Family Vacation

By Milz

• February 7, 2013

Our cruise left from pier 88 in NYC. The embrakation was fast and easy, as was the debarkation process. We were 2 days at sea before arriving at Port Canavaral, FL where we decided to take a cab with a few folks that were also on our cruise ($25 per person, roundtrip) to the Kennedy Space Center ($50 per person, admission) for a total of ($75 per person). Excursions purchased directly from K.S.C. or Carnival started at $100.

This particular port was amazing because the night before my boyfriend and I decided we would wake up extra early to see the sunrise on the top deck and as we were there watching the sunrise, we were greeted by dolphins. I was even able to get a few good shots.

The next day we arrived in Nassau, Bahamas and at last minute decided to purchase an excursion to The Atlantis, Paradise Island ($99 per person) We didn't know what to expect but we ended up having a great and relaxing day. We were given wristbands and escorted to buses that took us to the resort. Once at the beach, we were given plain beach chairs, towels and plastic recycled tote bags to put our things in that we were able to keep. Although, we were restricted from certain areas we were allowed into the casino and aquarium and given lunch vouchers, which could be used at 5 different locations. Unfortunately, only one was open the day we were there. The best part about this excursion was the beach! I was there in January but the water was still decent enough for us to get into and enjoy. The only complaint I have is that there was always someone, somewhere, trying to sell something and it became annoying.This excursion was pretty pricey but I still recommend it, still worth it.

The following day we docked at Freeport, Bahamas and decided not to disembrak. The overall feel of the cruise ship itself was relaxing and fun. The decor was nice but wasn't child friendly. The food was decent but they didn't offer a big selection. They brag about how they offer 24 hour free room service but the only thing on the menu was ice tea, coffee, pizza, icecream and simple sandwiches.

The entertainment was pretty good and so was the sit down dinning. We were very impressed with our third dinner when our servers, I. Putu, I Gusti and Made welcomed us all by name. We were amazed since they didn't ask what they were and yet got all of them correct. Job well done!!!

On the other hand, upon arriving in our room, we were disappointed that our stateroom steward, Jaime Miller Reid hadn't finished cleaning it, didn't bother to introduce himself and didn't even bother to remove the old stateroom stewards name tag. It wasn't until the third evening we came back into our room that we notice that the name tag that was previously there was switched out. Not good!!!

Overall, and in my opinion Carnival Miracle did NOT meet my expectations. However, I have nothing to compare it to as this was my first cruise.