day Hawaii Miracle cruise but then realized I always have great expectations of doing a review then they fall apart somewhere along the 3rd day. Since this was a 15 day cruise lots would be left out. Thought I would write in no particular order things that happened, events attended and things I liked and disliked as well.

 

If you have questions I will try to answer them but I will not post or send carnival fun times. A few years back it was requested that I send the times--I tried and found my downloading skills to be very slow and a little poor so I could not continue them. I got threats--yes threats when I told others that I could not get them down loaded, thus the wariness of trying it again.

 

A little about us--60's, me still running an active business(cheer and gymnastics) husband loving a quiet retirement. We LOVED this cruise. Was it perfect no --only one perfect thing in my life and he is residing at the right hand of his Father--but it was pretty spectacular! We are platinum cruisers so we have a few perks that some others don't have but do not take advantage of all of them.

We started this cruise by flying in the day before. As we touched down in LA we turned our phones on. On our flight there were several going on the same cruise as we were and I noticed the surprised looks on their faces as they had gotten the same texts and voice mails that we had from Carnival. We were told not to board until 2:30 the next day. We were all in a group on cc as well as a group on the other site. There was much discussion about this with many saying they were going to ignore the messages as they put them in the same category as those from Carnival to alleviate the early port congestion. Those of us on the plane thought it unusual that we got called as well so thought perhaps we would heed the calls.

 

We took a private shuttle to the Hotel Maya where they informed us we were not going out tomorrow until after 2:30 as well so we scheduled a late shuttle.

 

Morning of cruise we noticed the Miracle was not there but finally arrived around 9:30. We took our shuttle to the ship around 2 and they were still debarking the cruise before us. We saw lines everywhere and people sitting on the ground. We got in the priority line and they were taking groups of 5 families and placing them in a line by the check in desks. We got in our line got checked in and then escorted to the dome. We went thru security there and got on the ship. Really not too crazy for us but for others not so convenient. Others were still entering while we had muster drill.

 

We had so many platinum/diamond members on board there was no FTTF. In spite of this mad house our room was ready when we got on.

MDR the service was great--we had a table for two with 3 wait staff. The menu was different than we had in June on the Splendor. Others liked the changes--me not so much. Nothing I could put my finger on but it was just when we looked to see what was on the menu that day I was not excited as I have been in cruises past. Prime Rib was offered about 5 nights but it was of the skinny variety! Good flavor but thinly cut.

 

Went to the steakhouse twice--once to celebrate our anniversary and once to avoid the Halloween crowd in the MDR! Had lobster each time and my husband had the cowboy rib eye. Dessert the first time and none the next--too full. Did not take as long as it had on other experiences on other ships.

 

Productions were lacking on this ship. We only saw one and I think they only had two on a 15 day cruise. They made shows with magicians, jugglers, a guy singing and telling stories. Not my kind of entertainment. I miss the old days, but that is just what they were the old days. Things change.

 

Sea days Carnival had the same things they always have--high tea art auctions, hairy chest etc. Nothing I partake in any more but it is not where i look for my day time activity. I like to veg out and read so I find a great spot with a nice couch or chair.

 

We rented a car in most of the ports. Since we hold U.S. licenses this was very convenient. We loved all the ports--Hard to say which was our favorite but Honolulu was our least favorite. We loved the Memorial but the rest was just too commercialized for us.

 

Tendering in life boats is not our favorite way to tender. Been a long time since we did it and was surprised that we did not remember how rough it was.

 

One of our tours was Ricky's in Hilo. Recommend his tours--you get a lot for your money!

 

Past guest party was a mess! They had to have two since there were so many past guests--we heard 300 platinum/diamonds, but another couple heard 900. Got no hors d' oeuvres and got one drink at the very end. We were fine with no drink I was a little hungry tho but the people in the beginning of our row were livid so they came and gave us one. They scheduled our party time during our dining hour.

