Miracle Review - 11/23 8 Day Southern Caribbean

[carola2]

I’ve enjoyed reading these boards for months before our first cruise and I wanted to take the time to share our thoughts on the cruise.

BACKGROUND

This was our first cruise. We were on the 11/23 Miracle 8 Day Southern Caribbean Cruise. I’m 38 and sailed with my DH 37, DD 7, and DD10. We were also with my mom and my step-father who have cruised several times before and arranged this for the family.. They also brought my step-sister and her family. They had two boys 2 and 5.

EMBARKATION

We arrived around 12:30 and were on by 1:30. I believe a bus had a just dropped off a large number of people right before us that slowed things down for us. We carried WAY too much on with us and should have left more with the porters. By the time we made it to our room, we thought we’d pass out! It was many more stops than I realized to make it through the process. My mom was also disappointed (as I read others were) that they had a suite but did not get the VIP boarding and my step-dad really struggled to stand up that long.

CABIN:

We stayed in 7106 & 7108 – which was the interior adjoining cabin to a balcony (like Chitown stayed in). It was a luxury to spread out and great for families. My girls loved having their "own" room. Chitown Cruiser reported wind issues but we didn’t have any, may be because the 5th floor that he was on had an extended balcony and we did not.. It did not have a sofa but had a table and chair in the balcony room.

FOOD

After reading this board for months, I didn’t expect to be disappointed by the food as we are not very picky eaters. However, I honestly was not impressed with the quality of the food. The Lido buffet drove me nuts and put me in a bad mood having to line up. It might be that it was more difficult for me as I was getting food for my kids and myself so it felt that I was always in line. The family did love the 24 hour pizza (especially the night time pizza guy who was so nice). Some of the sandwiches were good but nothing special. I wish I had made more time to eat in the dining room for lunch and breakfast. We did it once and it was quite nice. As for dinner, it was hit or miss. My husband reported the lobster was just OK. We had an excellent Prime Rib and Teriyaki Short Ribs on two separate nights – both were very good. Warm melting cake was our favorite dessert, which I promptly ordered based on all I read on the boards. We ate at Nick and Nora’s one night and agree with most every post I read – it is definitely worth the costs and we REALLY enjoyed it. We did get soda cards and while I was expecting it to be difficult to get drinks, it wasn’t. I found the bar staff to be quite responsive and friendly, even when they knew I had a soda card. Dinner dining room service was only OK. The bar hostess was terrible at first. I was going out to get my own diet cokes or cocktails for others and kept noticing that 2 or 3 of the bar hostesses would be at the bar just chatting with the bartender, not even getting drinks. I made a short comment to the maitre d’ and from then on I had diet cokes several times per my meal and others were able to order cocktails. Our dinner staff was so super friendly, we really enjoyed them but they were serving so many tables, I was amazed at the level of service we were able to get, it was only OK but they were VERY friendly.

SEA DAYS

It took at least the first day and a half to really get orientated and figure out what to do. I did watch a number of the game type shows which I enjoyed. Played some bingo which by the end I decided wasn’t worth it, the cards cost too much and it is over too fast. I thought the cruise director’s team was overall pretty good and funny. I attended the first musical show, Generations, which did bore me. I went to half of the Sam Davis tribute and also didn’t care for it but maybe I’m not a show person. I did go to the spa for a 50 minute massage and it was wonderful!! By the 2nd port day they were offering deals. I got my massage for 69.00 on the 3rd sea day. On the spa paperwork, I checked that I had no problems and they did not try to sell me any products, not sure if I was lucky or what. But my husband and mom did get the hard sale and bought the stuff and then begged me to go return it for them, I did, no problems. I thought the massage was very much worth it. I was so relaxed that day, I just read and napped. My husband spent much of his time playing Texas Hold’em in the Casino and met quite a few nice folks at the tables.

PORTS

St. Maarten

By far the most crowded port, lots of ships in. The taxi’s are confusing and they heard you into them. If you like shopping, this is probably a great place. It’s not my favorite thing but there were tons of upscale shops and jewelry stores. We did go to Divi Little Bay after we shopped and really enjoyed the beach. Water was beautiful and it was a short taxi ride. They had this little area where you could snorkel and for kids, it was quite neat and free if you have your own snorkel.

St. Lucia

Our youngest was a tad sick this day so I didn’t spend as much time there, but my husband did the Zipline tour and really enjoyed it. I did the ATV Adventure with my mom (who wanted to do something exciting). I had a really nice time (we were there for the sights not the riding) and it was very beautiful for what you saw. However, it was 189.00 a person and it was very short (we were on the ATVs less than 2 hours). We did not go to the beach as advertised and the other guys there who wanted to really ride those ATVs did seem a little disappointed, but it was beautiful on the coast.

