Miracle Belated July 9th Review!!!

[elaineb]

The Cast: My DH and I, my oldest DB and his wife and 15 yr old daughter, my younger DB and wife and 10 year old son, and 2 friends of the family, their first cruise!

Pre-Cruise:

We stayed at the Marriott Westshore. It was very clean and comfortable. Very nice pool and half of it was indoors – shaded by the sun. The only thing I didn’t like was that there were no in-room safes. You had to go to the desk and they had lock boxes which you had to sign for and then had to get let in to the room when you wanted something. Not very convenient. The lobby had a Starbucks concession which made for a nice quick breakfast for us on Sunday morning. One of my DB and his family ate at the restaurant’s breakfast buffet – which was $14 a person and said it was very good. We were holding out for lunch on the Miracle!

This hotel has a courtesy shuttle – if it is not in the process of bringing people to or from the airport, it can bring you to the mall. On Saturday night it was busy, so we walked to the International Mall – it was several very large blocks and then we had to cross a major road with no crosswalk. I wouldn’t recommend it! We had dinner in a nice Italian restaurant – The Piazza Roma. It was very good and quite cozy: http://www.dalmoworks.com/piazzaroma23-com/index.html

We wanted to eat at Maggiano’s at the Westshore Plaza, but we couldn’t get reservations until 9:30pm! So if you want to eat there, make your reservations before you leave home. We called for the courtesy shuttle to bring us back to the hotel.

We were a large party – 10 of us, and the desk clerk arranged for us to be picked up Sunday at around 10:45 am. We got to the port and the line moved very quickly. We got our number to board in group 7 and waited only about 15 minutes. The embarkation was our smoothest yet and all the people at the terminal very friendly.

The Miracle – First view, well, it seemed small and not as eye catching as our last ship, RCCL AOS, but to our first-time cruiser friends, it was wow! Entering the atrium it was, hmmmmm, not sure if I like this décor….but as the week went on, it really won me over. I really liked all the Maxwell Parrish type (not sure if they were copies of his paintings) art. The vases in glass cases on the stairwells were very beautiful. The dining room – it was as awful as you can imagine. I sincerely hope that at its first dry-dock, they do something with this. The pink lights are absolutely putrid. I liked the décor of Horatio’s – buffet area. It was a little confusing. It was laid out in stations – one station had the specials of the day which changed each day offering food from Italian, to Indian to French. I think the best plan of attack would be to check that out first, and if you don’t like what’s being offered, go to one of the stations which do not change daily - the deli station, the salad station, the Chinese food station and the pizza station. Take some time of the first day to figure this out – they are not close to each other and are back to back in adjoining rooms.

The pool area – the one closest to Horatio’s is the busiest and loudest. The slide is aft and up. I got the record among our group – 10 seconds down. When I got to the top the first time I thought – I have to be crazy for doing this! It was windy and very high up – it sort of overhangs the ship. But with wobbly legs I went anyways and got a little banged up from my wild ride.

CD – Chris Roberts – he was pretty funny and energetic, but his assistant CD, Torrie, is the real show stealer. She is sharp, fun, and kept all the activities hopping. I’d look for her in the future CD hall of fame!

Sunday: After arriving early onboard, we had lunch and checked out the ship. The stringed group “Serenade” playing in the Atrium was wonderful. They did not allow anyone to go to the cabin areas until after 2pm I believe. The boat drill was late as well as the sail away as there was a medical emergency. We weren’t told what the nature of it was. The band on the Lido – “Rhythm Krazy” played very well, but they desperately need someone who can sing!!! Some of our group went on the Ship’s Tour – the plug was that they were going to tell you about the art, etc., but I dumped the tour after it was just a “here is the…and here is the…” There is however, a very interesting interview on the television with Joe Farcus, the designer, who explains how he decorated this ship and why.

We had early dinner, and our waiter Antonio and assistant Puji were absolutely delightful. We had a great time dancing and joking with them during the week. Our service was prompt and good. We were on the bottom level towards the back of the DR, one row away from the window, which we were glad for the additional lighting.

The Welcome Aboard Show was fun and lively – a little corny with a blow up Carnival ship, but hey, I am a little corny at heart. The comedian Thomas Brown was very funny. After the show we walked around and found a great band playing in Frankie and Johnnie’s and had some fun dancing. I think they were called Music Express. They were entertaining and we enjoyed listening to them several times. We turned in after our first fun day looking forward to our next day at sea.

