My Thanksgiving Miracle Review

[drosphot]

We originally signed up on a local radio shows comedy cruise back in 8/2009. The radio show eventually backed out and the itinerary changed from a Panama Canal stop to the new Southern Caribbean itinerary. Nonetheless, we persevered and forced ourselves to make the journey from Texas to Florida to cruise the Thanksgiving Miracle with about 10 other Austinites. :cool: Here is my review of how our family of five, me and my wife and three teenage boys, 17-15-13 enjoyed it. We have cruised only with Carnival in the past this being the 3rd for me, 5th for the wife and 2nd for the boys.

 

Here's a link to my Facebook album of our cruise. You don't need an account to view it since it's a public album so please visit if you like food and snorkeling pics :D

 

Precruise: We stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express on the 17th St Causeway. Nothing spectacular, it was included in our package price. We got two rooms of the 5 of us and we ordered pizza from a late night place the hotel had menus for because we got in around 130 AM

 

Embarkation: Had an arranged shuttle for our group from Austin to the port at 1130AM, we were on board quickly and I was able to get our S&S cards changed for the correct cabins and inquire about the shareholders credit missing, we were at the Lido buffet by 1PM, The OBC showed up on my account that night.

 

Cabins: Me and the missus had a balcony cabin 6323 and the boys were across the hall in 6321. We found our steward Phichit (sp?) and had him fix ours to be a king size and the boys cabin have a bunk lowered and he left a bucket of ice for our BV liquor. It was missing a bottle of Crown Royal but it was there after dinner the first night. Phichit and his assistant, never got his name, were great but not until the last sea day did they leave enough blue towels for everyone and on the day in Curacao the assistant seemed a bit put of that I needed three more towels so we could go on our snorkeling excursion. That would be my only negative point. They were great and my wife kept playing little pranks with Phichit like turning out the lights in the cabin he was cleaning so one day she got locked out and he told her he couldn't let her in and had to get back to work and that she'd need to wait for me to let her in. :p

 

Chef's Table: We were able to get reservations through John Heald's blog for the table with several other members of the CC roll call. It was an incredible experience!!! The food was awesome and the galley tour was fascinating, right in the middle of the busiest time of the day. It was like clockwork in there. Pictures and the menu are in the Facebook link above.

 

Nick and Nora's: We dined with the boys at Nick and Nora's on the Wednesday evening of our cruise. Their first experience in a formal steakhouse environment and they enjoyed it as much as we did. It was well worth the $30/pp for the experience. I think doing it that night worked out well because they kept commenting how much they enjoyed it over the MDR for the next two nights. Absolutely no complaints and the service was top notch. Even the boys noticed how attentive the wait staff was.

 

MDR: We dined in the MDR all other nights on Anytime Dining, two nights we sat with other people ( from Missouri and from Ottawa) and the other nights just the five of us. Only one night we waited about 5 minutes to be seated. We usually went around 630-7PM and the boys went on their own when we did the Chef's Table. We had different servers almost every night, one was good enough to let us know the Chateaubriand steak was not as good as it should be and suggested avoiding it. Overall we thought the food was really good. The biggest losers were the spare ribs; we're from Texas, we need real smoke. The lobster tails seemed small but were tasty. Too much anchovies in the Caesar Salad dressing. I loved the Thanksgiving turkey, very moist and the dressing was different, seemed more like a dumpling. I enjoyed it but the rest of the family was so-so on it. Hey I like everything except cooked spinach, so take it for what it's worth. I heard comments on board and have seen a couple comments on CC about it not being that good. The big winners in the MDR were the Roasted Pumpkin soup (me & the wife), NY Strip Steak (the boys), WCMC (me only). Cappuccino Pie (boys). We had breakfast there a few mornings and it was OK, the service seemed to disappear once you got your food, had to request more water and coffee even though it was not real busy.

