Gatorfan01

46 minutes ago, CLTJif said:

Carnival is telling us that check-in begins at 1:00 PM for our cruise on September 1, 2019, in Tampa. I am seeing other people saying that they were on board by noon. Does anyone know what time it actually is? Also, our assigned time is 1:30 PM. That seems pretty late.

I'll be on that cruise with you! 🙂 Our check in time is 11:30-12:00 but we have FTTF. Hope to meet you at some of the events. 

We will be in Rotan the first part of September and are doing a private tour. I was thinking about asking our driver for a good local spot for lunch but wanted suggestions from others. We are looking for authentic local cuisine and not some "Americanized" food. Thoughts/suggestions?

24 minutes ago, beshears said:

Does the cruise have to be 7 days or longer? I normally cruise 7 days, but the one we are planning for next year is only 5 days.

I did this tour on my first cruise aboard Paradise which was only 5 days. I don’t remember the cost but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The view from the bridge was amazing.  

4 single (late 40's-early 50's) females cruising on the Carnival Miracle Sept 1, 2019. Girl's Cruise! 

35 minutes ago, bury me at sea said:

Butter is on the ship.  Until they offer it once again, regardless of how it is presented, in the MDR, I'll take my own.

How do you plan to bring butter and keep it? Just curious. 

Can you tip in cash (dollars) or is it best to add to credit card bill?

19 minutes ago, mexicobob said:

The rules have changed since your last cruise, on The Valor at least.  They were not allowed to purchase anything "on the side", period.  Including drink #1 of the day.  

If this is true, I’m going to be a sad lady! My first cruise I started collecting the cute shot glasses they bring at dinner. I had Cheers but knew they weren’t covered. I’m cruising in September and was looking forward to the new (to me) shot glass design. I’ll have Cheers this cruise also. I want my shot glasses! 

Thank you for the great review. You’ve made me even more excited for my September cruise. 

How does one get a PVP? 

16 hours ago, Bowman1 said:

Anything from the Alchemy Bar (especially the non-menu martinis that the bartenders make upon request)

I don’t know if I’m more excited about our girl’s trip cruise or getting to try the Alchemy Bar finally! 🤣 

But if the mom can’t drink due to medical reasons, would that exempt her from having to purchase the Cheers? 

Thoroughly enjoyed your review! Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures with us. Looking forward to your girls cruise. I’ll be doing my girls Cruise the week after yours on the Miracle. 

45 minutes ago, ZoeyVictoria said:

We park in the Channelside garage through Park Connect, at half the price.  There are several reviews on the embarkation ports forum, but in summary, you pay in advance and are then assigned a parking garage, and it is always Channelside.  You show your paid receipt when you arrive, are told which level to park on, then just drive off when you leave.

Thank you for this suggestion! I just reserved and paid for my parking. 

Try the Florida departure board. Lots of great suggestions there. I’ve decided to do port parking for the convenience in September. 

1 hour ago, Capt_BJ said:

BERN'S

 

nothing more need be said

 

Columbia is for the armatures

 

Bern's is for those who KNOW Tampa   

 

don't forget to reserve the dessert room after dinner

Berns for breakfast? We’re doing Berns for dinner Saturday night. 😊

We’ll be arriving in Tampa 2 days before our September cruise. The hotel will probably have the standard continental breakfast but I’m looking for more of a local favorite. We’ll have a car so can travel easily outside of the downtown Tampa area for a good breakfast. ☺️

I’m going to try Tampa Bay Brewing Co for Friday night and Columbia’s for Saturday lunch. I’ve been to the one in St Augustine so know how delicious this place is! Any other food suggestions?

50 minutes ago, Djptcp said:

Don't understand the allergy to American wines - 

I don't understand it either, just going off what I’ve been told. Heck, I rarely ever drink wine. 

I enjoyed the review. Sailing on Miracle in September for a girls trip.  

Hope you enjoyed your cruise! How long did it take to reach the bridge? We have early dining and I was hoping we'd be able to see it.

55 minutes ago, coevan said:

plenty of American wines made without sulfites

Your point? 

7 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

What does this mean? 

 

the free house wine is not very good and there are plenty of foreign wines

 

It means she can’t drink American wines. I think it has something to do with the sulfates/sulfites. Not sure exactly. 

I’ve made reservations for the steakhouse for the first night of our girls trip cruise. Does anyone know what choices for the “free” bottle of wine is the first night? One on my friends is allergic to American wines and can only drink foreign wines. 

No. One bad accident and you could be stuck in traffic forever. 

I’m looking for recommendations for a good flip flop type shoe to wear around the ship. I fell last year and broke my patella (kneecap) so I’m more cautious now. I remember on past cruises my current flip flop of choice (Yellowbox) could get a little slippery on the wet decks so I’m looking for something I can be comfortable walking on the decks. 

On 3/7/2019 at 1:38 PM, the mistral wind said:

Is there anything exclusive about the carnival miracle ship? I will be sailing sept 2019 and am curious about this ship. i am reading that they did a 2.o maintenance upgrade ship but ship does not have guys burgers. i thought this was included in upgrade of ship. I am wondering what they did when they refurbished her. And what i expect from this cruise

I’m also sailing on Miracle in September. This will be my 3rd cruise so I’m still a newbie. Kinda disappointed it doesn’t have Guys but I can’t miss (too much) something I haven’t had. LOL