Monday – At Sea

We all slept in then watched the goings on at the pool – Belly Flop and Hairy Chest contests. Our friend discovered corn holing – never heard of that in New England! But he came in 2nd place and had a ball. We teased him all week over his corn-holing title. We went on the slide, watched the ice carving and the Newlywed Game, a little trivia and it was already time to get ready for dinner! Tonight was formal nite, so before dinner was the Captains Cocktail party – they served free cocktails and introduced the staff. We managed to get in our pictures before dinner. They had some very different backdrops. If you are a large group, though, like us, your options were limited. The stairwell here was just not one of those formal, sweeping ones. And it was so colorful that it clashed with the outfits. So the stairwell picture isn’t too great. They need to have a better option for the bigger groups. Dinner was prime rib and lobster tail, both very good. The show after dinner was Generations – it was very good. The singers and dancers were great.

Here’s the rub – we would have liked to see and maybe participate in some karaoke after dinner. But EVERY nite until 10pm there was family karaoke- it was torture. No adults, just kids hogging the mike singing songs they didn’t know, very out of tune. When the adult karaoke was supposed to start, many times the kids were still singing. I wish they would limit the “family” karaoke, or just have it on a couple of nites. I think the Mad Hatter lounge (very adorable I might add) was very underused. We stayed up for the late nite comedy show and rolled ourselves into bed around 1!

Tuesday – Grand Cayman

Weather was warm and sunny. Grand Cayman was beautiful. You could still see some hurricane damage from Ivan, but it is coming along nicely. Building everywhere!!! We booked with Nativeways for the Stingray and Coral Gardens snorkel. We got off the ship early and had time to wait before we met with our guide. Unfortunately most of the shops weren’t opened yet as they were an hour behind ship’s time. As for the stingrays, it was a one of a kind experience, holding a giant stingray! I freaked a little when the stingray was wildly trying to get out of my arms. Ok – I freaked a lot. But it was fun and the snorkeling was also nice. Then we had a little time to shop in GC before going back to the tender on to the ship. The last tender was at 3pm – I would have liked to have more time there. This was our first trip to GC, and we really liked this port. I had a “wardrobe malfunction”, so I had to find a local shop which sold undergarments. I found a shopkeeper who was happy to direct me to such a store a little away from the beaten path. But I found what I needed and was glad to save the day for my next formal nite outfit!

The show was Lubo (a balancing act – quite good) and a comedian, Michael Macy who was also very good. The comedians on this ship were some of the better we’ve had on any cruise. Then there was a 70’s and 80’s party on the Lido deck aft at 10pm. It was a ball –we danced under the stars and there was a dance contest. They was a lot of opportunity to dance on this cruise – haven’t danced so much in years. We had a great time and my niece even enjoyed getting down with us oldie moldies.

Every night ended in a trip to the ice cream machine – they close some of them down, but the furthest one aft near the adult pool stays open all the time.

Wednesday – Cozumel We were able to dock here!

The weather was not too promising – dark clouds. We planned to go to Paradise Beach and debated if the clouds would clear. But we went anyways, and a few of us swam in between the thunder and lightening! The beach bar was great, and honestly served the best nachos we ever had! The 10 of us were the only ones there! When we left around 12:30 in a downpour, people were starting to arrive. The women went shopping, some took the kids and went back to the ship, and a couple of the men decided to check out Senor Frogs and Carlos and Charlie’s. We made the mistake, I think, to start our shopping escapade too far down the strip. People recommended starting at Cinco Del Soles – but really that was on the far side of town. Working your way to the pier from there was a very long haul. And actually, some of the same shops downtown were at the pier area anyways. I loved the bargaining; my SIL’s hated it and didn’t trust the shopkeepers. Rule of thumb – pay no more than half the price on anything! Unless, of course, it is an upscale jewelry store – but there still should be room for a little compromise there. I rounded up the guys while the girls took a taxi back. They had quite an eye opening experience in the SF and C&C’s and recognized some of the young girls from the ship. I get these girls took the saying “What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico” to heart. We had a little more time here – had to be back on board by 5:30. But we had dinner at 5:45, so we always had to rush to get back and shower and get ready for dinner.

