Anyone back from the Miracle new itinerary yet???

[celticd1]

I know it's early but soooo looking forward to the reviews from the new Miracle Southern itinerary.

 

Got pics?? :D

[tiggerman101]

I just walked in the door. It was a good cruise with good weather. I wasn't real big on La Romana. We went to a resort for a beach day. There is nothing at the port itself. I think a crew member was hurt as we were a bit late pulling out. I heard a rumor that Carnival was only going to stop at Catalina Island from now on.

 

Aruba was great. We had a ceremony when we docked for Carnival's return. The beaches are beautiful and the interior of the island is very unique. We did a non-Carnival sponsored island tour and really enjoyed it. I loved the landscape there.

 

Curacao was also a great stop. I will warn you that Taxis there are very expensive. We had planned on going to a beach on the northern part of the island but they wanted $80+ for a ride (gas is really high there). We ended up taking a cab to Cabana beach which is part of the Sea aquarium beach. It was nice but a bit different. It is blocked off with rocks in the water to create the beach itself. When the sun was out it was HOT. The town is awesome though and really just a great experience to walk around in. There is a lot to see in the town and it is very pretty.

 

The cruise itself was nice. We had a great time and had a group of friends on the ship. The food was good and I really have nothing to complain about. We were in 4228 (aft wrap suite) and I could honestly live in that cabin.

 

Let me know if you have any questions. I will post some pics, etc in a bit. I am just now getting settled in.

[Lady Arwen]

I just walked in the door. It was a good cruise with good weather. I wasn't real big on La Romana. We went to a resort for a beach day. There is nothing at the port itself. I think a crew member was hurt as we were a bit late pulling out. I heard a rumor that Carnival was only going to stop at Catalina Island from now on.

 

Aruba was great. We had a ceremony when we docked for Carnival's return. The beaches are beautiful and the interior of the island is very unique. We did a non-Carnival sponsored island tour and really enjoyed it. I loved the landscape there.

 

Curacao was also a great stop. I will warn you that Taxis there are very expensive. We had planned on going to a beach on the northern part of the island but they wanted $80+ for a ride (gas is really high there). We ended up taking a cab to Cabana beach which is part of the Sea aquarium beach. It was nice but a bit different. It is blocked off with rocks in the water to create the beach itself. When the sun was out it was HOT. The town is awesome though and really just a great experience to walk around in. There is a lot to see in the town and it is very pretty.

 

The cruise itself was nice. We had a great time and had a group of friends on the ship. The food was good and I really have nothing to complain about. We were in 4228 (aft wrap suite) and I could honestly live in that cabin.

 

Let me know if you have any questions. I will post some pics, etc in a bit. I am just now getting settled in.

 

Thanks so much, we're doing this itinerary Jan 6/11 and so looking forward to it. Would love to see your pics of the Miracle and the ports, especially Aruba and Curacao. Glad you had a great cruise.

[soccrguy]

I just walked in the door. It was a good cruise with good weather. I wasn't real big on La Romana. We went to a resort for a beach day. There is nothing at the port itself. I think a crew member was hurt as we were a bit late pulling out. I heard a rumor that Carnival was only going to stop at Catalina Island from now on.

 

Aruba was great. We had a ceremony when we docked for Carnival's return. The beaches are beautiful and the interior of the island is very unique. We did a non-Carnival sponsored island tour and really enjoyed it. I loved the landscape there.

 

Curacao was also a great stop. I will warn you that Taxis there are very expensive. We had planned on going to a beach on the northern part of the island but they wanted $80+ for a ride (gas is really high there). We ended up taking a cab to Cabana beach which is part of the Sea aquarium beach. It was nice but a bit different. It is blocked off with rocks in the water to create the beach itself. When the sun was out it was HOT. The town is awesome though and really just a great experience to walk around in. There is a lot to see in the town and it is very pretty.

 

The cruise itself was nice. We had a great time and had a group of friends on the ship. The food was good and I really have nothing to complain about. We were in 4228 (aft wrap suite) and I could honestly live in that cabin.

 

Let me know if you have any questions. I will post some pics, etc in a bit. I am just now getting settled in.

Tiggerman-- we have had that same cabin twice, both on the Legend and the Miracle-- your right-- it was great.. How credible do you think that rumor about Catalina island might be?? Our group has a tour booked in La Romana but we'd dump it in a minute to stay on the island...:D

[tiggerman101]

I have no idea about the rumor. I just heard it from a couple people. I wouldn't put much stock into it. Here are a few of my pics:

 

Bayahibe Beach, Dominican Republic:

 

 

leaving La Romana:

 

 

Aruba landscape near the old church:

 

 

Northern shore of Aruba:

 

 

One side of downtown Williamstad, Curacao:

 

[remharri]

I just walked in the door. It was a good cruise with good weather. I wasn't real big on La Romana. We went to a resort for a beach day. There is nothing at the port itself. I think a crew member was hurt as we were a bit late pulling out. I heard a rumor that Carnival was only going to stop at Catalina Island from now on.

