A smaller version of my Carnival Miracle Cruise Review

[bjkeen]

Carnival Miracle November 7, 2004

Inaugural Tampa Cruise Review

 

The Carnival Miracle is a huge ship. When I walked inside the Atrium the first thing I saw was lovely art along the top of the ceiling. I am not educated in art, but I can say that it was something to see. The elevators were lined with purple lights. This ship was elegant. The Miracle is the sister ship to the Pride and there are many similarities except for the décor’. The ship has the same lay out which I found helpful since I have sailed on the Pride.

 

The first thing that my group did was drop off our carry on luggage in our cabins. Ok I deserve 50 lashes with a wet noodle. I completely forgot to tell everyone to take a bag with the clothes for dinner on the ship. My family and I always carry on our garment bag so that we will have clothes for dinner. I forgot to share this tid bit of information with our group and one couple did not have clothes for dinner. They explained to the Matre d’ that their clothes had not arrived and they were allowed to eat in the dining room. I felt bad for them because they were embarrassed in jeans and tee shirts while everyone else looked nice. I must make a note to make sure this does not happen to anyone on the next cruise in May 2006.

 

The Cabin

I had an obstructed view on the Upper deck cabin number 5163. Much to my surprise, the life boat outside my balcony did not hinder my enjoyment while looking outside. Saturday morning I saw a breathe taking sun rise. Sunday morning I was standing on my balcony early before the sun came up and I can not express to you how much I enjoyed the trip through Tampa Bay. The water was dark and the waves gently touched the side of the ship as the ship made it’s way through the Bay. I could see lights on the shore. Later in the morning before the sun came up the sky was a beautiful pink and the sun appeared huge on the horizon. This was a spectacular view.

 

The second morning - I was packing to leave and looked up, much to my surprise there stood a man on the balcony. I thought to myself, “Where did he come from?” I walked to the door and looked out. He had all the side panels open as far as I could see. I stood there and thought to myself, “Thank goodness I was dressed while standing out there before the sun came up.” I had no idea how the man had gotten on the first balcony. This just goes to show that you never know when the crew might be watching. I’m real particular about what I do while on my balcony. LOL

 

Lunch

The next thing we did was all gather together at the buffet to enjoy lunch and each others company. The food in my opinion was very good. I usually enjoy soup and salad for lunch and did not change my menu while aboard ship. However my husband and son sampled many different dishes. They told me that everything they tried was good; they tried Chinese and American food. Each had a different dish and they were pleased. My cousin enjoyed Japanese food complete with chop sticks; he said that was good too. I took a look at what everyone was eating and saw a wide variety of food. Later I asked if anyone had any complaints and they said, “yes, our complaint is that we are full and there is so much food here.” I chuckled and went to check out the ship.

 

Dining Room

I was surprised when I looked at the dining room. There were pink light covers everywhere and I could not imagine what the theme was. At first I could not identify what the pink represented. They were pink grapes (I realized at dinner when the light color changed to purple). The Waiter and his Assistant Waiter were very nice. My only complaint was that I believe they were serving to many people. In my opinion, the food was excellent. I started with the soup and then salad followed by fish. The fish was mild and light and flaky. I checked with everyone else in our group I did not find anyone who wasn’t pleased with the food.

 

Casino

The Casino had $.05, $.25, $1.00, $5.00 and $25.00 slots plus Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, and Let It Ride tables. The Casino was very busy both night and day. I won 180 quarters and ultimately made a donation. That’s ok, I had fun. One of the couples from my group spent most of the weekend playing “Let It Ride” the couple had a good time too (they also made a contribution). I did hear people winning. Someone won $2,000 dollars.

 

Shows

After dinner we went to the Casino for awhile and then to the show in the Bacchus Show Room. The décor’ was very interesting in Bacchus. I especially liked Atlas lifting the world.

 

The first night - I have been around dancers all of my life and in my opinion the dancers did an excellent job. The first show was entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys music and dancing. I don’t know the name of the show and I believe the music was from around the 50’s to the present day.

 

The show the second night - If you like the Beatles then you will probably like the show. First we watched a film with music and then the show began. The show was spectacular and the singers were very good. They sang many of the Beatles songs.

 

Early Morning Rising

I know you are probably saying “Why did you get up early while on your vacation?” I think I must have this internal clock that says you have to get up it’s time to go to work regardless of whether it is true of not.

 

Second Day

Breakfast

I really enjoyed breakfast at the buffet on the Lido deck. I walked around and looked at all of the food. Finally I decided on Grits and Bacon. The Grits were good but runny. I’m thinking maybe the staff thought they were some type of gravy. The Bacon was very good. I watched the employees cooking Omelets to order. They looked good. There were fruits and cereal, Danish, French toast and coffee, milk and juices.

 

 

Lunch

I thought I was going to have a hamburger. They smelled really good. Then I walked past a lady who was dipping soup. It smelled so good I had to have some. The soup was New England Clam Chowder. In my opinion, this was the best Clam Chowder that I have ever had. Unfortunately for me I can not eat much at a time. The only other thing I managed to eat was a small piece of cake (which was good). Do you like yogurt and ice cream? If you do they machines are on the pool deck at the rear of the ship.

 

The Second Night

Evening Meal

Everyone was dressed up and looked great. We ordered Steak and Lobster. The food was very good. I am not a big Lobster fan, but I must say I had a wonderful Lobster that was very tender and tasted sweet.

 

Comedy Shows

There were Comedians aboard ship. I did not see any of their shows. I did see the “Not so Newlywed Game.” The game was funny. I would go and see it again.

 

Gym

I also saw two hot tubs, one in the gym and one by a pool. The gym looked like a complete gym.

 

That's all folks!

This review is for all of my cruise critic and cruise mate friends. If you want to read more you have to wait for the book to be completed.

[Donnask8pro]

Thank you for the review. We go in Jan. Anything else you want to tell, I will read.

[IBEEMOM]

BS, Thanks so much for the glowing review of the Miracle. We are most anxious to see her for ourselves. We are on the final count down. Glad you had a great, if short, time.

[Val60]

Hi Becky. Thanks for an excellent review. Could you please tell me who was the cruise director?

Val.

[GoinCruisin]

Becky, great review!!! The only thing that made me sad was to see you packing on the second morning! I know you wish it would have been longer!! Sounds like you had a great time! Glad you are home, you were missed!!!

[crusinmama22]

Thanks for the review. We are getting excited. Our Miracle sails 12/26/04. Also interested in the Cruise Director. What is his or her name and who good they were ?

 

Any info would be helpful.

 

Glad you had a great time.

[Dee's Girl]

:) Becky-Great reveiw.I too became sad when you mention packing on

the second morning.:( But @ least you were on the ship.Again Thanks.

Vee.......From The Pride:p

[cruiserlisa]

Becky, welcome back. I can't wait to sail the Miracle in February. Can't wait to see your pics also.

[vermonter16]

We were on the Miracle and Mark Hawkins was the CD...(this was a 7 day out of Baltimore two weeks ago)he was very, very good....the best CD we've ever had....but it is all subjective. He really was a nut....but a good nut.