LIVE from my recliner - MIRACLE review

[VickiD59]

Smeck... didn't someone take pictures at our M&G? :confused:

[bash73]

scrustyrock...welcome aboard...we will be on the same ship! 31 more days...have you posted on our "roll call" yet?

[CECRN]

Thank you, wonderful review. We are planning on this ship out of NY next May since we have an extended family going and no flights will make it more easier for all. I just loved your pictures and descriptions.

[Crusin Karen]

Thank you, wonderful review. We are planning on this ship out of NY next May since we have an extended family going and no flights will make it more easier for all. I just loved your pictures and descriptions.

What is the date of your cruise? We are on the 5/6 sailing. If yours is the same, join our roll call! :D

[WillieD13]

In no particular order, just random things that popped into my head while trying to decide where to continue.

Horatios (food court/buffet): VERY slippery tiled floor. Mostly due from folks walking in from the pool area with wet shoes, or carrying drinks as the boat sways and you spill a few drops (guilty), and toss in some humidity and you are slip slidin away. Rubber soled shoes seemed to be the worst. Be careful, and step lightly :eek:

 

I never noted this as a problem, possibly because my shoes had good grip, and they were rubber soled, but had a good tread pattern. Perhaps that is what makes the difference.

 

Casino: Also... the casino is VERY SMOKEY! My niece called it Cigarette City lol. Morning hours weren't so bad, but later in the evening... choke.

 

I will agree with this, and as an asthmatic non-smoker, I found it very offensive, and somewhat disconcerting. I also think this is the thing on the ship with which I found fault in the design. If you are on deck 2, and want to move from one end to the other, you have to go through the casino. Our MDR table was on deck 2, and every evening, leaving the MDR, to go to the show, we had to change decks to avoid the smoke.

 

Maitre'D: I was alittle surprised to find a envelope delivered to our cabin just prior to our last evenings dinner, which was to be used specifically for his tip. Tip? Huh? All he ever did was interupt our dinner conversation with a loud, Helllooooooooooooooooo, over the PA system. Or he'd repeat his mantra of, "what happens on the ship... stays on the ship". We never saw him.. he did nothing personally for us.. it was not necessary to tip him.. period. I'm sure someone out there has had a Maitre'D who deserved gratuities and much more.. that's wonderful. This was not one of those times... just sayin.

 

We met Mario a couple times. Yes, his Hellloooooooooooooo was annoying at times, but that was just one more part of the cruise. As a person, one on one, he was quite nice. Our son is a baker, and has considered a cruise line for a possible employment. Mario was quite willing to discuss it with us. Also, during the Kitchen Tour, he was quite happy to take the time to discuss whatever question we, or other passengers, asked.

 

Note: we were on Miracle the week before you.

[scrustyrock]

scrustyrock...welcome aboard...we will be on the same ship! 31 more days...have you posted on our "roll call" yet?

 

Yes I,m on the "roll call" and can't wait for the cruise to begin. Hope we meet on the ship, there's usually a meet and greet party but I don't seem to see one.

 

Sharon

[smeck]

Smeck... didn't someone take pictures at our M&G? :confused:

Yes I have a couple and Sarah and Ed took a few. check their facebook page out. Would you like one?

[smeck]

Smeck... didn't someone take pictures at our M&G? :confused:

Yes we have a couple and Sarah and Ed took a couple. I believe one is on my facebook page. Would you like us to send you one?

[VickiD59]

Note: we were on Miracle the week before you.

 

Didn't think people got highlighted and tasked in their own review :(

I saw my fair share of folks slipping on the floor. It was not a complaint, it was just a warning for those who were reading this and are traveling on the Miracle in the coming weeks; to please take notice and to be careful.

 

I'm sure Mario is a lovely man, but I am reviewing based on our group experience. He did absolutely nothing extra for us in a service capacity that would've or should've warranted a special tip envelope in our rooms on the afternoon of the last night. Maybe in the main part of the MDR he was more visible and entertaining, but as mentioned further back in my review, we were in a small room on the extreme left, down a few stairs and we saw no one except our waitstaff who were outstanding and we adored.

