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Miracle Review 3/13-3/21

fruitbat

By fruitbat,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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fruitbat

fruitbat

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Just off the Miracle today on the first cruise post dry dock. We've sailed Carnival 4 times in the past, most recently on Glory.

Embarkation was a little bit of a pain compared to our last cruise (RCI)-- just long lines and too many people, but we got on the ship with no problem and since it was out of drydock, no hassle getting to the cabins. We had aft balcony 5270, our first aft balcony. We weren't converted to aft balcony fans-- I really prefer shade, and there was soot on the chairs every day. Also we were the recipients of a used condom dropped from above-- thanks!

Our cabin steward, Paolo, and our wait staff, Bianca and Alexander were wonderful. We had a table for four and asked for a larger table, since we have always enjoyed dinnertime conversations with new friends, but we were told that there were no larger tables available. As a result, our son only came to dinner twice (he figures he talks to us enough at home, I guess)-- but it was nice to have date night the other nights. We loved the itinerary-- did the kayak excursion in St. Marten, the pirate ship in St. Lucia, and the Snorkel adventure in St. Kitts. All were good excursions; the wind was tough enough on St. Marten to make the paddling rough, but that was no one's fault.

On sea days, we're the type that likes to try different things, so we played trivia, battle of the sexes, etc.-- the activities staff was great, especially Justin. There seemed to be plenty to keep my DH busy, and I just like to have a book. We also really enjoyed the crafts (thanks Pam!) and participated just about every day.

Our son is 13 and he started out slow in Circle C since it was really crowded (60 or 70 kids in a small room)-- but after a few days it was less crowded and he spent quite a bit of time with them doing various activities. Carli was their counselor-- in the words of DS, "she will talk to you like a person," and was probably his favorite of all the Camp Carnival counselors he's had over the years.

Food was amazing. On our past cruises I hadn't been too impressed with desserts, especially in the Lido restaurants, but this cruise had fantastic desserts, both there and in the main dining room. We didn't do Nick & Nora's, but the dining room food was excellent-- only exception was my filet mignon which was half gristle. Oh well, I didn't need those calories.

Overall, one of the best cruises ever!

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bippytrip

bippytrip

Posted
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Also we were the recipients of a used condom dropped from above-- thanks!

 

I would have hung it on their door!

 

On the positive side of that note, if the condom worked, we won't have any more of their gene pool in the population. :D

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NCTribeFan

NCTribeFan

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Glad to hear the food was good. Our food on Miracle was the "least-good" of any cruise, and that was mainly the beef dishes. The steaks were pretty much inedible. I was hoping it was just a bad week.

 

I had booked an aft on Deck 5 for next December, but switched to Deck 4 after reading the threads about the aft balcony issues and how hot they were, and how little cover. If I decide I'm not getting enough sun, there are plenty of open deck spaces that I can go fry myself for a few hours! :o

 

FLL has been my least-favorite port as far as embarkation goes (have sailed from Tampa, Canaveral, FLL, and Jax). Long, long lines creeping along on the hard, dirty concrete floors. Took us nearly 2 hours when we sailed from there. Next time, I'll get a cab and skip the "free shuttle" from the hotel that got stuck in traffic trying to drop 2 people at the X ship first. Of course, by December, I'll be PLATINUM and can skip the lines, right? :D

 

I don't "do" activities on board, but there always seems to be plenty happening during the day. I use the sea days to relax and the port days to explore.

 

We were on Miracle in December 07, and she had no problems doing 22 knots. Hope she's back up to speed after her drydock, since I really want to get to Panama and Costa Rica!

 

I have to devote my energy to anticipating my Victory cruise in May, then, after that, I can start getting really excited about sailing Miracle again and having that aft balcony. :D

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MikeM

MikeM

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One of our better cruises. Good food, itinerary and service.

Changes at least on the Miracle:

G Buffet Gone

Charges for special occasion cakes - first for us.

Eliminated draped outside lights along the length of ship

Won't empty in roon service bar - we did

Less help in dinnng room - noticable as entre's were luke warm etc

Room Steward is only available during certain hours

Balcony Rail Glass only cleaned once prior to sail.

Clean/press eliminated.

 

A sign of the times I guess

 

Mike

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patrice1 Great Review Rare

patrice1

Posted
Posted
One of our better cruises. Good food, itinerary and service.

