Derbie

Lots of people who travel, look forward to great food. I don't always love cruise food. I do appreciate your candid feedback. Could you reply and let us know what you did in port? I leave in two weeks! Thanks.

I got excited about my cruise, and misread your cruise ship's name. We are heading out on the Miracle. Sorry.

7 days of the main dining room. No bitter n blanc. American Table menu is not even decent.

Lots of people who travel, look forward to great food. I don't always love cruise food. I do appreciate your candid feedback. Could you reply and let us know what you did in port? I leave in two weeks! Thanks.

MY DH and I, along with two young nieces, sailed on the Sunshine last October. I really enjoyed the ship, and so did the rest of my family. It was smaller than we are used to; however, it never felt crowded. I will say, I didn't always appreciate walking through the casino to get many places I wanted to go. I loved the escalator on the bottom deck. I wish they had them on every floor. This would help transfer more people on embarking and leaving the ship.

It costs nothing to earn points and whether AARP or Verizon, they are super easy to accumulate. I have about 87,000 Verizon points. 7200 on AARP.

 

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Do you need to be an AARP member, or a Verizon customer? I haven't joined AARP as of yet. Thanks

My husband and I sailed on the Miracle to the Mexican Riviera from Sept 5 - 12. I've always found reviews helpful so I thought I'd throw mine in the ring...

 

We have each cruised once before -- once on Celebrity (10 years ago) and once on Royal Caribbean (20 years ago, on this same Mexican Riviera itinerary). This was our first Carnival cruise.

 

We live in Phoenix and drove over on Friday, September 4. We stayed at the Best Western on Long Beach Blvd. It was an older hotel but for $175 or so it was worth it for the night to be able to be close to the port on Saturday morning and to be able to park our car for the week. It was an older hotel but clean. The shuttle driver from the hotel to the port on Saturday morning was very nice. Dropped us right near the entrance with our bags.

 

We purchased Faster to the Fun (FTTF). Without a doubt -- worth every single penny. We arrived at the terminal about 11am and were on the ship about noon. The line to check in was LONG -- felt good to walk on by!

 

We made our way to the Lido deck to grab some lunch first. We got to our room by 1:30p and our bags arrived about 2:30p.

 

We had an issue with Guest Services properly applying some amounts to our Sail and Sign card -- long story but we should have had $1,000 -- they only showed $583 or something and it took two freakin' hours to get it straightened out. It was simple math, and a simple issue -- I had the backup, emails, etc for all of it -- but it took 2 hours to get someone to really help us, and it was only after I got forceful did I find someone that would actually listen to me. I was nice through it all, but sure was frustrated!!

 

Our room was 8178 -- great location, mid-ship, near the elevators but not too close. Extended balcony was really nice to have. Room was spacious -- I'd read so many reviews about lack of space and bringing hanging organizers and such. That must be for the inside cabins because we had more than enough room. Hanging areas, shelves, six shelves in the bathroom -- all plenty for the two of us. Small fridge, safe, comfortable bed. Ernesto was our cabin steward -- very nice. We would come back in the afternoons and take a nap before heading to dinner -- when we got back, he'd already been in and out leaving our towel animal and Fun Times for the next day.

 

I'd read about bringing a (new, wrapped) extension cord but he shared if he found it, he'd have to confiscate it. We used it each night (CPAP machines) but put it in the closet each day and it wasn't a problem.

 

We made reservations at Nick & Nora's Steakhouse for the first night to get our free bottle of wine ;) I'd read nothing but GREAT reviews. We had an 8pm reservation. We arrived at 7:50pm and were promptly seated at the first table at the top of the stairs -- and then forgotten and ignored for 20 minutes. It was crazy -- people walked by us, we walked about our server, and either got grunts or shoulder shrugs... Finally, at 8:15p -- we walked out. Told by the manager why we were leaving, and she apologized and said she'd call us the next day to make it right. This was Saturday night and by Tuesday morning, I still hadn't heard anything. It was still bothering me -- it was our anniversary and that was supposed to have been a nice dinner on Saturday night... I called again and the head of the food & bev dept called me personally, apologized for the service and invited us back. We decided to give them another shot and went that night. It was amazing -- they apologized profusely (sounds like something was going on among the servers and we were caught in the middle of it). We had an amazing dinner, they honored the free bottle of wine from Saturday night, made us a special dessert for our anniversary and brought two glasses of champagne and when it was time to pay -- they'd comped the entire bill because of the issue we'd encountered. They even delivered chocolate covered strawberries to our room for our anniversary. What started out as a really bad first impression ended on a very positive note -- I'd definitely recommend the Steakhouse for at least one night. We ran into the food and beverage manager a few times over the cruise and he was always very kind, came and shook our hands, asked how we were enjoying the cruise, etc.