The show tonight was Manuel Zuniga – we’ve seen him a few times on other cruises, and he’s such an engaging man; his humor is as good as his juggling. The comedian was Tim Wilkins – again, very funny. We rounded out the evening with a little music at Frankie and Johnnie’s.

Thursday – Belize

Again the weather a little iffy. There was some kind of disturbance in the W. Carib hanging out with us. We were told it had rained quite extensively the last couple of days in Belize, so the cave tubing was cancelled. This lead to a lot of scrambling for people looking for alternative excursions. My DH and I had booked the Goff’s Caye snorkel from Carnival. The ship picked us up right at the Miracle at the appointed time. Dark clouds rolled over us and an occasional sprinkle, but it was on. They said seasoned snorkelers stay on the boat and beginner’s go to the island and will snorkel from there. My DH is not a strong swimmer, so we opted to do the latter. But once we got to the island, they pointed to a white buoy – very far out, I might add, and said we had to swim out to that point to start the snorkeling! We were issued life vests, but it was still quite a haul! The ones who went off the boat just got brought out there! Some people gave up early on and swam back to shore. We stuck it out – it was a nice snorkel. But the snorkel back to shore against the current was very, very tough. I really felt bad for talking my DH into this with his fear of the water. But we did it. And it beat the rest of my family’s excursion. They met with their appointed group – Yvohny from cave-tubing, who after a brief phone call from the ship said he would schedule something, even though the park for cave tubing was closed. His alternative plan was trekking through the rain forest and mud to get to some caves. The hike was torturous and at times dangerous through the slippery mud. Our group arrived back tired and dirty. They were not offered any discount, and didn’t think to demand one. So we all had a rough day. All in all, Belize not our favorite stop. Goff’s Caye was also not the paradise I thought it would be. There were sand fleas and horseflies and I had to stay in the water until it was time to go so I wouldn’t be eaten alive! We were delivered back to the ship and got ready for dinner.

Before the show was a bathrobe bingo. It was nice to wear our bathrobes as the Phantom Lounge was always very cold. Then the show was Glenn Miller, the hypnotist. We thought it quite funny, though there were some who thought it lame. After the show, we eventually headed up to the Lido deck to our Beer and Bathrobe party. It was a very hot night, so needless to say we were sweating like h….with our bathrobes on. But we had great fun doing line dances, etc. Again, we rolled into bed exhausted! Boy, who ever said a cruise was relaxing???

Friday – Costa Maya

Wahoo!!! We got to dock here. There were trams which brought you to the end of the pier as it was quite long. On the back side of the pool/shops was the taxi stand to take you into Majuahal. You had to buy a ticket - $3 each. One of the couples backed out of our tour. They didn’t want it to turn into another fiasco like the previous day. Too bad, it was really wonderful. We met up with our guide, Ivan, at the Cat’s Meow, who took us on our tour to the Chaccoben Ruins. He was a wonderful guide and it was quite interesting. Very, very, hot, though. He was always mindful to bring us to a shaded spot before giving us his stories/history. We got back to Majuahal around 1’ish. We decided to have some Nachos here upon recommendation of people on the board. Well, sorry to say they are nothing to speak of - very bland. But the Coronas’ good and cold and there’s a nice view of the beach. I took the kids swimming and the rest did some shopping. Again – great area for bargaining. Also here, too, we had to stay in the water or get eaten alive by sand fleas. We then went back to the pier – only had a few minutes before we had to get back on board (4:30). I wished we had spent more time at the shops at the pier. The pool area in this port was closed due to refurbishment.

Tonight was the 2nd formal nite. We took more formal pictures tonight so we could chose among them. No lobster tonight, just the prime rib. Our server had told us that on Monday’s formal nite so we wouldn’t miss the lobster. The show was Ticket to Ride. If you got there early, there was a nice b&w documentary on the Beatles. The show was pretty good – but not fantastic as others have said. But we enjoyed it nonetheless. After the show was a Mardi Gras party in the atrium – bead throwing and lots of yelling, then after that we made a parade to Frankie and Johnnie’s. The CD & crew were all dressed like the Blues Brothers. And Chris, the CD, sang a few blues songs. It was great fun and he sings quite well. Another fun night of dancing. Then we took a walk and stayed up for the late nite R rated hypnotist show. My advice – don’t bother. The G one was a lot funnier. This one was a real dud. We should have gotten the extra sleep.

