Miracle 1/24/09 as it happens...

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

EMBARKATION

We were signed up for the 1st shuttle; 11 AM. We get there and of course everyone is standing there with their luggage thinking that EVERYONE (and their luggage, mind you) are going to get on this van. HA! They called us by ship and it quickly filled up. Just then another van pulled up with a trailer for the luggage and the rest of us were all able to go. Very professionally done.

We arrived at the port at 11:45 AM. It was CRAZY there!!! NINE ships in port... Oy! Usually we are there very early and can go right on. (pretty much, anyway) This was not that long, but you were STANDING (or shuffling along) the entire time. I would definitely suggest coming early (around 11 AM) or late(after 2 PM) to avoid the crowds. I was looking longingly at the VIP line, thinking NEXT TIME I'll be able to use that!! (big YAY!!!) We were through everything and on the Lido deck eating lunch by 1 PM. Found a table. Not an easy task. The food was excellent, as usual. It was Italian" day at the taste of nations area.

A little side note... Has anyone noticed that the Spirit class ships have an "older" clientele? Not that we're that young...(46-56 years old) Just looking around, and I'd say the average age is 60... Not that there's anything wrong with that. I just was wondering why?

Ok. Back on track:

We were told that our rooms might be ready by 1:30-2 PM. We went down at 2:30 and they were not done yet... We left our carryons and went to the dining room to check our seating. I always dread this because some of the Maitre D's (sp?) can be SURLY... IMO of course! This guy was very accomodating and even SMILED at me! Of course we were pretty easy... We just wanted to see where our table was and to make sure it was just us. (not snobs, we just like to be with family at dinner.

We try our rooms again, and they're not quite finished yet! I don't know if I said this before or not, but I am traveling with my brother & SIL. They got an OV cabin and I have an inside cabin. But it's ALL MINE!!! I have cruised many times and I have GOT to say I love having my own space! I don't care for the extra price, but the single Inside GTY was not too bad for this cruise. I ended up with a 4A on Riviera deck midship, with my brother & SIL just across the hall. Not bad! We grab our life vests and head out for the best part of the entire cruise...

The lifeboat drill!!! uhhhmmm..... RIGHT. the usual. Glad it's over. What I HATE, is when they leave as soon as INCREDIBLE with a swethe drill is over and you don't get a chance to take your lifevest back to the cabin and get back up on deck for the sail off! But we did NOT have that problem. We were blocked in by a Royal Carribbean ship on our left and the Splendour on our right. We were like 5th in line to leave. We left 1 1/2 hours later than we were supposed to. But that was fine w/ me. We made friends with some folks on deck, saw an adorable sea turtle swimming around just below us, and watched the sunset.

We went and unpacked then and got ready for dinner. We go to the late seating at 8:15. Great waitress. Bianca from South Africa. Very attentive and willing to please. I think they've added some new items to the menu since last year. I had a shrimp that were AMAZING. They had a sweet 7 tangy dipping sauce and came with fried rice noodles which I had never had before. They were yummy. Lots of garlic. Hey! I'm by myself, why not? Was planning on having the chocolate melting cake, but it was CREME' BRULEE' night. HAD to get that, because they said it was the only night they served it.

After dinner, we were all feeling exhausted, but didn't want to go to bed yet. I don't usually go to the 1st night's show because i don't want to get pulled up on stage for anything stupid. We ended up at Karaoke where I thoroughly messed up a Kelly Clarson song when I forgot how the middle of the song went. It's okay, though. I'll never see these people again, will I?

Went to bed then and slep like a rock. Seriously. Did not move until 6 AM.

End DAY 1

 

pictures to follow...

[twinmom38]

where's my popcorn?:)

[LUPY48]

Keep it coming!

[magic&buddy]

Loving it!

[mstea]

Sounds so good, I can almost taste the food.. and your descriptions make you feel like we are there...!! ;)

Keep the fun coming..

