LIVE from my recliner - MIRACLE review

[Lovharvey]

Teenagers: I'll speak first hand on this topic. My niece's girls are 13 and 16. Because of the cut-off age for the teen clubs, they could not stay together. Neither one would go without the other, so therefore they didn't go at all. They met other teens throughout the week, so socializing wasn't the issue. Whether parents hadn't signed their kids up for a social clubs, or perhaps the teens just didn't want to go alone (like my nieces) or maybe not at all... but this resulted in clusters of teens everywhere. I felt like I was at the mall on a Saturday afternoon, minus the security guards to move them along. Maybe I noticed it more because my nieces were part of the pack. Don't know what the solution would be.. maybe reevaluate the age ranges? I dunno.

 

I feel that if teenagers, regardless of age, or kids for that matter, if they are traveling together should be able to stay together. If they are shy, they are going to feel more comfortable with people/kids that they know.

I have enjoyed your review very much.

[DeeT]

Teenagers: I'll speak first hand on this topic. My niece's girls are 13 and 16. Because of the cut-off age for the teen clubs, they could not stay together. Neither one would go without the other, so therefore they didn't go at all. They met other teens throughout the week, so socializing wasn't the issue. Whether parents hadn't signed their kids up for a social clubs, or perhaps the teens just didn't want to go alone (like my nieces) or maybe not at all... but this resulted in clusters of teens everywhere. I felt like I was at the mall on a Saturday afternoon, minus the security guards to move them along. Maybe I noticed it more because my nieces were part of the pack. Don't know what the solution would be.. maybe reevaluate the age ranges? I dunno.

 

I feel that if teenagers, regardless of age, or kids for that matter, if they are traveling together should be able to stay together. If they are shy, they are going to feel more comfortable with people/kids that they know.

I have enjoyed your review very much.

 

I read OP'c comments on her teenager family members' experience on board, what I asked her was did the kids use walk talkies to keep in contact with parents?

[VickiD59]

I read OP'c comments on her teenager family members' experience on board, what I asked her was did the kids use walk talkies to keep in contact with parents?

Sorry for the delay with my answer. Try as I might couldn't get on CC yesterday. I could make it to the basic home page of the website but my computer would freeze each time I tried to access this thread. Thought maybe it was taken down for some reason.. like lack of interest :(

YES.. my niece's family used walkie-talkies to keep in touch with their girls at night. One night they weren't answering them and we walked that ship bow to stern in search of them. My niece was frantic. Turns out the battery died in the walkie-talkie. Found them, and just about every teen on the ship in the Gatsby Garden. From then on we knew where to look, as this became the spot for teens not utilizing the club scene.

[okwriter]

Very nice review! Just so you know, it wasn't your computer...it was the Cruise Critic site.

 

I've been to St. Thomas (20+ years ago) and glad to hear (see!) that Magen's Bay is still as beautiful.

 

I don't have this itinerary on my radar but enjoyed your review anyway. Thanks again!

[VickiD59]

Rendezvous: Piano Bar, 2:00 first full sea day:

I got there alittle after 2:00 (sorry, was still learning the lay of the land) and discovered a small group of us in the walk-way just outside the piano bar. I recognized everyone that I'd previously seen pictures of. And where was my camera... in the room! It was funny.. my hubby and nephew got their before I did, and I ran into other folks that I knew from home that were waiting in the same common area. They were getting ready to attend a vow renewal in the Chapel, which is right near the Piano Bar...small world... go figgya! Didn't someone have a camera? I vaguely remember lining up for a photo.. no?

We also had newlyweds (HeatherandFred) in our rollcall that got married on the ship before we set sail out of NYC. Smeck and family, Cherylatwork and hubby, my boys stopped by for a moment but seeing the lack of other 20somethings didn't stick around long. The Mtkgin's and kfd208's were there as well. We had a few no-shows.. we didn't take it personally but .... WHERE WERE YOU PEOPLE?? LOL. Ummm, who else was there..I don't want to leave anyone out and without a photo I'm doin a mental checklist and I'm old... help.. help!

On the day of embarkment we were sitting in the chairs right in front of the atrium, people watching all the excited folks as they were coming in. This is where we had our first ever DOD! I recognized Cheryl coming in, followed by her kids (she was headed right to guest services and I didn't bother her) and when I saw her again later than day on the Lido I had to say hello. It was pre-M&G and didn't know if there were some official rules that ya cant talk before hand ;)... hey.. I was a newbie.. I didn't care.. yeah yeah.. I said it... so there! :p

Once we knew everyone's face, I found I ran into someone at least once a day after that in the most random of places. Pouring coffee one morning I'm right next to Smeck.. in Horatio's we saw kfd208 (Nikki and Chuck), Cheryl's hubby in the elevator, we were on line in front of Mtkgin during disembarkment. There were many more chats through out the week. You'd look up and there someone would be. I also found it fairly easy to meet up with folks in my own traveling group. You'd step off an elevator and there they were. I enjoyed the size and layout of the Miracle. Of course I have nothing to compare it too... but I really liked it :D

[DeeT]

Thanks for the reply! I'll bring walkie talkies.

