Miracle 8/7-8/14 Part 3 of 3 The end...

[alprzy]

Casino: Didn't drop a nickel there. Not a gambler, but spent time in there looking around and enjoying the sites. It's quite large and has entertainment nightly (keyboard player). Some guy hit for $5 grand on a quarter slot. That's when you know it's time to stop playing. It's a nice looking place.

 

Debarkation: Did not do the self assist, jusy hung out on deck 10 and we were berthed right next to the Entreprid carrier, air museum so we had plenty to look at. We were off the ship by 10:30 and getting the luggage was very easy, all color coded in the reception area. 3 ships berthed so it was crowded as heck outside. The trouble was the 1 hour to get a cab to the bus terminal, terrible system. But we made our 12 bus back to CT. Either wait for a cab or wait in the bus station, so it was OK. I would do that again in a minute not to have to drive there.

 

General Observations: 99.9% of the cruisers were from NY or NJ. I'm from CT and must admit enjoy meeting people with a more regional diversity when I cruise. It makes for more interesting conversation with the people you meet. By day 2 I was asking people what Borough they were from, not what state. I love NY and go there often, I just think going out of a port like Florida gives a greater regional mix of people. Most of the NYers we talked with on ship said the same. There were plenty of kids onboard, most well behaved. Did have the normal packs of 12-13 year olds running around. Many parents just say "see ya later". Too bad. Elevators were not as issue, I walked purposely up and down most all flights (justified my second dessert). Still gained 5 pounds.

Many rules were not enforced. Kids were all over the adult pool, once chased out they would just go back in. Smoking was not limited to the designated areas, people walked up and down hallways, in and out of lounges, in and out of the Casino puffing away. Did not see anyone say a thing.

Photography staff was great, lots of opportunities on board virtually every night for family shots. So many options, never a long wait anywhere.

The whole crew in general was extremely pleasant, there was a hello and a smile at every turn. With over 900 crew on board, the occasional bad day is gonna happen. I work with 60 people and on a normal day 40 are miserable. These guys and gals were just wonderful.

 

Overall, the family agreed that it was a successful cruise. We will, sometime in the future, sail with Carnival again. Most likely from another port. The ships facilities and crew were surely top shelf. If I can answer any questions I 'd be happy to do so. Surely havn't covered all that we saw and did for the week. Happy sailing!!!!

 

AlPrzy

[madelinerose]

Again, we're with you. We'll spend $20 each in the casinos on slots and we're outta there.

 

Well, we're cruising on 10-24 on the Miracle from Baltimore, so our port experiences will be quite different. The cruise has been sold out for quite a while, but, from what I understand, embarkation and debarkation are fairly smooth AND, since we live 15 minutes from the port and are leaving our car there, coming home will be a breeze.

 

Not thrilled to hear about the smoking everywhere.

 

So glad you enjoyed the cruise. Love your sense of humor.

 

The end.

[NJsharon]

Thanks again for such a thorough review. Is a shame about the smoking not being enforced (bleuch!) and the kiddies in the adult pool. But heh, if that's the worst we'll deal with it. ;)

 

~Sharon~

[alprzy]

I smoked 5-6 cigars during the week but did it in places reserved for it. I only wish people would realize that there are 2600+ on the ship and it's not just theirs, but you are right, if that's what we have to deal with we'll do it. The kids in the adult pool just irked me because the kids would point out to mom and dad that it was an adult pool (big sign says so, can't miss it) and they would just say "don't worry about it you can use it". Then while the kids were in there, theyre throwing ice cubes at mom and water at her from a cup they just got from the bar. Not gonna change folks like that...

 

Alprzy

[madelinerose]

alprzy - I do have one question.

 

What is the suggested attire at Nick & Nora's if it is casual night in Horatio's?

 

Was everyone at N&N's a little more "dressed" even if it was casual night or do you just follow the same attire as the main dining room?

 

Thanks!

[alprzy]

Horatio's is the buffet restaurant on deck 9-open 24 hours, the Bacchus Dining room on decks 2 and 3 aft is the normal sit down dinner place for the early and late seating. Nick and Nora's calls dress requirement as jacket required on formal nights (Sunday/Thursday our cruise)in the Capers daily newspaper but when the confirmation came to our room the night before(they drop off a card as a reminder) it said jacket required. I wore a jacket and tie, and planned on it anyway. that was the norm. There were a few guys in just a dress shirt. they were the minority. All the gals were dressed up.

