Miracle 6/28: A Newbie's Perspective

[CruisinHoneymooners]

Okay, I tried not to make this TOO long, but it doesn't seem I was very successful in that attempt. If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. :)

 

Background Information

DH and I were on the 6/28 sailing of Carnival Miracle out of NYC. We are both 27 years old, and this was a first cruise for each of us ~ as my user name suggests, this trip was for our honeymoon. We basically wound up selecting a Carnival cruise through a process of elimination, as they were the only line offering a Caribbean itinerary that we were interested in out of NYC during the week that we would be taking our honeymoon. We flew into NYC on Sunday, June 24 and spent three (wonderful!) days there before leaving on the cruise.

Embarkation

Embarkation was absolutely flawless for us. We had a car service pick us up from our hotel in Midtown Manhattan shortly after 10:30 am. The drive to the pier was uneventful, and we arrived right around 11:00 am. We were immediately greeted by a very friendly porter who assisted us in getting tags for our luggage, as I had somehow managed to forget to pack those (oops!). After turning over our luggage, we headed inside where we found that they had already begun checking people in. We had a very short wait in “line” behind one other group of travelers. We found the staff member who checked us in to be quite friendly, and before we knew it we were having a seat to wait to be able to get on the ship. Much quicker than I expected, we were being called to start heading through security. We were on the ship, enjoying lunch by 12:10 pm. We chose not to bother trying to get into our cabin prior to the listed time of 1:30 pm, but I did overhear others saying that they’d been able to drop off their bags.

Ship Information

I found the Miracle to be a beautiful ship. Yes, it was very over-the-top in many areas, but somehow that added to the appeal for me. We both also found the ship to be quite easy to get around, and it didn’t take long before we didn’t even bother to bring our little deck map with us.

Cabin

All in all, we were very happy with the cabin we had! We booked a balcony guarantee and were assigned to cabin 8263, which is on the Panorama deck, Aft, Starboard side. When we first got our cabin assignment, I was a little skeptical about the location, as it is immediately below the aft pool on the Lido deck. However, we seldom heard anything coming from above, and it was never enough to disturb us in any way. I also was pleasantly surprised by the size of the cabin. Yes, they are small, but they were nothing compared to what I had imagined during all of my research. The balcony was a decent size…just a bit smaller than our apartment patio…and we got a lot of use out of it during our time onboard. We had ample storage space, though I did wish I had been able to make room in our luggage to bring some extra hangers!

The only thing that I found to be a bit of a negative about the cabin was the bed. Frankly, I find them to be highly overrated. We both found the bed itself to be average, at best. It wasn’t so uncomfortable that I had a hard time getting to sleep, but I woke up hurting every morning. I also found the pillows to be quite uncomfortable. The duvet was quite cozy; though, I have a hard time understanding wanting to purchase one for the kind of money they charge for them. The fact that they actually distributed information the last night on how to purchase their bedding, though, seems to indicate that DH and I are in the minority as far as the bedding goes.

Our cabin steward was Davis, and there’s really not much more that I can tell you about him. The first day, he did drop by to introduce himself. I was resting at the time, so DH was the one who actually answered the door and met him. After that, we didn’t see him again until he stopped by to drop off our purchased alcohol on the last night. However, our room was always in perfect condition. On the first day, I left him a note asking for some ice when we went to dinner, and our ice container remained well stocked for the entire cruise.

Dining

For the most part, we found the food on the ship to be quite good. There weren’t many items that absolutely wowed me, but I certainly didn’t have any problems finding something to eat, either.

Horatio’s:

DH and I opted for Horatio’s for lunch on all but one day. We found the staff to be quite efficient and friendly. Our trays and dirty dishes were cleared promptly, and there seemed to always be someone near by if we needed a refill on our beverages. We didn’t have too many problems with long lines, but we did find that it was often a bit of a scavenger hunt for a place to sit. Often, we wound up taking up a large table for 6-8, simply because there wasn’t anything smaller open.