Changes at least on the Miracle:

G Buffet Gone

Charges for special occasion cakes - first for us.

Eliminated draped outside lights along the length of ship

Won't empty in roon service bar - we did

Less help in dinnng room - noticable as entre's were luke warm etc

Room Steward is only available during certain hours

Balcony Rail Glass only cleaned once prior to sail.

Clean/press eliminated.

 

A sign of the times I guess

 

Mike

 

What's a "G" Buffet? :confused:

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fllady61

fllady61

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midnight buffet has been long gone on Carnival... have not had one for the last 2 cruises.

 

we will be sailing on her in November 8 day to Panama, Costa Rica, and Belieze.

 

are there HD flat tv's on the ship now?

 

The only midnight buffet we have had was on a special night ie... deck party night.

 

I don't mind that. I like the room service at midnight.

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fruitbat

fruitbat

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Our steward did empty out the refrigerator, after we sort of wheedled him into it. He didn't want to, though. You're right about them only being available certain hours-- he told us we could call 24/7, but when we needed a third towel for an excursion, we were told we couldn't call the stewards until 7:30 or 8, depending on which non-helpful department we reached.

 

The mini-golf course was very nice with little tiki statues, so don't know if it was replaced/refurbished during drydock or not. It was tough to play, though, on account of all the wind up there-- they actually closed the deck the 2nd sea day.

 

Propulsion was not a problem. We had the aft cabin and could see both sides working.

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GoChargers

GoChargers

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I'll be on the Miracle for the 04/06 trip to Panama, Costa Rica, and Belize. (That is of course if they fixed the friggin propulsion system and we don't get rerouted to Cuba)

 

Anyway - I'm never been on this ship and I've never had a balcony stateroom. Are the balconys open air, or all they all encased in glass?? Any other tips?

 

Thanks for the info!!

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fllady61

fllady61

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I'll be on the Miracle for the 04/06 trip to Panama, Costa Rica, and Belize. (That is of course if they fixed the friggin propulsion system and we don't get rerouted to Cuba)

 

Anyway - I'm never been on this ship and I've never had a balcony stateroom. Are the balconys open air, or all they all encased in glass?? Any other tips?

 

Thanks for the info!!

 

 

I thought all canival balconies were open except with maybe the dreams cove balconies.

 

they do have pexi glass as the base, but as far as I know, they are open air.

 

we have an obstructed view balcony in November.

 

Please let me know about the cruise and how you like and the ports. where you dock in each port, etc. Will I need a cab to get to the shopping area in Colon, and all of that stuff. Full details so I know what to expect.

Many Many photos of the ports as well, etc.

 

Thanks.

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MikeM

MikeM

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midnight buffet has been long gone on Carnival... have not had one for the last 2 cruises.

are there HD flat tv's on the ship now?

 

The only midnight buffet we have had was on a special night ie... deck party night.

 

We were in 7262 (balcony) and no flat screen

 

Also to add:

Casino Slots do not pay in coins anymore. Puts winnings on your SS Card once you get a pin #. Strange not hearing coins drop just the recorded machine music. No coin buckets. No coin counting at the cashier. Casino Mgr related that most of the games will be electronic based in the future. No dealers for Black Jack, Poker etc. though you sit around a table with other players. Just plug in your SS Card an off you go.:(

 

Believe there was a Buffet on the Spirit when we were in Alaska last year but we didn't attend. I May be wrong.

 

Mike

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fllady61

fllady61

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We were in 7262 (balcony) and no flat screen

 

Also to add:

Casino Slots do not pay in coins anymore. Puts winnings on your SS Card once you get a pin #. Strange not hearing coins drop just the recorded machine music. No coin buckets. No coin counting at the cashier. Casino Mgr related that most of the games will be electronic based in the future. No dealers for Black Jack, Poker etc. though you sit around a table with other players. Just plug in your SS Card an off you go.:(

 

Believe there was a Buffet on the Spirit when we were in Alaska last year but we didn't attend. I May be wrong.

 

Mike

 

glory was coinless my last 2 cruises on her. i don't mind. i hate the noise of coins dropping, and I hate handling them because of the graphite oil on your hands and the way it makes my hands feel. i prefer the coinless casino.

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