[CruzinTamela]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading this thread and experiencing your cruise as you go. I can't wait to read more! I hope you are having a WONDERFUL time!

 

I have one question - I am sailing on February 9th. You said the weather was cool in Ft. Lauderdale. Do you recommend I bring some cool weather clothing for the first couple of days? I sailed in January once and ended up having to wear my velour jogging suit for 2 days in a row because it was so cool until we got further out to sea. Thanks in advance!!

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

I am thoroughly enjoying reading this thread and experiencing your cruise as you go. I can't wait to read more! I hope you are having a WONDERFUL time!

 

I have one question - I am sailing on February 9th. You said the weather was cool in Ft. Lauderdale. Do you recommend I bring some cool weather clothing for the first couple of days? I sailed in January once and ended up having to wear my velour jogging suit for 2 days in a row because it was so cool until we got further out to sea. Thanks in advance!!

 

I would definitely recommend a jacket or sweater. The evenings have been cool, and even the mornings out on deck... I am usually hot, so take it as you will.:o

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to ya'll... Havin' fun dontcha know!;)

 

Also, I'm having trouble loading pics...:(

[mstea]

Gotta Cruise Now

How is your cruise going... Today was a sea Day?

Thanks

[David148]

sounds like you're having fun! Can't wait to see pics as you go!

 

I am enjoying reading along with you as you cruise.

 

Also; what was the kelly clarkson song that you messed up? lol

 

-David.

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

sounds like you're having fun! Can't wait to see pics as you go!

 

I am enjoying reading along with you as you cruise.

 

Also; what was the kelly clarkson song that you messed up? lol

 

-David.

 

"Because of you":rolleyes: Doy!

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

Sunday, 1/25/09

"Fun day at Sea" I

Oh, man! We did a whole lot of NOTHIN'!!! How great is that?

 

It was overcast most of the day. Decided not to go to the pool because it was still kind of cool. So... I blogged, we ate, played a trivia game in the Phantom Lounge, we ate, we read, we ate, played the slots for a while, went to the Captain's party, ate dinner! Prime Rib!! Mmmmmm.... And (one of my favorites)Pumpkin Soup! By this time we were stuffed and were going to forego dessert... when the cherries jubilee started calling my name...."Missi...Missi...MISSI!!!" So I just HAD to answer! The show was one we'd seen before, so we went and watched a movie on my laptop, then went to bed. I love vacation! Wish you were here, yet?;)

 

See ya (sort of tomorrow!

 

Missi

[beachbum81]

This is really great. We were already excited about sailing on the Miracle next week, but reading this is making the anticipation unbearable.

[mstea]

:( So it's a little cool out???

How is the dinning room and other places on the ship, as far as temp...

I seem to be always cold....:(

Thanks

Enjoy...I bet it's warmer there than here....look at it that way...:)

bye barb

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

:( So it's a little cool out???

How is the dinning room and other places on the ship, as far as temp...

I seem to be always cold....:(

Thanks

Enjoy...I bet it's warmer there than here....look at it that way...:)

bye barb

 

Ha! Yeah, I console myself with that though as well. I KNOW it's colder at home!

 

Where our table is in the dining room is COLD! We're almost at the very back. There's one row of tables after us. I've notice the air is warmer up closer to the entrance, so maybe you want to check where your table is when you get on. OR take a sweater/ jacket...:rolleyes:

 

The weather IS warmer now. Just the 1st day was too cool for me. And if you can find a spot away from the wind, you'll be better as well.

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

All right, friends... Here is todays installment!

 

Monday 1/26/09"Fun day at Sea" II

Hi, Everyone!

Monday was very similar to Sunday. The weather was better, though.

Got up early again. (before 6) I can't help it. I try to sleep in, but I like to go up & have my coffee and watch people & read. My brother & SIL came up to eat about 8 AM.

We then went to the aft pool for a couple of hours. The chair hogs were already in business. Most of them just had the head part flipped up. Found a couple free ones and I sat on the edge of the pool with my feet in. Very nice. I was starting to burn even with "45" on, so we wnt to play rummy for a couple of hours. I sucked. Just sayin'.