 

The dining room food, for the most part, was also very good. Years ago on Royal Caribbean, I remember being in awe of Cherries Jubilee being set aflame tableside -- and while there was nothing like that, it was good food with good staff. If you can, request Carlos -- he was wonderful. He's been on ships for 26 years and will take good care of you. There was another really great guy -- I forgot his name, but it sounded like Sexy and that's what he went by ;)

 

As for the Lido deck food -- it was all pretty good to decent. Nothing to write home about, but it didn't suck ;) Pizza was a bit greasy for my taste, but the salad bar was good, we liked the Deli and the breakfast options were good.

 

Entertainment -- The Flying Scotsman (Chris Matthews) is NOT to be missed. He's just amazing. He's also the lead singer in a few other productions including 88 Keys and was just fanstastic. We liked all of the productions at night except the Beach themed one -- my husband fell asleep. Comedy Club was fun -- we made a few of the 18+ shows and laughed our asses off. GOOD stuff ;)

 

The band in the Red Frog Pub -- Designated Divers -- was a ton of fun. Versatile, talented, great. We really loved the RFP too -- spent a lot of time there. Lancelot, one of the bartenders, was so kind -- talkative, told us about his family, his 21 years on ships, etc. And knew how to make a mean drink ;)

 

There was a female "artist" named "Wonder" -- saw her a few times and honestly, she was horrible. We also sat next to her at dinner one night -- she was with a passenger -- but we could overhear part of their conversation and she was very critical of the experience of being a musician on board, critical of the passengers, etc. She was in the RFP one night -- Designated Divers was playing, they took a break and she stepped in -- and half of the place left. I mean -- it was really bad.

 

Cory Rogers, the Cruise Director was on his way out -- I think we were his last cruise (?) -- and I believe Saffie is the new CD. She was fun, spunky, cheerful and lively -- I think she'll be great when she does take over.

 

Debarkation was a breeze, again thanks to FTTF. Highly, highly recommend -- we were sold out at 2124 people and only about 30 FTTF were sold -- so easy. We ate breakfast in the dining room at 7:30am, were off the ship at 8:45am, through Customs and to the hotel (after a long wait for the shuttle driver) by 10am and on the road to Phoenix by 10:05am. If we hadn't had FTTF, we wouldn't have gotten off the ship until after 9:30am.

 

All in all, a great cruise, great memories -- and we booked our next cruise this afternoon ;)

Thanks so much for the review! Could you tell us what you did in the ports? I am glad you had such a great time. We head out 10/3. Really looking forward to some fun.

Las Caletas can only be done for a full day as it is on the other site of the bay. Besides it is owned by Vallarta Adventures, no others allowed to go/dock there. So that will not work.

Forget snorkeling, it is by far not as nice as in the caribean.

Not too far from the cruise terminal is Hotel Krystal, they allow cruise passengers on their beach and pool if you buy drinks and food. The beach is nice like many other beaches.

Much nicer is to get a cab to old town/playa los muertes. Many nice restaurants right on the beach with a mexican feeling.

Yes you still find some operators in the afternoon that offer tours/transportation but not as many as in the morning.

I wonder how much time you have in the afternoon, much depend what time your ship will sail.

In general if it rains in Septemebr most of the times it will be in the late afternoon or evening. Depending how much it rained before the water might not be very clear as rivers end in the bay bringing sand from the mountains.

You are so knowledgeable on PV! You have answered several questions for me; and for that, I am so grateful! I think we are going to spend some our time in old town. How long should we allow? Can you recommend a few restaurants? Also, any specific place we should hunt out to visit while we are in old town?

Thanks again!

By far the most simple way, and probably least expensive compared to a ship excursion, is to walk around the marina and you will have DOZENS of vendors asking you if you want a water taxi. You can negotiate some but I believe it is a $10 trip out to the Arch and back. You can stay out there and swim on the beach for a while or just take the round trip and come back to the marina. It is very close. I can't imagine it would be longer than 30 - 45 minutes to go out there, cruise around and take pictures, and come back? Not sure exactly but it's not too far. It can easily be done for little money and on your own. Then you can spend time walking around the marina or head to Medano Beach or hang out in one of the bar/restaurants. You'll love it!

Thanks for the great information. Could you tell me if you have to exit the boat for the beach in water? I am not a great swimmer, and this worries me a little. Also, I have "no" balance.

I am going on the Miracle on September 5th, which is a 7 day cruise. I was wondering about how many formal nights this cruise would have. I also included two dresses that I am considering to use. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I hope you give us a review, when you return.

You only a few options which come down to using a taxi, bus(s) or a combination of both. And if you planning to go to lunch at the Ocean Grill make sure you have reservations which often need to be made a few days in advance. If you want to use buses you will have to change in the southside (Old Town) to get the correct bus that goes south of the city.