Saturday – Day at Sea

Got to sleep in a little today. We went to various trivia contests and had fun with the Amazing Race game by the pool. You had to have a team of 4 and went from clue to clue taking pictures, racing around the ship. We followed the rules, not running, but others did not. We came in towards the back of the pack, but had great fun anyways. My older DB scored a free golf lesson – a fellow cruiser gave him the lesson he won at Trivia as he wasn’t a golfer. He said it was a good lesson. We went down the slide a few times and got ready for our final dinner. Funny, on other nites our server was always prompt and attentive. This nite he seemed a little distant and we waited quite a while for him to return after our desert to say good-bye. Tonight’s show was Carnival Legends – people had competing during the week to secure a spot. We had a “Gloria Estephan”, Britney Spears, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, and I can’t remember the rest. The crew did a great job of dressing them up and accompanying them. This is much better than the talent contests of the past. A lot more polished and great fun. We went back to the room to pack. Then back up to the top deck for our final ice cream under the stars.

Sunday - Disembark–

We did not do the self-disembarkation. The line was very long for that from what we could see. We waited in the designated lounge until they called us and were off the ship around 9:15. That was plenty of time to meet our pre-arranged taxi and make an 11:50 flight back to Rhode Island.

Overall: The food and entertainment on this ship was great. We had lots of fun. Not too many bells and whistles but good value for the money we paid. We would have liked to spend time at the piano bar, but it was way too smoky. Also, you had to go through the casino to get to most places. Again, too much smoke. We were disappointed in the karaoke. Drinks – very good and we always asked for the daily special in the regular glass $3.50 which is a great deal.

A note – way, way too many plugs for the Sea Miles, Wine Club and Carnival Vacation Club. There were constant interruptions on the PA and in the middle of a movie you were watching pushing these things. At home, I just hang up on the telemarketers. Here, you were a captive audience. So please, cut out the pushing!!!! I hated it. This is my VACATION!!!

My DB and his wife had a few issues – their room was a meat locker and the temperature didn’t get regulated properly until Tuesday! They also got attitude from the maintenance guy. On their last nite, they didn’t get their bill. They called downstairs and were told of course they got it. They were told to just look at it on the screen, but they said they wanted a printed copy. More arguments and they were told go down to get a copy. They waited in line forever, and when they got to the top of the line, the copy was THROWN at them. No sorry, no apologies. That left a bad taste in their mouth for their first Carnival cruise.

As for my DH and I, this will be our last Western cruise. Yes, we’ll probably sail Carnival again, but I think our next cruise will be on Princess. We’re ready to try something new.

[cruisinjules]

very nice review! i sailed on the miracle last feb. thanks for rekindling all my fun memories.:)

[crusinpsychRN]

Princess Line is very different. The food is awful.

 

Thanks for the reviews of ports!

[texas greeneyes]

Thanks for a well balanced, detailed report. Just what a good review should be. Well done!

[LHP]

Great review! I am with you about the kids and karaoke. I do not go on a cruise to babysit some else's kids. They have their own karaoke at Camp Carnival. (maybe we should invade theirs!!!) I don't mind 30 minutes of it, so Grandpa and Grandma can see them sing...but that should be the limit every night. 30 minutes or one song per child...whichever is less!

 

I hope you all noted that on your comment cards.

 

We head out on October 8th.

[Queenie24now]

for taking the time to give us an updated review of the ports and goings on on the Miracle.....

I agree with you and LHP.. keep the kids in Camp Carnival. A little time before the adults is OK Then "someone" needs to let them know it is "adults only" period.

[teanbean16]

Thanks for the review. We are going to be on the Miracle in March. Looking forward to it.

[emmysmommy]

Ahhh... brings back great memories. Thanks for sharing your experience. We enjoyed the Genrations show as well on the 1st formal night.

[AnnieB925]

Thank you for such a detailed review of your Western Caribbean cruise on the Miracle. We just booked the same cruise for an Oct. 29 sailing out of Tampa.

 

You answered one of my main questions re: flight time home. We have a hold on a 12 noon flight from Tampa to Boston and I thought that might be cutting it close for disembarkation.

 

We just cruised Carnival last week and had a wondeful time (Elation, Eastern Carribean) and although there were plenty of children on board it didn't seem to a problem. I don't expect to encounter many kids on the October cruise.

 

Thanks again!

[cruisinsly]

Great review. Going in November and cant wait.