Miracle Carnival Cruise Experiences?

Question

I am leaving on a Western Caribbean Carnival cruise aboard the Miracle. We are visiting Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Grand Cayman. Leaving on 3/4/07. This will be my first cruise..and yes, I'm really excited! I would like to hear from anyone who has been on a cruise like this. What do I expect..any ideas while on the ship..or at port of calls. Thanks...: )

Answer 1

I have been on many cruises with several cruise lines and this is what you can expect.

Cruises are one of THE best vacations you can take. Once you are on ship the staff caters to you, its whatever you want. There is something to do all day every day. When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There are generally activities like demonstrations of ice carvings, napkin folding and towel folding, and cooking demonstrations. Some ships may offer a galley (kitchen) tour or a tour of the bridge. There may be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free). If you want, you can order breakfast room service.

All ships have a casino with slots and table games. Ships have movie theaters, generally small but nice, and you can also see movies in your room. They have ATM’s and a purser’s desk where you can cash a check or exchange currency if you need to. There is a tour and activities desk so you can schedule land tours and activities.

Ships have free morning exercise programs, stretching and walking, etc, and on some you can pay for other things like Spinning. All cruise ships have gyms so you can go workout, usually any time from 6:00 AM to late at night. There is usually a walking/running track on one of the decks also. Some ships leave the gym open all night. They call the gyms Spa because they do promote getting pampered with things like wraps and massages with aroma therapy. They will also generally have a beauty salon to do hair and nails.

There are always pools. Some ships have more than one and the newer ships generally have an indoor pool as well as outdoor ones and all of these have hot tubs. There is generally a basketball court on the top deck, a place for scuffle board, and a mini-golf course.

There are places on ships to play cards and board games, and the cards and games are provided. If you want to just sit and read, there’s a library where you can bring your books or select one from the shelf. Ships have internet cafes and some offer WIFI if you bring your prefer to use your computer in your cabin (some ships offer notebooks for rent). There are cocktail lounges that feature a variety of music. Some have a piano bar with jazz. There is usually a disco that starts after 10:00 PM each night and last until everyone leave. On certain days ships will have special activities like a chocolate lovers buffet, or a midnight deck party .

I have been to Cozumel a couple times. Its primarily a place to shop or go do beach activities, like scuba or snorkle. Don't bother doing an island tour because there's not much to see. If you want to do a good tour do one of those that go to the mainland to Chichin Itza or Xcaret. I din't find much to do in Costa Maya either other than beach stuff. Gran Cayman you will dock and be tendered into the pier. There area has a few shops but you can catch a cab or bus to the 7-mile beach, its only a few miles away and well worth the trip for some great beach time. Belize I hope to get to on a cruise soon.

Enjoy, I know you will.

Answer 2

We are going to be on the same cruise! Although I've never sailed on the Miracle, I have been on a Carnival Cruise to Cozumel. Of course, it all depends on what you like to do, but my advice is to avoid the tourist crap, and get off the beaten path while at port.This way you can experience real Mexico. The locals are very friendly, but along the shopping strip they just want you to spend your money. The seafood at the little beach cafes is awesome, and you can go snorkeling on your own without buying into the cruise tours. It's safe and cheaper. We plan on renting scooters and going to the other side of Cozumel, far from the crowds. Ships leave port on time, so don't be late! The cruise itself was great, excellent food and service! We should try to meet on board....maybe have dinner together! We will be in the casino at night I'm sure! Have a great trip!