[WillieD13]

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. :)

 

Zone 10 is not even close to the last one. We were in Zone 24, and I know it went to Zone 26 because after 10:00, they started calling Zones in groups of 3, and as I recall, our group was "All people in Zones 24 - 26, and anyone else left, please move the the Atrium". Prior to that, we did not even try to get near a door. After leaving our cabin, went straight to the Lido deck, and had a leisurely breakfast. By the time our zone was called, there were not many people left on board, so the elevator from the Lido deck to the Atrium we had to ourselves. There were two lines to get off, one lined up from the door, up through the Casino, that went out of sight, and one next to it with absolutely no one in it. Go figure????? We came out of the elevator, walked to the right hand, non-line, stuck our S&S Cards in the machine, and walked right off.

Our luggage was, as you said, in a Zone marked for our debarkation Zone number, but the bags were not together, I had to hunt for them for a while to locate all of them.

[VickiD59]

Zone 10 is not even close to the last one. We were in Zone 24, and I know it went to Zone 26 because after 10:00, they started calling Zones in groups of 3

Wow.. 26 Zones?? I thought it was going by deck levels and it seemed to be working from the bottom up, so I assumed we were one of the last, but obviously we weren't. All I know is it seemed like it took forever for them to finally call Zone 10, but I should hardly complain if people were waiting for Zone 26 :eek:.

We waited in the area right outside the sports bar, in fact my kids fell asleep waiting for our # to be called. The estimated time for our zone was 9:55, and it was almost to the minute that we were called and got on line. I know this because I had coordinated a curbside limo pick up for 10am and was in contact with the driver that we'd probably be closer to 10:45, which we were. Next time I'll know... no big rush to get off the ship ;)

[WillieD13]

Wow.. 26 Zones?? I thought it was going by deck levels and it seemed to be working from the bottom up, so I assumed we were one of the last, but obviously we weren't. All I know is it seemed like it took forever for them to finally call Zone 10, but I should hardly complain if people were waiting for Zone 26 :eek:.

We waited in the area right outside the sports bar, in fact my kids fell asleep waiting for our # to be called. The estimated time for our zone was 9:55, and it was almost to the minute that we were called and got on line. I know this because I had coordinated a curbside limo pick up for 10am and was in contact with the driver that we'd probably be closer to 10:45, which we were. Next time I'll know... no big rush to get off the ship ;)

 

I do believe that the zones are called by deck, but they start at the top, where people paid more for the trip, and work their way down. Our cabin was on deck 1 aft, the least expensive ones (not that I had any complaint, it was still a nice cabin), so we were some of the last ones off, but the up side to that is that we were not rushed at all. We were able to stay on deck and watch the ship approach the Verrazano Bridge, and the whole ride up the Hudson, and then dock, before going to breakfast, and we did not have to rush through that either. I was in no hurry to get off the ship and back to the real world.

[WillieD13]

Wow.. 26 Zones?? I thought it was going by deck levels and it seemed to be working from the bottom up, so I assumed we were one of the last, but obviously we weren't. All I know is it seemed like it took forever for them to finally call Zone 10, but I should hardly complain if people were waiting for Zone 26 :eek:.

We waited in the area right outside the sports bar, in fact my kids fell asleep waiting for our # to be called. The estimated time for our zone was 9:55, and it was almost to the minute that we were called and got on line. I know this because I had coordinated a curbside limo pick up for 10am and was in contact with the driver that we'd probably be closer to 10:45, which we were. Next time I'll know... no big rush to get off the ship ;)

 

I do believe that the zones are called by deck, but they start at the top, where people paid more for the trip, and work their way down. Our cabin was on deck 1 aft, the least expensive ones (not that I had any complaint, it was still a nice cabin), so we were some of the last ones off, but the up side to that is that we were not rushed at all. We were able to stay on deck and watch the ship approach the Verrazano Bridge, and the whole ride up the Hudson, and then dock, before going to breakfast, and we did not have to rush through that either. I was in no hurry to get off the ship and back to the real world.:(

[heatherandfred]

From arriving at the pier terminal.. waiting on line at check-in and security.. boarding and stepping over the threshold into the atrium of the Miracle.. finding a seat and my very first DOD ever.... it was less than 90 minutes. I know this by the time on my S&S print-out. We were at that very moment officially.... CRUISERS!!!! :D

Hi Vicki and Ron!!!! Your hubby is a scream!!

[heatherandfred]

Nothing in particular.. enjoy :)

 

 

 

 

Looking down from the top level by Nick and Nora's Steakhouse to the Atrium lobby

 

 

While sitting at a table in the food court this bucket hanging from a long rope appears at the window along with a long handled roller. Obviously it was very important to clean that railing at that very moment.

