Miracle 11/20/05 (Thanksgiving) review

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

When I started this, I planned to write a very brief review... not the 2300 word essay you now see...

 

It's official : we had a very nice cruise - this evidenced by an appropriate weight gain, exactly 3.0 pounds each. Not too much, or too little - but JUST right.... We also had our 13 and 18 year old sons with us, but did not bother with a pre/post-cruise weigh-in for them!

 

We drove down to Disney on Friday, stayed in the resort and went to Epcot on Saturday... dark and breezy skies made for a comfortable day. We awoke on Sunday morning and began the final leg of our trip to the MIRACLE.

 

We like to get close to the port a day ahead of time to allow for unforeseen delays (as in interstate WRECKS). Heading into Tampa on I-4 we were only a mile or two away from the exit to the port when we came upon a WRECK. A highway patrol car was engulfed in flames and they had both east and westbound traffic stopped. Fortunately there had not been a lot of rain recently, so we were able to cross the median and head back to the last exit - less than a mile. From there we were able to stay on an access road and pass the jam. I hope nobody was hurt.

 

We arrived at the port around 10:40ish (note that ALL TIMES mentioned from this point on will be estimates, and I will simply drop the -ish!) to drop off our luggage, only to notice that one thing was missing... THE SHIP. It would seem that, once again, a barge had blocked the narrow channel, and the Miracle had to dock at the "alternate" location. Since this was the case, the luggage drop off area was being used by busses bringing people back to the terminal for their luggage and then to the airport, etc... thus, we had to drop off our luggage on the other side of the street (near the parking garage) and porters were coming over there to help haul luggage across. I REALLY felt that they earned their tip this time (it took 1.5 porters!) We had TEN pieces of checked luggage; 3 huge, a few medium, and 3 small... we only wore about HALF the clothes we took - but it is good to have OPTIONS. Much easier/cheaper doing this when NOT flying. Cheryl and the boys went over to the terminal, and I parked our vehicle. We were in the terminal before 11:00. We showed our docs at the door, then inside and up the escalator we went - to wait in a 5 minute line at the x-ray machine. For reference, they will require that laptops and video game machines (X-box) are removed from bags, and sent through solo. We carried on 4 bottles of wine (fine, lol) and 1 champagne between the two of us, and I carried a 12 pack of DMD (Diet Mtn Dew) - nary a problem.

 

There was NOBODY in either the FUN PASS line or at the Skipper's Club. We booked 4228 - a port side corner Cat 11 suite:

 

 

We had our sons in the adjoining Cat 8 cabin (4230) - so we were able to go to the Skipper's club check-in and they were able to go with us - one of the women there did have to leave and retrieve our sons S&S cards (gold) - ours, as you may have surmised from our signature, was platinum...woo hoo, lol... As it turned out, the ONLY perk - other than the occasional "wow - welcome back/ thank you" comments from the staff were the VIP luggage tags we received on/around Thursday - for early debarkation on Sunday. So, at any rate, we sat around there for a short while and were then led down to a waiting bus - then off to the ship, which was about a 8 (?) minute ride. All in all, this was not nearly as bad as I had imagined - it went quite smoothly, but this was PRE-CRUISE, and I can't say the same for those that left the ship (on busses) that morning!

 

Now, off of the bus, a short line for picture taking, and onto the ship - all before noonish! (there is that ISH again...!)

 

We headed straight for our cabins, which were ready, and dropped our carry on luggage. Our boys were not aware that they had a balcony until they opened the door - they were thrilled. We explained our "need" for having lots of ICE in our cabin to Adul (cabin steward, now $20 happier), who obliged by later bringing us a cooler which he left for the entire week... it was large enough for dozens of cold beverages!!! We then headed straight to Nick & Nora's where we met Ivana (Supper Club Hostess from our July sailing) and Claudia (current hostess) - we were able to book our favorite table again for Tuesday (Grand Cayman) and Thursday (assumed to be 2nd Formal night, which ended up being instead on Friday following Costa Maya). We double checked the time and location of our table in the main dining room - a 4 person booth, upper level, early seating - as desired!