 

Using a taxi will be a lot faster, but also more expensive.

 

We would just toss out another thought (from a confirmed PV lover). Your time in PV is limited to a port day and going to the Ocean Grill is going to use a good part of your day. While it is a popular restaurant in a remote area, there are many other fine restaurants in PV that do not involve such a complex (and lengthy) trip to get to the venue. If you are determined to have lunch at the Ocean Grill we would suggest going into Centro early in the day and spending time enjoying Centro and the southside before heading south to Boca de Tomatlan. You might also have some more time to enjoy town and your way back after lunch.

 

Hank

Can you recommend a good restaurant? It appears you know the town. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

We are going to stay the night at a hotel near Disney land, and then travel on to the port in Long Beach (next day). I am wondering if it is cheaper for two people to rent a vehicle, or take a shuttle? Also, what about the way back from port to LAX? I thought I read on here (can't find) that you could book the Disneyland bus, even if you are not staying at a resort hotel. All suggestions appreciated!

The immediate area around Tabascos is shaded, and they do have shaded lounges, at no additional costs. They used to bring you umbrellas when you were down closer to the water, just sitting in the sand, and if you were buying drinks or food, they would just let it slide. No more, I guess. The covered area at Tabascos is only about 100-150 feet from the water, though.

The great thing about Medano is there are lots of Cantinas on the beach, so just stroll along until you find one you like....and you are not committed, you can have a drink, and move on to another. To be honest, the beach at Tabascos is not as "gentle" as some of the others, but in my experience there will be no wet t-shirt contests, and fewer college "partiers".

Just my $0.02Pesos worth.

When you say "gentle" do you mean the activities, or the water? I have not a good swimmer, so I like a little less rough waves.

Steakhouse Cooking Demonstration Menu

 

 

 

Can you say which is a better dinning bargain, between the chef's demonstration and dinning in the restaurant?

If you are adventurous, want to try something crazy, and Cory is still the cruise director, you might want to go to "Quest with Cory". I can't tell you about it because "whatever happens at the Quest, stays at the Quest"

Thanks. I may just do that. Clues?

Hi everyone,

 

We are going to Cabo first week in October and I found the question and the replies very useful.

 

Many thanks to all who have contributed, we will be taking your advice for one of our days at Cabo.

Are you all on the Miracle on the 3rd?

Can anyone tell me the best and most affordable way to head by this area? I know my husband will want to take pictures. Also, how long is a round trip? Thanks so much!

We are sailing on the Miracle Christmas week and have two days in Cabo. I noticed on my itinerary that you have to be back on the ship by 6pm even though we are in Cabo overnight. However, I've read a review of the Miracle where they stayed overnight in Puerto Vallarta and they were able to stay in town all night into the next morning. Why is it different in Cabo? Does anyone know?:confused: The DH and I are cruising with our DS (20) and his friend (21) and I know they will want to party at the clubs in town as they did during their spring break when they were there.

 

If anyone has sailed on the Miracle and stayed in a hotel overnight instead of going back on the ship...would you mind sharing where you stayed, if it was close to the ship, and approximately how much it was for the room?

 

Thanks for any responses.:D

I am sailing on the Miracle on 10/3, and we do not stay in Cabo overnight. We are in PV from noon, until three the next day. I hope this helps.

Hi, we would be willing to spend $50pp if it is good value for money. Thank you for your response.

Go take a look at Nohoch Kay, Restaurant Bar Beach Club on the net. I am sure they have a website. I know you can find them on Facebook. You can take a cab at the port over to Nohoch. It cost about $2. If you are only in port for a short time, it might not be worth your while. The last cruise we considered, had our docking time as 7:30 am until 1:00 pm. It just wasn't worth going. If you are docked for a longer period, you just can't beat this place. There are Mexican ladies who cook, and you can get a massage (extra) right on the beach. We never took advantage of if this, as we didn't want to spend any more money. We just swam and ate, and drank, and sat in the shade. They have a tip jar at the bar, but no one is twisting anyone's arm. I hope this helps. I would go back to this place in a second! The owner remembered me the second time we were there. I haven't been to the other ports, and I envy you to get to go to Havana. Have fun!

Our ports: Cozumel, Costa Maya, George Town, Havana (we are on an English cruise), Playa del Carmen, Monetego Bay.

 

Are there any things which you can do for free in the locations above. I don't mind paying for a taxi to get to the place or a few drinks but I want to keep the cost as minimal as possible. Thank you!

You can go outside of the port in Cozumel, and grab a cab. The driver will gladly take you to a local beach. Some of them, will promote a certain beach; however, just decline and head on. Several years ago, we went to San Francisco beach. One of the cruise staff, said they would go there on their day off. You could throw a towel on the sand, or rent a chair. They had food available, and a swim up bar. You can arrange for the same taxi driver to return, or drivers will be coming through to take passengers back to the ship. You can always get off the ship and walk around. There are lots of shops, restaurants along the main stretch. There are lots of people wanting to sell trips, but say "no thanks" and keep on moving. There are side streets where you can get better deals on souvenirs. They are not frightening. Haggle.