St. Kitts

We loved this island. It was just gorgeous. Much less developed than the others (from what I saw). We went to the St. Kitts Marriott and just hanged out. Nice resort, wonderful beach and water (it is rougher though on Atlantic side). We somewhat wished we had gone to the Caribbean side but we really enjoyed what we did.

CAMP CARNIVAL

 

Our kids absolutely loved camp. In fact, I had to beg them to actually go to the pool with me. They really preferred to go to camp whenever it was open. They both went to the “late night parties” they offered a few times instead of the regular babysitting even though I didn’t need the babysitting – they just loved it so much. They really seemed to love the parties in particular. My step-sister had a little less of a good experience as her youngest has food allergies and she found them to not be terribly flexible and sometimes not very understanding. So, if you have special needs you might want to realize upfront that they seem to only work with you so much – though once my step-sister spoke to the camp director, things did become a bit easier.

DEMBARKATION

 

It seems to me like you could stay in your room up until 9 or so without difficulty. Our number (12) was called around 9:30 and it took us an hour to snake through the line, get our car, and load it up.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

Our Cabin Steward (Pambudi) was wonderful and took care of everything and was super friendly. He really made that part of the stay wonderful. When I read that people didn’t see their cabin steward, I just can’t figure out how. It seemed like Pambudi was always there and he would jump out to say every time any of us walked by.

The ship was VERY clean and I found most of the staff to be friendly. I don’t have anything to compare it with but I liked overall layout of the ship and the amenities that were offered. I agree with another poster from this trip that the formal nights were pretty fancy, I saw a few tuxes but overall people were quite dressed up. Chair hogs were not a problem at all on this cruise for us.

Unlike another poster from our trip, I wasn’t so impressed with the photographers. There were lot of opportunities for pictures and they were OK but they not great. We did buy some but having to buy the 22.00 8x10 photo to get any other sizes was annoying. If this had not been the case, we might have bought a few more. I did try to make a deal the last night and last morning of the cruise, they looked at me like I was nuts.

The demographics on this cruise (the week after Thanksgiving) were definitely an older crowd. We saw only a few families our age and there seemed to be about 20-25 kids in camp carnival that week. People for the most part were nice but dealing with the “crowds” on the ship wasn’t something that I realized I’d be so impacted by. It’s frustrating to see rude folks and to always be in a line or crowd for something. I loved the port days and having a mix of the ship and being off the ship. I wasn’t so sure I’d like cruising but I do and I’m already researching another cruise. I thought Carnival was a great value for what was paid, but we might try another cruise line just so we know what else is out there. Not sure yet.

I’d be happy to answer any questions.

Also, a sincere thanks to all the posters on this board for all the information I received before I left.

[CountryFox]

Thanks very much for the review. It sounded very honest and I look forward the sailing on her in Jan.........:D

[pacerzfan]

Thanks for the review, carola.

[krisj]

Thanks for the great review. I can't wait to go in a few days.

[NCTribeFan]

I'm a little concerned about the recent reviews and the comments about the food. I'm not terribly picky, but I do really enjoy the dining room. I certainly hope I haven't been dieting for 3 months only to find that the food isn't up to my expectations! I can't afford to eat in the supper club every night! :eek:

 

We try to avoid the photographers except for getting one formal picture. I hated the fact that on the Fantasy-class ships, you could hardly navigate down the promenade because of the crowds waiting for the dozen different photographers. I hope there isn't so much congestion on the Miracle.

 

I'm also a little worried about the demographics. I've read several reviews stating that there weren't a lot of young folks on the ship. Of course, DD 21 might like having the bars and bands to herself!

 

The ports sound great. I hope to do a Southern Caribbean next December. We have a "special" cruise, and our ports are different (and even more exciting to look forward to).

 

Thanks for posting the review!

[cathyoo]

thanks for your review... I wasn't sure though.. did it hook you? Are you already looking for your next cruise?

[DONNACRUZ]

Thanks for your review. In regards to the food in the main dinning room what about it disappointed you. The quality, the selection, the portions? I have read many others complaining about the lido layout but eating in the dinning room for lunch keeps you inside I would rather be out in the sun. Long lines to aggrevate me though I will be on the miracle in jan first time with carnival look forward to comparing to my other cruises on rcl, ncl, princess and celebrity I haven't had a bad cruise yet so I am sure this will be fine. Nothing is ever perfect

[Cruiser from MS]

Thanks for the review. I have been anxious to read reviews of this cruise as we are sailing in 35 days.

