Relaxing week on the Miracle-Jan. 6

[oceanbums]

I think the Miracle is now one of my favorite ships! I enjoy trying different ships for a different experience and am sad to see her leave Long Beach. Sure, its an older ship and needs a little work, but the layout is nice, easier to navigate even for me and I get turned around easily. Boarding was easy, but we had FTTF and I'm so glad. It was damp and cold and windy, so nice we didn't have to wait outside. I was concerned about the inside room and no natural light but actually found it cozy and roomier than I expected, it was on Deck 7 midship. I would book it again. The serenity deck is great, very spacious, a lot of chairs in and out of the shade, a nice bar, some hammocks and quite a few clamshells. There was not much waiting in line even on sea days and we always found a place to sit to eat or watch the activities.

 

Activities were the usual mix. No trivia awards for DH this time, but he did well in the casino and came out ahead for the week. The late night comedians were a riot, even the PG show was good. There was also a meeting in the Theater honoring vets from all countries, past and present and I was very surprised how low the attendance was. Several vets told stories and Adam had interesting information about the different branches. Please take 30 minutes and honor the military. We didn't care for the playlist productions, found them shrill; maybe a new sound system is needed.

 

Not being a foodie, I thought most everything was good. Loved Chopsticks, one day there was the Caribbean corner, that was very good, and of course the roast turkey was delicious. The desserts were ok, didn't find anything to rave about. I guess the peanut butter cookies were my favorite. We went to the MDR one night and the food was just ok, but we didn't try a lot of different things.

 

The weather was nice in the ports. We did whale watching in Cabo and saw a lot of activity but none really breached like we had hoped. But it was a good afternoon. Mazatlán was a lazy day for us, stayed on ship and napped and went to the Serenity deck. Puerto Vallarta we did the PV City and Beach tour for $29 each. Save your money and take a cab downtown (Adam says always take the yellow cabs). They advertised time on the Malecon and we didn't get that at all, just time at a jewelry store, 20 minutes at the church, then off to the resort for a couple hours. Very disappointed, but Carnival graciously refunded our money.

 

All the staff was wonderful as usual. Shaun at guest services, Nelson our room steward ( offered us robes and extra blankets and pillows our first day). Adam , George , and Janelle ( I think the name is right) kept the energy going and were a lot of fun.

 

So it was a nice, relaxing week and we would sail the Miracle again but not in Jan. I will take the summer months any time over the 3 cold days we had(2 going down, 1 coming back up). Trying to enjoy a frozen umbrella drink wearing sweat shirts and windbreakers somehow just isn't the same.

[lorijeannj]

Will be sailing her in September from Tampa. Thanks for getting me excited. I like the smaller ships.

 

 

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[CML13]

Nice review! Getting me excited for my April trip on the Miracle! :)

[pirate4me2]

Can’t wait to sail her in November!! We love the Pride, so it’ll be exciting to try her sister ship. :)

 

 

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[oceanbums]

In my review I forgot to mention the Carnival Hub ap. I didn't think I would really use it that much but it came in handy. It always has ship's time and that alone is a good reason to have it. But I used it for checking sail and sign card, getting notices when activities start, ordering excursions, checking menus, etc. We didn't use internet so not sure how that would work but for getting info on what's going on, its great.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Clarea]

Thanks for the review/report.

[girlsjustwannacruise]

Can you answer a few questions for me about the Miracle?

 

1. Did they have the American Table menus in the dining room?

2. Did you notice where the self laundry rooms were? i like to be somewhat close. Lots of kids, do some laundry midcruise.

3. Do you know if they had chicken strips at the outside grill ? Ive got a picky one ...

[SadieN]

Can you answer a few questions for me about the Miracle?

 

 

 

1. Did they have the American Table menus in the dining room?

 

2. Did you notice where the self laundry rooms were? i like to be somewhat close. Lots of kids, do some laundry midcruise.

 

3. Do you know if they had chicken strips at the outside grill ? Ive got a picky one ...

 

 

 

She does have the American Table.

The grill does have chicken tenders.

 

Self-Service Launderettes

Hours: hours posted on the door to the Laundry

 

2 or 3 washers and 2 or 3 dryers ($)

1 iron and ironing board

Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener ($)

Locations

Riviera Deck 1 - midship / across from 1219

Main Deck 4 - aft / across from 4230

Upper Deck 5 - aft / across from 5270

Empress Deck 6 - forward / across from 6102

Verandah Deck 7 - midship / across from 7267

[Keith1010]

I enjoyed your report.

Keith

[BettyPC]

Thanks for your report - we will be on her soon!!

[oceanbums]

Thanks everyone for your replies . Does anyone know what ship will be replacing the Miracle? I heard it will be a smaller class ship because the port isn't big enough to accommodate the larger ones, is this true?

[sunonfire]

We are sailing in 2 weeks. Were there tablecloths in the MDR? Did you have your cabin serviced twice a day? Thanks. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[mkcurran]

Thanks everyone for your replies . Does anyone know what ship will be replacing the Miracle? I heard it will be a smaller class ship because the port isn't big enough to accommodate the larger ones, is this true?

 

The Splendor is replacing the Miracle.

I'll be on the Splendor in April.

[sanmarcosman]

I heard it will be a smaller class ship because the port isn't big enough to accommodate the larger ones, is this true?

Not true, Splendor displaces more tonnage and carries a higher pax load and Splendor has the " distinction " of being the sister ship to the ill-fated Costa Concordia. Splendor tonnage 113,300 Miracle 88,500

[SongBird531]

Thanks for your review! My husband and I are taking our first ever cruise on the Miracle and we embark in 9 days!! Your review has me very excited!!!

[annef68]

Thanks for your review. Sailing on her this Saturday out of Tampa!!

[oceanbums]

We are sailing in 2 weeks. Were there tablecloths in the MDR? Did you have your cabin serviced twice a day? Thanks. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

 

Hi, There were tablecloths in the dining room. On our first day, Nelson our room steward asked if we wanted service once or twice a day. We just said once in the morning would be fine. He left towel animals and filled the ice bucket. We went to the Q&A with Adam and I thought this was interesting...you know the big discussions about all of Carnival cutbacks including the no mints on the pillow? Adam said in one years time, by not leaving mints Carnival saved 19 million dollars! I'm sure they calculated the cost of handling, storage, etc. But who would have thought?! That's the 2nd time I've been to a Q&A session with the cruise director and they're pretty interesting.

[swtcntrygrl82]

Thanks for the review, sailing on Miracle end of April. Do you know if it has have the mature "Quest" Activity-the adults only scavenger hunt? I've heard its a riot to observe.

[goober87]

Thanks for your review! My husband and I are taking our first ever cruise on the Miracle and we embark in 9 days!! Your review has me very excited!!!

 

Have sailed Miracle the last three years on the Mexican Riviera. Quite like her. Is she the most modern ship with all the amenities? No. But she is well-maintained and very easy to navigate. Really like the Serenity Deck being located at the back of the boat. Love the Alchemy bar and Red Frog Pub.

 

People complain about the MDR décor, but I find the garishness a bit humorous.

 

If I could change one thing it would be the Asian station on Lido. Not that I don't like Asian food, but would prefer that this rotate regional cuisines or change to a Tandoor station like on the Splendor. Taste of the Nations doesn't quite do the job.