 

Buffets and other foods: They were hit and miss on quality, we enjoyed the chocolate fondue and ate breakfast there on port days to get out for excursions. Nothing to complain about and nothing really outstanding, the omelette station was popular. The 24 hour pizza was a bit annoying, You basically got whatever was hot. I was was able, on one occasion, to request 2 calzones and pick them up in 10 minutes piping hot. Sushi bar was to be expected for a free sushi bar. One night I was able to get extra tuna as shashimi instead of on the rice/seaweed rolls. The mackerel was terrible, unagi was alright, one night the shrimp w/ scallions about knocked my off the boat with the scallions! It was a nice little snack before dinner most nights though.

I got a deli sandwich one day, it was just OK, the burgers were good according to the family. I was always trying the different buffet entrées, didn't like the Asian dishes at all but the wife loved the egg rolls. I liked the pork and lamb puffs they had one day, the wife didn't. They had something for everyone, though and the boys never went hungry. Room service was mostly just coffee and juice for us.

 

Entertainment: We only saw the Ticket to Ride show, we enjoyed it and the boys did too but it wasn't what they expected. I think they expected cover band type thing. We saw the comedian that was not Alan Ball, but I forget his name. :o We thought he was pretty funny at both the PG and R shows. R was definitely R, and the 13 year old didn't go but the other two boys went with us. It wasn't anything they haven't seen on Comedy Central except no bleeps. The hecklers that eventually left weren't as amusing as they thought they were. The magician was fun, we went to see most of his shows but they kept setting him up near venues that had amplified music so you could not hear him well. My wife commented to Guest Services and by his last show the was set up in the Gotham Lounge where you could hear him but the turnout was rather low. He still entertained a lot of kids and paid us a visit at the Chef's table. The wife did karaoke for the first time :eek: We did some of the trivia games on Sea Days and spent time in the pools and hot tubs for the most part. The boys had some homework to do on Sea Days as well so we filled our time and were never bored.

 

Ports and Excursions: The Grand Turk port of call was canceled due to heavy winds and swell. I woke up and looked out on the balcony and the pier was right there, so I grabbed the video camera to tape us docking and we were headed back out. I guess they were a bit slow on announcing the cancellation as people were griping a bit on board but they set up activities and there were no riots in the atrium. Seems most folks were anxious to get ion land because we were having high winds every day around 25-35 and gusted to 47 one night I saw on the TV.

Dominican Republic, we did the Altos de Chavon & Cigar Factory tour through Carnival. It was OK. We would have rather seen more shops at Altos de Chavon open and spend more time there than driving through the high priced homes of Casa de Campo the tour guide took us through.

Curacao: Our first excursion was cancelled by the operator so we did the Beach by Boat through Carnival. Basic trip to the Aquarium beach and the operator tells a bit of history on the way. You get a soft drink and a chair. There is a breakwater to keep the beach intact. The rocks hurt, I can attest to that. :rolleyes: The water is sort of cloudy due to sand, there are some underwater pics in the Facebook album.

Aruba: We did the Jolly Pirates through Carnival. It was a typical snorkel excursion. The first spot was the sunken German WWII ship. The rest of the spots were pretty poor for a paying trip. We saw as many fish on the Curacao beach excursion. Open bar after snorkeling soothed the stinging eyes from salt water. The boys had a blast still and we are considering Cozumel for the next trip for snorkeling.

 

Debarkation: Since we had a flight out of FLL before 1PM we were able to get group 2 debarkation. It went smoothly for us we re were off at 830 and at the airport by 915 using the Carnival transfer bus. Even though "Bessie" wasn't cooperating on the ride over. The driver was a riot and got us there with plenty of laughs.

 

Overall: Overall we had a wonderful time. the seas were rocking the first 4 or 5 days and everyone in our family but me had seasick patches on. The last 3 days were smooth sailing. The services were great and my issue with missing OBC for shareholder credit was resolved quickly. We missed the first meet and great for CC but many of our Roll Call was st the Chef's Table. It was wonderful meeting them. Me and the wife really enjoyed the company of a couple we met at breakfast one day, George and Nancy. George was a wonderful 69 year old man with a huge heart and made for great conversation each time we saw them. We spent many nights at the Lido Aft talking till 1AM or later with them. We found the Miracle to be great ship, I see what people mean about it being the "right size" I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

That's all I have for now, any questions, please ask. We are looking into doing the Conquest out if Galveston for a Comedty Cruise, again, in August. This trip was a blast!