 

Wish Carnival would change their smoking policy. I wish they would make one side smoking and the other not for balconies. That way we could all be fair to one another. We now have insides booked but would really like to have our balcony back. :(

 

This is a cruise I think we would like to do in two years or so. I went into it with a little apprehension as we had heard so many great things about the Alaskan cruise and we really did not enjoy ourselves on that one that I was worried about this one as we had heard great things about it as well. This was our favorite of all the cruises that we have taken in 30 years--including our first! My husband does not like to fly so this works well for us. We fly to LA only 3 hours and then travel by his favorite mode of travel--cruise ship.

 

I think the Hawaii ports have something for everyone. Lots of times he Caribbean ports are mostly beach outings. My husband had melanoma and is not a beach person except at HMC. This trip was the first cruise I have been on that I have not had my swim suit on at all.

 

Days going out and coming back to port are cold so make sure you pack long pants. I wore my jeans and a sweater for the first two and the last two days. The ship was cold at all times so I wore a cardigan.

 

We had an early flight out of LAX so we hired a private super shuttle to make sure we did not have to make any stops. Thank goodness as it took so long to get off the ship. We were in the lounge with priority and the guy kept saying 1/2hr to every one that asked him even when it had been a half hour from the first time! We were all a little nervous as there had been a fatal shooting of a TSA person in LA two days before at the terminal and we did not know how crazy security was going to be. We were fortunate to have been picked as a TSA pre check and did not have to wait in the large security line- take our shoes off or jackets off. Pretty easy.

 

Any questions on our cruise or ports please ask. I was with a large group that did many things and heard their opinions as well.

 

We started our cruise with 800.00 OBC (due to price adjustments) and we ended up with getting a check for 36.00 from Carnival as we did not use all of it. We don't drink much but we took an excursion and bought pictures. We normally spend a lot on the cafe with specialty coffee but I packed our creamer this time and we saved that way. We also decided to put the rest of my laundry money (yes we could have had 10 bags done but I like to do my own laundry) in a penny machine and my husband won 90.00 and I won 30 so that gave us a little extra. This was probably one of our most economical trips that we have taken. For what we pay to rent a condo for a week on the Gulf(3000.00) we cruised for 15 days had our food paid for and most of our entertainment. We thought this a real bargain. We normally cruise at least twice a year and take a land vacation-this year to AI in Dominican Republic and this was our best bargain so far!

[Publius1787]

Thanks for the review, we will be taking the upcoming Jan 18th Hawaiian cruise on the Miracle and are so excited to read about your recent trip.

[NavCom]

Thanks ever so much for the cruise summary. We are looking forward to this cruise but had some of the same apprehensions that you did so your post went a long way to calm those concerns.

 

We are booked with Rickys Tour so thanks for your comment vis-a-vis his itinerary.

 

Out of curiosity, what did you folks do in Nawiliwili Bay, Kauai and in Kona, Hawaii? We have nothing planned at the moment for either of these port calls and have found little on-line that strikes our fancy.

[kcwingwalker]

Thanks for sharing your fair and balanced review:)

[gusandgidgetsmom]

In Kona we rented a car and went to Greenwell Farms- a coffee plantation. There we took a small guided tour with a very informative and personable guide. It was extremely interesting. We purchased coffee after tasting 10 of their brews and had it sent back to the states. We then went to a macadamia nut factory about an hour up the coast. We loved the variance in the scenery on the ride. The coffee guide pointed out the different weather on the island and we could see it on our ride. The factory had many flavors of nuts and was the only place to find brittle. It was extremely easy to find. You can look both places up on their web sites. We took our own GPS. If you rent a car in Kona do so at Enterprise. They are the only ones down by port and have a shuttle. The airport is not close!

Kauai (Nawilliwili) We had a ball. We rented a car from Budget at the airport (on-line) went to see Waimea Canyon and continued up that road to the end where we could see the Canyon on one side and the ocean on the other. Breath taking. We bought taffy in different flavors--coconut, Guava and enjoyed it on the ride back down. We went to Spouting Horn and saw the water spraying as well as turtles and dolphins. There was a beach right there but we just stopped and looked but did not get out. We then went to the Village of Poipu. We went to the shopping center there where we got a few souveniers and then got a Puka dog. We had seen it advertised on the food channel and had to try it. I loved it my husband that is not very adventurous did not so much. It is a hot dog in an encased bun with relishes shot in it. I had a dog with Hawaiian mustard and Mango relish. I loved it. We also got a shaved ice and sat and watched the birds. This was the stop where many took plane or helicopter rides. They all raved about them but my husband was a hi liner for the electric company and doesn't "do" helicopters any more!

