Disappointing

Carnival Miracle Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Carnival Miracle

Sail date: August 22, 2015

Ship: Carnival Miracle

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8129

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

     Please know this review is tailored to my likes and dislikes.  If you do not mind abnormally hot weather and a boat that closely resembles Romper Room, ignore this critique.  

     I have been on about half a dozen cruises and this is by far the bottom of the barrel.  I was hesitant to book it because it was only two stops to begin with, so I will take responsibility for that.  I have also never taken a cruise in the summer time, but I wanted to surprise my husband for his birthday.  I will never book another cruise during summer time.  The weather was stupid hot and there were children everywhere.  I normally book cruises in the dead of winter...the weather is much more temperate (between 70F-85F) and the child count is minimal.

      Two sea days and then an overnight stop in Puerto Vallarta.  If you do stop in Puerto Vallarta be sure to book an excursion because within walking distance there isn't much to choose from besides the little gift shops there within the port, or the Wal-Mart across the street.  I wanted to walk along the beach and go swimming, which when I did an Internet search for beaches at the docking point, they looked beautiful.  My mistake....I should have done further research.  We arrived and I thought it was awesome because I had the entire beach to myself.  My husband and I walked for a while along the water line until we came to a point where there was a warning sign for the crocodiles.  That would be why there was no one swimming on the beach.  All the resorts there on the beach have private pools and they were packed.  After doing some more Internet research while we were there, we learned crocodile attacks are quite common for those who choose to swim there near the port.  Do your research....I did not.  Like I said, if you want to do anything besides visit the Wal-Mart in Puerto Vallarta, book an excursion.

      The next and final stop was in Cabo San Lucas.  It was okay....lots of sea lions to see while riding the shuttle boat between the main ship and the land.  Many shops to choose from close to the docks and lots of fun crabs to check out on the rocks.  No beaches within walking distance, so again, if you want to do anything besides shop with the locals, book an excursion.

      The boat was the smallest cruise ship I have been on so it was quite an experience for me.  There seemed to be more individuals who were racking up the bar tabs than I have previously experienced as well.  I do not have kids, and I do not mind being around them for periods of time, but this cruise took place before school started up so the number of individuals on the boat under the age of 10 seemed to outnumber the rest of us.  Not sure where the parents were.  I saw flying ice cream cones and countless children running into adults.  I saw children climbing into fountains, playing the slot machines in the casino, and rock climbing all over a plethora of furniture pieces and tables.  I am not kidding, for those of you old enough to remember Romper Room, this was the Romper Room cruise from hell.... ^_^

     Staff was amazing and our balcony was amazing.  We were in room 8129.  The only issue I had with the room, is that we were right below the main deck where all the swimming and partying takes place.  I have already booked another cruise and I have made sure to go down at least one floor level so there is only a cabin above us, and not an entire stampede.  I know some people won't mind the noise, especially those who stay up late.  I like to go to bed early and get up early though, so being right below the Lido deck was not for me.....lesson learned.

     The Caribbean cruises seem to be cleaner and more memorable.  I have done several out of Miami and San Juan, PR.....those cruises had more stops, more to do, and less children.  I will stick with the cruises East of Mexico, they work out better for my husband and I.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
It was a smaller boat so there was no sushi, Guy Fiery, fish and chips place, or blue iguana.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Lots to do for everyone.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Carnival never lets me down. Love the love and marriage show.....watch it every time I am on a cruise.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
I have never had a negative experience with Carnival staff members.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
It was a smaller boat, the smallest cruise ship I have ever been on in fact. It was clean though.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
This room was great, but now since I have discovered the corner balcony, I will never go back to a regular balcony. I enjoy having my own deck.

Ports of call

Long Beach (Los Angeles), California

3 out of 5

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

1 out of 5
Do not swim near the port...there are crocodiles. Do research !

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5
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9 Comments

carniva48078846    9 years ago

I'm not saying it doesn't I go there alot

Charlene49    9 years ago

I'm in Canada and I'll have you know that in most parts of Canada it gets a lot warmer than that 70-85F ...For some reason people seem to think that we have snow year round !

carniva48078846    9 years ago

My bad I re-read this it's kind of your fault for booking a cruise in the summer....In Mexico..

carniva48078846    9 years ago

That's not hot at all and I'm confused with the "there were children everywhere"

carniva48078846    9 years ago

Umm 70-85f where do you live..Canada?

carniva48078846    9 years ago

Yeah....ok...

donc1969    9 years ago

No beach within walking distance in Cabo? You may need a vision test. How could you not see the huge beach that stretches about 5 miles down the way from where the tender boats drop you off? Crocodiles? Never seen em but I think somebody may have been pulling your leg.

jdsavage1    9 years ago

Thanks for the info! Appreciate your feedback. I have a cruise in May 2016. Hopefully kids will still be in school.

glomarrone    9 years ago

Thanks for posting your first review here.  I wish that you had a better time on your cruise. Yes the summer month are peak sailings for families. Nice to know, at least,  that the on board activities, entertainment and service were all wonderful.  I hope that your future cruises go smoother than this one.  

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