Carnival Miracle "Copyright of Carnival Cruise Lines"
Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship Review
Carnival ships have always been known for their distinctive “whale-tail” funnels. Carnival’s Miracle takes it up a notch with a ruby red glass cathedral ceiling 11 stories above the Metropolis atrium augmenting the iconic funnel. It’s a dramatic visual enhancement seen from both the outside as well as the inside of the ship.
Funnels are actually distinctive features of all ships, including cruise ships, going back to the days of steam. They are the exhaust stack of a ship reaching all the way from the engine room to high above the ship and assisting the flow of engine exhaust up and over the aft decks and away from guests. A funnel is not only a distinctive feature, but identifies which line that ship belongs to.
The Carnival Miracle is the latest in Carnival’s Spirit class of ships. The Spirit class ships are built to the Panamax form factor. (Panamax is the maximum dimensions for any ship transiting thePanamachannel.) The ships gross tonnage is 88,500 and has the capacity to carry 2,124 guests.
Interior architect Joe Farcus is known for super-showy designs. While Miracle is more under-stated then her predecessors she still has a theme and Miracle’s is authors, writers and fictional characters with guest hallways featuring drawings of famous literary characters like Robin Hood and Robinson Crusoe and book jacket covers. The lobby and atrium are named after the Metropolis of “Superman” fame, and there’s even a Gotham lounge that gets its name from “Batman.”
Carnival Miracle Cabins
- 80 percent of Miracles cabins have an ocean view and 80 percent of those feature a private balcony.
- The staterooms on board the Miracle have a contemporary yet festive feel to them.
- The furniture is made from light cherry wood and there are plenty of lamps and fixtures to brighten your room with a cozy glow or a cheerful light.
- All guests receive standard bathroom amenities in a pouch containing items including shampoo/conditioner, razors, toothpaste and soap.
- The inside cabins consist of a desk, a bathroom, twin beds, a closet, a television and a fridge.
- The higher category cabins have additions such as a small lounge. Each balcony has some space laid out in front of it for more privacy.
- The cabins with a balcony are 225 square feet in size. There are some suites on board as well, which are a maximum of 465 square feet in size with large balconies and whirlpool tubs.
- There are some specific cabins for physically disabled guests.
Carnival Miracle Dining
There are a number of dining options on board the Carnival Miracle. The most popular one is the Bacchus Dining Room named for the Greek god of Wine and providing a festive and exciting ambiance, reflective of its name. Guests will appreciate the flexible timing option available in this dining room. You can choose from early or late dining or “Your Time Dining” which lets you dine any time between 5:45 to 9:30 pm. You will have to book a spot in this dining room before the cruise to ensure that you do not miss out on the experience and book early if you are particular about which choice you would like.
Horatio’s Restaurant, on the lido named after fictional swashbuckler Horatio Hornblower, has a distinctive 17th century nautical theme and offers complementary, self-service dining featuring full breakfast, lunch, a casual dinner option, and a late night bistro. You can even dine poolside if you like. There is a 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream/frozen yogurt machine located in this area in case you are hungry for those any time.
Nick and Nora’s is the perfect place to have a romantic dinner. This restaurant comes at an extra charge but is worth it for its unique ambience and delicious food and extra attentive service. There are plenty of tables and booths, which give it the feel of a casual café and can accommodate groups big or small.
There is a grill by the pool with hotdogs and hamburgers. If you are not in the mood to leave your cabin, you can order room service round the clock. A sushi cart is available outside Maguire’s Sports Bar every afternoon.
Another ‘extra charge’ dining option is the Chef’s Table which might be a nice option if you are on board with a group, as it offers a dozen guests a multicourse dinner with a master chef. It includes a private cocktail reception and a tour of the galley and its operations. This dining option usually takes place in a nontraditional venue such as the library and can be booked on board.
Carnival Miracle Entertainment
There are a number of production shows onboard with energetic music including a Beatles themed production. The main show lounge, Phantom, has three levels and an almost magical appeal to it with stone figures and maroon and gold walls.
There is a jazz performance in the Gotham Lounge along with fun events like bingo games, slot tournaments, trivia contests and game shows. The Jeeves Lounge is a nice place to relax and have drinks. Frankenstein’s Lab is a disco with purple stone walls and cocktail tables held up by gargoyles. Mad Hatter’s Ball features nightly comedy shows. Mr. Lucky’s casino consists of slot machines for gambling. Sam’s piano bar offers live music on request. Frankie and Johnnie’s is a show lounge with red walls and a traditional ambience.
Raven Library has mahogany tables and chairs, and an internet café. There are several gift shops and a small wedding chapel located in the area as well.
Carnival Miracle Spa and Fitness
There are four pools on board the Miracle of which the Ulysses Pool located on deck 9 is the liveliest. There are whirlpools nearby. Towels are available but there is a charge added to your on board purchases for each unreturned towel.
The Spa Carnival has 10 rooms for treatment as well as sauna and steam rooms. It provides massages and facials, and aroma-stone therapy. There is a multi-level fitness center on Decks 9 and 10, with a beautiful surrounding view. A hot tub is located in the center as well. Pilates, Yoga and cycling are also provided on board by the fitness center.
There is a gaming zone behind the Phantom Lounge, called Wizards, with numerous machines and two air hockey tables.
Carnival Miracle is a great ship for families and those who like to be in a Vegas-like atmosphere. It is high energy, with flashy décor and lots of things to see and do. Carnival is doing a great job of enhancing their reputation as the ‘Fun Ship’ and Miracle is a prime example of this.