[VickiD59]

Enjoying your review! Trying to decide between Miracle and Liberty next summer, so I am trying to read reviews for both.

I'll toss in a vote for the Miracle.. but I just might be a little bias :p

When we booked this trip we hadn't done any research regarding specific ships. We went in blindly knowing our priorities were homeport, itinerary and price. We lucked out with the Miracle. After booking I tried to read anything and everything I could find.. which was not easy. You can find some postings in the review section but they're not so current; not many folks come back and post a review here on the message boards either. Maybe because she's in FL for the winter and only in NY from April-Sept. I did note that the common opinion was that she is a nice ship... and that she is :)

[dec2007w3boys]

Hand Dryers in the bathrooms HOLY COW these are powerful. They're so strong you can see the air move the skin on the tops of your hands! Cool :cool:

 

I love the first time back on the ship in the restroom - - there is nothing like a Carnival hand dryer - way cool! Glad I am not the only one. :D

 

Love your review. We are on the Miracle this Nov - w/out the kids - for our 15th anniversary. I am glad you had such a good time.

[VickiD59]

We were so anxious to finally get to the port portion of our cruise that as we pulled away from the dock in Grand Turk we realized.. hey we're heading home. We still had 2 full sea days coming back to NY but you just felt that impending demise of a long planned vacation; we were heading in Chief.. it would take two days to get there.. but we were going home. :(

 

Just like with anything.. it takes so long to get there, and coming home always goes faster. We tried to catch up on things we hadn't done yet, but it just wasn't the same. This is when the topic of dinner conversation began to be about what other ships sail out of NY and what other itineraries are available... next year or the year after... etc. We are hopeful this won't be our last cruise. Keep buying those lottery tickets!!

 

I'll tie it up with some sunrise shots coming back into NY Harbor. Take notice of the USS Intrepid Air & Space Museum which is within walking distance to the pier, and when we docked that morning, the Glory was in port waiting to sail out on the Canadian run.

 

Sunrise over the Verrazzano Bridge.

 

 

The USS Intrepid

 

In all it's... Glory

 

Thanks again for all the encouragement... hope you enjoyed

Vicki

[Delta Dear]

Thank you for your wonderful review. Can't wait until Jan.30 to board in Ft. Lauderdale. I have to laugh at the comment about the hand dryers. On more than one occassion, I walked by too closely and set the dryer off. Scared me to death the first time because it was so powerful and LOUD ! LOL

[tandemcruzr]

VickiD59 -- Thanks for the review and the photos.

 

We've been on the Miracle and the Legend. Going on the Legend again in January. Re: "Extended Balcony" they actually are deeper than the regular balconies by about 2 feet (60 sq ft vs 40 sq ft.) :D

[bash73]

Vicki, I apologize if you mentioned this already in your wonderful review (totally enjoyed). The first night on board for embarkation, did you eat in the MDR and if so, were shorts and sneakers acceptable?

Thanks!!!

[madge57]

Your review is over:( i was enjoying it!! Maybe you forgot something and you need to add!!! Please Please!!! Glad you had a great cruise!!!!

[smeck]

Vicki, I apologize if you mentioned this already in your wonderful review (totally enjoyed). The first night on board for embarkation, did you eat in the MDR and if so, were shorts and sneakers acceptable?

Thanks!!!

Shorts and sneakers are acceptable for all nights except for formal nights, even then I saw a couple of people in shorts but I wouldn't recommend it.

[VickiD59]

VickiD59 -- Thanks for the review and the photos. We've been on the Miracle and the Legend. Going on the Legend again in January. Re: "Extended Balcony" they actually are deeper than the regular balconies by about 2 feet (60 sq ft vs 40 sq ft.) :D

Yeah, they are bigger, but in our case we assumed that "extended" also meant that it e x t e n d e d out farther over the water than a regular balcony, nope!

 

Vicki, I apologize if you mentioned this already in your wonderful review (totally enjoyed). The first night on board for embarkation, did you eat in the MDR and if so, were shorts and sneakers acceptable? Thanks!!!

In the Fun Times they refer to it as "Cruise Casual", incase you aren't lucky enough to get your luggage before it's time for dinner. We had the late seating so thankfully it arrived, but to answer your question, the guys wore dockers/plaid golf shorts and polos and us girls wore capris and a shirt. Comfy, but clean. On the elegant nights we did all dress up.. shirts, ties.. sports jackets and dresses. Actually, except embarkation day.. all the girls wore dresses. We just wore fancier ones for the more formal nights. I was expecting to see alot of non-conformists protesting formal night and coming in their I'monvacationandI'llwearwhateverIwanttowearwhenIwantowearit mode in the MDR, but I didn't. I saw alot of folks very dressed up. This of course coincides with all the formal pics you get to take as you walk along to the MDR. It was a fun part of the trip for us; out of the box from everyday life :D

[pchoofinit]

Vicky, that you for your review and I really enjoyed your pictures!