 

Formal nights in the main dining rooms were formal, quite a few tuxes but mostly dark suits. Had the occasional rule buster, but you have to figure that. Gowns or fancy cocktail dresses were the norm for the ladies. Again, some showed up in basic skirt and top but were the minority. The second formal had less tuxes but still suits and ties. They made an announcement night 1 that shorts were not to be worn during dinner in the Bacchus Dining room. Breakfast and lunch no problem, dinner during "smart casual" consisted of slacks and golf shirt/short sleeve dress for the guys and sundress or casual pants outfits for the ladies. Again, several pairs of jeans showed up, but they looked out of place. Hope this helps. Any other questions, just ask.

 

AlPrzy

[Lefty1]

well thank u for u review - i will leave this saturday and will report back upon my return - i know they say no shorts allowed in dining room - u stated people were jeans - can jeans be worn in the other areas for dining - i understand dining room is a little bit more formal but unfortunately i have a husband who doesn't mind formal night but some nights just wants to be comfortable (jeans) - so what u are saying jeans are really not appropriate for the dining room and i am sure sneakers are out of the question - i understand they want a nice atmosphere and if people want to dress in jeans, then they should dine elswhere.

did u go to the atlantis in nassau - we just want to check it out although we have my daugther who is 15 and of course probably not allowed in casino - by any chance is there an arcade their where she can go if we decide to gamble there

oh well u have been helpful with u review.

[alprzy]

Lefty, You can get away with jeans in the main dining room (Bacchus) on non formal nights if you really want to. You can wear your bathing suit if you want to eat at Horatio's up on deck 9, the buffet style restaurant. Obviously, be comfortable and take a look around and you can see what is acceptable. We did Atlantis for a few hours, the casino was open for all ages it looked like. Bahamas follows it own rules I think. I saw no arcade but I'm sure there is one there. It's a huge place.

 

 

Have a great trip, you'll love it.

 

Al

[green eyed lady]

Lefty1,

 

there is an arcade (Wizards)...it's on deck 4 (Main) all the way forward.

 

Jen

[alprzy]

I think Lefty was looking for an arcade at the Atlantis while he and the Mrs. did some casino damage. Anybody know if there is one there?

You are correct on the Miracle, and from when I walked by it was getting a workout.

 

Al

[madelinerose]

Thanks, alprzy. Got the restaurants mixed up.:eek: Good, DH will be taking a black suit, doesn't want to do the tux thing. If we book N&N's for 2 nights, that means he'll have to wear the same suit 4 times. Maybe I should rethink things. He could also take a navy blazer/khakis. That would work.

 

Thanks for your input.

 

Lefty 1 - Jeans will be really hot to wear in the Caribbean. IMHO, jeans should stay away from the dining room and definitely the supper club.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[JerseyJim2]

Alan,

 

Thanks for the comprehesive and informative review (all 3 parts). We are reaching a fever pitch here anticipating our sailing this Saturday 8/21.

 

I am curious what sort of phone system they provide? Is there voicemail for the cabin phone? Are there public house phones on the upper decks to call down to your family or friends in their cabins?

 

Jim

[knighthawke]

Heading to the Miracle this Sat as well and can't wait! My question which I'm not too clear on from these boards is the "sushi" factor. I know they serve some "basic" sushi at Horatio's during lunch...but I thought I read there is a more formal sushi location which serves only around dinner time with a more quality variety?? Is this true and if so how is it and where is it located? I'm tempted to try that for dinner for one night with the wife.

[NJsharon]

Okay, as well as knight's sushi question, I had another question too.

 

Do they do the chocolate buffet on the Miracle?! :D Also if so, is it at midnight, or during the day... have to prepare myself for it you know! lol

 

Thanks!

 

~Sharon~

[IHeartMickey]

I was on the Miracle at the same time too, during the lunch period they had two different kinds of sushi, one looked like it had crab meat, and the other I had no idea and I asked one of the chefs behind the counter and he said he didn't know. :eek:

 

I did see an oddly out of place Sushi stand on the way to the Phantom Lounge on Friday night, it was near Fountainhead.