If you decide you would like to spend at least $50 pp in Costa Maya in port, please reply. There is a great place (we have been there twice) food, unlimited drinks, beach, loungers, shade. It was superior to any service we had on the ship.

I am not thrilled with George Town. I would recommend visiting the message board for this port. I hope this helps.

After the whale watching we headed over to Medano Beach to grab some lunch. We stopped at a place that had fantastic fish tacos last time we were here. Unfortunately the food didn’t arrive for 45 minutes and we had to cancel the order and leave to get the water taxi back to catch the tender back to the ship.

 

 

As I was climbing the “steps” to get onto the water taxi, a wave came from behind the boat and my foot slipped sideways on the step right into a sharp edge on the side cutting my foot wide open. This is the ladder folded onto the boat. You can see the triangle towards the top of the picture just to the right – perfect blade.

 

 

As you might imagine it felt incredibly lovely, what with the salt water and sand that got into the cut.

 

Once we got back near the tender dock, I grabbed a couple souvenirs from one of the shops and headed back towards the ship. I got a really interesting look from security when they saw my foot.

 

Once I got back to the cabin I cleaned the cut out – again a lovely feeling and actually got to use the first aid kit that I always bring but have never needed.

I am loving your review! I am heading there the beginning of October. Can you tell me the name of the restaurant that have the fish tacos? I know you missed eating them!

Interesting to read everyone's answers! :)

 

I skimp during the rest of the year so that when I am on vacation I don't have to worry to much about expenses. However, there are lots of things that are important or not so important to us.

 

Skimp: Almost always inside room (only 2 balconies in our history) and almost always book at lowest rate and let cruiseline choose the room. Have often booked pack and go at last minute.

 

Will not eat at the steakhouse again (but can't promise that I won't do other venues when given the chance).

 

Bring on my own sodas, our allotted two bottles of wine and purchase a bottle from Bon Voyage. Don't purchase soda or specialty coffees. Don't purchase souvenir glasses with DoD.

 

Don't normally purchase pictures.

 

Don't shop. I hate shopping. I don't need jewelry, souvenirs, etc.

 

With the exception of Long Beach and San Juan, have driven to every port.

 

We also try to "work" the point systems on our Frequent Flier and Hilton Honors programs in order to use those for cruising. We've had one completely free cruise, lots of $250 off certificates, free hotels pre and post cruising, and free airfare to Long Beach and San Juan.

 

Splurge: Try to spend a day or two in the port city before or after cruising - it's like adding another port of call.

 

Excursions - if there is something we want to do, we purchase it and don't worry about the price (normally private).

Could you give me some tips on the Frequent Flier points? What is the best plan for points towards cruising? I appreciate any and all information!

Yes, what Sadie said. There is a great bar, small pool & hot tub. Just inside the doors is the Lido buffet, pizza & deli, so food is always available. I rarely leave the Serenity deck :).

I hope you will give us a review, when you return!

Only pet the animals at the zoo.

 

Don't pet the cubs in Cabo. The cubs are drugged to make them docile.

Horrible! I will not give them my time or money.

Only pet the animals at the zoo.

 

Don't pet the cubs in Cabo. The cubs are drugged to make them docile.

Horrible! I will not give them my time or money.

Hey All!

 

I am sorry to ask so many questions! We've got a large group going, and I'm the planner, so I've got questions from 10 people.

 

Some of us are interested in the Marietas Islands cruise in PV, that includes a stop at the famous hidden beach. I've seen some amazing photos online, but wanted to see if any of you have done this and what you thought. Is it really that beautiful? And how is the snorkeling around the islands?

 

The tour would take up most of our time in PV, so we want to be sure it's worthwhile![/quote

 

Snorkeling at the Mariettas is nice, but often not as good as in the caribean.

Be aware it takes quite some time sailing there, you have to cross the large Bay of Banderas. In wintertime you might see whales in the bay. But the main thing is you can only get to the hidden beach depending the tide, and the current and how high the waves are. You need to swim through a small tunnel. If the water is too high or the current too strong you cannot get there.

The island itself is a bird refuge and you cannot get ashore.

More here: http://www.ecotoursvallarta.com/marietas-islands/

 

Sorry to jump thread; however, I wanted to know if you have ever seen whales in the beginning of October? If so, can you recommend a good spot? My hubby cannot swim.

 

Video from the zoo. We hired a taxi just outside the cruise port gate for the day. He took us to the zoo and waited, malecon, and shopping then back to the ship.

What time of year did you visit the zoo? I would love to pet some baby tigers!