 

Aruba was great. We had a ceremony when we docked for Carnival's return. The beaches are beautiful and the interior of the island is very unique. We did a non-Carnival sponsored island tour and really enjoyed it. I loved the landscape there.

 

Curacao was also a great stop. I will warn you that Taxis there are very expensive. We had planned on going to a beach on the northern part of the island but they wanted $80+ for a ride (gas is really high there). We ended up taking a cab to Cabana beach which is part of the Sea aquarium beach. It was nice but a bit different. It is blocked off with rocks in the water to create the beach itself. When the sun was out it was HOT. The town is awesome though and really just a great experience to walk around in. There is a lot to see in the town and it is very pretty.

 

The cruise itself was nice. We had a great time and had a group of friends on the ship. The food was good and I really have nothing to complain about. We were in 4228 (aft wrap suite) and I could honestly live in that cabin.

 

Let me know if you have any questions. I will post some pics, etc in a bit. I am just now getting settled in.

 

Will you be doing a review??? I've read your reviews in the past and they are fantastic! I'm thinking on hoping on this cruise with my parents (yes...I'm crashing their cruise) but it's not until 2/12.

 

PS...I envy all the cruises you get to go on :o

[celticd1]

Tiggerman....thank you!!!! I've been waiting for any tidbit of info for these ports so your rundown and pics are really appreciated!! :)

 

Sure hope you post a detailed review! (please??? please???) :p

 

Anyone else just getting home from this sailing?? I know I'm not the only one looking for reviews! :D

[Frequent Floater]

Thank to any and all that post here on the likes, dislikes and all between..

[shadoo]

We are sailing on the Miracle in March, can't wait. Your information is great and the pictures are super.

Tell me...does the Miracle have the technology of the newer ships, ie checking your account on TV or checking the menu on TV?

Glad you had a great cruise!:D:D:D:D

[Crystalbast]

Tiggerman101:

 

Please oh please write a detailed review. I am sailing on this itinerary in December and would love to hear lots of details. :)

 

I have booked the catamaran snorkel tour in Aruba. How late are the businesses open? I thought that I would do the snorkel excursion and then change and explore the port.

 

Did you dock at the Mega Pier in Curacao or the other pier? I am doing the Cas Abou Beach Express. Does the ship dock close enough to the attractions in Willmsted to be able to have time to explore?

 

Are you going to scan in the Carnival Fun Times?

 

Enquiring minds want to know. :D

 

Thank you so much for whatever information you can give us.

[tiggerman101]

Tiggerman101:

 

Please oh please write a detailed review. I am sailing on this itinerary in December and would love to hear lots of details. :)

 

I have booked the catamaran snorkel tour in Aruba. How late are the businesses open? I thought that I would do the snorkel excursion and then change and explore the port.

 

Did you dock at the Mega Pier in Curacao or the other pier? I am doing the Cas Abou Beach Express. Does the ship dock close enough to the attractions in Willmsted to be able to have time to explore?

 

Are you going to scan in the Carnival Fun Times?

 

Enquiring minds want to know. :D

 

Thank you so much for whatever information you can give us.

 

The stores in Aruba closed fairly early but there are restaurants, casinos, etc within walking distance that stay open. There is also a mall near the port that stays open later then regular stores.

 

I actually think the Cas Abou Express would be a good idea. As I said the cabs were just really expensive. I wasn't too impressed with the beach we went to (I just like a more natural beach). I would have rather gone up to a beach on the northern part of the island. We did dock at the Mega Pier and it is easy to walk into town. You walk through a part of a hotel to get there and that is pretty neat itself. Make sure you go across the floating bridge and explore the side across the channel. You can wonder all these cool streets, etc over there. I loved Willemstad.

[origionaljerseygirl]

tiggerman101,

thanks soooo much for the info! i copied/pasted it and am going to print it out to show my friends sailing with us on 11/3.

pics were great too!

looking for a review before we leave!

and still not certain, our itinery says catalina island, but others are saying la romana. is that on catalina island? or the mainland? can't find a map with it clearly noted!

thanks again!

audrey

[LynneL]

....

Aruba was great. We had a ceremony when we docked for Carnival's return. The beaches are beautiful and the interior of the island is very unique. We did a non-Carnival sponsored island tour and really enjoyed it. I loved the landscape there. ....

 

 

What non-Carnival island tour did you do? We're going on the Miracle in January & trying to make some plans.

[SmudgeCat]

Tiggerman- Thank you SO much for posting your thoughts and the pictures! Like others, I am on pins and needles waiting for the reviews to come in about this itinerary. I just can't wait to go back to Aruba and Curacao!!!! :p :p :p

 

So close and yet so far!!! :D

 

Many thanks in advance to all those who will be posting their thoughts/ reviews on the most recent sailing of the Carnival Miracle!!!

 

Regards,

SmudgeCat

[LRene]

We were in 4228 (aft wrap suite) and I could honestly live in that cabin.

 

We'll be in #4228 next WEDNESDAY! Can't wait for that awesome cabin. :) Our cruise does Catalina Island instead of La Romana.