Since living in NV, the buffet capital of the world, I’ve experienced my fair share of buffets. I found the one on Miracle to be average. The food was always fresh and hot, and we didn’t typically encounter too many terrible lines. I didn’t find anything on the buffet worth raving about, but it was a handy option for a quick bite to eat. One day for lunch, I opted to grab a burger from the grill, and I wasn’t impressed. I couldn’t quite pin-point it, but there was “something” about the burger that I didn’t really care for. However, I did find the fries to be quite tasty, and DH seemed to like the hot dogs. DH also really enjoyed the pastrami sandwiches at the deli. I only opted for the deli line once, and that was to get the much talked about Reuben. I found the sandwich to be only okay. That was, however, only a few days after sampling my first NY Reuben (YUMMY!), so I admit that my perspective may have been a bit skewed. DH and I both found the pizzeria to be quite tasty, and there were many times that we fell back on this option when nothing else appealed to us.

Bacchus Dining Room:

We ate most dinners ~skipping one night to hang out at the pool, and missing one night due to being in port~ in the dining room. We also had lunch in the dining room once. We truly enjoyed the atmosphere and experience at dinner, but we both found the pace to be much too slow for lunch. For dinner, we were assigned to the late seating (requested) at table 129, a table for two (not requested). Our table was located immediately to the left of the entrance to the lower dining room.

When we first discovered that we were at a table for two, I wasn’t quite sure what to think of it. In many ways, I was glad to be able to have more of the “romantic dinner for two” experience. However, I wondered if we would miss out on some of the “true” cruise experience and opportunity to meet new people. In hindsight, it ended up working perfectly for us. Our table was right up against a booth for four, with just a little decorative metal scroll divider in between. Many nights, we would chat for a bit with the family seated at the booth, and we did enjoy learning a bit about them and chatting about our days. Still, there was enough of a separation that we could easily tune the others out and enjoy just being together when we preferred to do that.

We both found the food to be quite tasty, and enjoyed sampling some new things. I personally didn’t care for the Caesar salad, and many times would order an extra starter and just skip salad all together. That was honestly the only thing I tried that I flat out didn’t like. All of the entrees I tried were very good, and I was especially happy that the meat was always tender and moist. We also found many of the desserts to be quite delicious, and there a couple of evenings that I was happy to know there wouldn’t be issue if I wanted to try a couple. DH thoroughly enjoyed the Warm Melting Cake, and he ordered it every night. I tried it three different times, with varying degrees of satisfaction. The first time, it was just barely under baked, and I found it to be absolutely delicious. One evening, it was extremely running, which I did not care for at all, and the last time was somewhere in the middle, which was just okay IMO.

For the most part, the service in the dining room was quite good. We both really liked our head waiter, Danilo very much. However, the service from our assistant waiters (there were 3 in the course of the week) was spotty. The first night, the assistant waiter (didn’t catch her name) was fine. She really didn’t leave an impression one way or another on either of us. The next couple nights, the (new) assistant waiter (whose name I also didn’t get) left us wondering if our table was invisible. Each of these nights, we were skipped over when water was poured and bread was served. On the first of these nights, we had to mention it to Danilo before we received others. The other evening, Danilo noticed it before we had to say anything. Both nights, Danilo was very prompt it making taking care of it. The last three nights, our assistant was Katarinia, and we both really liked her. She was very efficient, as well as very friendly. We were glad to see her stick around until the end of the cruise. ;) Our bar waitress, Adana, was also pretty good. We both had a Fountain Card, and after the first night, she always had our drinks waiting for us when we arrived. She was the only of “our” crew members who we actually saw when out and about on the ship, and she was always very friendly. We also both liked the Maitre d’ Stipe. Every evening, he enthusiastically greeted us by name as we entered the dining room, and he always stopped by to chat for a few minutes during dinner.

Entertainment/Activities

For the most part, the shows were the only “organized” activities that we took part in. We preferred to spend our days relaxing by the pool, and neither of us were interested in hanging out in the lounges at night. While DH and I chose not to participate in any of the daytime activities, there certainly seemed to be a wide variety of options available to those who may be interested. There also seemed to be a good selection of ways to spend the evening. We personally didn’t make use of the casino, but many nights it seemed to be bustling, and we even caught wind of a couple big winners onboard ($10,000 and $50,000+).

We did go to the Welcome Aboard show, as well as the three larger productions. Personally, I think they’re rather exaggerative in calling them “Las Vegas style shows,” but we did enjoy them for the most part. Singin’ with the Big Band was, by far, our absolute favorite. Ticket to Ride was also very good. While I did enjoy Generations, I don’t feel that it came anywhere close to comparing to the other two. On the last formal night, we decided to stick around and check out the adult comic, and we found him to be quite funny.

