Just Back from Miracle 1.29.12

[Pauser]

Just got off the 8-day 1.29.12 cruise on the Miracle. We'd been on the Miracle once before (two years ago).

 

EMBARKATION

 

Easiest ever - probably because ship was just in dry dock. We took a 10 a.m. shuttle from our hotel and got right on the ship. No waiting at all.

 

DRY DOCK

 

They changed carpeting in all main areas but not in cabins, where ours was badly stained. :(

 

They added an adult-only serenity area at the back of the lido deck. This was a really nice quiet area. I think it's the old children's pool area and included the pool, sun loungers, sofas and more intimate seating groups, dining tables for two (but could easily talk with people next to you) and a bar. They offered salads and sandwiches/wraps at the bar area so you didn't have to leave to go into the buffet.

 

They have brand new chairs in the lido outdoor dining areas, which were really nice.

 

There are now LCD TVs in the rooms. We didn't have any problems with TV reception.

 

They did not change anything in Gatsby's Garden. Still the same old chairs and murals. Some of the ceiling fans are missing blades. Did not add seating outside on the promenade deck.

 

And they did NOT address the air-conditioning issues they've had for some time now. This was disappointing. Almost everyone we talked to complained about the room temperatures in their cabins. If we kept the thermostat in our room on the coldest setting, it stayed about 73 degrees Fahrenheit. With down comforters on the beds, it's just inadequate. Three times our air shut off completely and would not come back on. We had to call maintenance. Each time they told us they were "testing" the system and it would be be back on shortly. After the third time, I told them that I thought this was just an excuse they gave when someone complained about the air. The ship just came back from dry dock - why is it necessary to "test" the air conditioning three times in two days? They sent maintenance to our cabin and resolved it. But I had hoped they would address the air conditioning issues during dry dock. Be forewarned.

 

DINING

 

We had anytime dining and never had to wait. We sat in the same station and had the same waitstaff each night - Jiji, Mario & Ladislau. They were awesome! Food was fine. We could always find something to eat. We ate at Nick & Nora's twice. Loved it!

 

We also ate at the buffet, which is one area that is always congested. For whatever reason, the flow in here just doesn't work. If you went at peak times, there were multiple long lines. We ate dinner here one night as well, and for once had no lines. I must say breakfast in the buffet was pretty inedible IMHO. Long lines for omelets, powdered eggs in buffet, bacon undercooked, potatoes greasy & over salted & flavorless, toast and waffles cold, etc. I stuck with boxed cereal or oatmeal and fruit. I was able to order these items by room service for port days. And the coffee was awful! Fortunately I brought Starbucks Via, so was able to have my caffeine fix. The coffee in the specialty coffee shop was Cafe Americano, which is espresso and water. I prefer coffee in the morning. We stuck with espresso and cappuccino in the dining room, which were fine.

 

PORTS

 

 

 

[dodger501]

Were you on the 2-day prior?

I pretty much agree with what you said here. Our A/C 'worked' (we had interior deck 7 mid) but output was inconsistent.

My biggest problem in Horatio's buffet at breakfast was that they would set up omelet stations on either side of the line. That is fine for throughput, I never had to wait long. But once you have your omelet, you converge in the middle with the people from the other side of the line.

A bit awkward at times.

The cruise director, Malcolm, seemed to do his job but his assistants did all the public-facing work except for a couple of the shows where Malcolm made an appearance.

[Anyislandwilldo]

Do you recall if the new tv's had a spot to hook up the AC cords for a video camera so you could play your video back on the tv/ Could you also comment on the shows in the main theater lounge? Thanks in advance.