OMG!! We were at breakfast one day and that little roller came down to clean the window and it wasn't even cleaning and I couldn't stop laughing at it! I know, I'm weird right?

[heatherandfred]

Meet and Greet Pic!

[Nanatravel]

Great review Vicki. It is pretty common for folks to highlight within a review and offer a different opinion. Please don't take offense.

 

I am sorry you did not enjoy Old San Juan. I agree the hours at port Su**, but having at least 5 daylight hours is better than a 5 to 11PM schedule! Too bad you didn't take the Free trolley up to El Morrow and walk down hill checking out the ancient buildings, cathedral and parks, plus stopping for a local drink in many fine establishments like the El Convento Hotel, The Barriquina, the Parrott Club, etc. Did you get to Pigeon Park? See the chapel with the Silver alter? Experience music in a square? Stroll along La Princessa and enjoy the fountains and statues? These are all free and relatively safe areas during the daylight hours.

 

I went to Grand Turk recently and stopped at Governors beach. There was no coral there in the beautiful azure waters. You certainly could see the coral to the right of the pier at GT.

 

Until you sail again, enjoy your experience here at Cruise Critic.

[albanygal]

Thanks so much for your detailed account and especially the pictures. My husband and I are sailing on the Miracle to Bermuda on 4/14/11. It's a long way off, but I get a "cruise fix" from postings like yours.

[luv2travel29]

Didn't think people got highlighted and tasked in their own review :(

I saw my fair share of folks slipping on the floor. It was not a complaint, it was just a warning for those who were reading this and are traveling on the Miracle in the coming weeks; to please take notice and to be careful.

 

I'm sure Mario is a lovely man, but I am reviewing based on our group experience. He did absolutely nothing extra for us in a service capacity that would've or should've warranted a special tip envelope in our rooms on the afternoon of the last night. Maybe in the main part of the MDR he was more visible and entertaining, but as mentioned further back in my review, we were in a small room on the extreme left, down a few stairs and we saw no one except our waitstaff who were outstanding and we adored.

 

vicki: i totally agree with everything you just said... we just got off miracle yesterday. had a great time and it is a nice ship... we saw a few people slipping and sliding, be careful when walking especially with flip flops.....

also, we saw mario twice during an 8 day cruise and i didnt want to tip him at all... but my husband did anyway... i would have gave the extra money to our waiters RINGO AND ABDUL... they were awesome!!:D

[SASA13]

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.

 

I second that. Thank you for the great review, and I will also be on the Miracle on 9/4. Thanks again for taking the time to do this. Sandy...

[VickiD59]

I second that. Thank you for the great review, and I will also be on the Miracle on 9/4. Thanks again for taking the time to do this. Sandy...

You're very welcome. I really enjoyed it, and wish there was more to talk about so I could keep it going. If anyone has specific questions.. by all means, ask away :D

[VickiD59]

What a wonderful review....I thoroughly enjoyed it along with the pictures!! As we are cruising on the Miracle on 12-13-10 it was nice to hear she is a great ship....except for the murals...not looking forward to that. We are doing Southern Caribbean out of Ft Lauderdale....St Marrten, St Lucia and St Kitts....looking forward to doing the zip line. Once again I truely enjoyed your review!!! Marlene

Those ports sound wonderful. The benefit of sailing out of FL is you're nearly there and wake up in a new port each day. You'll love the Miracle; every review I read before sailing always mentioned how much they liked her.. and I concur.. really nice vessel. I'll be looking for your review upon your return for sure. :)

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

The Miracle was our first Carnival ship, and this past July was our second on her. We have already booked our aft wrap for next year. We sailed the Glory over the 4th of July. Although we had a great time, we still prefer the Miracle and Spirit class ships. Everything flows so nicely and you really don't feel the crowds that much. P.S. If anyone is ever looking for teens on the Mircale, head over to Gatsbys, that's their spot! LOL!

[jeannep]

hey brewster and put valley, carmel here and we leave in 37 days!

 

Hi Brewster, Put Valley, and Carmel--Ossining here. We leave in 5 days

Can't wait!!!

 

Jeanne

[VickiD59]

Hi Brewster, Put Valley, and Carmel--Ossining here. We leave in 5 days

Can't wait!!! Jeanne

You'll have a great time!! :)