wildcat68

We only had one day that I recall the foghorn. They did explain over the PA that the laws required them to sound the horn a certain number of times per minute. I don't recall it being a problem but if you were on an upper deck it could bother you. Better safe than sorry.

We sailed from Seattle to Alaska and back on the July 22 Miracle trip. I don't usually write reviews but here goes a quickie. We had a suite #4237 which made embarkation a breeze. We got on the ship around 11:30 and got to our room around 1:30 after having lunch on the Lido and a beer out back by the adults area. The Thirsty Frog is a decent ale style beer but as some had warned, we had to pay $1 Seattle Tax, actually probably a Washington state tax. We didn't buy any other drinks prior to sailing well under way and the tax left and so only the gratuity was charged after that.

The room is a Vista Suite and has the big wrap around balcony. We found this to be very comfortable and the two bottles of Scotch I had ordered were there when we arrived. (no extra tax, but some had indicated we would be charged) The room had a couple of issues when we got to it. The TV in the sitting room would abruptly lose all volume with no adjusting. Then the volume and the TV would not adjust or change channels. We reported this and it was fixed ASAP and worked fine after that. The other issue (mid week) required the changing of a light switch as the light in the dressing area started cycling from off to bright all by itself. Again, this was reported and fixed quickly. As most will agree, the room was quite nice and spacious and the balcony was used during the Tracy Arm Fjord day a lot.

The food. We had not been on a Carnival Cruise for several years. My impression is that the quality of the food has deteriorated since our last one. Fewer Choices, more "mundane" choices but certainly a decent choice. We ate all dinners in the MDR and had assigned seating. The crew we had was excellent, the MD sings every night and does a nice job, the food was served timely and tasted fine, but, it just wasn't as elegant, nor the quality I remembered from previous cruises on Carnival. Our last several cruises had been, Holland America, Wind Star, and Seabourn. The food was better on each of these with my order of preference for food, Seabourn, Holland America, Wind Star then Carnival. The Lido Buffet was usually crowded, the food was usually tepid at best if it had sat on the steam table very long, I had brunch in the MDR on a sea day and could barely chew the steak with the steak and eggs selection. The egg was waaaaaay overcooked and was ordered over medium. My DWs Eggs Benedict was not good at all. Would not go out of our way to go back to that.

Cruise director was John Heald and he did a nice job. The VIFP returning social was good and the drinks flowed as much as most people would like (read, needed!). The Casino was not as forgiving as I would have liked but that is a personal flaw!

The Ship. I thought the ship was well groomed and maintained. The Starboard prop wake was consistently less than the Port side. Some have mentioned engine trouble. I have no idea if this was due to a problem or just the way it is. Remember we were on the stern and observed it often, but the ship moved along fine with more vibration than I would have expected, but, we were on the stern so maybe it should vibrate more.

Shore excursions. They are pricey on this voyage. We decided to spring for the Steam train in Skagway as my wife really wanted to do that one. There was a derailment the day before so all train excursions were cancelled. Carnival handled it well and refunded nearly immediately with the report from shore. Nothing they could do. Did not do the Tracy Arm excursion but we did have a spectacular (partly sunny) day for that and it is very pretty.

Over all. We got a tremendous deal on the room and really loved that. The days of being mesmerized by the cruise experience are past for us. We enjoy much of it but don't walk around with anxious anticipation of the next "activity". The value was certainly there and the Alaskan Cruises are really weather dependent. We had extremely calm seas, saw lots of whales, saw some Harbor Seals on mini ice bergs, saw a Black Bear foraging for food. The ship was managed professionally and the crew was friendly and hard working. Our next cruise will be with another line, but, the price will no way be as good value as you get on Carnival. Other than the food, and we eat more than at home, but about 1/10th what many ate, the experience was great. I gained 5 pounds!

It's been a while since I cruised Carnival so things may have changed. Figure that into my comment. I have cruised Carnival, RCCL, HAL, Paul Gaugin, Wind Star, Seabourn, Renaissance (before bankruptcy) and soon Silversea. I never noticed the coffee to be remarkably good on any of them except Seabourn and their specialty coffee was the same beans as their espresso only not as strong. Since that was included in the price I opened the coffee bar each day. If you are someone who drinks coffee as a treat to your day and really enjoy a good cup then the specialty café is probably a good choice. Why go to coffee shops regularly and then shun the same priced coffee on a ship? Why grit your teeth and complain then race to Starbucks after the cruise?

I will be on the Miracle next month and will see if the Lido coffee is to my liking. If not, I'll go bite the bullet and pay extra, but then, I will only order coffee---not latte, frapaccino etc. Why? because I like coffee.

