airlink diva

I was on the Miracle in 2006. I had a 1A room that was near the elevator and an employee entrance.

I was really worried at first about this, but I never had any noise issue except for one day. That was went people were returning from port in Costa Maya (I had some totally wasted people on my deck :eek: ). Otherwise nothing.

My room had two twin beds that my cabin steward placed together to make a queen bed. The bathroom was a shower only, but it was very roomy. I had plenty of space in the room and I like the fact that you had channels on the tv to look outside 24/7.

Bring a nightlight because the room is very dark! But it's perfect for sleeping.

My room steward was ok. He did everything that was required, but nothing extra.

I think on the older ships that you will see the upper and lower bedding.

I also know that a few of the newer ships 1A rooms have windows. You have to know which rooms they are because past cruisers who had them before will request them. Place a thread on the Carinval board to find out which ships have them. There's a thread concerning this, but it's been a while since I saw it.

Enjoy your sailing! Have fun!

Happy sailing!!

Second time around and my 40th birthday cruise on the

MAASDAM

10/24/08-11/07/08

I'm all for each person having the option of as you wish or standard dining times. My main concern is as a solo cruiser, I want the fixed time.

I don't want to be like the last kid being picked to play ball each day hoping that I get a table with some great people.

I think that this option is great for the day you want to eat at 5:30 p.m. because you want an early start the next day, to eating at 9:00 p.m. because you wanted to rest and catch a show before dinner.

This is something that my class is considering for 2009. They are doing it so far in advance to give people plenty of time to pay for it.

Some stated that there are some classmates that won't come because it's on a cruiseship. However, there are those who don't come when you have them landbased.

One of my co-worker's husband is from Maryland. His high school class did a cruise. She guess about 1/3 of the class went. They had a blast! She got to meet people that her husband always talked about and enjoying the interaction.

The cost need to be broken down person by what type of cabins, deposit and payments.

I'm want to go on my class trip, but it's at the same time as my Alaskan Family reunion cruise so that's the only reason I'm not going.

But with 900 plus people, I guess that about 250 to 400 will go.

Happy sailing.

For some reason, the cruiselines that sail into Martinique only do so from October to April.

So that's one reason that during the past few months very little in the way of threads were going on.

Thanks for your ongoing reports!! I'm so glad that you were able to visit Easter Island. I was reading on your roll call about most ship don't make this port due to sea conditions.

Keep up the great reports, I'm taking my world cruise with your eyes!!

WCB

 

I just discovered this thread and am delighted that you are carrying the torch this year.

 

I was depressed when I learned that Grumpy is drydocked for a while and wont be reporting on SA as planned so this was a particularly nice surprise.

 

When you have time, could you let us know who the ACD's and God Squad are this year. I hope Ben is running the sea day trivia contests.

 

If you meet Melisa (she of the radient smile) and John, please say hello frome Terry and Claire.

 

I'm going to sit back and enjoy now but will be lurking daily.

 

Ides

Hi Ides! I'm glad to see you back on the boards!! I know that you are most likey going to enjoy this since we all enjoyed your blog last year!!

So the big question is , are you on the next world cruise :D :D !!

WCB

 

I just discovered this thread and am delighted that you are carrying the torch this year.

 

I was depressed when I learned that Grumpy is drydocked for a while and wont be reporting on SA as planned so this was a particularly nice surprise.

 

When you have time, could you let us know who the ACD's and God Squad are this year. I hope Ben is running the sea day trivia contests.

 

If you meet Melisa (she of the radient smile) and John, please say hello frome Terry and Claire.

 

I'm going to sit back and enjoy now but will be lurking daily.

 

Ides

Hi Ides! I'm glad to see you back on the boards!! I know that you are most likey going to enjoy this since we all enjoyed your blog last year!!

So the big question is , are you on the next world cruise :D :D !!

WCB

 

I just discovered this thread and am delighted that you are carrying the torch this year.

 

I was depressed when I learned that Grumpy is drydocked for a while and wont be reporting on SA as planned so this was a particularly nice surprise.

 

When you have time, could you let us know who the ACD's and God Squad are this year. I hope Ben is running the sea day trivia contests.

 

If you meet Melisa (she of the radient smile) and John, please say hello frome Terry and Claire.

 

I'm going to sit back and enjoy now but will be lurking daily.

 

Ides

Hi Ides! I'm glad to see you back on the boards!! I know that you are most likey going to enjoy this since we all enjoyed your blog last year!!

So the big question is , are you on the next world cruise :D :D !!

