My husband and I planned this cruise on the Miracle back in February, 2008. Funny how a very cold and snowy winter can bring on the desire for a warm cruise. We went on this identical cruise back in September of 2007. We loved the itinerary and friends we met on our last cruise were going again, so we tagged along. I personally love the 4 sea days.

Hurricane Hanna had begun her journey up the East Coast on September 6th and we were concerned about our flight into New York. We were on the first flight out at 6:45 a.m, also booked way back in February. Because we had booked before the surcharge on luggage we did not have that additional cost. The flight left Chicago on time but the flight was very bumpy. We arrived in New York, retrieved our baggage and grabbed a cab to the pier. we arrived at the Pier around 11:15 a.m., it was very crowded. The cab driver found it necessary to drop us off about two blocks from the Pier and we had to walk with our luggage, that was not fun.

Embarkation was completed in about 90 minutes, people were still debarking the vessel. We did get to sit on chairs during our wait and the terminal was air-conditioned. We took our carry on bags and headed for the Lido, it would be a while before our cabin was ready for occupancy. Lunch was great, I sampled a little of everything, the husband headed to the Deli for Pastrami. We enjoyed the Sail Away drink at the back of the ship near the ice cream machines. Okay, I admit that I smoke, it is a great area and it is a smoking area. Read more