One thing I always try and do is to enjoy my cruise.

depending on your preferance.. we have both the VS on deck 4 on Miracle booked for Alaska.. we prefer the seperate bedroom, as I like to stay up later than DH an get up earlier as welll, so I can shower and go into the living area without disturbing him.. I think you will LOVE the Vista Suites...

We're in 4237 July 22 sailing. What date are you on?

Hi Wildcat, there is a rollcall for this cruise. You should sign up. Only a few of us on it so far.

Thanks, I'll look for it.

Be sure to do Club Fado. It is traditional guitar and song in the perfect acoustical setting. The food is very good as well. Will make for a memorable evening.

Will do. Love guitar!

Thanks all. We have just booked an apartment for 5 nights that has a lovely terrace where we can drink wine and relax. We will , that way, wind down from the cruise in order to re-enter reality. I'll contact Jorge, Wes. He sounds like a winner.

OK we have booked the Spirit Crossing in April 2015 and we are looking at staying in Lisbon for two to five extra nights to see the place.

We arrive on April 25th and I believe that is Independence Day (Holiday) in Portugal. The next day is Sunday so many museums and sightseeing attractions may be closed. That makes it sensible, to me, to stay several more days. We are the walk aground and look at old things type folks and are not seeking discos, night life and fancy dining.

I'll defer to you experts. What is there to do, how much time is too much and what should we not miss? Also any info on this Holiday would be appreciated. I guess safety as far as walking the streets etc. is an issue we welcome comments on as well.

Thanks in advance

Made the crossing on the Cloud in April this year and the weather was mostly in the mid 50's. There was a little sunshine, but it was not really warm until we got to Spain. We also had a slightly rough night, but generally the seas were good. Go for it and have a great time.

Thanks, mid 50's is cooler than I thought. I have now booked it and have a Starboard Veranda Suite. I was concerned about getting too much sun during the day on the veranda. I am very fair skin and burn easily (dermatologist dream?). Now from your comment it looks like the sunnier side may work fine.

Thanks Doug. I think it sounds like the weather should be pleasant. We did a TA on HAL in the fall and experienced temps like you mention and calm seas. I do know the seas are not always calm, especially in the fall, but you get what you get. I'm sure I'll enjoy any dining venue but really do not like to put a coat on every day for a meal.

Thanks, we did enjoy the pics and the you tube video posted above. Really helps to actually see the room.

Welcome wildcat, you will be hearing from Col. Wes soon.

I look forward to it. I will be interested in hearing from the seasoned transatlantic travelers.

We are new to Silversea and are thinking of booking the 12 Night, 5508 Voyage on the spirit. The trip takes place in April and I would assume the seas will be what they choose, but the weather in general should be ___________________? Currently looking at suite #617 but wonder if a port side is better to keep sun off veranda? The pool grill option is something that interests me. We did this a number of times on Seabourn and enjoyed not dressing for dinner yet not hiding in the suite. have others used this venue and enjoyed it? Also, this may seem silly but I assume the options for breakfast include an outdoor, informal buffet style rather than the MDR? Please excuse my ramblings.

Thanks to all who replied. I have always wanted one of the aft balcony cabins and when the deal came up for this one I grabbed it. I personally like the back of the ship watching the propeller signature as we go along and that's why I figured being on Main deck would be nice. Hope to have good Alaskan weather to enjoy it with.

We have booked a Vista Suite #4237 and would like to know if anyone has stayed in this room, or similar, on the miracle, or any other Spirit Class? It appears to me that the room would be irregular shaped but the veranda is huge. Also, looking at the suite on the upper deck, just above, it appears the room is smaller. Is this just a function of the diagram or do they really differ in size from deck to deck?

We just got off a BtB a few weeks ago. Windstar did confiscate liquor (from MANY passengers) and returned it the night before cruise ended.

I have only cruised on PG once and that was Fiji to Tahiti. We booked our own air and transfers. Arrived about 4 am pretty well exhausted. I had booked a Motel in the Port city via the internet. We heard stories that the PG transfers were a bust (to many of the pax) as you were taken on a tour first and by the time you arrived at the dayroom it was nearly time to embark on the ship. Bottom line--not much R&R. My wife and I transferred via private taxi, directly to the room, and we slept, showered, breakfasted and walked to the marketplace in town. We enjoyed the dayroom and were on the waterfront very near the ship. Taxied to the ship. All for less than $120. US total for the two of us. When I had enquired about the ship's deal it was nearly $700 if memory serves me. We did our thing, enjoyed the day at our own pace and arrived at the ship refreshed. There is a very nice looking Motel across the street from FAA airport, that has day room accomodations, very reasonable by Tahiti standards. That's what I would do then taxi to the ship. Just my opinion! If transfers are included in your Free Air, then take them, but it's no big deal to nap in a decent Motel when you are pretty much worn out from the trip.