We kind of felt like you in the beginning about those ports as well but I got lots of information from the ports of call Hawaii site and then researched like crazy on the internet and thru clientele of my business that had been before.

You will have a ball. My husband is still raving about the "best" vacation he ever took and we travel a lot.

Thanks ever so much for the cruise summary. We are looking forward to this cruise but had some of the same apprehensions that you did so your post went a long way to calm those concerns.

 

We are booked with Rickys Tour so thanks for your comment vis-a-vis his itinerary.

 

Out of curiosity, what did you folks do in Nawiliwili Bay, Kauai and in Kona, Hawaii? We have nothing planned at the moment for either of these port calls and have found little on-line that strikes our fancy.

[NavCom]

In Kona we rented a car and went to Greenwell Farms- a coffee plantation. There we took a small guided tour with a very informative and personable guide. It was extremely interesting. We purchased coffee after tasting 10 of their brews and had it sent back to the states. We then went to a macadamia nut factory about an hour up the coast. We loved the variance in the scenery on the ride. The coffee guide pointed out the different weather on the island and we could see it on our ride. The factory had many flavors of nuts and was the only place to find brittle. It was extremely easy to find. You can look both places up on their web sites. We took our own GPS. If you rent a car in Kona do so at Enterprise. They are the only ones down by port and have a shuttle. The airport is not close!

Kauai (Nawilliwili) We had a ball. We rented a car from Budget at the airport (on-line) went to see Waimea Canyon and continued up that road to the end where we could see the Canyon on one side and the ocean on the other. Breath taking. We bought taffy in different flavors--coconut, Guava and enjoyed it on the ride back down. We went to Spouting Horn and saw the water spraying as well as turtles and dolphins. There was a beach right there but we just stopped and looked but did not get out. We then went to the Village of Poipu. We went to the shopping center there where we got a few souveniers and then got a Puka dog. We had seen it advertised on the food channel and had to try it. I loved it my husband that is not very adventurous did not so much. It is a hot dog in an encased bun with relishes shot in it. I had a dog with Hawaiian mustard and Mango relish. I loved it. We also got a shaved ice and sat and watched the birds. This was the stop where many took plane or helicopter rides. They all raved about them but my husband was a hi liner for the electric company and doesn't "do" helicopters any more!

We kind of felt like you in the beginning about those ports as well but I got lots of information from the ports of call Hawaii site and then researched like crazy on the internet and thru clientele of my business that had been before.

You will have a ball. My husband is still raving about the "best" vacation he ever took and we travel a lot.

 

Thanks for getting back so quickly and for the detailed and informative post. Great ideas for both ports-of-call. I do believe we will be doing exactly what you good folks did .... touring about and enjoying all that these islands have to offer. Thanks again.

[riclop]

Thanks for your review.and it seems that no matter when you go to Hawaii the weather is cold and very windy the first and last 2 days.

[Mendelson]

We were on this same cruise also. We usually cruise with another line, but chose this one because of it's itinerary and that the dates were perfect for us.

 

I think we only ate 5 evenings in the MDR. We had YTD so we were on the 3rd floor and had a different waiter each night. The food was okay - nothing spectacular. I agree that on other cruises we would get excited about trying different things or seeing something special on the menu - this cruise it was just ho hum, and the desserts were extremely lackluster (except for the WCMC). Not that we starved, that's for sure, and we aren't that picky so it really isn't a complaint, just an observation.

 

A few of the shows were great, but I could have done without the hypnotists and magician. I think the best show was the Hawaiian dancers that they brought on in Maui - but soooo many people missed out on it because they were still off the ship. The comedy shows were awesome, both the family friendly and the adult's only (except the two women - Sarah Palin jokes are getting old).

 

Some of the little things on sea days that we thoroughly enjoyed were the Taste Bar, the Hawaiian party (my husband who never drinks had 5 of the free rum punches in 45 minutes), crafts with Bobbi, a variety of trivia contests, the cooking demonstration at Nick & Noras, and of course just relaxing on either our balcony or on the Serenity deck watching the wake of the ship.

