Yes, we've been on the Miracle before, in October 2013 and were underwhelmed. However, family vacation dates dictated a return visit for cruise to Mexico in June 2015. Hopeful after the recent dry dock renovations, we boarded with an open mind. We are typically Princess cruisers, but have been on a few Carnival cruises as well. Embarkation was very smooth and quick, thanks to the pre-purchased "Faster to the Fun" package- definitely worth it to avoid some of the long wait hassles. The new additions? 3 new bars that have absolutely no continuity with the previous (hideous) decor. The Red Frog pub is a nice addition, but has anyone ever seen guests in a sports bar hanging out? (brand new, no one was ever there) and the "Alchemy Bar"- nice leather couches aside, was so blah and awkwardly positioned in a main thoroughfare, no one was ever there either, except to wait for their dinner pagers to do off. And the cabins? Never touched. Worn case goods, broken and dirty lampshades, faded bedding.

Still keeping hope alive, we never saw our cabin steward the first day. There was some mix up and they moved him to another section, so we were reassigned but in the meantime, .. no SOAP? It was bad enough they eliminated lotion or any other amenities outside of the built in-questionable "conditioning shampoo (ever try to wash woman's hair/without conditioner? Luckily we knew better and brought our own) and 'shower gel"/? wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Fridge remained locked and ice and extra requested pillows and soap would just have to wait until EVENING. Even after the reassignment, had to ask twice for TOILET PAPER. Also, the bunk bed for our teenager had no safety rail and no one seemed to know where to locate it until 2 supervisors found it under the bed. Not a great first impression.

Yes, I know, it's Carnival, the Wal Mart of cruise lines, but still don't understand why emergency drills have to be held OUTSIDE, all of us lined up like criminals, jammed together (hope you aren't claustrophobic)-- our "extended" balcony was nice, although about the same size as a standard on other lines, maybe SLIGHTLY deeper, but to get one, you are set BACK from other decks, thereby blocking some of your side view where the ship juts out again. Back to the decor. I can barely look at their "piazza" (sorry, Princess-lingo), it is the most dark, depressing 'lobby' with awful shades of brown, those dark tile floors and ugly blue lights. A long guitarist with a tamborine player woefully sing at the world's smallest 'stage'. Read more