Miracle Review

Carnival Miracle Cruise Review - Summer 2006

Although this was my first cruise, and I may have been subject to the amazement that accompanies one’s first experience on a cruise ship, I must say that it will be difficult to go back to traveling any other way. This ship in particular is an absolute gem, and my vacation was flawless. The Miracle is indeed a beautiful ship, and the decor, though much-abused on these message boards and elsewhere as too over-the-top, was wonderful. The ship’s decor is based on popular references from literature, film, and entertainment. For example, in the Phantom Lounge, large “Phantom of the Opera”-style masks hold back heavy curtain swags on the walls, and ornate sculpture supports the proscenium of the stage. The Raven Library is done is dark jewel-tones and mahogany. It’s obvious that the designs were well-conceived and are very imaginative, but I can certainly see how they wouldn’t please everyone.

To address cleanliness, as we walked through the ship, there were constantly employees on the outside of our vision cleaning, polishing, etc., so I have no complaints on this count whatsoever. Almost immediately after embarkation, we went to see the maitre d’ to request a private table for two, which we got. We then ended up meeting and making friends with another couple, so we requested a table for four, which we also got. At any rate, because of this game of switcheroo (and one casual dinner on the Lido deck), we ended up only experiencing our waiters in the main dining room for four nights instead of the usual seven. They were very attentive, and managed to not only serve us four impeccable meals, but also comment on the next day’s activities, make suggestions about shore excursions, and the like. I was very impressed with the quality of food, particularly with Carnival’s reputation as a budget cruise line. The food in the main dining room was beyond wonderful, and even the Lido buffets offered delectable temptations, particularly their desserts! The made-to-order burger counter served the single best french fries I’ve ever eaten.

We had a wonderful balcony cabin, which was much larger than I was expecting. Our balcony was comfortably, if inexpensively, furnished with two plastic chairs and a small flat-topped ottoman for drinks or tired feet. Our cabin steward was amazing! I know it’s often said, but it felt as though he was hiding nearby and every time we left the room (on one occasion for only about 8 minutes!) he rushed in and straightened everything up. We saw him rarely, but he did his job well, and when we did pass him in the hall, he always greeted us warmly and by name.

Service in general on the ship was wonderful, and there were constantly employees on the outside of our vision cleaning, polishing, etc. Bartenders were fun and heavy-handed In fact, one in particular, named Petra, who worked at the piano bar, was an absolute treat! We also met a bartender only minutes after we came onboard the ship who managed to remember our names and drink preferences throughout the cruise, and was able to comment days later about personal details that we discussed the first time we met. Very impressive! I will say this: if you are unable to find something to do onboard a Carnival cruise, then you need to drag� yourself out of your stateroom and walk around. Activities included bingo, art auctions, swimming in the beautiful pools, contests of varying sorts (hairy chest, belly-flop, etc.), broadcast quiz shows to call in to, gambling in the casino, quiet reading, spa treatments… the list goes on and on. Carnival definitely wins the prize for keeping you busy. In fact, there was so much going on that it was often quite impossible to choose between the activities, and we ended up having to hold a “lottery” in our room just to decide. Although snobs may scoff at some of these as too plebeian or low for their standards, I say that those people should dismount their high horses. As far as I could tell, there’s nothing quite like a midnight bathrobe party on the main Lido deck! All-in-all, I had more fun on this trip than any other. Usually, when a vacation is over, you’re enjoying the destination, but ready to come home. This was the first time ever that I could have remained on vacation endlessly.