First Carnival Cruise by
Robert F. from Worcester, MA
Sailing date: Sep 2009 Pros:
The overall service
Cons:
Too many areas for smoking
We went on our first cruise on Carnival on the Miracle for 8 nights out of New York to the Caribbean. We had cruised on 3 other lines a total of 8
times.
The food was very good both in the dining room and in the buffet. The service of the wait staff, bar staff and cabin stewards was fine. The ship was clean and comfortable and the ports of call were as advertised. The entertainment was very good but there was very little music available after 11:00 PM except in the disco.
However, Carnival allows smoking in many more deck areas and lounges than on other ships we have sailed on and you could usually see and/or smell smoke everywhere in the public areas. The sports bar was particularly offensive as this is where you can smoke cigars and pipes as well as cigarettes.
The stateroom television also leaves a lot to be desired. There is no sports channel available and this made it very difficult to obtain game scores ( I guess they want you to pay for Internet access to get them) and there was no CNN or other news channel to keep up to date. Our cruise had 4 sea days and during that time it was like being out of touch with the world.
Overall I would give Carnival B-/C+. We would cruise with them again but only if the itinerary and price were what we were looking for. Otherwise we will go back to the other cruise lines we used in the past and were a little happier with
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overall great value by
melissa p from levittown,ny
Sailing date: Aug 2009 Pros:
modern ship decorations
Cons:
food quality
This was my first time on the carnival miracle. the ship was spotless throughout the week, as their 100% health inspection reflects. And i really
appreciated a modern decor of the ship. If anyone ever sailed on the Celebrity Zenith they would know what outdated decor is. The food, while it was all you can eat, I felt that the quality and the presentation in the main dining room was not up to par. They also only had one other optional pay dining restaurant that we did not try because we didn't like the menu. Everyone on staff always greeted us with a smile each day, which is hard when you have to cruise week after week. We did not utilize the kids clubs.
Drink prices were not bad, unless you have too many, then it adds up. We opted for a balcony room this time and i think it was worth the extra price.
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Grand Turk Island skip the beach here and just hang out at the pool
arrive early to get an umbrella
Don't Miss: Margarittaville bar
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island) beautiful beach very peaceful
Nassau, Bahamas we visited cabbage beach, there are alot of people
selling things on the beach, not recommended for relaxing
Don't Miss: dolphin swim at atlantis
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Wonderful Trip!!! by
Rich C from Edison NJ
Sailing date: Apr 2009 Pros:
The crew couldn't have been nicer, They were great!!!!
Cons:
Lining up for customs on board when arriving at Newport R.I...whether you went ashore or not you had to line up....
My con had nothing to do with Newprt itself, just the manner of lining up, from Stem to Stern we were lined up....
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Dining/Food Can't comment too much as we ate at the buffets for most meals except while we were at Bermuda
Stateroom Quality 2nd cruise with Carnival and I see more cruises with them in the future....
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A great vacation!! by
A Traveler from NJ
Sailing date: Aug 2009 Pros:
The cruise was wonderful! The ship was clean, the workers were friendy, helpful, and bent over backwards to serve you in any way that you needed. The ports were fun and all tours ran smoothly and were easy to book and enjoy. The people on the islands were friendly and helpful.
Cons:
My daughter left here brace retainers on her night stand, and they were thrown away by the cabin steward. Granted, they shouldn't have been left there in the first place, but it does put a "crimp" in the cash flow as they cost $500 to replace. I'm going to see if my travel insurance covers any of it
It was clean, well staffed, and enjoyable!
Ship Quality
Dining/Food Our waiters were wonderful! They bent over backwards to please!
Stateroom Quality We had a handicap room because I rented a scooter for mobility purposes and the cabin was roomy, but they should really figure out a way to redesign the shower so it doesn't flood the bathroom every time it's used.
Ship Staff Quality They were very helpful as far as the scooter use and catering to special needs.
Entertainment & Activities Very enjoyable entertainment for all ages.
Children's Programs I have a 16 year old, and I think they could have had a more activities geared for that age level.
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Grand Turk Island
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island) quiet and the beach was wonderful!!
Don't Miss: the beach
Nassau, Bahamas busy and livey island.
Don't Miss: Atlantis!!
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Great cruise by
jen k from long island, ny
Sailing date: Jul 2009 Pros:
must try nick and nora's, the additional charge is well worth it. enjoyed the song and dance shows, late night dance club, spa, food in general, and ease of booking shore excursions.
Cons:
all poolside chairs claimed by 9 in the morning, casino (area that you had to walk through on many occasions) was smokey, need more stuff to do for young adults during the days at sea.
As this was my first cruise I can't offer comparison but i had a good time, would cruise again, and recommend it to others.
