Splendor vs. Miracle

[tanyaewa]

I sailed on the Splendor last year and will sail on the Miracle in April. What sorts of things are different about these 2 ships? How will Miracle compare and what are the big differences I should expect? Which do you prefer?

[n6uqqq]

Main difference is there will be about 900 less passengers. The lido pool area of the Miracle will not have the large enclosed area with the big screen TV. On lido deck you can walk around the whole perimeter of the ship, as there are no staterooms above deck 8. There is only one MDR in the back so moving around the ship is easier on the lower decks, promenade, casino area etc.

Edited February 20, 2014 by n6uqqq

[xbatt8]

First of all, I love Spirit class ships most of all. So, it comes as no surprise that Miracle is one of my favorite ships.

 

I really like the NY style pizza with the thin crispy crust. I like Frankenstein's nightclub. I like how easy it is to get around the ship. I also like the size of the ship vs the number of passengers. It never feels crowded to me. I like the large serenity deck with the great tables, clamshells, pool and Jacuzzi. I like Nick and Nora's steakhouse. I like the Jacuzzi in the fitness center.

 

On the Splendor, I like the fact that there are Tandoor, burrito bar, and rotisserie options for dining. I like the location of the piano bar. I like that there is a large lounge in the rear of the ship so karaoke isn't in the hallways. I like the Pinnacle steakhouse. I like the Red Carpet nightclub. I like the mini golf course.

 

Both ships have some advantages and disadvantages. Overall, the feeling of being less crowded on the Miracle kinda stands out to me. However, there are fewer lounges, so if you are into the activities that are usually held in lounges (karaoke and trivia to name 2), the Splendor is better.

 

But all that being said, I have enjoyed my 2 cruises on the Splendor and my 3 cruises on the Miracle immensely. As you can see from my sig, I will be on the Miracle again in April (reposition thru Hawaii to Vancouver). I think both are great ships in their own right.

 

Any specific questions I can answer?

 

Bob

[xbatt8]

n6uqqq - I notice that you have cabin 8232 on an upcoming cruise. We had that cabin when the Miracle repositioned from NY to Long Beach. LOVED the bowling alley balcony. However, DW did complain about the foot traffic on the Lido above us. I didn't notice it (I wear earplugs at night), but she did. Not all the time, but sometimes.

 

Bob

[n6uqqq]

I don't think being right below lido will be too bad. I am a night owl and sleep soundly.It looks like 8232 is below the salad bar and the inside eating area so it should be fairly quiet late night. This late March we have 6232 another of the biggies for balconies. I agree with your summary about the two ships. I have not been on miracle but have been on the Pride so it is similar. I am going to miss the tandoor and the burrito bar. I hit those up often for lunch. I have been on the Splendor 3 times and like it a lot also.

[Sheebah]

I've been on both and found them quite similar in overall feel- glad the other posters were able to give you specifics!

 

 

 

Carnival Miracle video tour:

[Crusin Karen]

I agree with all xbatt8/bob said. But funny thing: when we got on the Splendor last year for the lst time, just 3 months after our 4th time on the Miracle, I remarked that the Splendor atrium is smaller than the Miracle! :eek: If you like the Serenity, then Miracle is the ship for you. Splendor's serenity is a joke...if you are a pool person, Splendor is great because it has the retractable dome, so you can be there no matter what the weather. Splendor's grill doesn't have the chicken fingers which I really loved on the Miracle! :p:p Have never eaten there, but visually, Nick and Nora's specialty restaurant on the Miracle is beautiful.

BTW, we were in cabin 8232 twice on the Miracle and never had a problem with noise. :)

[K&P Luv2Cruise]

All of the Spirit class ships have a retractable dome for 1 of the Ludo deck pools. Hopefully it will be closed for our crossing to Hawaii in April and on the return voyage to Vancouver!

 

Sent from my SGH-I527M using Forums mobile app

[Crusin Karen]

All of the Spirit class ships have a retractable dome for 1 of the Ludo deck pools. Hopefully it will be closed for our crossing to Hawaii in April and on the return voyage to Vancouver!

 

Sent from my SGH-I527M using Forums mobile app

Why don't I remember this? :confused::o:confused::o:confused::o

[Crusin Karen]

Oh, and I just went to cruisedeckplans.com and compared atrium of the 2 ships and Splendor DOES look bigger than the Miracle. I don't know why it SEEMED smaller to me....this is strike 2 for me!!! :confused::(:o:confused::(:o

[tanyaewa]

Thanks everyone! We are on the first Alaska sailing on April 28 so get on when you Hawaii repo cruisers leave. Jealous of that itineray!

It's an early sailing so will likely be very cold. We are from the ski mountains so my boys won't care and will use the pools a lot. I do hope they have the retractable roof. It came in handy on the Splendor when the weather was cool out of LA last year.