By this time we were ready for our next "feeding". I had been craving a burger and it did not diappoint me! Mushrooms, grilled onions, salsa... (Is your mouth watering yet?) I had to shut my eyes and just enjoy the flavors... Mmm...

Went back to my room and had an AWESOME nap. Then we went to the casino to play for about an hour or so, until it was time to get ready for dinner.

By now we've learned to show up to dinner 5 minutes after the start, because it takes that long for the long obnoxious line to get through the doors. :rolleyes:Relax in your room or a lounge and just wait it out. It's not like you don't know where you're going by now anyway.;)

Dinner was good, but I could have skipped this one. Many did. I had Penne in a tomato cream sauce. None of the desserts were calling my name either, so I thought it would be a good night for the chocolate melting cake...NOT disappointed! OMG. I always remember it's great, but when you have it again it's just sensory overload. My only complaint; They didn't bring coffee. Didn't offer it. Saw it at other tables, but not ours... ? I remember previous cruises where we would order the 1st night and they would remember exactly what we ordered & AUTOMATICALLY bring it on the following nights. TOMORROW we plan on ordering it at the same time we order our desserts! I think the assistant waiters are having to do more than they used to... Hardly see ours at all. I think they may be cutting corners to save money.

 

FINALLY met our cabin steward. I think they have more rooms to clean as well. I think the economy is hurting EVERYONE, even Carnival... IMO of course.

 

We haven't gone to any of the shows yet. They have them BEFORE dinner for the late seating. Isn't it a dinner and a show, not show & a dinner? Whatever. We walked around a bit, then we watched another movie. Went to bed around 12:30 AM.

 

Cheerio!:cool:

[flippr5657]

love love loving this Missy!!!

Took my hubby on his first warm water cruise on the Miracle last February.. It was fantastic.

pass the popcorn :D

[JeanneG]

Thank yo Missi - this is great you sharing your vacation with us.

 

I wish I was there. Where is your cabin? We are on the 2/17 sailing.

[carzyboutcarnival]

I just got off her! I was on the new years cruise! What is your table number are you upper or lower!

 

cbc

[twinmom38]

Thank yo Missi - this is great you sharing your vacation with us.

 

I wish I was there. Where is your cabin? We are on the 2/17 sailing.

Hi Jeane.. we are also on the 2/17 sailing !!! See you onboard !!!!:o

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

Thank yo Missi - this is great you sharing your vacation with us.

 

I wish I was there. Where is your cabin? We are on the 2/17 sailing.

 

We're in steerage...;) Riviera 1189 for me.(4A) 1195 for them.(6A)

Very nice. Midship. Not alot of movement. I was a little concerned that it would be noisy with the casino right over my head, but other than hearing a chair scrape ocross the floor RARELY, it is very peaceful here.

[GOTTA CRUISE NOW]

I just got off her! I was on the new years cruise! What is your table number are you upper or lower!

 

cbc

 

table 166 on the lower level. Bianca is our waitress. I don't see any other waitresses here. I see female assistant waiters, though. She is very nice and does a fine job. She is from South Africa, so she speaks English very well. The assistant's name is Chaves from Honduras, and we see him up on the Lido pretty often as well. Very nice.

[David148]

Woo It is soo fun reading this post but it's not good for me, it makes me want to be on my cruise even sooner and worse now. lol Thanks ALOT! Still enjoying ur post tho :D i want to see pics..im soo addicted. lol

 

-David.

[David148]

OH, and i dont understand this part...

 

i thought they had a show after each seating..early and late? on our last cruise they had a show around 8pm for the early seaters in the dinning room ad then one at 10pm for us late seating crowd in the dinning room?

 

-David.

[emt9898]

Same here when i was on her in July they had a late show. When we were going in for dinner they were going in to the show and then we would go to the late show after out dinner.... I still have my capers and yes.. there was always two shows!!