Carnival Miracle 12/23/08 Review Grab a coffee! Since I didn't post a Live From thread, this will probably turn out detailed.
This was our 8th cruise (5 on RCI, 1 on =X= and 1 on Chandris line back in 1987). DH and I are in our mid 40s, kids are 20 and 16 and it was their 6th cruise. Let me start off by saying that on a whole Carnival met and exceeded any expectations especially because we've always heard mixed reviews throughout the years. We're accustomed to leaving out of the northeast since that's where we live. CCL made all the arrangements for us, flights to Florida and transfers. Since we had to cancel our RCI cruise last minute due to a family medical emergency, having someone handle all the details made it easy. We arrived in Florida and were greeted by friendly CCL staff, escorted to a (cabana coach co.) bus where we proceeded to go to the next terminal to pick up more pax. CCL staff advised the driver to take us without waiting for the others since they were waiting on their luggage and CCL didn't want to hold us up. We appreciated the gesture and decision very much. Boarding was a breeze, the terminal was empty, and they were waiting for us with happy, welcoming faces. We boarded and went directly to our cabins on the Empress Deck- deck 6, Cabins 6194 and 6212, both balcony cabins. We met our Cabin stewards who DID ask us to sign that we had met him. The moment was hurried but he didn't mention we were signing to ok the condition of the cabins, although he did ask if we had already been in our cabins (so even tho he asked us to sign that we met him, Im not 100% why we signed- if cabins were acceptable condition and cleanliness as others have mentioned or if it was merely that we met like he indicated). I swear we were the last to embark b/c it seemed like muster was shortly thereafter! After muster we had our kids bring back the vests and meet us at the Orpheus Bar aft Lido deck for our Unofficial Meet & mingle from Roll call. Being new to the CCL boards I am STILL unsure if CCL would have hosted a formal M&M like RCI does- If roll call members register. (if any CCL reps can enlighten me on this it would be great). Roll call met up, it was great to put faces to names and see some around while on board! (and wondered and hoped if some we hadn't met made it on board safely!)
The first thing we noticed was Miracle is smaller than we're used to. DH and I enjoy smaller vessels, so we were happy. (yes we knew it was, what I mean is that we felt the difference and liked it) Muster was quick and painless. I never did find out if the ship was at full capacity, but we weren't often crammed into an elevator and we never waited too long for one.