 

We did self-assist debarkation because I had heard/read some passenger's concerns about not making early flights. We were off the ship and through security at LAX by 10 a.m. - and that was with using the Carnival shuttle.

 

All in all it was a wonderful vacation but in total honesty, once was enough for us. We considered this our "Hawaii sampler" and next time we will fly directly to one of the islands and spend a week or so there.

[gusandgidgetsmom]

I heard the dancers were great. We were with a cc group at the Luau and did not get back until around 10 on Maui so we did miss them.

 

I really enjoy the family comedy shows that you mentioned. I don't go to the adult comedy-once in a lifetime was too much for me.

 

We did not do self assist as there has been times we have had to walk stairs and at our age with the big suitcases it just wouldn't have worked.

 

I heard many that would rather fly and stay at one island. We love the sea days so for us this was perfect. I think a lot of people took this cruise as a "sampler".

 

I am glad you mentioned the taste bar as we only went by it one time. That was on the way to the past guest party. I did not want to sample as I knew I would get snacks at the party. Should have since I didn't. :(

[ncbeachteacher]

Just read your review as we are booked for this trip in September 2014. Thank you for a great review and ideas on what to do! Also, thanks for mentioning that it gets cold and windy. I would not have thought about that and would be miserable! (And we have been to Alaska and I should know better!) :D

[gusandgidgetsmom]

You are very welcome. If you have any questions ask away. You are going to have soooo much fun. We are talking about doing it again in 2015 with some friends.

Just read your review as we are booked for this trip in September 2014. Thank you for a great review and ideas on what to do! Also, thanks for mentioning that it gets cold and windy. I would not have thought about that and would be miserable! (And we have been to Alaska and I should know better!) :D

[lbfluffy]

Thanks for the review. We are going on the Miracle March 8th.

[lovebears]

We have this cruise booked Sept 2014..... Can't wait, have never been to Hawaii before. I don't want to miss the dancers they bring on the ship....which day and time did Carnival do that? Also, have seen many posts about renting cars....which islands do you suggest doing that? What are you must do suggestions for booking excursions? I have read many threads and it feels very overwhelming! Thanks so much!!!

 

One more?.....how many formal nights and are there other themed nights?

[Island Hopper58]

We have this cruise booked Sept 2014..... Can't wait, have never been to Hawaii before. I don't want to miss the dancers they bring on the ship....which day and time did Carnival do that? Also, have seen many posts about renting cars....which islands do you suggest doing that? What are you must do suggestions for booking excursions? I have read many threads and it feels very overwhelming! Thanks so much!!!

 

One more?.....how many formal nights and are there other themed nights?

We were on this cruise too :) This was my most relaxing cruise ever

LOVED it.

Though the DH would have rather flown home after the islands 5 sea days and 5 port was enough for him.

Me I wished it was a B2B :)

The Island Dancers were from Maui, on the day we were in port in Maui @9pm

I caught 2/3 of the show after getting back from the Luau with the CC Group.

The only thing wrong with that show was the dank dark stage.

You would think with as much creativity Carnival has with production, they might have at least had a backdrop and a fake palm tree...

But the dancers were fabulous.

and I had just come from the OLL one of the highest rated Luaus on the Island.

We didn't rent cars, so I am no help there.

As for Dress up nights we had 5, 1 Hawaii, 1 Halloween and 3 Elegant Nights.

The 1st Elegant night, people were Elegant, the 2nd people were dressy,

the 3rd anything goes LOL "Elegant Night" was on the fun times (I think by mistake) but not announced at all and people were saying things like "What, elegant night? Where did it say elegant Night..."

It didn't matter everyone was having fun and who cares as long as you are dressed for dinner and not the pool all was well.

Edited December 30, 2013 by Island Hopper58

[lovebears]

Not sure we even want to mess with renting cars......might end up being too stressful our first time there and having no idea where we are going. What excursions did you book? We are in Mauii overnight as we are doing the Vancouver to LA trip. I sure appreciate your help from someone who has been there :-)

[akeka]

My husband and I were on this same sailing. We thought it was a good vacation but the best cruise we've had (that would be Panama Canal sailing on Holland America).

