Miracle Vs Liberty (for first timers)

[PirateGal]

Hi everyone,

 

Doing some research for a cruise in November and there are 2 that we are interested in.

 

Miracle (8 day) - Grand Turk, Catalina Island, Aruba and Curacao

 

Liberty (7 day) - Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk

 

This is a family cruise and the first time for my parents and my brother. My sister and myself have been several times before so we're okay with either cruise. I'm just concerned about my parents.

 

The Miracle itinerary seems to lean more towards beaches and my parents claim that they are not sun/beach people. With the Liberty itinerary, we would have at least 2 city stops along with 2 beach stops.

 

My sister and I had done all the stops on the Liberty itinerary and would lean more towards the Miracle but I want my parents to enjoy themselves as this is their first time out.

 

Thoughts?

[patrickmoran]

I think there are plenty of sightseeing or shopping opportunities on Aruba and Curacoa to keep your parents happy. I prefer the Spirit-class ships to the Conquest-class ships. And I would always select an 8 day cruise over a 7 day one.

[Cruiser from MS]

I to like the 8 day cruises over the 7, but I did not like the Miracle and loved the Liberty. The Miracle seemed more congested and gaudy. The Liberty to me is a very classy decorated ship and plenty of room. I did an 8 day on both ships and liked the Liberty way more than the Miracle.

[elcuchio24]

Liberty is our favorite ship in the fleet, so easy choice for us....

[w8ing2cruz]

I absolutely loved Liberty!! and that itinerary. It's a great mix of awesome beach time (HMC) and historical touring (San Juan). I really liked the ship - I'd only been on Fantasy and Dream class with Carnival so it was new to me and I liked the layout and decor.

 

I am booked for the Miracle 8 day you're thinking about so I have no first hand knowledge of the ship but have been to three of the four ports.

 

I guess if it were my parents first cruise - not knowing how they will like cruising in general I'd go with Liberty. Much more understated from what I've read, the ports can't be beat and if they really dislike cruising its one less day to endure (can't imagine).

[Crazy4Koko]

Liberty is a much bigger ship, first timers may be intimidated.

 

Miracle has some great 'bargain cabins' like the 4ks...

 

 

Grand Turk is an easy day in that they don't have to worry about a tender to spend the day just hanging out.. they may not be beach people, but there is plenty of beach just to walk and enjoy for sure, or just park under a palm tree and people watch! Catalina island is a tender I believe, but I'm not sure..we went to La Romana.

 

Plenty of tours/shopping on Aruba and Curacao..and seeing Aruba at sunset was just beautiful, and if they like to gamble, there are many casinos very close to port in Aruba. I have a great picture of my daughter looking at both the Miracle and a Princess ship as the sun set behind them and their lights were on.

[PirateGal]

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

I have been on the Carnival Liberty and had a fantastic time. It's big but impressive. I think my parents will have a good time walking around and people watching. They are active so I know they will appreciate a bigger ship with lots of spaces to explore.

 

Since it is their first cruise, I hope to get them hooked, as my sister and I have been talking up the cruise experience for awhile now.