Ports

San Juan:

Neither of us really cared much for San Juan. Part of this lies in our own failure to plan, and part of it was truly just the city itself. We initially planned to grab a taxi up to El Morro and then make our way back down on our own. However, we were unable to get a taxi to take us there. Apparently, there was some kind of demonstration going on that was causing traffic to back up or something. We found only one driver who was willing to take us, and he wanted $30 and said it would probably take at least an hour to get there. Because of some mobility issues, I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to make the hike, as we’d heard it was a rather steep path. So, we decided just to scrap the idea and just walk around the city a bit. Along the way, we stumbled upon the Hard Rock Café and decided to grab dinner there. Then, we walked down to the Raices sculpture/fountain. We spent some time relaxing along the waterfront there. About 9:00, we decided to head back to the ship.

St. Thomas

For St. Thomas, we booked the Ultimate Island Experience excursion through Carnival. The first part of the excursion was a drive to Magen’s Bay, with a couple of stops along the way for photos. We then had a couple of hours at Magen’s Bay before being taken to Blackbeard’s Castle. This was where the excursion ended, and we were on our own from there. We both really enjoyed this excursion. It was a great way to get a nice sampling of the island. We absolutely loved Magen’s Bay, and it was hands down our favorite part of any of the ports of call. After we’d made our way back downtown, we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Skyride to Paradise. We grabbed a late lunch at the restaurant there and just relaxed, enjoying the views until we had to head back to the ship.

Tortola

We decided to book an excursion through Carnival in Tortola, as well. We opted for one that took us to Cane’s Garden Bay. After a beautiful drive, we had about an hour and a half to spend at the beach before heading back to the ship. This beach was a lot more crowded than Magen’s Bay the day before had been, but we still thoroughly enjoyed are time there.

Miscellaneous Thoughts/Rants/Etc.

There was one thing that we came across rather frequently onboard that I had some serious issues with, this being the inability for many to apparently understand that when one is not at the swimming pool, they need to cover themselves up! I was disgusted to see how many people roamed all around the ship in nothing but a bathing suit. Would these people stroll into their local greeting card store in nothing but a bathing suit? Why, then, is it that it seems to be considered appropriate to be in the gift shop this way? While I found it to be rude elsewhere, there were times when this truly crossed the line to unsanitary. I was appalled each time I saw people in Horatio’s without any kind of swimsuit cover up. The fact that Carnival staff allows guests to be in a dining facility with bare chests, or dripping wet, is completely astonishing to me!

In regards to the Adults Only pool, DH and I did make use of it everyday, and we did see security address children in the pool. However, it wasn’t until the last day that we saw them actually enforce it. For the most part, the Adults Only signage was followed. However, there were two particular children that were in the pool everyday. On multiple occasions, we saw security come over, tell the kids to leave, and then walk away without ever watching to see if they actually did so. One particular child never actually got out of the pool, but nothing further was said to her. On the last day, a crew member finally actually stood there until she got out.

One thing that I found myself keenly aware of, though I never thought I would notice one way or another, was the dress code in the dining room. Admittedly, I was probably more aware of this due to all of the discussion on the boards. I also was in a prime place to observe quite a lot since we were sitting right next to the door. In theory, it didn’t really matter to me what the person sitting at another table was wearing. However, I am by nature a “by the rules” type of person, and I find it to be rude for people to blatantly ignore established rules/policies. I observed many people coming to the dining room in attire that I wouldn’t wear to McDonalds. Torn, ratty jeans pulled down so that your underwear are showing is simply not appropriate for any dining establishment, IMO. Everyday, there was a sign outside the door stating that “proper attire” was required, yet it seemed staff were unwilling to actually enforce the dress code. I found it especially interesting when the Maitre d’ announced the night prior to the second formal evening that shorts would not be allowed in the dining room the next night. Even more interesting to me were the number of people that still entered (and were allowed to be seated) the dining room that evening in shorts.

Summary

DH and I both really enjoyed our cruise, and we will definitely cruise again sometime in the future. Should Carnival be offering the right itinerary at the right time and price again, we will absolutely sail with them again.

