Back from Miracle just yesterday. I'm not a fan of long, drawn out reviews, so I'll get to specifics. This was our 4th cruise, 2nd with Carnival, also sailed the Norwegian Dawn (also brand new) and the Disney Wonder.
I hate to say it, but my review of the Miracle isn't exactly positive. I would say the saving grace is the amazing waitstaff all throughout the ship. Embarkation in JAX was unorganized and took 1.5 hours, even though we arrived "later" at 2:30. The cabins (we had an 8C, aft cabin #5299) are still decorated in a "70's" theme; peach and green and dated looked lighting. The entire boat (although laid out nicely and easily to get around) was bombarded with too many details that didn't exactly flow well together. The Bacchus dining room is unreal, with huge "dot" candy-like pink lights everywhere. Not glamorous, or exotic - sort of...tacky. Our room steward was sub-standard, actually watched a wine glass with drops of red wine sit in the same place 3 days straight. Never tidied up, never refreshed glasses - bed made, new towels and that was it. I had ordered champagne and strawberries to be in the cabin upon embarkation, the champagne was warm (not even in ice, or any ice to be found) and the berries warm, too. Very disappointing...no toast to be made. There were only two Vegas type shows and the lead singers were disappointing (although the dancers were fairly good). The male lead looked 12 years old and the woman 40 - mother and son team? The comedy was predictable and the Nick and Nora supper club just okay...we had initially reserved to go twice during our 5 day cruise, but cancelled second reservation after the "experience" wasn't all it was raved to be. Our servers in the dining room did as good, or better, then the supper club...food about the same.
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All in all, we had a nice time and didn't complain once - and I'm not complaining now. We were away from home and didn't have to lift a finger. We enjoyed ourselves on the sun deck and the itinerary was pleasant enough.
The musical entertainers (scattered througout the ship) were above par - particularly the jazz ensemble outside the dining room. All singers (outside of the main show) were amazing, the couple who played in Nick and Noras were superb. Wait staff pleasant, not pushy. Service in the dining room was the best we've ever received. Food was fine, no complaints - but no raves either. The cruise director was alittle cheesy, but did a great job. Purser's desk very helpful and very kind.
Will I sail the Miracle again? Sadly, no. We had a great time and perhaps our expectations were too high, as we sailed a new ship just last May. We found ourselves always saying, "much nicer on the other new ship".... Don't blast me, as always, this is our opinion (although every couple we ran into - even at the airport - was disappointed with the Miracle) and others may find her enchanting. I can't stress enough how fantastic the crew was (steward aside). On a scale from 1-10, we give the ship a 5.75. The cruise altogether? a 7.
We had a great time (haven't had one vacation where I didn't have fun-all what you make it)- I just would not choose to cruise the Miracle again. Obviously people are different and cruise lines cater to all different opinions and tastes. If someone likes loud, vibrant and busy decor - they will love the Miracle. If someone enjoys a more subdued, deeper and more classical type of decor, they will still enjoy the Miracle (staff alone made the cruise enjoyable, top notch), but they will not find their eyes enjoying the decor and the overall feel of the ship.
