Miracle Review 10/2 Part 1

[Allison&Eric]

Six of us went on this trip. My sister and I, our other halves and our kids (5 & 9). Went down to Tampa on Saturday morning to go to Busch Gardens. Sister and her family missed their flight (they are always late) so they also missed out on a good time there. We stayed at the Clarion in Westshore only because it was free due to reward points. The hotel was not that great, but within walking distance to the Westshore Mall where I dropped a good deal of money. Plus, like I said it was free.

 

I'm gonna try to break this review into sections for better clarity:

 

Embarkation - It was easy. We got to the port around 11:30 and checked in. We had to wait about 20 mins for them to start boarding and we were on the ship. Had lunch before it got too crowded. They let us in our rooms around 1:30 and we had all of our luggage by 5:00.

 

The Ship- Like others have said before, I think I had heard so much about the outlandish decor, that I was desensitized to it. It thought it was fun. It's no QE2, but that's not what I was looking for on this trip. There was alot to do and I was very pleased with the sports bar since there were some football games I didn't want to miss (Go Dawgs!). I had heard before that there was not much going on after hours on this ship, but we must have had some partyers with us, because the disco was crowded at night and there were always people around until the wee hours. The pub crawls were a blast!

 

Dinner - We ate dinner in the dining room every night. I didn't expect this because of the kids, but they loved it! Our dining staff was superb (Daniela & Andre). They took exceptional care of our kids and got them anything they wanted. Our son (9) loves steak so Daniela got him a specially cooked filet mignon every night. It was so much fun for them and us. I thought the food was great. I tried at least 3 apps and two entrees every night. We did not go to the supper club, but I heard great things about it and it is beautiful. We did have reservations, but I cancelled them after the second night. I could not justify another $60 bucks when we were satisfied with the dining room. Food in Horatio's was good as well with a wide selection. Loved the deli and the pizzeria. Also loved how they served breakfast till 12:00 for us later risers!

 

Photos - I add this section because you know how crazy Carnival is about taking your picture. It can get annoying when you are waiting to get off the ship and they are holding up the line to get a silly picture! But I do like the formal portraits and they had at least 20 or 25 different backgrounds to choose from over the course of the week. We got some beautiful pictures which look like we had them done in a studio, not a cruise.

 

Cayman Islands - Did the Nativeway Reef Rays and Rum Point tour. Had a great time. The rays were amazing and the kids loved it. The water was warm and shallow. When we snorkled the guides went down and lured a nurse shark and a moray eel out of the reef for us to swim with. It was cool to look down and see a 5 foot shark swimming 20 inches below you! Rum Point was beautiful and the lunch was good. They guides were alot of fun. They let the boys drive the boat all the way out to Stingray City. We were not crowded and I was glad considering the other boats I saw out there packed to the gills!

 

Okay, will write more later today. I gotta get some work done!

[pcakes2]

anxiously waiting for Part 2!

 

-patty..

[Litewait]

We will be on the Miracle in April. Can't wait~

We have also booked the Rays, Reef & Rum Tour. How munch time did you spend in each place??

 

Thanks for the review:p

[sharks48]

Hey, Allison&Eric! We were on the RR&R tour with you, I guess!! What a great time! Was it your son who had the "mishap" on the ladder - he seemed so scared. Glad he was OK.

 

This is a GREAT tour. We spent 45 min to an hour in each place. The guides were wonderful. I highly recommend Nativeway to anyone who wants a terrific snorkeling experience.

[Allison&Eric]

Hey there. Who were you guys! Funny that we were on the same tour. Yes, it was my nephew who slipped on the ladder. He is so clumsy! He was fine. More embarassed than anything. Did you guys get the video?

[airhead22]

I was on your sailing. My sister and I were on the catamaran at stingray city. We onlyl had about 25 on our boat and had plenty of room It was a great day... not too hot. How about those 2 folks we left and had to stop for? That, plus the 2 running down the dock in cozumel were some of the best fun!

[finoky]

Wooohooo! Keep it coming. Sounds great so far. Seems like most everyone that post a review says embarkation in Tampa is a breeze. Hope it stays that way for us in April. Look forward to the rest of your review.

[Allison&Eric]

Costa Maya - Okay, as I know, many people seem to not like this port. We loved it. We spend alot of vacation time in Mexico and it's just the kind of small town that we like. We went to Pez Quadro at the very end of town. Yes, we walked through the people "peddling their wares". I simply say no thanks and continue on my way. That's it. I just try to remember that I am here on a vacation that cost a fortune and most of the people do not have plumbing or running water. Anyway, don't want to get caught up in that. We had bought an all you can drink package there beforehand via the internet. The bartenders were great and treated our kids very well. We ate lunch at the hotel which was across the street and it was excellent. Authentic mexican. The beach was fine and the water shallow. The kids had a good time playing.