[cruisetexas]

Thanks for the review! Looking forward to sailing the Miracle again. The FLL airport really is easy, and is our favorite (other than driving down to Galveston!). Glad you had a good family getaway.

[Crystalbast]

What was the excursion that you signed up for in Curacao that was cancelled?

[drosphot]

What was the excursion that you signed up for in Curacao that was cancelled?

It was the Beach Day where they took you by bus to the same beach as the Beach Fun by Boat takes you to. We got a letter in our room stating the operator cancelled due to technical issues and they immediately credited our S&S account.

[momonthego17]

Great Review! My family and I are planning on a Thanksgiving cruise on Miracle next year.

 

The Chef's Table: how many people attended that? Was the food better than regular MDR fare? Did they pair wines with the courses? How long did it take?

 

Thanks in advance!

[clgcrusier]

Thanks fo giving a review-we are going on the Miracle in February on this itinerary! Getting anxious as I haven't been on a cruise for over a year now!

 

I know how you feel about pulling away from Grand Turk-that happened to my friends and I 2 years in a row at Costa Maya! Both times it was too rough to dock! We'd get right up close and then back away. And the 3rd year after that the CM port was demolished in a hurricane! Still haven't been there-:(

 

Did you happen to catch who was playing in the piano bar? And of the ports you saw, was any a particular favorite?

[Crusin Karen]

Great review. Thanks for shareing your cruise. We will be going on the Miracle for the 3rd time in May! :D I would also be interested in the details for the chef's table. Where does this take place and what is the cost? Thanks also for the food porn. And you have very handsome boys! :)

[drosphot]

They said they did three Chef's Tables this cruise due to demand. It started at 630PM and lasted till almost 930PM. There were 14 at our dinner, which was on the third night. The set up the table on the floor of Dr Frankensteins Lab, aka the Disco. Only one offering of white wine and one offering of red wine for the night, no specific pairings. Cost was $75/pp. It is well worth it, got a cookbook signed by the chef and a group photo and personalized menus.

 

We never went to the piano bar except for a CC meet and greet so I don't know who was playing, sorry. It is now smoke free according to Malcolm the CD.

 

Favorite port was probably Aruba, though all we did was the snorkel excursion. The water is beautiful there and the Jolly Pirates bus ride to the boat and back was fun.

[cbreit]

Great review and pics!! Thanks..

[hill6]

Great review. Only 166 days till we sail her again.

[Beej29]

Thanks for posting. We are doing the same itinerary for the Christmas cruise. Sorry about Grand Turk but I guess better safe than sorry. We are only planning a walk up the beach to Jacks Shack there. We also have anytime dining. We did it on the Valor back in June and it worked fine. Glad to hear you didn't have any problems. Did they do anything special for Thanksgiving? On previous Christmas and/or New Year's cruises they always had a special menu and served champagne upon embarkation. We have to travel during the holiday week due to work/school schedules. We usually have great weather.

 

Don't have any specific questions, but if you can think of any tips we should know, we would appreciate it. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience and posting about your cruise.

[drosphot]

Did they do anything special for Thanksgiving?

 

The only thing special was the menu in the MDR. I enjoyed the turkey dinner and the Pumpkin and Chocolate Pie was raved about by all in our family.

 

[navybaby1113]

Great review! Love the food pictures. Where did you find the ships coin?

[drosphot]

Where did you find the ships coin?

Deck 12 on the mini golf course when the deck was finally opened. It was closed most of the time due to high winds.

[Knights on the Beach]

The only thing special was the menu in the MDR. I enjoyed the turkey dinner and the Pumpkin and Chocolate Pie was raved about by all in our family.

