The staff is FANTASTIC!

We will probably go on one of these cruises again, and likely to the Mexican Riviera, but may possibly try for a different ship. The staff on the ship seems to always be very cheerful, helpful and truly loving their job as well as being very committed to the passengers having a great time. We got a balcony for our first cruise, and while it was really enjoyable to have it, the amount of time spent out on it, might be a good place to save some money for the various other expenses and excursions one would want to enjoy. The food was pretty good throughout the cruise; my husband enjoyed all of it and they have some elegant things to try (you can get frog legs and other similar items). You can also get prime rib and nice steaks on some days without paying the extra fees for the premium dining rooms. The things to make sure to do: Order up 1-2 12 packs of bottled water for your room--we used two 12 packs during the cruise. You can also bring one 12 pack of sodas and a bottle of wine per person onboard--I suggest that unless you're  big drinker and want the (virtually) unlimited drink plan. Since both people in the same room have to order the same drink plan, we found it more economical to put about $350.00 in our "bar cash" account, prepaid, The all inclusive drink plan is double that amount and we had enough beverages. Your sodas and everything can come out of that too, and there is always free coffee and juice available. WHAT WENT WRONG: 1) The "tips" are levied on three levels and you don't have to pay all of them, but you might learn the hard way--we prefer to tip individually rather than the set rate.2) There are "buying opportunities" at every corner you turn: Art sales, watch sales, Levian jewelry, etc., etc.,--they make it hard to say NO., 3) the electrical sockets in our room were faulty as was our phone.4) I had an accident off ship, and got many cuts on my hands and broken glass left me wondering if I needed stitches, and if there was still glass embedded. The ship said that technically I didn't really book the excursion though them (just a link on their website for recommended tours), so they wouldn't see me unless I wanted to pay A LOT OF CASH up front and try to seek reimbursement through my insurance company. I refused and now my hand is infected.They didn't care at all. 5) There weren't as many opportunities for activities onboard as I thought there would be, like shuffleboard, etc.  WHAT WENT RIGHT: 1) THE STAFF IS awesome (except for the medical office), 2) The food was good, 3) The ship didn't seem crowded--there was always space for alone time. 4) The Miracle is an older ship and in pretty good shape, but certain things show her age.5) The drink deal is a rip-off6) Comedy show was free and GREAT!

****BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE FOR MAXIMUM SHIPBOARD CREDITS