 

 

I actually think the Cas Abou Express would be a good idea. As I said the cabs were just really expensive.

 

Did you talk with anyone that liked any particular beach? Seems like so much of the island is prime for divers (which we aren't). We planned to explore Willemstad and then maybe find a beach but not so sure at an $80 cab ride! :eek:

[gargoyle999]

We'll be in #4228 next WEDNESDAY! Can't wait for that awesome cabin.

 

Don't do any damage! It's mine starting Nov 19th!!! :D

[gargoyle999]

I have no idea about the rumor. I just heard it from a couple people. I wouldn't put much stock into it.

 

I wish we were skipping the Dominican Republic and staying longer in Grand Turk (leave at 3pm) and getting to Curacao earlier (arrive 1pm). There just is not much available for cruise ship guests there it seems.

[gargoyle999]

Where there any time changes on the ship during the cruise or did the ship stay on Eastern time.

[LRene]

Don't do any damage! It's mine starting Nov 19th!!! :D

 

LOL...it's a favorite! Don't worry....the dh and I don't swing from the light fixtures or anything. We'll keep it nice for you. ;)

[bills blasters]

Our itinerary still shows Catalina Island. Sure hope that is where we are going. We did La Romana 2 years ago, and don't really want to go back there. Think I would just stay on the ship.

[gargoyle999]

Ours still shows La Romana but maybe the computer will update overnight! :p

[Travel Bear]

We were on this sailing also. La Romana was a port with limited options if you didn’t take a tour. We ventured on our own. There were 5 of us. Once off the ship you walk up an incline (distance about 1-2 city blocks). It is not a steep walk and was ok for most people. It is difficult if you are not in good health or need assistance to walk. At the top is a large enclosed area monitored by a security guard. You are not allowed to walk out of the enclosure. You can only go out by auto. I did not notice independent tour operators. There is a lady who arranges the cab/vans for you and another one to guide you to the shuttle bus to Altos de Chavon ($7.00 pp). There is a shaded area with small tables and benches/chairs where you can sit and have a drink if you don’t want to venture off. We got a cab for 55.00 (originally wanted 60.00) which included roundtrip to the public beach at Bayahibe. You pay the driver at the end. You have 2 hours at the beach. If you want to stay for additional time it is 15.00 per hour. We met a couple that paid 40.00 for the 2 of them and another couple that paid 90.00 for 6. They say the prices are per cab but that is not the case. The beach was nice and the water was just beautiful. Rest rooms, food and drink, were available. When the cab drops you off beware because are “assigned” a boy for the day. Ours was named Willie who explained that the boys take turns waiting for the cabs. Willie didn’t leave us. Some of you may see this as a good thing, others may not. I had mixed feelings. Willie was grabbing our beach bags and setting up chairs before we could even get to the beach. It is just a short walk to the beach and water. For 15.00 you get 2 loungers and a little tiki umbrella that shades 2. Additional chairs are 5.00 each. We also got a “free” island necklace pp. from Willie. Willie’s job is to get a nice tip and sell you things from his beach “shop”. It seems different “Willies” bring you to different stalls. All kinds of usual island trinkets, artwork, clothing, cigars, etc. are available. He also either gets your food and drinks or accompanies you – must get a “commission”. Willie does offer you “free” coconut milk. He actually cuts it with a machete right in front of you. He relaxes on the beach, right near by at all times. When you get out of the water he is right there to remind you of the time, lest you leave before shopping. And he follows you up the beach to the van at the end to receive his tip. We tipped 5.00 per family. While this was a nice beach, I don’t think I will be in a hurry to return to this port. It doesn’t really have many options because you can’t walk around and explore anything. You could take the shuttle and explore as mentioned above, but I have no information on how the buses/roads, etc. were. The only other option is take a ship tour or taxi to the public beach or resort. I believe the resort fees are around 60.00 pp. This can end up being pretty costly for a family considering the addition of the cab. I felt we were a captive visitor in many ways and please no flaming this is just my observations and my opinions. It’s been a long day so I will not say anything about the other ports tonight.

[gargoyle999]

There is a lady who arranges the cab/vans for you and another one to guide you to the shuttle bus to Altos de Chavon ($7.00 pp).

 

Might have to consider this instead of the $47/pp Carnival excursion we have booked. If anyone had more info on this shuttle to Altos de Chavon please post. Did you use it, how frequent is the return trip. How long did it take, is the $7/pp round trip or one way?

[reddchevy]

hey neighbor:D,we'll be in 4203 on wednesday too.are casinos close to pier in aruba?cant stay away from casinos

[oliveoyle]

Just got off the same cruise. Most of the Casinos are on the Resort Hotel strip a few miles away. But when you get off the ship and walk out to the main street,go left and down a couple of blocks on the other side of the street is the Crystal Casino. It is part of the Renisanse Mall (SP) Very nice casino.

We did a KUKU KUNUKU excursion earky in am,came back cleaned up and walked downtow to the casino. Didn't win big,but left with some of their money.

Oliveoyle