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Grand Turk Island recommend water shoes, rocky and slippery.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island) pure white sand
Nassau, Bahamas not that much to do if you just get the reg atlantis package and dont want to spend another day on the beach.
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Spectacular cruise by
Elizabeth C from Boston, MA
Sailing date: Jul 2009 Pros:
convenience of leaving from New York
Cons:
nothing everything was great
Great ship not to large and not to small. Perfect for a summer get away. Ports of call might be dissappointing to some, but Half Moon Cay makes up for Grand Turk. Best thing to do in Grand Turk is Margarittaville (lots of fun) dont waste your time @ the beech wait for the next day for an AMAZING BEECH (Half Moon Cay). Nassau was great but if you just want to go to Atlantis get off the ship an get a taxi to Atlantis and buy your day pass there $60.00 versus on the ship 89.99
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Grand Turk Island Margarittaville is a must see. The beech in Grand Turk is a waste of time.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island) Everything about this place is truely amazing. Do everything you can it won't dissappoint.
Nassau, Bahamas Go to Atlantis it was worth evey cent.
Don't Miss: Atlantis Resort
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nice cruise by
Bob D. from USA
Sailing date: Jun 2009 Pros:
outside balcony and price
Cons:
food-average
5 incidents of bad waitering
decorations gaudy
meat portions small
"big" gumbo shrimp dinner consisted of 4 medium sized shrimp
flat rate tip system discouraged extra effot
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Grand Turk Island
San Juan, Puerto Rico not enough time to visit
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
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Awesome Honeymoon Trip by
Elisa R from Wallingford, CT
Sailing date: Apr 2009 Pros:
The water was amazing! St. Thomas was beautiful had alittle bit of everything.
Cons:
Grand Turk had a lot of damage due to a storm a year ago, so mot much site seeing there.
The ship was amazing! always something to do and never a down moment unless you took a nap in the afternoon or relax on the deck in a lounge chair. The staff was quick with everything from removing your dishes after you eat to bring you drinks. Clean your room twice a day and at the second cleaning they make towel animals how cute! the islands where a blast to see and the water was amazing. Wouldn't go back to Peurto Rico. People from there say that San Juan isn't the most beautiful section and there is so much more to see. All and all great experience and awesome honeymoon!! Definetly doing it again!!!!
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Dining/Food Thought there would be more seafood options.
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Grand Turk Island Beaches were unbelieveable awesome. Outside of port they have a lot of rebuilding to do from a storm they had a year ago. Took the dun buggy's out and it was nice to atleast see the island and donkey's, horse's and cows room free!
Don't Miss: Swim in the water, clear as can be and I dont like swiming in the ocean!
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Don't Miss: There down town all the sites and vendors and good food!
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Very Relaxing by
Jerry G. from Canton,Ga
Sailing date: Oct 2008 Pros:
Balcony Suite
Cons:
Food
Had a great experience until deembarkation. There was a problem with the gateway and we were self-assist, we were at the area from 7:00 until 9:00, when the problem was resolved. Thought the ship could have offered complimentary beverages to the people standing in line for the 2 hours.
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Relaxing Vacation - Without the Twins by
Tony D from Fanwood, NJ
Sailing date: Oct 2008 Pros:
The Suite was Sweet! The Drinks were cold. Spend your money at the Supper Club - You wont regret it!
Cons:
Dress code was NOT enforced in the dining room.
Overall the ship was great. There is always something to do if you like to keep busy. Also, plenty of places to hide and take a break from everyone and enjoy a good book and a hot coffee from the Coffee Bar.
Ship Quality The crew was great at keeping the ship clean. The only place I noticed were not always clean were the balconies. Could be peeople throw stuff overboard, which they shouldn't, but it seemed like I was constantly cleaning the chairs and deck.
Dining/Food All the food was great no matter where you ate. I thought the Dining Room would have a better selection as opposed to the salmon, steak or chicken daily options. What happened to the Mahi mahi or Frogs legs?
Stateroom Quality The suites are incredibly large.
Ship Staff Quality Everyone on the staff is great. Kudos to the staff that has to deal with the not so pleasant passengers that decide to disembark when they want rather than when their group is called. Guess some people can never be domesticated.
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San Juan, Puerto Rico Don't waste your time at Bacardi unless you go for the 2 free drinks per person. Stick to walking around Old San Juan. It's romantic and some really cool places to shop at - just look around each corner.
Don't Miss: Don't miss walking around Old San Juan
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas The site seeing tour is great. Megans Bay is nice but I think overrated.
Don't Miss: The $7.50 banana daiquiri's at the top of the highest point of Saint Thomas - the wait in line is worth it.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands You'll probably get a good deal on some of the items sold in the tents right outside the port. Don't forget to make a lower offer - they wont say no.
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