Hubby and I are sailing in 2 days! I'll be sure to report back to you all!

Much need vacation!

:cool:

[luv2gonow]

Thanks for taking the time to post such a detailed review. I love the Miracle....was reliving my cruise last month.

 

BTW...I am also a Disney nut....own DVC...I am in WDW withdrawal. Didn't do disney this year. Cruised and rented a house on Fire Island. Glad we did but I am itching to book my next trip.

Also...don't know if you are a member but there is a website

"The Dis".....think it is wdwinfo.com....go to yahoo and type dis...and you will find it....."unofficial wdw info". You would love it....and they would love your reviews.

K

[bash73]

:DThanks Vicki for your response on MDR attire. I had heard the same for embarkation night. I too have dresses for dinner and dockers for my man. We hardly ever get "dressed" up too, so like you we are (well, I am) looking forward to elegant night and the pics to go along with it!;)

By chance, did you or anyone in your group use the gym? If so, did anyone take spin? I'm trying to find out if the bikes are set up for spin shoes that clip into the pedal.

thanks again!

[VickiD59]

Vicky, that you for your review and I really enjoyed your pictures! Hubby and I are sailing in 2 days! I'll be sure to report back to you all! Much need vacation! :cool:

ENJOY!!! And look for this slot machine

It was on the starboard side, near the window :eek:

[VickiD59]

By chance, did you or anyone in your group use the gym? If so, did anyone take spin? I'm trying to find out if the bikes are set up for spin shoes that clip into the pedal. thanks again!

My oldest son was the only one that used the gym to work out. I think he primarily did weights and maybe ran on the treadmills, but I'll ask him if he noticed anything about the spin cycles.

While thinking of the gym I also thought of the hair salon. I personally didn't use it, but one of the women in our group went twice, once for each of the formal nights. First time she got a cut and color and "incredible conditioner" that she ended up buying, and the second time just washed, conditioned again and blown out. Looked nice. I wouldn't have thought of it personally... but those two days in particular the salon was hopping. Also.. the spa had a teeth whitening special.. ZOOM for only 149.00. At home at the dentist its upwards of 600.00. My nephew took advantage and his teeth looked great :D Again, not something I'd think of doing on a cruise.. but when in Rome... :)

[VickiD59]

This time last week we were waiting for our zone # to be called so we could disembark. This was the only time where I was completely itchin to get off the ship. We put our luggage outside our stateroom the night before (stood there and watched the luggage guys take it to be sure) so we were part of the mass exodus that had to be called off in sections before you could leave. We were Zone 10 (last zone I believe), which was announced at 9:55 as promised. You must be out of your room by 8am. The elevators are jammed packed with folks carrying their own bags off, and people lugging their carry-ons (us) and people trying to get as close to the door so when their number is called they can run off. We met for breakfast in the MDR at 7:45 and tried to stretch it out as long as possible. They were setting up for dinner (no MDR for lunch on embarkation day) and worked around us as long as possible but even we knew we were in the way. They encourage people to wait in the Phantom Lounge for their zone # to be called. We mosied to some chairs on the other side of the casino, outside the bar area and waited... and waited... and waited. This was my least favorite part. At this point you know you're cruise is truly over.. but you can't go home yet!! I think they do it on purpose so you'll snap out of your vacation high... wake up.. get alittle PO'd... your vacation is over... get out!! LOL

Once off the ship the luggage is in zones corresponding to your disembarkation numbers. We found all of ours pretty quickly and before we could say arriverderci.. we were out on the hot sidewalk, looking at a Sabrett hotdog cart, and smelling that wonderful NYC air <choke> :rolleyes:

Yes.. it was over. It was time to go home. But.... we had the time of our lives. :)

[AmongTheStars]

This time last week, I was disembarking the Glory docked next to you guys.. saw you pull in while having breakfast in the dining room and got so excited from the memories of my May cruise on the Miracle that I jumped out of my seat and ran to the aft windows to get a pic of her. Then I stood up on the Lido listening to Sparkles doing your disembarktion announcements instead of ours lol.. everything seemed so much more organized on your ship. The Miracle truly is my favorite and I must admit, I was a little jealous and wishing I was over there with you guys! Great review!

[scrustyrock]

VickiD this is another thank you for your review. We're going on the Miracle September 4th and are even more excited after reading your review and seeing your wonderful pictures.

[VickiD59]

Awww thanks everyone that took the time to read it. I'm sad that it's over.. the cruise as well as the review. I wish I had more to cover to keep it going, but I think I hit on just about every topic. I really appreciate all who tuned in and your positive feedback; just all the more reason to book another cruise!

And for everyone leaving this weekend... HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!! :D

[smeck]

Great review. It's so good and detailed no need to rinse and repeat with a review of my own. Hopefully we'll share a DOD somewhere down the road.