 

As it turned out, the FINAL update from CCL a few days prior to departure regarding the ports/dates/times, was not totally correct.

 

Here was ours:

Tuesday ------ Grand Cayman 7 to 4 (was to be 8 to 5)

Wednesday--- Cozumel ------ 10 to 7 (was to be 7 to 6)

Thursday ----- Belize-------- 8 to 5 - unchanged

Friday -------- Costa Maya -- 8 to 5 - unchanged

 

So the changes were minor (unless you happened to have a very early private excursion booked in Cozumel).

 

We met dozens of CC'ers at 3pm (prior to Muster Drill) in Jeeve's Lounge (outside of Frankenstein's Lab - disco). It was GREAT to finally put faces to the "voices" from our roll call thread - HELLO ALL!!! Even with the "alternate pier" factored in, the muster drill and sail-away happened very close to schedule.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Following is the day-by-day. All nights were topped off with room service - between midnight and 3 AM, it never took more than a minute for them to answer the phone, and never more that 15-20 to bring the order to the room. We tipped from $2 to $5 depending on the size of the order.

 

Sunday - 1st night - great waiters and dinner - comedian Dan DeCapua was very funny. Stayed up late in the CASINO...

 

Monday - 1st Sea Day - 1st Formal night. We went to the show "Generations" which was OK. Then hit the CASINO, off to bed by midnight due to an early excursion (so we thought)...

 

Tuesday - Grand Cayman - We had a tour booked with NativeWay for their "Rays, Reef, and Rum Point" excursion (along with several CC'ers) - but high winds/seas prevented tendering that morning - can you say EXTRA SEA DAY - thus everyone on board received $25 credit on their S&S cards - a drop in the ocean, but it adds up! I am glad that they made the decision not to tender there, as it would not have been a fun excursion given the conditions!

We ate at Nick & Nora's this evening - and LOVED IT.

My favorites for starters were:

......BEEF CARPACCIO Sliced raw beef tenderloins with shaved parmesan cheese marinated Mache Lettuce (night 1)

......SHRIMP COCKTAIL Colossal black tiger prawns with American cocktail sauce (night 2)

For the salad, only ONE choice for me:

......BABY LEAF SPINACH AND FRESH MUSHROOMS with blue cheese , warm bacon dressing

For the side dish:

......Yukon gold mash with Wasabi Horseradish (nights 1 and 2)

......Spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce (my sons LOVED this)

For the Entree:

......CLASSIC PORTERHOUSE STEAK 24oz of the best from both worlds (night 1) - Rare - cooked perfectly, though not as tender as:

......BROILED FILET MIGNON 9oz for the true Gourmet (night 2)

The filet was tender enough to cut with a butter knife, but I love the Crocodile Dundee knives they arm you with (we bought 4 in the formalities shop $29/2- along with 4 of the "Bulls Head" knives @ $5 each)

For the dessert (only had the room for it one night - and you have to make a point to LEAVE room):

......WASHINGTON APPLE TARTE TARTIN served with chocolate and lemon balm salad - WOW... WOW...WOW (though my wife prefers the chocolate trio dessert)

Then we stayed up late in the CASINO, due to the fact that we would not get off the ship in Cozumel (been there, done that, and it is not in great shape) - can you say another (pseudo) sea-day!!!

 

Wednesday - Cozumel - Great day, slept in - woke up for lunch. I think this is the day they had very tasty and tender ribs for the buffet lunch. At any rate, a nice day and up till midnight, once again, in the CASINO.