WCB

 

I just discovered this thread and am delighted that you are carrying the torch this year.

 

I was depressed when I learned that Grumpy is drydocked for a while and wont be reporting on SA as planned so this was a particularly nice surprise.

 

When you have time, could you let us know who the ACD's and God Squad are this year. I hope Ben is running the sea day trivia contests.

 

If you meet Melisa (she of the radient smile) and John, please say hello frome Terry and Claire.

 

I'm going to sit back and enjoy now but will be lurking daily.

 

Ides

Hi Ides! I'm glad to see you back on the boards!! I know that you are most likey going to enjoy this since we all enjoyed your blog last year!!

So the big question is , are you on the next world cruise :D :D !!

Thank you for sharing this trip with us! I really enjoyed reading about the cruise last year from someone else who took the trip.

Unless I win the Powerball or my only really weathly relative leave me something, this is the only cruise I will never take. But I can live it by viewing it with your eye! Enjoy!!

I know that on the Miracle this past spring, at the past cruisers party, one of the senior officer, the chief purser was an American (she was from New Jersey).

The only other Americans that I met working on a ship were the singers.

One of my ex-coworkers is currently working for NCL since early summer.

As for the primary jobs (cabin stewards, dining attendents), I never met any Americans. Due to the long hours, no days off and pay, very few are willing to accept them. However to people from the former Eastern Block, Asia, South American,etc. These jobs offer a chance to make more money than possible in their own countries.

But the same can be said for the companies that operate in the national parks. I worked in Yellowstone in the early 90's. The pay was low. After taxes and room and board, often, you were lucky to make $300 every two weeks. But being young with no bills, it was an adventure. Of course 90% of the people were young (late teens & early 20's).

I have to agree, for the past two weeks, there are some great deals on cruising, esp for solo.

I almost went on a seven day for around $274. But I couldn't find anyone to work for me the day before and after the cruise on such short notice.

On my job, we bid for days off and with that occurring within the next few weeks, I want to book a trip, but don't want to go about trying to fit it in with a new work schedule.

Have fun on your trip!!!

Yea...finally....thank you!

 

So no wonder when we wandered on that floor we saw no entrance to the dance club. It looks like the bottom floor the club is on that deck with no entrance from the deck.

 

As far as two bunk beds making into a Queen....do you mean two beds on the floor like an inside room has making into a Queen?

 

Any chairs, sofa or desk in the room? Refrig?

 

So if you had a choice to stay on a sofa with 2 others in a balcony cabin or to have this room what would you choose?

 

Lastly, do you ever see the price come down on the 1A for this ship?

 

Thanks so much!

The two beds are twin beds. My steward asked me if I want the beda apart or together.

You have a small chair at the desk. and a regluar chair with a small adjustable table by your frig. The steward will also ask if you want the frig lock or unlock during the trip.

I enjoy traveling with others and by myself. But I want a bed anyday. I know people who shared a room where one person got the sofa bed. It was mixed feelings on having the sofa bed. One of my friends liked the bed and said it was comfy. But on an older Carnival ship, the view was the opposite. I feel that on the Miracle, that it sofe bed would be ok. But I like my space and a bed and I rather pay of that comfort.

As for the pricing on the Miracle, I came across some great deals for the fall ( I get weekly cruise rates from a site), also I like to surf around on the web and came across some great rates. If you ever sailed with Carnival or one of it's sister lines (Holland America,Costa,Princess,etc) mentioned this, because it can also result in great savings. Overall even with paying a solo rate, a cruise is the best value!!

Trying to decide on getting a separate room rather than staying with my sister and aunt in the same room for cruise in the Spring on the Miracle. I really don't want the sofa sleeping. It would have to be a 1A and I see all those rooms are on the bottom deck near the rear with one being right behind the elevators at the front. I remember walking that deck and it was noisy - mechanical like noise. Has anyone had any experience staying in the rear area of the Miracle and is that dance club I see noisy?

I was on the Miracle in April in a 1A room (1257) on the Rivera deck. On the deck plans it shows the room near the dance club. But you are near the elevator and a service entrance. But I never had any problem with noise except for one night when a person was a little too loud.

But the 1A rooms on the Miracle are really nice for a solo person. I had two bunk beds which my steward made into a queen. I had plenty of space for all of my items. I enjoyed that you had two t.v. channels that had views outside.

It was a great value and I would stay in a 1A room on the Miracle again in a heartbeat!!

I had a 1A on the Miracle this past April. I had a actual bed, not a pull off. My room attendent merged my beds together to make one bed,it was about the size of a queen bed.

