Dream vs Miracle??

[daisy7113]

Lots of interesting posts here. Yeah, I am hoping to talk DH is taking Miracle because of the itinerary. And I do think, having been on the Dream this year, that fewer people would be a nice change.

As someone above mentioned, newer and bigger isn't always better.

I have been to Aruba before and loved it! So that is a big seller for me. And I want to go to Grand Turk for a kick back beach day.

 

Upside to the Dream is, I really want to go back to St. Maarten. That is one of my favorite islands. Decisions...

[tandemcruzr]

We've sailed on the Glory (Conquest class,) the Fantasy and Fascination (Fantasy class,) the Miracle and the Legend (Spirit class,) and the Dream.

 

We have an upcoming cruise on the Dream because we were able to score a Cove balcony at a great price. We also have upcoming cruise on the Paradise and the Legend.

 

Didn't like the crowds on the Dream, but like the upcoming itinerary. Didn't like the layout of the Glory. We keep going back to the Spirit class. Nice size and layout. Interestingly, although the Spirit class is larger than the Fantasy class, it holds only a 70 to 80 more passengers than the Fantasy class.

 

Decorations don't enter into our decision. Itinerary, price and convenient port (i.e. drivable) are our deciding factors.

[BaconIsGood]

Great topic, I sailed the Dream last year and I have to agree it felt SOOOO crowded everywhere I went! One day it took me 40 minutes to make it through the buffet line. Granted it was peak time, but 40 min! thats crazy.... I Sailed the Spirit years ago and have fond memories so Im looking forward to the Miracle this year.

[eroller]

Great to see there are so many Spirit Class lovers out there. They are really an awesome class of ship! For certain Carnival will never build ships this small and spacious again, so best to enjoy them while you can. I also think they are built in a way that it would be hard to modify them, so little chance of Carnival ruining them by tacking on extra cabin decks.

 

The Spirit Class is really out of Carnival's league (not high density enough), which makes them such a great bargain. Modified versions (Vista's) are used for Holland America, P&O, and Cunard and they are very popular at these lines again because they are so spacious. Costa has a couple Spirit's as well, plus a a couple hybrids which are a combination of the Spirit and Vista Class. They consider the two hybrids to be their most upscale ships.

 

Ernie

[tracyanns]

OK, so it seems that the Miracle is more spacious than the Dream...so by sailing the Miracle am I going to be spoiled and never want to sail another class again?

 

I found the cabins on the Dream to be adequate in size...are the cabins on the Miracle larger? I found that our balcony on the Oasis seemed smaller, barely enough room to walk between the bed and wall to get to the balcony, usually just climbed over the bed...

 

I sailed the Fantasy and didn't mind that ship, older but service was spot on! I can't wait to sail the Miracle in October!!

[K&P Luv2Cruise]

Hi,

Planning a cruise for November. Looking at either Dream or Miracle. Dream's itinerary is Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

Miracle's itinerary is Aruba, Curacao, Dominican Republic and Grand Truk.

Earlier this year we were on the Dream for the Western route and while it was ok, the weather put a damper on a lot of the trip. I did like the ship though.

I really like the itinerary for the Miracle but DH is concerned that it wont have as much as the Dream has. He likes the newer ships.

 

So, your feedback both good and bad on both ships would be appreciated. :D

 

As you can see by my signature below, I have been on the Miracle 2x and my 3rd will be this November. Love the Miracle and the Spirit class' layout. Have also been on her sister ship the Pride.

 

Can't say enough about the layout. Front to back on any deck !

 

You will have a fantastic cruise no matter which ship you choose, but my vote is for the Miracle and the exotic ports of call. :D

[eroller]

 

I found the cabins on the Dream to be adequate in size...are the cabins on the Miracle larger?

 

 

 

 

Cabins are the same size, layout, and decor for the most part. Carnival hasn't changed the basic design since 1996 when CARNIVAL DESTINY was introduced. Balconies in standard size cabins are a little on the narrow side, same as the Destiny/Conquest/Dream Class. You can spend a little more and get an extended balcony.

 

I think you will find the Spirit Class a huge improvement over the Fantasy Class. It's quite an evolution. The Spirit Class has tons of balcony cabins which the Fantasy Class doesn't, and there is also a wonderful traditional promenade deck which the Fantasy Class is lacking. Also the pool areas are far superior compared to the Fantasy Class. Overall you will find a much upgraded design and layout.

 

Ernie

[AShipForMe]

Just off the Miracle today, our third time, and it was WONDERFUL as always. Have already booked it for a fourth time next Summer. Miracle is much less crowded than the Dream and the ship flows much better. I happen to like the decor on the Miracle - fictional characters!

[eroller]

Just off the Miracle today, our third time, and it was WONDERFUL as always. Have already booked it for a fourth time next Summer. Miracle is much less crowded than the Dream and the ship flows much better. I happen to like the decor on the Miracle - fictional characters!

 

 

 

I'm looking forward to seeing the Mad Hatter Lounge. Love that theme!

 

Not sure about the lobby though. Don't like the dominant color and those odd Frankenstein looking lights. LOL

 

Ernie

[pshaze]

We are one of the few that are not a fan of the Miracle. We sailed her a while ago. If you are a smoker you will not have any problem.

 

We found that smoke permeated the ship. Because of the layout, the smoke from the casino traveled through most of the common areas, stairwells and halls on the Promenade and Atlantic Deck. Just walking through the Casino to get to the Theater would leave our clothes smelling like smoke. It was overwhelming most of the time. Most of the activities are held in those areas so it is hard to avoid it.

 

Since then we avoid all Spirit class ships. Just a personal preference.

 

 

[eroller]

We are one of the few that are not a fan of the Miracle. We sailed her a while ago. If you are a smoker you will not have any problem.