 

We had an aft balcony for the first time and fell in love with this location. Very relaxing to start and end each day there.

 

Our seating was early and our service team was great! The menus were so-so. Some days there would be multiple entrees I wanted to try and too many days none of them excited me.

 

We thought the service was pretty good everywhere on the ship and any request was quickly handled with a smile. My only two complaints (and these aren't big ones are:

 

1. Showroom Entertainment - Not enough good shows at night. I don't want to see an opera singer or magic show. Loved the production shows and the comedy shows. One night we didn't have anything in the showroom (Honolulu night).

 

2. Photography in atrium - The ship's photographers set up these backdrops on the atrium level that took up so much seating. It made it difficult if not impossible to attend evening activities there.

 

Shore Excursions - We didn't want to have the stress of driving in unknown cities so did not rent any cars. In Maui, we took the Carnival excursion to Kaanapali Beach and enjoyed the day there. We did pay for an umbrella but chairs were included.

 

* Kona - We did Captain Zodiac snorkeling tour. We didn't see any sea turtles but lots of colorful fish, sea urchins and even an eel. We then took the free shuttle to Walmart for souvenir shopping.

 

* Honolulu - We've vacationed here in the past so walked to Iolani Palace and toured it. We were pretty tired from the previous two days so just relaxed the rest of the day.

 

* Kauai - We did two excursions here. In the morning, we took a flight-seeing tour and it was a beautiful clear day. I highly recommend Wings Over Kauai. In the afternoon we did Tubing the Ditch excursion via Carnival. Very fun!

 

* Hilo - I was on the Ricky's Tour with gusandgidgetsmom and second the recommendation. We loved the day and thought it was a great value.

[tcs1366]

thanks for the recap of your cruise. we are booked in Dec of 2014, so far we have a group of 19 [mostly seniors] and I'm thinking half of the group has never been there, including myself.

 

Curious on the private driver out of LAX, thinking that will be costly.

 

and since we will be getting back the Sunday before Christmas, I really don't want to fly home on a Sunday, and we are thinking of spending an additional day in LA.

 

Super excited about this trip, it will be my longest on a ship and my last long vacation was 16 days to Alaska. [the cruise was awesome, sorry to hear you did not enjoy yours]

[gusandgidgetsmom]

A lot of the group we were with rented cars at each port. It was so easy and very inexpensive. We took our GPS from home and put in the address and just went! Never got lost the entire time. Things not to miss in my opinion--Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, Pearl Harbor and we loved Ricky's tour in Hilo. This was our favorite cruise in 30 years. We have sailed Alaska and thru the Panama Canal and liked those but loved this one.

I know you'll have a great time.

We have this cruise booked Sept 2014..... Can't wait, have never been to Hawaii before. I don't want to miss the dancers they bring on the ship....which day and time did Carnival do that? Also, have seen many posts about renting cars....which islands do you suggest doing that? What are you must do suggestions for booking excursions? I have read many threads and it feels very overwhelming! Thanks so much!!!

 

One more?.....how many formal nights and are there other themed nights?

[SDcruiser66]

Thanks so much for all of the great info. We are sailing to Hawaii on Jan18th. We have rented a car at all ports except Kona. We had heard there was nice shopping and things to see within walking distance of the ship terminal. Is this true?

We used discounthawaiicarrentals.com. The car rentals seem like great deals. Are there long lines to get the cars?

Did you get to see many whales while sailing?

This us our 7th Carnival cruise. We have always gone to Mexico and we are really looking forward to this itinerary.

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Several of us girls got engaged I believe at the Lahaina Luau in 2002! It was an absolutely wonderful night. I still can't believe my honey proposed to me at sunset at Luau in Maui. (Was RCCL group Legend cruise.) And here we are 10.5 years later! :) Did WDW twice (total of four days) plus cruised the CCL and DCL Dreams this year. You could say we have been celebrating our 10th for the whole yr! My besty is doing Aulani and NCL Hawaiian cruise in less than a month and then we are all doing Land and Sea WDW and DCMagic for 11th anniversary in May. What a year!