The room was a great size for one person. There was plenty of storage and I never used all the space.

The bathroom was a good size also. They have a basket of goodies in the bathroom. There's also a string to place wet items in the shower.

If you want to view your account, or view outside, turn on your tv.

I brought a clock and a small nightlight for my room.

The 1a is a great value for the solo travler and I would book it again

I just returned from a fun seven day cruise on the Miracle!! One of the highlights was my tablemates at dinner. I was at the late seating at a table for six people. Only five came to dinner. Our table was a great variety of people. My favorite tablemate was an 84 year old WW II vet. He was a ranger and came behind the **** lines in France. He also was a great joker and you never knew what was coming out of his mouth next. Best of all, he was traveling solo!! He's never got off the ships at port (Nick stated that he cruise so much that the ports were nothing special)., but I would see him around the ship enjoying himself.

I hope that I'm still going strong in my 80's and traveling!!!!

I noticed that you are leaving for a cruise today!! I wish you a great trip!! Relax and enjoy yourself!!

Thank you for all the great info and advice to everyone coming to Tampa.

Have fun!!!:) :) :)

[quote name='signman']Diva, I don't know what the review of Brasa Grill said, but places of this type are opening in many areas. The most well known of this type restaurant are Fogo de Chao and Texas de Brazil. Personally I would want to go to a place that is singularly unique to Tampa. There are 2 places that are head and shoulders above all others. Berns Steakhouse on South Howard Ave [URL="http://www.bernssteakhouse.com"]www.bernssteakhouse.com[/URL] and Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City [URL="http://www.columbiarestaurant.com"]www.columbiarestaurant.com[/URL][/quote]
I checked out both restaurants websites. I got very hungry reading Columbia Restaurant's menu!!

[quote name='jessemon'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=red]Airlink diva,[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#ff0000]I have a very good friend that gives "Brasa" 2 thumbs up. He is a very big meat eater. This is his kind of place. We live close to the area it is located. It is not much to look at. It is in a 4 or 5 store plaza on W. Waters Ave. east of Hanley Rd. It is easy to see because "Pinch-a-Penny" pool store is there. It is on the north side of the street.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#ff0000]I have been planning to go there but have not had a chance yet. If I go before your cruise I will let you know the outcome. [/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#ff0000]What hotel are you going to be at? Ii will give you all directions on how to get there if that helps.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#ff0000]Jeff[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=#ff0000]PS: Traffic should be no problem.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote]
Thanks for the reply about Brasa! I'm staying at the Holiday Inn at Rocky Point. Great reviews from everyone about this hotel. I appreciate your offer for directions from the airport. I'm the type of person that have a good sense of direction (very helpful when traveling). Can you tell me how close is the hotel to a Target or Wal-Mart? Somewhere for those last items. While on the Tampa website, I came across several places that I want to visit. Nothing is set in stone yet. I'm excited because I never been to Tampa before.

Hi Ken!! It's getting very close to the 29th, that's when I flying into Tampa. I always go a day early for a peace of mind and also to check out a city (if I never been there before). I was reading your local paper on-line when I came across a review for a Brasa Grill Brazilian Buffet & Steakhouse. It's kind of close to my hotel (I have a car). The paper gave it a nice review.
Also, how's traffic going to the port on Sunday from the airport?? I managed a late checkout (12:30 p.m.). I want to stop a buy a large bottle of water and two six packs of soft drinks, take the car rental back to the airport and then head to the ship. I prefer boarding around 2 p.m. (fewer people checking in, also the rooms are often ready and it's a little easier going around the ship). Or do I need to check out at 11:00 a.m.?

Hello,

 

We just returned from our cruise aboard the Legend of the Seas. We flew in and out of Tampa. We stayed at the Holiday Inn- Rocky Point Island and LOVED it! We called from the airport to let them know that we had arrived, they sent a shuttle within 15 minutes. While we arrived early (12:30pm) we were allowed to store our luggage in a locked room until the rooms were available. There is an awesome restaurant right next store (Bahama Breeze). We went for lunch and when we returned our rooms were ready. The hotel was clean, the pool was nice, a nice view of the bay, and the service was great. They also had a wonderful complementary continental breakfast in the morning. We took a shuttle (The Blue One) for $10 per person to the port- 9 miles away. We would definitely stay here again! We stayed at the Best Western last year and HATED it.