[Wennfred]

Great review, thanks for writing it. We were in the cabin right across from you on the Spirit, cabin 8265 and we hear everything from above. You got pretty lucky, maybe there were less kids running around on your cruise.

 

As for the Torn ratty Jeans, you will always have one onboard. Some people just don't get it.

 

 

 

 

Fred

[CruisinHoneymooners]

Great review, thanks for writing it. We were in the cabin right across from you on the Spirit, cabin 8265 and we hear everything from above. You got pretty lucky, maybe there were less kids running around on your cruise.

Fred

 

Fred, I do remember seeing your post regarding the room that you were in on Spirit...it was part of what made me worry about the noise factor. Thankfully, it wasn't an issue for us. However, we do live in a downstairs apartment with young children above us. So, maybe we're slightly immune to it. :p

[Sandi149]

Great review. Thanks for sharing. :) We were on the Miracle last month and absolutely loved that ship. :D

[trish614]

Thank you for the great review. We leave in just 16 days! I'm glad that, for the most part, you enjoyed your first cruise experience. As was previously stated, there will always be people who "just don't get it" regarding proper etiquette. Oh, and congratulations on your marriage! I wish you many long and happy years together!

[cruisin07family]

Nice job on the review. It made me have some nice flashbacks. We were seated in nearly the same spot in the dining room as you, just upstairs rather than down. I actually saw our Asst. Maitre D' not allow some people in with tshirts, shorts, etc. I was surprised but glad. I don't specifically remember on formal nights because we saw sooooo many dressed up and waiting on pictures everywhere that I just don't recall seeing anyone casual those evenings.

 

I think you are probably right about being in the minority about the beds. We loved it and I did bring home the info. We're seriously considering buying the whole enchilada for our room. I have sleep issues and couldn't believe how well I slept while onboard. I hope it wasn't just the motion as I won't be able to recreate that, lol.

[miami]

I am booked on the Miracle next year. Will be my 1st Carnival cruise. Which pool is the adult only one? What is the age limit?

[motherofthree]

thanks for the review...our family leaves aaug.15 and we all cant wait. it will amaze me as well to see people not dressed the right way, but there is nothing we can do about it...i know we will be dressed right. i know one thing...my children will not go in the adult only pool...that is a parents responsibility to make sure they are in the right place at the right time....good luck on your marriage and thanks for the review.

 

lesley

[CruisinHoneymooners]

I am booked on the Miracle next year. Will be my 1st Carnival cruise. Which pool is the adult only one? What is the age limit?

 

The aft pool and hot tub are adults only. There isn't anything posted that states a specific age; it simply says Adults Only. Personally, I would think the word adult would qualify it to be 18+.

[karmavacations]

You're slide show that you have in your signature is terrific! I was on the MIRACLE this past April and it brought back all of the memories:). I only have 8 days and counting until my family and I set sail on the DESTINY...but who's counting(wink-wink!)

[Sandi149]

You're slide show that you have in your signature is terrific! I was on the MIRACLE this past April and it brought back all of the memories:). I only have 8 days and counting until my family and I set sail on the DESTINY...but who's counting(wink-wink!)

 

Glad you liked it. :D I play it a lot and it still reminds me of what a wonderful time we had.

 

Have fun on the Destiny. :D

[emmysmommy]

Thanks for sharing your experience. You provided a very thorough review!! We loved the Miracle.

[mish0716]

Thanks for the great review. My boyfriend and I will be sailing the Miracle on August 7th-just 24 days left till we sail!! It'll be our first cruise, and it's something I have looked forward to ever since watching The Love Boat as a kid. I can't wait.

[pacerzfan]

Thanks for the great review, CruisinHoneymooners.

[IKE]

Congratulations on your Marriage. Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I am glad you pointed out the fact that the dress code is not enforced on the Ship. I have only seen this on Carnival Ships. Have sailed Princess and they have Anytime Dining and one Formal Night last Sept. someone came to Dining Room without a Jacket and He was refused access to Dining Room and another man came in with only a golf type shirt, no tie under a Sport Jacket and He was also turned away. It is something the staff has to take care of as there are many people who donot follow rules. I am like you, I follow the rules. I feel if it is stated "Formal Night" then dress properly or eat in another venue. Just my opinion. Thanks for the great and detailed review. We sail the "Miracle" this coming Sept. IKE