 

Thursday - Belize - We went on the Coral Breeze "Shark/Ray Snorkeling and Caye Caulker Exploration". We went on this excursion in July 2003 (inaugural 7-night Glory cruise) and since we had an EXCELLENT time then, we thought "what the heck" --- well, "you can't relive history" about sums it up. The boat they used was smaller, with more people (30) and whereas before they offered water, sodas and beer (included) on the boat, all that they offer now is water (water in sealed BAGS - yep, tear off a corner with your teeth, if you dare, and suck it out... geesh). Also, in 2003, they took you to a great little place for lunch, overlooking the water - this time the destination changed (no water in sight), and the food was not as tasty as I recall. Also, before there was not a "rays" stop, and instead there were two snorkel sites - this time, only ONE. It was also set up differently this time: we had to follow, as a group, a particular path - and could not stay and look at something too long, or veer off the path without being "called back" to the group... so much for the "exploration" component of this excursion. Water quality was moderate, fish and colors somewhat lacking... additionally, the tour left 45 minutes late, so I would guess we were hurried up a bit so that the last tender could be caught! Below is a picture of the boat (on the RIGHT) and another of the place where we ate. (btw... the Coral Breeze website indicates that the boat is "fully covered" - judge for yourself)

 

 

 

This night was to have been formal night, but was changed so it seems, due to Thanksgiving (no idea here...). We did not want turkey anyway, and had already planned on our 2nd evening @ Nick and Nora's for this night - loved it. We went to the show that evening (vocals of Christina Machado and Comedian Will Marfori). In our opinion, we would have been better off in the CASINO, really! We stayed up late (2-3 AM) - yep, in the CASINO.

 

Friday - Costa Maya - 2nd Formal Night. We wandered off the ship after lunch (slept in again!) and strolled around the shops. It felt like we didn't skip Cozumel (lots of people trying to lure you into their shops - most with the same "stuff"). We did buy a few trinkets, and my son wanted a temp tattoo:

 

 

Well, this was the last "full night" due to Saturday being the final full (sea) day. We went to see Glenn Miller (hypnotist) for his adult show at 11PM, good, but not as funny as it was in July. Up late again in the CASINO!

 

Saturday - Final FUN DAY at SEA! - It was this day that we picked up our free bottle of rum we won in the Casino Raffle during our July 3rd cruise (we kept our certificate!). We skipped the main dining room this evening, as we were busy packing, and wanted to stay CASUAL all day and night - also, this was not a choice menu night...! We caught the "general audience" hypnotist show this evening, it was funny - I think he had most all the people "under" this time (even 2 very receptive women from the audience!). It was ALMOST as funny as in July. Once again, up till 1AM in the CASINO.

 

Sunday - TAMPA - Debarkation, with the VIP tags, we headed to the designated meeting spot by 8:15, and were then led off the ship (around the growing lines) - grabbed our luggage and a porter. He took them all the way to our vehicle on the 2nd level of the far parking garage (a well earned $20). We were on the road by 8:45... VERY smooth!

 

We had to call the pursers desk 5 times during the week to have a plumber come and unclog our toilet. In most cabins this can be fixed without having to enter the cabin - not in an aft corner. We had this same cabin in July, and NEVER had this happen once (and we did NOTHING "different"). Also, once, they called us to ask for access to our cabin to fix the adjacent Cat 11 suite's toilet (#4226). You may be able to see in the following photo the shared access area to the toilets just within the hallway in our cabin:

 

 

We ended up enough "ahead" in the CASINO to cover the cost of our suite. My 18yo son (his first time) learned a very bad lesson - he won $1300... (Blackjack only!)

 

In closing, here is a beautiful Belize Sunset: (you can see these photos, and others, if their full resolution by following our SmugMug link below)

 

 

Tom and Cheryl

[GoinCruisin]

Hey T&C! Great review!!!! Brought back memories!!! Now, did you enjoy this cruise a little bit more than the last one on the Miracle??? ;) At least the weather?? :D Welcome home!!!

[finoky]

Thanks for the great review. Loved your pics too.

[CorbinCatFan]

Great to have this review. We're off in a few weeks and I have a question about Caye Caulker. We booked just a beach day from Coral Breeze. Any thoughts on this? I'm not sure what to expect.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Great to have this review. We're off in a few weeks and I have a question about Caye Caulker. We booked just a beach day from Coral Breeze. Any thoughts on this? I'm not sure what to expect.

 

I can't speak for the remainder of the Caye, but the area where we docked did not have a "tropical beach" look to it (kind of "bay like" and grassy):

 

 

I did not venture beyond this small area. I would guess there must be some reviews on CC which discuss the island in more depth...

