Carnival Miracle Review

Item: Carnival Miracle
Rating: 3
Author: robertcrambo

Carnival Miracle Cruise Review to Mexico

robertcrambo

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 10

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Sail date: November 21, 2015

Ship: Carnival Miracle

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6222

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The ports and Mexico were great, the ship workers were very nice, however the cruise seemed very unorganized and at all times we had extremely long lines to get on and off the ship. Also it would have been nice to know in advance about the change to the gratuity charge. This was my first cruise but I heard from many on the ship that Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess are better options. I do have to say again, that the staff on the ship were amazingly friendly and accommodating, which made the trip for me.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was nice, Alvin was great and very helpful. Staff is the best part of the cruise line.

Ports of call

Long Beach (Los Angeles), California

1 out of 5

Get there several hours early or you will be in line for hours standing and waiting.

Thumbs Up 1

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5

Loved Cabo, will go back, just not on the cruise ship. No port for ship so had to take small boats in and back. Took way too long to do and cost you valuable time not in Cabo.

Thumbs Up 1

Mazatlan, Mexico

3 out of 5

Nice Cathedrals, and city tour was nice but a little long and very tip hungry at every turn.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5

Very nice and accommodating.

Thumbs Up 0

11 Comments

monicar75 8 years ago

great point... i did not think about those working behind the scenes

Thumbs Up 2

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TitusWoman 8 years ago

I do like to tip those that work harder. we pay the standant $12/day and keep $1 and $5 to tip staff in addition to the regular tip. some of the hardest working staff you never see, and they are some I'd the lowest paid and deserve tips as well.

Thumbs Up 3

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monicar75 8 years ago

I always tip... but I prefer to tip those that give good service and not have an overall tip charge to be split because people do work harder than others.

Thumbs Up 0

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TitusWoman 8 years ago

I hope no one would leave the ship without tipping something. $12/day split between your dining staff, stewards and behind the scenes workers is dismal at best.

Thumbs Up 0

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FirebirdHusband 8 years ago

Also can be reduced or increased while on board - even after you've prepaid. I doubt Carnival or any cruise line wants bad performance rewarded.

Thumbs Up 0

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monicar75 8 years ago

I paid for gratuity when I booked because I did not realize it was optional... wish they would have told me it was optional.

Thumbs Up 0

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FirebirdHusband 8 years ago

Gratuity is still "optional" in that you can change it either up or down once on board. The team works extremely hard to make everyone comfortable and feel special, yet it amazes me how many people complain about their experience on board. Complain while on board! Don't set your expectations so high! You're not paying for a larger than life experience. It's a cruise, nothing more.

Thumbs Up 2

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gregalexander 8 years ago

if this was your first cruise, then how is it a change to the gratuity charge. a change from what? not your last cruise!

Thumbs Up 1

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TitusWoman 8 years ago

I know they went from $11 to $12 per day but can't imagine that being an issue. it is noted on their web site

Thumbs Up 0

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flipperjo 8 years ago

I haven't seen a new gratuity change what are you referring to?

Thumbs Up 0

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TitusWoman 8 years ago

what change in gratuity charges are you speaking of?

Thumbs Up 1

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Other reviews of this sailing

Disappointing

Service on board Miracle

Great time overall