 

 

We just got off Valor. I had steak instead of turkey, but asked our waiter if I could have a small side dish of stuffing. I thought it was pretty odd; it was sweet. It reminded me of bread pudding with random bits of fruit thrown in. The waiter said not many people liked it. The people who ordered turkey said the sweet potatoes weren't sweet -- more on the salty side and had onions in them. It was almost like they reversed the two dishes. The waiter also brought out the chilled tomato soup to two or three people in our family and tried to pass it off as the pumpkin bisque they had actually ordered. :rolleyes:

[emarismom]

Thamk you for the review. Did your boys go tothe teen camp? Was there a room set aside for the teens with playstation and other games? Did they like the camp?

 

I will be sailing her in March with a teen and preteen who have been asking!

[drosphot]

Thamk you for the review. Did your boys go tothe teen camp? Was there a room set aside for the teens with playstation and other

 

They did not go to the camps. They said they were going to but never did, we spent most of the time at the pool or on the balcony just spending time together. I'm not sure where they have the games set up but they do have them.

[hill6]

Great review. Only about 136 days till I sail on her again.

[AngelKappie]

We were on this cruise too!!!!! :D

 

Was AWESOME!!!!!!! One of my favs! ;)

 

We were at Chefs Table with Dropshot! The highlight of the trip!

 

Thanksgiving diner was not bad! NOT a home cooked meal, but I did not expect that! My favorite that night was the Pumpkin Chocolate cake! To die for!!!!!!!

 

REALLY liked the Thanksgiving salad too!!!!

 

Was totally bummed that we did not get to Grand Turk!!!! :(

BUT we made the best of it! Thank God the weather was nice!

 

Would LOVE to do this same cruise again!

 

LOVE the layout of the ship!

 

My teenagers did not go to Camp either, they liked spending time with us! CRAZY I know! :p LOL! I was happy that they wanted to be with us! :D NICE family trip!

 

My father in Law got sun poisoning at the first port! :( Blisters all over his feet, when he got back home was in the hospital for 5 days!!!!! His body was not responding to the medicine so they had to give him IV and also keep changing his bandages because of infection! ALSO boarder line Diabetes! BUT he made the best of it! And still says it was an awesome trip!!!! My FIL had sunscreen on all of his body but his feet he had socks on, at the beach he took of socks, and he was sitting in the shade, but the shade moved and his feet were in the sun!

 

OVER ALL, AWESOME CRUISE!!!! Wish I was on the Miracle right now!!!!!!

[drosphot]

Hi Kathy!!!

 

I agree this was our best cruise ever as well and wish we were back on it now!!!

 

We're looking at the Conquest in August for the next one! :cool:

[mandms40]

We will be on her in 2 weeks and cant wait! Thanks so much for your review, not too many people do a review for this ship. We dont have the same ports as you, we will be doing the Saints, Maarten, lucia, kitts. Dont have any excursions planned, just playing it by ear.

 

Glad to hear you enjoyed the food in the MDR. Heard alot of people complain that the food wasnt very good or that it was cold.

 

We have friends that are joining us that will be their first on Carnival, they usually go on HAL, so this will be special, and my DH's B'day cruise too.

 

Someone said that they do have the Quest on ship. Did you see it in the daily paper?

 

Sandra

[drosphot]

Someone said that they do have the Quest on ship. Did you see it in the daily paper?

 

I recall seeing it but not sure on which day. For us it was one of those things that if we got to it great if not, oh well, we're on a boat... :cool:

 

Enjoy your cruise, we really enjoyed the Miracle, seems like the perfect size ship as many others have said...

[drosphot]

Ok I just had my second let down from the cruise, the first being having to skip Grand Turk. I tired to donate whole blood today and didn't even think of a deferral from visiting certain countries. Turns out the Dominican Republic has a malaria warning and the 8 hour port of call resulted in a 1 year deferral from donating... :(

[momonthego17]

We will be on her in 2 weeks and cant wait! Thanks so much for your review, not too many people do a review for this ship. We dont have the same ports as you, we will be doing the Saints, Maarten, lucia, kitts. Dont have any excursions planned, just playing it by ear.

 

 

Sandra

Hi Sandra,

 

We will be on Miracle with the same ports as you next Tday! I would love to hear your comments/review after your cruise.

 

Have a great time!

[pacerzfan]

Great review. Thanks for sharing your cruise