5/7/2010

By murr

• May 18, 2010

The Carnival Miracle

May 7--15, 2010,

Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Nassau

Balcony room Deck #6 Port side.

EMBARKATION: We arrived at the terminal at 10:45am and were in the seated waiting area by 11:10. Our Zone was #2 and was called at 11:30. We were on the Lido deck by 11:45. A new world record in my opinion.

THE SHIP: The Miracle is one of the best kept, cleanest ships in the fleet. We sailed her to Bermuda last year and loved it so much that we booked this itinerary knowing we would be treated very well. They didn't disappoint us in the least. People make fun of all the purple lighting, you do get used to it after a while. All the Carnival ships have vivid lighting, but that's what makes it so exciting. The ship is very easy to get around on. From the Atrium you can walk the length of the ship to most of the public rooms, it flows very well. No need to take elevators to different floors to get around. The only problem is the smoking. Although you are only allowed to smoke on the Lido deck, port side, the ship is full of second hand smoke constantly. Cigar smoking is only allowed in one of the pubs, but people were smoking on the pool decks to. As you pass through the Casino to get around, you are always getting blasted in the face with smoke.

THE FOOD: My wife is a vegetarian and was able to find many choices for food. This was a big part of where we were going to eat each night, but it did work out. We don't eat in the formal dining room, so I can't rate it. The buffet consisted of a grill, salad bar, sushi bar, sandwich station, and 24 hour pizza and self serve ice cream. there were plenty of choices and a lot of desserts. I'm on a low sugar and low sodium diet and fell in love with the diet desserts. The quality of the food was good. There is a Steakhouse and for a minimal charge of $30.00 per person you get lobster or a big steak, an appetizer and dessert. We went there 2 times on this cruise and were treated like royalty. This is a must for one night on this cruise. you will be very surprised by the service, 5 star(*****) in our opinion.

ROOM SERVICE: our room steward was always present and the room was kept very clean and water was changed daily as was the ice bucket. One thing bothered me though, I'm 6'5" 250 pounds, and every time I saw him he would answer me by calling me "Dear", he would say" Yes? Dear" This really pissed me off. Probably showed in my final tip.

CABIN: We love the Balcony Cabins. Queen sized bed, plenty of storage, drawers, closets, large bathroom. A good sized balcony for 2 people, 2 chairs and a table. They do have an extended balcony room, same room, bigger balcony, maybe next year.

SHOWS: We loved the shows. A juggler comedian, and a big show about the Beatles. Malcolm the cruise director did a spoof on silent movies using the audience as the cast, very funny.

PORTS OF CALL: Grand Turk, we took the tour of the conch farm. Our bus driver was very informative of the island as we made our was to the farm. He was also the guide at the conch(pronounced "Konk") farm.

Half moon Cay, is the private island that we stopped at next. The tendering was run so smooth it amazed me. We met in the theatre and were given numbers, we waited maybe 10 minutes and were on the tender and on the island in 20 minutes total. The tender held 150 people and looked like a ferry with 2 stories. The island was just gorgeous. the water was calm, clear and a little cool but everyone was in it all day. We rented a clam shell so we wouldn't get to sun burned. It cost $17.00 for the entire day. They even had a BBQ in a covered building with many choices. Music, activities, dancing, it was all there. This was our favorite port and can't wait to return some day. Nassau, we arrived early and were able to do some shopping before our excursion to Atlantis. Atlantis was beautiful, the aquarium was large and filled with many varieties of sea life. We especially loved the sea turtle area.

DISEMBARKING: Was a Breeze. We docked at 8:00am, were off the ship by 8:30 and after a being picked up by a friend, we walked in our door home at 10:00. We did self assist and carried all our luggage right off, went to Customs and Immigration. Another world record!

The overall trip was fantastic. The first sea day the weather was cool of course and the seas were a little choppy. But from the second day until we arrived home, the trip and weather were fine. 2 sea days down, 3 ports of call, 2 sea days home, is just fine for someone looking to get away. There were many things to do on the ship everyday. Including just vegging out on the deck in the sun. We may do this cruise again next year, or the same ship with a different itinerary. HIGHLY recommended!!!!