 

Belize - We took the Altun-Ha River Wallace tour. The weather was overcast in the morning so it was kind of cool as we sped down the river. There were about ten of us in the boat. We saw dolphins, manatees, crocs, monkeys and many types of birds and strange vegetation. Our guides were great. The boat dropped us off at a small makeshift village for the bus to pick us up and take us to Altun-Ha. We had lunch there, but not many others did. I thought it was good and even our kids did, which says alot. It was stewed chicken, beans and rice. The sun was out in full force in Altun-Ha. It was pretty brutal. Since it had rained, there were clouds of insects under the trees, so not much chance for shade. Either the sun or the bugs. I chose the sun. As far as the ruins, they were nice, but not as impressive as something like chichen itza or others in central america. We did climb them which was fun for the kids. This was a tour through Carnival and I usually don't like to do that, but we barely made it back in time for the last tender so it was a little peaceful on the mind.

 

Cozumel - We purchased day passes to the Melia Cozumel resort. It was a beautiful place with two pools (one adults only with swim up bar) and lovely beach. Everyone was nice and accomodating. The kids were free and we paid $35 per adult. Nice relaxing day. Came back to the ship in late afternoon, put the kids in camp and went to Carlos and Charlies. Brother-in-law barely made it back on board. He was one of the last stragglers which we were all cheering on. My sister was frantic, but I thought it was hilarious since I had had a few too many that day. I would recommend that people do more exploration of the island if they have never been there. We have many times so just wanted to take it easy.

 

Days at Sea- They were nice and peaceful and resulted in a couple hangovers. The boat was moving quite a bit, but it didn't bother me or my family. Can't speak for others.

 

Camp Carnival - They were great to the kids. Couldn't keep them out of there. Glad of it too as it gave us some adult time.

 

There's really too much to write. If anyone has questions, just let me know.

[vikeqn]

Allison & Eric,

I was wondering how you got the day pass to the Melia. Was it an all inclusive pass and was the ocean swimable ? We were there a few years back and it was not swimable.

Thank You

[sharks48]

Allison&Eric: We spoke with your nephew on the way back to the boat at Rum Point. We were discussing how the weather seems different depending on where your're coming from. He told us how Georgia is cold compared to Rum Point, which we got a kick out of, since we're from Western NY! We also talked with the younger boy [your son? - what a cutie!] about the dog that was running around the trees at RP while were all getting ready to head back to the ship. I think we were sitting across the boat from you [at least the boys were there, dozing].

 

Wasn't that a great time?! Wish I were there today - it's gray and cool here [your nephew would REALLY think it's cold!].

 

I agree about the movement of the ship. I wonder if they were trying to save fuel or something by not running the stabilizers. That was the roughest ride we've had, except for last year coming into port after Frances. And the water wasn't that rough! I took more dramamine on this trip than on any of our other cruises.

[sharks48]

Allison&Eric: We spoke with your nephew on the way back to the boat at Rum Point. We were discussing how the weather seems different depending on where your're coming from. He told us how Georgia is cold compared to Rum Point, which we got a kick out of, since we're from Western NY! We also talked with the younger boy [your son? - what a cutie!] about the dog that was running around the trees at RP while were all getting ready to head back to the ship. I think we were sitting across the boat from you [at least the boys were there, dozing].

 

Wasn't that a great time?! Wish I were there today - it's gray and cool here [your nephew would REALLY think it's cold!].

 

I agree about the movement of the ship. I wonder if they were trying to save fuel or something by not running the stabilizers. That was the roughest ride we've had, except for last year coming into port after Frances. And the water wasn't that rough! I took more dramamine on this trip than on any of our other cruises.

[mojean]

Did this include any food? Did they have any water sports or just swimming? We did a one day pass all inclusive in Montego Bay (Sunset Beach, I think it was) it was great. They had a free pool bar, beach, casino and food. It was $20 a person, kids too I think. They kept your sign and sail while you were there and we saw several of cruise employees here so you know its their hangout. This was on the Conquest cruise.

[seabum]

Costa Maya - Okay, as I know, many people seem to not like this port. We loved it. We spend alot of vacation time in Mexico and it's just the kind of small town that we like. We went to Pez Quadro at the very end of town. We had bought an all you can drink package there beforehand via the internet.

There's really too much to write. If anyone has questions, just let me know.

 

 

Hey Allison and Eric.