Thanks for the great review!! I'm booked at this hotel at the end of April!!

mark1 - Now you've went and got me started! We must think alike. I never get tired of BBQ. I like various types. South Carolina style (like Maurice's Gormet BBQ in Columbia, SC) is great. Sonny's isn't shabby. Sometimes I plan road trips with Sonny's in mind. I'm sure my manager see's it on my expense accounts and laughs at it. I've had Memphis style too, lovely. As for Selmons, it's on the sweet side. It's very good though, and a really nice place.

 

If you want something different, where lots of locals go, try Jimbo's Real Pit BBQ at 4103 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa. It's sometimes hard to get a place to park at lunch. When our Tampa office was closer, we used to eat there every Friday. Some of the best sliced pork and ribs I've ever had. The sauce is very good, and kind of thin. It's not sweet. Just right for my taste. I've been eating at that place for many years, as well as it's sister location here in Lakeland, where I live.

 

On Dale Mabry Highway, S. of Kennedy Blvd (I don't know the street number, but it's not too far S.), is Fred Flemings Famous BBQ. This is great too.

 

Is there such a thing as BAD BBQ? I don't think so, unless it's burnt.

 

I know of another little BBQ joint out in the E side of Tampa on 40th St. just N. of Hillsborough Avenue - Big John's Alabama BBQ. It's ran by an African-American family. The patriarch, John Stevens, died years ago, and (as far as I know), the kids still run the place. It's a small place, nothing facing at all. The parking lot is dirt. But the pork, beef, and ribs are great. They make their own sauce. They have spicy sauce too. I remember a gentleman ordering the spicy sauce one day (he was ahead of me in line), Big John Stevens asked him twice if he really wanted the hot sauce. The man said yes. From the looks of things, I think he messed up. :) I haven't been there in hears. When I was in law enforcement, they gave us 50% off the price, and they loved police types. They would take a large 5" hamburger bun, get a big hunk of BBQ port off of the pit, slice off a big amount, then chop it up and pile it on the bun until it fell off the sides on the wrapping paper, put a big gob of sauce on top, then the top bun. We would have to hold it over the table to eat it, while little bits of meat would fall out. I just made myself awful hungry for this stuff!:rolleyes:

 

Enjoy.

 

Ken

Hi Ken!! I will try out your hometown BBQ. Since I'm from Memphis area and we are the kings of BBQ, I have to give my opinion.

As for the Sonny's BBQ, I wonder if it's the same BBQ place that I enjoyed in Jacksonville.

See you in April!!

airlink diva - I have stayed at this hotel a couple of times. It's nice and quiet out there. Safe too. The hotel sits right on the water. Continetal breakfast is very good (I love the hot cinnamon buns they have). Everything was clean and well kept there. You can walk across the parking lot to the Bahama Breeze Restaurant, which is a really good place to eat. They have an airport shuttle. You will probably have to take a taxi to the port, which could cost you $25-$30.

 

mommyto2girls - Nobody that responds to this thread has ever said anything bad about the Embassy Suites on Westshore. As noted just above, folks have actually liked it. I think some of the people who write critiques on Trip Advisor are just too picky. Some people are never satisfied with anything. People have also responded that they liked the Double Tree on W. Cypress, and that's covered up the thread a ways.

 

Ken

Thanks, Ken, I going to book right now!!

Can you tell me if the Holiday Inn Express--Rocky Point Island? I have a good rate for this hotel. At first, I was going to arrive at 11:00 p.m., but I changed my time to arrive at 12:30 p.m. Is this a good area (coming in solo, but use common sense), what about resturants? How close to the Port? Thanks!!

We are cruising out of Tampa on 4/2 and are coming in the night before at 11:15 p.m. I have read much of this thread and there are so many nice hotels that have been recommended. My thought is we are coming in so late, and then getting up and going straight to the port. I want a clean, decent place to stay, but don't want to pay deluxe bucs. Any recommendations?

 

I've been trying to find Airport shuttle, plus continental breakfast. I just hate to pay $150 for 10 hours of stay. Didn't know if anyone else had any suggestions....... Cracker Ken and all other Tampa residence that have helped, I just have to say a big "hats off" to you for all your help on this thread. You are greatly appreciated! :D

I agree with you on this, I'm arriving after 10 p.m. on Saturday night for my Sunday cruise (Miracle 4/30/06) and just want a safe, clean, hotel to stay until Sunday. However all the rates are over $100. I'm now going to attempt to change my arrival time to the first flight into Tampa (still wide open), rent a car and stay in one of the hotels that Cracker Ken suggested. :o

Have fun!!