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hey T&C! Great review!!!! Brought back memories!!! Now, did you enjoy this cruise a little bit more than the last one on the Miracle??? ;) At least the weather?? :D Welcome home!!!

 

The July cruise and this one were "different" due to one main thing: we had our sons with us this time. So there was less time to kick back, relax, and take naps - etc.... It is certainly fun having them along - but "different" is an ideal word! We had a great time (just like before, even with DENNIS factored in!)

 

We had long conversations with Stipe (Maitre d') and Mark Hawkins (CD). These are both very nice fellows who will go out of their way to make sure you have a splendid trip. Mark is expecting his first child (girl) very soon. He indicated that, sometime in Feb (?), Karl "with a K" will be back on board (the old "team") - so that should make for a good time!

 

Hey Chris - have you heard anything from Sgt Monz lately? He seems to have vanished! He, as you recall, really came through for us following our July cruise.

 

Glad to see the countdown clocks are operational again (for now)...!

 

Tom

[GoinCruisin]

The July cruise and this one were "different" due to one main thing: we had our sons with us this time. So there was less time to kick back, relax, and take naps - etc.... It is certainly fun having them along - but "different" is an ideal word! We had a great time (just like before, even with DENNIS factored in!)

 

We had long conversations with Stipe (Maitre d') and Mark Hawkins (CD). These are both very nice fellows who will go out of their way to make sure you have a splendid trip. Mark is expecting his first child (girl) very soon. He indicated that, sometime in Feb (?), that Karl "with a K" will be back on board (the old "team") - so that should make for a good time!

 

Hey Chris - have you heard anything from Sgt Monz lately? He seems to have vanished! He, as you recall, really came through for us following our July cruise.

 

Glad to see the countdown clocks are operational again (for now)...!

 

Tom

 

Glad to hear Karl with a K will be back, he was a funny kid!!!!!

 

I heard from him last week, early in the week, but he really hasn't been around much at all. I know he has a cruise in a few weeks... I emailed him this mornign to give him some info about our hotel rooms for S&S, but haven't heard back... when I do, I'll tell him to drop you a line!!!

[CorbinCatFan]

I can't speak for the remainder of the Caye, but the area where we docked did not have a "tropical beach" look to it (kind of "bay like" and grassy):

 

I did not venture beyond this small area. I would guess there must be some reviews on CC which discuss the island in more depth...

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

 

Tom

 

Thanks for the input and thanks for a wonderful review/pics. (I've read it at least 10 times and have dreamed about how the cruise will be.)

 

:D

[skogler]

Tom,

 

Great review. We leave on 1/1/06 on the Miracle. I am trying to book a scuba trip in Cozumel. Our posted itinerary is different than the one you had. We are scheduled to stop in Cozumel on Friday instead of Weds. They flipped flopped the Costa Maya, Cozumel days. If you know anything, I would appreciate a note. I have sent a note to Carnival but sometimes they don't commit to a set answer. Thanks again.

 

Scott

[CrusinAgain]

Great review. We are leaving in 11 days for this one.

 

Have you heard anything about a tender leaving the ship at Cozumel to go to Playa del Carmen? We have an excursion there and thought we were going to have to take a tender, then the ferry, but someone else on your cruise said they got on the wrong tender which took them to Playa del Carmen. How can I find out about this especially since those hours changed for Cozumel that you posted and we will be rushing to get there.

 

Thank you!

[MrPete]

Enjoyed the read Tom!

[MrPete]

We had our sons in the adjoining Cat 8 cabin (4230) - so we were able to go to the Skipper's club check-in and they were able to go with us - one of the women there did have to leave and retrieve our sons S&S cards ...

 

I had to laugh when I read this. I had booked DD (6 at the time) in the adjoining cabin, as our cat 11 only held two pax. When we did the skippers club check in, I got the long look down the nose, and a push of my daughters tickets back at me, all while being told "You must have someone elses tickets".

 

She changed her tune real fast when I lifted my DD onto her table.