I have a feeling we are going to like Costa Maya as well - We were there several years ago - one of the first ships to go there. I curious to see how it has changed. We tend to like the more authentic smaller villages off of the beaten path. (Yelapa near PV for example on the west coast)

I was wondering - did your package at Pez Quadro include anything besides open bar? I assume I can google them to locate their website.

Also - was there any sort of hassle getting to town - I've read that the cabs are in GREAT demand when a ship comes in - that the lines can take forever. In addition, we are the second ship to arrive in port on our day next month. Could we just alk to town from the pier area ?

Thanks for the review and tips

[Suzerstar]

I too was on the rr&r tour that you guys were speaking of..the wife and I had a great time and would recommend that tour also..just keep an eye on the time..we cut it mighty close making it back to the tender..

I also think Costa Maya was one of my favorite stops (from what I remember!) I too was a victim of Pez Quadro's unlimited supply of Mai-Tais! The snorkeling was way better in Grand Caymen and Cozumel (saw a barracuda!) than in Belize..Would HIGHLY recommend Chankanab Park to everyone..We swam with Sea Lions, held a Sloth, swam, snorkeled...etc..

That place made our trip..We also met a lot of great people on the Miracle...We had a great vacation...

While I got ya here...we are thinking about taking our next cruise on The Sun Princess with the "Southern Carribean Medley" itinerary..has anyone done this? any feedback would be appreciated. :)

Jerry

[emmysmommy]

Ah your review brings back good memories - we were on the Miracle this summer. It's a loooong walk through Majahual to get to Pez Quadro, we did that little beach excursion as well. The folks at the "cantina" sure know how to take care of the tourists. They asked us when we wanted our pre-ordered lunch served and they brought it to us right on time as requested. They kept the drinks flowing nicely. The beach didn't thrill us that much but overall, it was very nice.

[Allison&Eric]

Hey everyone! I sure wish we were back on the ship!

 

As far as the Melia goes, the all inclusive pass did include food and non-motorized watersports. We rented a kayak and paddled around for a while. There were also jet skis there to rent. The beach was not the greatest I have ever seen, but you could swim. It looked beautiful, but the sand had a lot of coral and was rough on the feet. There were patches that are better than others.

 

In Costa Maya, our pass did not include food at the hotel, but you could get a pass that included it. I think is was from $5-10 dollars depending, but the food was not expensive at the hotel and you would probably be better off just getting it there. The bartenders were the nicest people ever.

 

Jerry, we had so much fun with you guys! Hope you are doing well. It's freezing here in Atlanta. 55 degrees this morning and I had to turn the heat on! Actually, it was 85 yesterday and I am sure we will see it again. Hope you guys move down here soon! I want to do the Southern Caribbean also. Have been looking at the Serenade of the Seas on RCCL. Heard great things about it. Let us know what you find out about Princess.

[Colton's dad]

Great review, We did same as you in Belize, G Cayman last Feb, and can't wait till Dec., 4th 05. to do again. Watched her sail out yesterday and can't help but wonder if they will get to all the stops?

[Suzerstar]

Looked at the Serenade of the Seas...it is a great trip...we have been to all of those places, they are beautiful...esp Barbados! That is a definitie possibility...We will lookinto it. I will let you know about the Sun Princess (Ft Lauderdale, Curacao, Venezuela, Barbados, Dominica <--our favorite!!, St. Thomas, PrIncess Caye, Ft. Lauderdale)...We had a great time on our Miracle cruise and our so glad we met you guys...I will email you when I hear from our TA...maybe we can get our booze included!!! :D

J

[brenchris]

Anyone going on the Miracle any time soon? I always buy the blue cup with the name of the ship on it. Just returned this past Sunday & my cup was broken when I got home. Am willing to pay the shipping & for the cup if anyone can get it for me. Email me at bchris0544@hotmail.com if you can do it. Our cruise was also great - we always do our own tours, etc. Go to San Francisco Beach in Cozumel - has a swim up bar in their pool & swimming in the ocean is also great. Free to get in also. Thanks for anyone who maybe can get me a cup.

[brenchris]

Also, for the first time that I have had happen on any cruise, the custom agents came aboard with the dogs & were checking rooms randomly before disembarking in Tampa. There were many people doing the self assist, so that may have had something to do with it. On our cruise, they let self-assist off first, early flights next & then it was opened to everyone-not called by decks or colors. It was a very easy time getting off. Not nearly as disorganized as you would think.

[BettyB2]

Thanks for the review!! This is one of the ships/itineraries I am looking at for our next cruise - love reading about her!! Did you have sushi while on board? Do you know who the piano player was in the piano bar?

thanks