We are on deck 8 aft so hopefully mamma can get in her serenity time!

Where are comedy clubs? Bingo?

[ccruisequeen]

I remember the Splendor being extremely cold compared to the Miracle. I was surprised on the Miracle that they didn't use the disco for Karaoke when it wasn't being used as a disco, or the lounge. Although we were very entertaining to the lines waiting to go into dinner!

 

 

[xitappers2bx]

I sailed on the Splendor last year and will sail on the Miracle in April. What sorts of things are different about these 2 ships? How will Miracle compare and what are the big differences I should expect? Which do you prefer?

 

The Miracle is my favorite ship, and the spirit class my favorite too. My first cruise on the Splendor will be next week. Down below in my signature I think I have TONS of photo's of the Miracle. She's smaller, but well taken care of. The food was great, the decor typical Carnival, but still enjoyable. I love the Gatsby's area, I love to hide out there with a good book, usually the only people i ever saw were employees relaxing there between shifts. the phantom theater is kind of cool, but i'm a phantom of the opera fan.

 

when the miracle left NYC i was saddened, I almost booked the Miracle for an alaska cruise last summer (even though we were already booked on HAL for an alaskan cruise). i think the only thing that held me back is that Malcolm stayed in NYC.

[Crusin Karen]

The Miracle is my favorite ship, and the spirit class my favorite too. My first cruise on the Splendor will be next week. Down below in my signature I think I have TONS of photo's of the Miracle. She's smaller, but well taken care of. The food was great, the decor typical Carnival, but still enjoyable. I love the Gatsby's area, I love to hide out there with a good book, usually the only people i ever saw were employees relaxing there between shifts. the phantom theater is kind of cool, but i'm a phantom of the opera fan.

 

when the miracle left NYC i was saddened, I almost booked the Miracle for an alaska cruise last summer (even though we were already booked on HAL for an alaskan cruise). i think the only thing that held me back is that Malcolm stayed in NYC.

We were upset when Miracle left here too, so much so that we booked her last February just to go on her ONE MORE TIME! ;)Spirit class ships are THE BEST! Yes, Gatsby's Garden is so pretty and peaceful. I had forgotten about that. (this is strike 3 for me! :eek:) OP, make sure you look for this area. It surrounds the Phantom Theater.

[WindsorFred]

All of the Spirit class ships have a retractable dome for 1 of the Ludo deck pools. Hopefully it will be closed for our crossing to Hawaii in April and on the return voyage to Vancouver!

 

Sent from my SGH-I527M using Forums mobile app

 

It was closed both to and from when we cruised in January. Was chillier than it will probably be in April.

[Highlander0108]

I've been on both out of NYC. If I had to pick, I prefer the Miracle. It's more liner if you could ever compare it to one. The Miracle has real teak decks, beautifully maintained. I prefer the Serenity on Miracle with the view over the stern. On Spendor, the mineature golf course is one deck above and is a big distraction at times. Miracle is much easier to move about the ship with the one main dining room and not having to go up and over the dining room in the Splendor. We were used to it, but still would forget. Both have forward decks over the bridge for viewing too, but no one seemed to know how to get to it on the Splendor. I also found the Farcus decor on the Splendor harder to adjust to. Miracle is purple while Splendor is pink. I like both ships and would sail on either again though.

[WindsorFred]

I've been on both out of NYC. If I had to pick, I prefer the Miracle. It's more liner if you could ever compare it to one. The Miracle has real teak decks, beautifully maintained. I prefer the Serenity on Miracle with the view over the stern. On Spendor, the mineature golf course is one deck above and is a big distraction at times. Miracle is much easier to move about the ship with the one main dining room and not having to go up and over the dining room in the Splendor. We were used to it, but still would forget. Both have forward decks over the bridge for viewing too, but no one seemed to know how to get to it on the Splendor. I also found the Farcus decor on the Splendor harder to adjust to. Miracle is purple while Splendor is pink. I like both ships and would sail on either again though.

 

Agree.

[Crusin Karen]

I've been on both out of NYC. If I had to pick, I prefer the Miracle. It's more liner if you could ever compare it to one. The Miracle has real teak decks, beautifully maintained. I prefer the Serenity on Miracle with the view over the stern. On Spendor, the mineature golf course is one deck above and is a big distraction at times. Miracle is much easier to move about the ship with the one main dining room and not having to go up and over the dining room in the Splendor. We were used to it, but still would forget. Both have forward decks over the bridge for viewing too, but no one seemed to know how to get to it on the Splendor. I also found the Farcus decor on the Splendor harder to adjust to. Miracle is purple while Splendor is pink. I like both ships and would sail on either again though.

 

Agree.

ME TOO! Everything you said! ;):D;)