 

We found that smoke permeated the ship. Because of the layout, the smoke from the casino traveled through most of the common areas, stairwells and halls on the Promenade and Atlantic Deck. Just walking through the Casino to get to the Theater would leave our clothes smelling like smoke. It was overwhelming most of the time. Most of the activities are held in those areas so it is hard to avoid it.

 

Since then we avoid all Spirit class ships. Just a personal preference.

 

 

 

 

I've sailed on PRIDE and SPIRIT and never noticed the excessive smoke smell. Sorry you had to experience that. To be honest, I find Carnival ships in general to have more of a smoke smell compared to other lines. Not sure if it's just because there are more smokers, or perhaps the layout of the ships as you mention. The casino is always in a prominent spot right in the middle of everything. Hard to avoid.

 

In May I sailed on NORWEGIAN PEARL to Alaska and it was my first real issue I had with smoke. We entered our cabin and it literally reeked of smoke and a stale ashtray smell. It was nasty. I figure the previous occupants must have smoked in there 24/7 for the odor to be so strong. NCL had to deep clean the cabin which meant cleaning the carpet, taking down the curtains, and changing out all the bedding. Even after all that we could still smell it, but not so bad that we couldn't deal with it.

 

Ernie

[AShipForMe]

We are one of the few that are not a fan of the Miracle. We sailed her a while ago. If you are a smoker you will not have any problem.

 

We found that smoke permeated the ship. Because of the layout, the smoke from the casino traveled through most of the common areas, stairwells and halls on the Promenade and Atlantic Deck. Just walking through the Casino to get to the Theater would leave our clothes smelling like smoke. It was overwhelming most of the time. Most of the activities are held in those areas so it is hard to avoid it.

 

Since then we avoid all Spirit class ships. Just a personal preference.

 

 

 

Rule change since we sailed last year: You can only smoke in the Casino if you are gambling or at one end of the bar, away from the walkway. Also, no more smoking in the sports bar. Only smoking is in Frankie and Johnnies. Did not smell smoke that much this time around.

[riclop]

Haven't been on the Dream' date=' but hear good things about the ship. We did the Miracle in '06 and will not go on it again.

The decor is horrendous!! We could not stand to be in the dining room because it is so ugly and uncomfortable. Not just my opinion. I went with a group of about 30 and everyone felt the same way.

The cabins are the same, no matter which ship you are on. Very nice.

The Lido deck buffet was so "screwy" as far as design, that it was not easy to get around in there.

But.............I am sure there are others on here who will say they loved the Miracle. So, again, I can only give my own opinion.[/quote']

So you will not go on a ship because of DECOR. WOW!!!!!

[SkyMaster]

I really like both ships, but have stopped booking "Miracle" because of the cruise director. I just felt like he didn't do his job well, and as a result, many of the activities advertised in the "Fun Times", either didn't happen at all, or were late, or were presented at a different lounge than advertised.. It was totally goofy on my cruise! Hope he was just having a bad week, but I'll be cruising "Dream" instead until there is a shuffle on CD assignments, and perhaps he'll get assigned to a West Coast ship. (Sorry 'bout that West Coasters.) ;)

 

"SKY"

[near the beach]

We will have been on the Miracle three times before we have had sailed on the Dream. It is our favorite of all of the ships we have sailed on so far. The best service we have had. Since you have sailed on the Dream before I would recommend that you try the Miracle. Most standard balcony cabins on both ships are 185 sq ft with a 35 to 45 sq ft balcony. Ocean view cabins on the Miracle are 185 sq ft and 220 sq ft on the Dream. Last year the Dream and the Miracle were voted the number one and two ships in the Carnival fleet by Carnival passengers. It may be difficult for the Dream and Miracle to stay on top with the Magic sailing and the Breeze on the horizon.

[eroller]

I really like both ships, but have stopped booking "Miracle" because of the cruise director. I just felt like he didn't do his job well, and as a result, many of the activities advertised in the "Fun Times", either didn't happen at all, or were late, or were presented at a different lounge than advertised.. It was totally goofy on my cruise! Hope he was just having a bad week, but I'll be cruising "Dream" instead until there is a shuffle on CD assignments, and perhaps he'll get assigned to a West Coast ship. (Sorry 'bout that West Coasters.) ;)

 

"SKY"

 

Guess I'll experience this Cruise Director in November on the MIRACLE if he is still around. Perhaps he will be on vacation?

 

Usually the CD's have no impact on my enjoyment of a cruise, and often times are more of a nuisance than anything with their corny jokes and speeches before and after shows. I do admit having the Fun Times schedule not being adhered to would be annoying.

 

Ernie

[Heirloom]

Just off the Miracle today, our third time, and it was WONDERFUL as always. Have already booked it for a fourth time next Summer. Miracle is much less crowded than the Dream and the ship flows much better. I happen to like the decor on the Miracle - fictional characters!

 

 

SOME people actually ENJOY being closer to lots of strangers while on vacation.

 

We DETEST even FEELING that way, which outside of our cabin, is what the Dream delivered to us. Enjoyed cruising....but were kinda CRAMPED.

 

Will likely not go again on any huge cruiseship that has less public space than ships like Miracle.

 

As someone else said.........take advantage of the Spirit class Carnival ships while they remain in existence . They're the best (but am sure least profitable) deal cruiselines have to offer a middle-class customer !!!!!

 

Really nice.

[pseudoswede]

Great to see there are so many Spirit Class lovers out there. They are really an awesome class of ship! For certain Carnival will never build ships this small and spacious again, so best to enjoy them while you can.

 

For those who have sailed RCCL, what class of ship do they compare to over there? If it's Radiance class, then I will definitely enjoy the Miracle.