Miracle Review-2/4/07 (Just Back)

[Suzij11]

Ok, lets try this again. I just typed this LONG review and the boards didn't save it (hate them sometimes).

 

Dining Room & Food-Our table was on the 2nd floor and all the way in the back corner. We felt like we were out of the way and never saw the matre'd or the shows, because they never came upstairs. Food was "sub-par" compared to RCCL. The sugar free desserts were terrible and the buffet at Horatios was just "ok". Nick and Noras is NOT to be missed. That food was AMAZING. However, the wine stewart made us feel like we were "poor folks that didn't know class" just because we didn't want any wine. That was very disturbing. Our waiter was great; however, very hard to understand him, his accent was deep and he talked way too fast.

 

Also I have a seafood allergy; but they never acknowledged it. I sent the info/request to them, as they requested; however, no one ever said anything to me. On RCCL, they came over everytime, before I ordered and checked my food. Even got me fries from another location, because in the dining room, the fries are fried with seafood.

 

Cabin-My cabin (8186) was the worst. Right under Horatios and we heard everything. We are still waiting for our cabin stewart to bring us ice. We had to constantly ask him and hardly saw him. Even important papers, we needed for disembarkation, he didn't have.

 

Casino-Was GREAT. They all made you feel like they wanted you to win and was happy to help you, while playing. All tables were $5 and we played for long periods of time. Didn't really see the slots hitting that much.

 

Photography-Most of the photographers were great. Really appreciated MIKULAS who helped me out; plus he posed you and took his time, he wanted to "feel" the picture. So, if you are looking for that special picture, during your trip, make sure you seek him out and get your photo taken by him! Others just "snapped and moved on".

 

Sushi-Outside of Maguires Bar -- the Sushi is GREAT.

 

Shows-The adult comedian and Hypnotist were great. I thought the dancers were just "ok". The other thing that bugged me about the dancers, several of the "girls" socialized with a group of "young adults" in the dining room, at a table near ours and they were very unprofessional and obnoxius. I didn't think they should have been so loud, rowdy and obnoxious with the guests, that out in the open.

 

Ports & Excursions-Loved Costa Maya. You must go to the town of Mahalua (spelling?) and eat at the Cats Meow. Ask for GEORGE as your server. We ate and drank there all day for $24 and he got you WHATEVER you wanted. The woman that owns the Cats Meow is from Canada and her food and baked goods are GREAT! Very clean and a GREAT time. The vendors, down the street, all want you to buy there goods, make sure you bargin with them. We got a $20 massage for 1 hour. DO not buy the ALL INCLUSIVE package they want you to take, as soon as you get off the boat. Take the $3 transfer to the town or walk outside the gate, and take a TAXI to the town. Some even walked, however, it will take you 45 mins.

 

Cozumel-was miserable. It rained and took us forever to get the clearance to get off the boat. The Deluxe Sail and Snorkel Party Boat wasn't that great. They took us to a terrible place to snorkel, but it could have been the weather.

 

Grand Cayman-Tendering here, again, took awhile for clearance. Our excursion (Reefs & Rays) got cancelled, because of the choppy water, so we were very disappointed.

 

Belize-Tendering was rough and far away from the land. Took a private excursion with Cave-Tubing.com (BUTTs UP!) and it was the BEST! These guys are everything that the boards say they are and more! We would take another tour with them in a MINUTE! They took care of us and made sure we were safe and sound! Check them out ... www.cave-tubing.com

 

Final Thoughts-Would I take another cruise on the Miracle (NO). Would I cruise again with CCL (NO). I think the price I would pay for RCCL, is worth it.

 

Any questions? Feel free to ask.......

[BettyBurrito]

It is so interesting how many things on cruises are so subjective. For example, it was the cruise I took on the Miracle in May of 2006 that swayed me away from Royal Caribbean (I really was a die hard fan). I then took a 3 nighter in October on the Sensation. I was still so pleased with everything.

 

I would still sail RCI, but I just thought Carnival was wonderful when it came down to the little things.

 

Anyway, thanks a bunch for the review. BTW, I usually write my reviews in Word and then copy and paste. There is nothing worse than writing a long review and then having it erased.

[Suzij11]

Totally agree with you Betty.. reviews are very subjective........ That is why I always read tons and then decide based on my experiences. What someone may loves-others may hate.

[lhall85917]

Thanks Suz for sharing your thoughts. I read these boards to get honest opinions and feedback from cruises, not just for the glowing reviews. All of this information really helps to prepare for our own trip. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise as much as you had hoped.

[psblin99]

You all are right about each experience. I was on the Miracle 12-06 and it was the best experience I have ever had on a cruise ship. I was alone and had a balcony with only one goal and that was to de-stress from the year.

 

I do hate to hear of a bad time on any vacation. You save and educate yourself and the waiting for the day to get here.

[bareitallltan]

:) I also was on the Miracle on february 04th.I would have to say that for hearing all the negative in the past about Carnival-I was DEFINATELY PLEASED with this ship and it's crew-Our wait staff was impecable ,funny and informative.Room was 8254,balcony and our steward was verrry attentive and I had requested extra ice and towel as I entered cabin on first day and within 5 minutes had them.Room service fast and staff again,great-I think my experience with RC and Celeberty had spoiled me in the past,but for what I paid at Carnival I was not dissappointed-As for the decor in dining room--who cares-there to visit and eat-some people should look in mirror before trying to get in dining areas-they did enforce this one night that i saw-show i went to-fine and fun-some dancers(most)second line in my opinion.but hey they have to start somewheres!Out of my 13 past cruises i would definately go on this ship again-older ships i feel i would not like-grand cayman(beach)was great-costa maya was cool-belize was BEAUTIFUL(BANNISTER IS.)cozumel was beautiful-a lil rain for like hour but cleared and was hot-some said they never saw rain-diff areas rain most had sun-tender rides and excursion pick ups went smooth and friendly-A vacation is what you make it-good or bad-i always try to enjoy the best in people and i have to say with working in the public eye 5 days a week--the people on the miracle made me smile each day of my vacation-cudos to carnival for leaving me with a good impression-I also will follow Brad (cruise dir in training) to whatever ship he gets assigned to!!!!any questions please post.

[Cruise Cat]

We were on the Conquest last year and were right under Lido deck and heard nothing but chairs being moved all the time, so I understand what you mean about the noise. I have learned to really scrutenize the layout of a ship first before booking so I know where I do not want to be. I hope the food is not that bad. The food is one of the reasons I switched back to Carnival.

 

I have similar problems with the wine as Red and I don't agree; so, I get cross looks sometimes drinking only white.

 

Thanks for the Review!

[mainer208]

Are there many tables for 2 in the dining room? Thanks for the review!