[chitown cruisers]

Thanks for the review........those front Balcony/interiors are awesome. We did have wind problems in the beginning of our cruise but I think it was more storm related. Glad to hear that your overall experience was worthy of another cruise. It'll be interesting for you to see if things that bothered you on this cruise will be different on a different ship, line or sail date.

[carola2]

Donnacruz & NCTribeFan - It was just the quality of some of it, for instance I had pork chops one night that just were not that good. Steaks were OK and a bit tough. I definetly started taking the waiters recommendations, he was usually right. Maybe that is the best way to get the good things and I should have started that earlier. After the 3rd night, I started listening!

 

There were some traffic jams around the photography stands but I didn't think it was bad and I did think they did a good job at quickly getting people's pictures taken.

 

I can't comment on the bars and the discos because I never went...usually in bed by 10:30. :)

 

cathyyoo - I wanted to be honest in the review so maybe it sounds like I didn't like it and I can't say I'm offically hooked but I definetly want to do it again. What was great for families was that the kids had a great time, we had a good time separately and the whole family was also able to enjoy time together. As well, the fact we saw several places without unpacking and other than the crowds and lines at the buffet, it was very relaxing - everything was done for you.

[spacement]

Was it for this cruise only that there was no VIP boarding for guests with a suite or has Carnival done away with this? My wife and I are booked on the Miracle in Feb. and we have a suite. Thanks.

[NCTribeFan]

Thanks carola2.

 

Maybe I've just been lucky, but the beef I've had on my past few cruises has been fabulous. I normally don't order steak in a restaurant because I'm very particular about how it is cooked.

 

Last December on Elation, it was all perfectly cooked and extremely tender. I didn't have the strip, but the Filet and prime rib were delicious. I plan on trying the 24 oz Porterhouse in the supper club! :D

 

A couple on our roll call is currently on Miracle doing the first leg of a back-to-back. Hope they aren't getting tossed around too badly due to TS Olga! I was hoping they'd get online and give us a report. They nearly lost their home in the recent fires around San Diego and really needed this trip. It would be a shame for a late tropical storm to mess things up!

 

I can't wait to see The Miracle. She'll be quite different from the ships I've sailed in the past. Thanks to everyone for all the info.

[Sandi149]

Thanks carola2.

 

Maybe I've just been lucky, but the beef I've had on my past few cruises has been fabulous. I normally don't order steak in a restaurant because I'm very particular about how it is cooked.

 

Last December on Elation, it was all perfectly cooked and extremely tender. I didn't have the strip, but the Filet and prime rib were delicious. I plan on trying the 24 oz Porterhouse in the supper club! :D

 

A couple on our roll call is currently on Miracle doing the first leg of a back-to-back. Hope they aren't getting tossed around too badly due to TS Olga! I was hoping they'd get online and give us a report. They nearly lost their home in the recent fires around San Diego and really needed this trip. It would be a shame for a late tropical storm to mess things up!

 

I can't wait to see The Miracle. She'll be quite different from the ships I've sailed in the past. Thanks to everyone for all the info.

 

 

I too am particular about how my meat is cooked and I didn't order it in the dining room but I had the surf and turf at Nick and Nora's and let me tell you that you didn't need teeth to chew that filet.....LOL!!!!!! :p That is how tender it was.

 

You really are going to love the Miracle NCT.

[djcellini]

Three Words: THE MIRACLE ROCKS........ Best cruise I have ever been on in May and 29 days until my next cruise on her again, the staff and crew are the best, never had a single problem... Can't wait.... :D :D

 

Always listen to your head waiters recomm, they are always the best........:D

[DqALEX]

Thank You for a very good review. The last time I was on the Miracle I liked the ship and crew, and the shows and food. It was a home run for me

[jeancmo]

Hi Thanks for the review! Which zipline tour did your husband take? The zipline only tour or the one with tram ride also?

Thanks-Jean

[carola2]

The one without the aeriel tram. He said it was fun and exciting but the view from the zip lines itself wasn't that good. He enjoyed it though. He also noted it was not scary.

[leedm]

Your comments are correct about who cruises on what dates. We have been on Spring Break dates and the ship is full on young people. We have been on Cruises Nov and Dec and 50yr old people are the young ones. The Cruises Line can on be all things for all people. Plan your cruise around who else will be cruising with you. Party Time, or Relax Time. Lots of People around the pool or out of season. You'll have a better time if you cruise with YOUR CROWD.

 

Leedm