A VISIT TO THE CARNIVAL MIRACLE

Food onboard the Carnival Miracle was good and there was a large selection. During the luncheon buffet, I was impressed with the choices of seafood, chicken, fish, pasta and vegetarian entrees. The food was nicely presented, warm and appealing. For food that is created in large quantities for a large number of vacationers, it was very tasty, nicely presented.

Dinner is served in the large, two tier, Bacchus Dining Room, named for the Greek god of wine. This  main dining room is decorated in deep purple colors, with large, grape like structures hanging from the ceiling.  The dining room accommodates all passengers in two settings (early at 6 p.m., late at 8:15). The dinner menu offers many choices even for the pickiest of travelers - offering seafood, beef, chicken and pasta selections. There are healthy selections for those who still want to watch their waste-line while on vacation. Dinner consists of  five courses - an appetizer, salad, soup, entree and dessert. The wide variety of deserts are rich and decadent.

The wait staff was very attentive and strived to please the diners. Food was delivered hot and the meals were delivered with accuracy.

Breakfast and lunch is served in the Bacchus Dining Room in an open-seating fashion every day. The breakfast menu is the same each morning, with standard, popular food selections: French toast, pancakes, omelets, eggs benedict, and more. If you choose to, there is also a breakfast buffet available for those wishing to eat in a less formal environment (Horatio's). 

Lunch is available in the main dining room as well as Horatio's, the buffet area found on the Lido Deck. This area is large and welcoming. with numerous serving stations and specialty food selections. The day I was aboard the ship, the buffet lines were lengthy and it was difficult to find an available table in Horatio's. This was due to the fact that the ship had arrived late and the cabins were not yet ready for passengers. Everyone was encouraged to go to the Lido for lunch until their cabin was available.

For those wishing a less formal dining experience, Horatio's also serves buffet style dinners and also serves as a late night bistro.

For a more upscale dining experience, there is  Nick & Nora's Supper Club. Located high above the ship, in the glass enclosed structure at the base of the funnel, is found this bi-level restaurant. Although there is an additional cover charge of $30 per person, those who have dined there, say it is well worth it. The room is reddish in tone, including the red tinted glass dome. On the back wall is an oversized photo of the Chrysler Building and surrounding skyline. Nick and Nora's offers an extra-attentive service. The dining room, has an intimate seating arrangement and the menu offers prime cuts of meat, Caesar salads prepared tableside and incredible deserts.

For the kids or those young at heart, there is the 24-hour pizzeria and 24-hour ice cream/frozen yogurt station There is a  deli offering a variety of hot and cold items and a  poolside grill where those lounging on deck, can get a burger, fries, grilled chicken and the like. Room service is available.

CABINS / ACCOMMODATIONS

The Carnival Miracle has many type of accommodations, 80% of the ship's cabins are outside and/or Balcony cabins. The remaining 20% are internal cabins. Of the 849 cabins found onboard, 624 are oceanview cabins with private verandahs, 69 obstructed view cabins with French doors and 99 inside cabins. The ship has 52 suites that have additional space and amenities, including whirlpool tubs and upscale furnishings.

The cabins found onboard the Carnival Miracle are your standard modern cruise ship accommodations. Most cabins have a small desk, 2 twin beds that convert to a queen bed. Higher-end cabins have a sofa that folds out to Queen bed as well. Some cabins may have fold out beds from walls for 3rd and 4th persons. The cabins have ample storage space, mini-fridge and closed circuit TV. The bathrooms tend to be compact, with sink, storage, toilet and shower.

Balcony cabins have verandah's that can fit a small table and chairs. Although the size of the balconies tend to be a modest size, the balcony cabin are a great way to enjoy the sea. Categories 8C, 8E, 8G and 8I feature "extended" balconies. These balconies are approximately 50 percent larger than a normal balcony. The only draw back is these verandahs extend out more from the side of the ship, so people on decks above can look down on your balcony.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Carnival Miracle offers Las Vegas style shows, comedians and/or magicians, live bands and recorded music.

Because of the the size of the ship, there are usually shows and music being performed in multiple rooms simultaneously, making it easier for passengers to find entertainment pleasing to them.

SPA & FITNESS CENTER

The Carnival Miracle also has an extensive Spa program, offering many different treatment, All treatments are available at an additional charge. There is also a hair salon, where you can look you best for that night's activities.

The gymnasium is very impressive with its wide array of equipment. In the Gym are two hot tubs for relaxing.

Overlooking the bow on Decks 9 and 10 is the the multi-level fitness center. The fitness center has the standard equipment including step-machines, exercise bikes, rowing machines, treadmills and weights. There is a hot tub near by to unwind after the workout.

There fitness area has workout rooms, where trainers can lead classes in Yoga, Pilates and cycling. These classes are available at an extra cost, but a great way to burn off any extra pounds.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM

The Pinocchio's Club is the name of the children's area on Miracle. The Carnival Miracle is one of the most kid friendly ships afloat. The kids program called "Camp Carnival" offers an extensive program of activities.

The children are grouped by age. Usually the kids program is broken-up into 3-4 age groups (depending on the sailing)..

For the younger kids, activities include: Pirate shows, movies, arts and crafts, story time, pizza making, sporting activities and more.

 For the teens a the program includes: teen dances, scavenger hunts and team activities.

The Carnival Miracle offers a Teen Disco - the Club O2. There is an arcade. For the  younger children there is a wading pool.

 The Carnival Miracle even has a miniature golf course located on the Sun Deck and a decent size arcade for the video games player in everyone.

During late nights hours, after 10 PM, baby sitting services are available at a reasonable per hour fee. The children are usually monitored in groups in the Pinocchio Club.