 

And if by the chocolate buffet you mean where they had the chocolate covered fruits and stuff like that, they did it turning the afternoon and the line was HORRENDOUS. They actually closed it down. I didn't get any, actually since I was so upset I missed it my mom just made me chocolate covered strawberries and bananas. :D

[NJsharon]

Cool... thanks so much for the info! Gotta luv the chocolate, so I'll make sure I'm there very early! lol

 

Hmmmmm... 2nd question... did you see anyone in sleeping bags the night before, where the chocolate buffet was? ;)

[Ms Belvedere]

Heading to the Miracle this Sat as well and can't wait! My question which I'm not too clear on from these boards is the "sushi" factor. I know they serve some "basic" sushi at Horatio's during lunch...but I thought I read there is a more formal sushi location which serves only around dinner time with a more quality variety?? Is this true and if so how is it and where is it located? I'm tempted to try that for dinner for one night with the wife.

 

The Sushi Bar was outside the sports bar from 5:00 - 8:00 each evening. Larry made the standard sushi with rice and fish, California Sushi (no fish, just rice and veggies) and offered to make anything we asked for. We stuck with what he had made since there was a nice variety. No one was at the sushi bar the first two nights but by the third night it seemed many had found it.

 

They also serve Sake in the Sports Bar to accompany the sushi. There IS a charge for the Sake, I think it was 2.00.

:D

[halos]

I just wanted to say thanks for the great review!

[alprzy]

JerseyJim2,

 

Just a note on the phone system for the question a few posts back. There are service phones everywhere on the ship to call direct to your room, just the straight 4 digits and you get through. The phone system in your room probably has a message system, I didn't use it. It has a wake up option, and all the direct lines to the services you use most.

 

Also, the sushi by the Maguires sports bar was pretty good. I never had much of a wait. I did have some of the best California roll sushi at the main dining room for lunch one day. (eat there at lunch, take the time out from Horatio's, it's so much better!!!) It was crabmeat(real),avacado, and cream cheese, rolled in rice and fresh seaweed. 3 very large ones. Was lunch in itself.

 

The only big buffet we had was Thursday night after midnight. No chocolate buffet that I was aware of.

 

AlPrzy

[LDS565]

Question About Atlantis ? Water Taxi Brings You There What Is There

To Do. Is There A Beach That You Can Use Any Other Activies?

Thank You

[jim141963]

Thanks for such a thorough review. My wife and I are going for our 20th anniversary on 9/19/04 can't wait.

[JerseyJim2]

Thanks Alan! Now it's time to run the last few errands.

 

Jim

[serene56]

I have a question regarding the smoking. You said that people were smoking a they were leaving the casino- is there signs posts that its a non smoking area? Are there ashtrays by the elevators?

 

On the Victory-- signs are not posted- nor was it stated tht smoking was for only one side of the ship. (people in my party only smoked where the ashtrays were-- in almost all public areas) Even outside the show lounge people will light up as soon as they cleared the door-- there were ashtrays right there. So I am curious if its signed with smoking or non smoking areas?

[NJsharon]

The only big buffet we had was Thursday night after midnight. No chocolate buffet that I was aware of.

AlPrzy

NOOOO!! lol Say it isn't so... gotta have chocolate!

[alprzy]

NJ Sharon,

Sorry, no chocolate buffet. You'll have to live off the ones on your pillow every evening.... Actually, my favorite dessert was Saturday evening, Day one. A warm almond chocolate center, surrounded by a nice philo pastry shell. To Die for...

 

Serene56,

No signs posted anywhere on smoking that I saw. It wasn't a big problem, just noticable that a select few people thought it was OK to smoke wherever they wanted. I even smelt smoke in the hallway of our cabin on Empress 6 aft, definitely someoneone close by smoking in their cabin. One side of the sun decks are equipped with ashtrays, but people smoked on both sides for sure. Like I said in my review, there are not people around with the authority to enforce the rules. Deck bar waitresses are not going to enforce a thing.

 

Did not affect my cruise experience, it was just something I noticed.

 

AlPrzy