[imosoreal]

Great review!! I didn't see me in any of your pictures though I did see hubby's bald head (lol).

 

I'm kind of slow -- still trying to get through mine. You're such a great writer.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

.

 

Thank you!

 

I am not sure if CCL ever really knows what they will do - up until the point that they ACTUALLY do it (hours/days in advance...!) You can call DOZENS of times (as I did) during the weeks prior to the cruise, and get many conflicting "facts"...:rolleyes:

 

You can use what they tell you as a general guideline - but I would not plan anything which is non-refundable...!

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Great review!! I didn't see me in any of your pictures though I did see hubby's bald head (lol).

 

I'm kind of slow -- still trying to get through mine. You're such a great writer.

 

 

OK - that's it... I am heading back to where I took my undergrad literature courses and ask for a grade revision!!! lol

 

We have some pictures of you and Mike, if you would like I can e-mail them to you! Just send an e-mail to: gatrnol@hotmail.com

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

Great review. We leave on 1/1/06 on the Miracle. I am trying to book a scuba trip in Cozumel. Our posted itinerary is different than the one you had. We are scheduled to stop in Cozumel on Friday instead of Weds. They flipped flopped the Costa Maya, Cozumel days. If you know anything, I would appreciate a note. I have sent a note to Carnival but sometimes they don't commit to a set answer. Thanks again.

 

Scott

 

(I gave this reply to the WRONG person earlier!)

 

I am not sure if CCL ever really knows what they will do - up until the point that they ACTUALLY do it (hours/days in advance...!) You can call DOZENS of times (as I did) during the weeks prior to the cruise, and get many conflicting "facts"...

 

You can use what they tell you as a general guideline - but I would not plan anything which is non-refundable...!

 

Tom

[cruise-wife]

Tom-'n-Cheryl

Great review. Jerry Mac and I enjoyed it very much. Sounds like you had some interesting experiences. We booked an aft wrap around on Legend in April - Sure hope the toilet works LOL!

We see that you countdown clocks are working. None of ours are working on our thread, what did you do?

Terri (cruise-wife) and Jerrymac

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom-'n-Cheryl

Great review. Jerry Mac and I enjoyed it very much. Sounds like you had some interesting experiences. We booked an aft wrap around on Legend in April - Sure hope the toilet works LOL!

We see that you countdown clocks are working. None of ours are working on our thread, what did you do?

Terri (cruise-wife) and Jerrymac

 

echlforums.com/cgi-bin/Count.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt= 2006;4;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

 

the above is what you want embedded in your signature... just make sure it is within the "

 

http://www.echlforums.com/cgi-bin/Count.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2006;4;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500' alt='Count.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2006;4;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500'>

 

Enjoy your cruise... I am on my way to Afghanistan (by way of Ft. Benning, where I am now) --- so I can't wait until our July Cruise on the Glory!!!

 

 

I just noticed - you guys should be doing the DOUBLE DIGITS dance!!!

 

Tom

[ASONGULOVE]

yes yes yes, but how was the PIANO BAR!?!?!?!?!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

yes yes yes, but how was the PIANO BAR!?!?!?!?!

 

After reading what was on here (before going) and after hearing from a couple of the shipboard staff after boarding - I actually never stepped foot into the piano bar... it would seem, Mark, that you will have to break our streak and be on the Legend next Thanksgiving... perhaps even the Glory over July 4th!!!

 

Tom

[dstreefrog]

Hi Tom & Cheryl

Just stopping by to say Happy New Year!

Hope to run into you again on a cruise soon! Our next cruise we have the Aft wrap!!!

 

Treefrog

[ASONGULOVE]

wait, what did the shipboard staff tell you??

 

 

(i gotta know what im gettin myself into...lol)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

wait, what did the shipboard staff tell you??

 

 

(i gotta know what im gettin myself into...lol)

 

... actually one of the bar waiters elsewhere on the ship told me the place can't keep a crowd "lately"... I did stroll by a couple of times, and it was DEAD... the word was that the player thought quite (too) highly of himself...

 

Tom

[ASONGULOVE]

well, i'll have to remedy that next week...lol