We (family of 3 - 14 y/o son) traveled with another family (of 6) on 6/18 Miracle sailing. We had a great time and was pleasantly surprised by the Carnival experience.

Flew into Tampa the evening before and stayed at the Embassy Suites Westshore - would rate it average as it was not typical of the usual ES. Had free airport shuttle and caught a $6 pp shuttle to port the following day. Arrived at port by noon and was onboard by 12:30 - straight to Lido deck for lunch and in cabin by 1:30.

Ship was interesting (as in colorful, somewhat gaudy) and clean, cabins roomy. Our extended balcony's view was somewhat blocked by row of balconies that stuck out. We all had first seating for dinner. Myself and a couple of the kids ran up to the top deck around 6:15 to watch the ship sail under the Skyway bridge in Tampa - was neat to see. Read more