 

Also, Hawaii really brings people together. Or maybe thinking of that Luau night has me seeing stars... We also rented a convertible mustang in Maui the next day.

 

What a trip!

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Forums mobile app

[K&P Luv2Cruise]

My husband and I were on this same sailing. We thought it was a good vacation but the best cruise we've had (that would be Panama Canal sailing on Holland America).

 

We had an aft balcony for the first time and fell in love with this location. Very relaxing to start and end each day there.

 

Our seating was early and our service team was great! The menus were so-so. Some days there would be multiple entrees I wanted to try and too many days none of them excited me.

 

We thought the service was pretty good everywhere on the ship and any request was quickly handled with a smile. My only two complaints (and these aren't big ones are:

 

1. Showroom Entertainment - Not enough good shows at night. I don't want to see an opera singer or magic show. Loved the production shows and the comedy shows. One night we didn't have anything in the showroom (Honolulu night).

 

2. Photography in atrium - The ship's photographers set up these backdrops on the atrium level that took up so much seating. It made it difficult if not impossible to attend evening activities there.

 

Shore Excursions - We didn't want to have the stress of driving in unknown cities so did not rent any cars. In Maui, we took the Carnival excursion to Kaanapali Beach and enjoyed the day there. We did pay for an umbrella but chairs were included.

 

* Kona - We did Captain Zodiac snorkeling tour. We didn't see any sea turtles but lots of colorful fish, sea urchins and even an eel. We then took the free shuttle to Walmart for souvenir shopping.

 

* Honolulu - We've vacationed here in the past so walked to Iolani Palace and toured it. We were pretty tired from the previous two days so just relaxed the rest of the day.

 

* Kauai - We did two excursions here. In the morning, we took a flight-seeing tour and it was a beautiful clear day. I highly recommend Wings Over Kauai. In the afternoon we did Tubing the Ditch excursion via Carnival. Very fun!

 

* Hilo - I was on the Ricky's Tour with gusandgidgetsmom and second the recommendation. We loved the day and thought it was a great value.

 

We are on the April 2014 cruise to Hawaii, and also doing the "Tubing the Ditch" excursion...was the water cold ? Did you have a 'fast' ride, or a 'lazy river' type of ride ?

[gusandgidgetsmom]

We used the same group to rent cars as you are. We found it very easy. We never waited a long time to get our car. We remarked that we were glad to have gotten a car in Kona as did the others that we hung around with. We all did different things but liked the fact that we were not stuck with a big group and could do our own thing.

Since we went in October/Nov we did not see whales as that is not the season to see them according to our guide on the ship.

Thanks so much for all of the great info. We are sailing to Hawaii on Jan18th. We have rented a car at all ports except Kona. We had heard there was nice shopping and things to see within walking distance of the ship terminal. Is this true?

We used discounthawaiicarrentals.com. The car rentals seem like great deals. Are there long lines to get the cars?

Did you get to see many whales while sailing?

This us our 7th Carnival cruise. We have always gone to Mexico and we are really looking forward to this itinerary.

[lovebears]

When you rented cars how did you decide what to go see?

[gusandgidgetsmom]

I researched a lot on the ports of call page and googled the ports we were to visit. I also talked with several of my clients that had been to Hawaii. When I got ideas I would google it and see if the description matched things I wanted to do and see. I have to admit that everything we saw was something that I am glad I went to or saw. No wasted trips. I mapped everything out before I went to see if it was doable as far as time was concerned. I did have to change the order of things twice as Carnival changed the order of ports once about 6 months out and then at the two week mark. The rental car companies were very accommodating.

When you rented cars how did you decide what to go see?

[lovebears]

A lot of the group we were with rented cars at each port. It was so easy and very inexpensive. We took our GPS from home and put in the address and just went! Never got lost the entire time. Things not to miss in my opinion--Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, Pearl Harbor and we loved Ricky's tour in Hilo. This was our favorite cruise in 30 years. We have sailed Alaska and thru the Panama Canal and liked those but loved this one.

I know you'll have a great time.

 

Did you drive to the luau in Maui? If so was that tricky? and is it best to do a luau the first or second night while in Maui?

Thanks so much!