Carnival Miracle Review

Underwhelming experience

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Miracle
User Avatar
MikeGinnyMD
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2013

I will note that our cruise was an Atlantis cruise (a gay cruise charter) and so I am unable to review certain elements that were provided by Atlantis, rather than Carnival.

Embarcation: We paid for the "Faster to the Fun" upgrade and were able to bypass the line. I can't suggest this enough. Carnival's embarcation process is as dehumanizing and stressful as a TSA checkpoint on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. People stood in line for three hours. Some people almost missed the ship even though they were there two hours prior to departure. Staff were rude and pushy and barked orders at us if we so much as took a wrong step. I certainly would expect better of a company that operates these cruises on a weekly basis.

Physical Accommodation/Cabin Amenities: The ship is comfortable and stable. Air conditioning in the cabin keeps them very comfortable even in very hot and humid weather. The cabins, while smaller than a standard hotel room, are spacious enough. Our extended balcony faced aft and offered us a small "extra room" when one of us wanted to watch TV but the other wanted to just read. Water pressure was good and both hot and cold water were readily available (although our sink's cold water was a bit of a trickle). There is a mini-bar that is freely accessible (in case you need to bring any refrigerated medications or such). Our cabin was located at the extreme rear and there was a bit more movement so far from the ship's center of gravity and a small amount of vibration from the propellers/diesels, but this actually helped me sleep. My only complaint is that the main lights in the cabin are achingly bright, but there are smaller lights that can be turned on to offer a less actinic glare.

Cabin Review

The cabin's decor is much less eye-watering than the rest of the ship, although there are some decidedly unasthetic elements to it. It is somewhat long and narrow, but there is a small sofa, a mirror with a small shelf/desk, adequate lighting (although the main overhead lights are piercingly bright, there are other lights that are less intense). Way at the rear of the ship, far from the center of gravity, there is more motion. There is some vibration from the diesels and propellers, but I actually found it soothing. The extra space on the balcony was also nice. Shower gave a nice stream of warm water, although the sink's cold water only trickles (the hot comes out strong). The bed was delightful, the air conditioning kept the cabin as cold as we wanted it (we like it cold to sleep) and we slept like angels (we aren't angels :).

previous reviewnext review

Find a Carnival Miracle Cruise from $244

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.