Going to Hawaii was great. Experience on the ship was just OK. Everything worked, there was plenty of food, just nothing special. Just make sure that you pack properly. Weather in Pacific Ocean is not the same as the Caribbean.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation process was fine but I was traveling with a Platinum member so we got Priority Checkin. Can't say how the ordinary check in would have gone. Once on the ship it was almost impossible to find room on the Lido deck to have some lunch.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food was nothing special. There were 5 of us traveling and had MyTime Dining. Several times they sat us at a table the was meant for 4 with an extra chair at the end. That table was extremely uncomfortable with on leg room for the extra person. After the first several nights of being put at this table, we told the hostess that we were a party of 5 but needed a table for 6. No issues after that. My husband celebrated his birthday on the cruise and we had some wonderful cake from the onboard Coffee/Desert cafe. The desserts from the regular restaurants were not usually good.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We went to the fitness center a few times and there were several pieces of equipment that weren't working but that is a pretty normal experience on the ships we have been on.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
We have a very good High School Drama department in our hometown and they do a much better job than the productions on the ship. The headliners that they brought on the ship were all very entertaining. Went to the PG version of the comedy club most nights and most of the comedians were good.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Staff was ok, nothing special. My sister, a Platinum member, was in the room with us since her husband didn't want to go, and she had some issues. We had a balcony for 15 days and requested an additional chair on the balcony. That is apparently a "safety" issue the is not allowed however after several trips to the customer service counter and calls, we were allowed to have another chair so that all of us could enjoy the balcony together. They should probably tell you that you can only have 2 chairs when you book a balcony for 3 people.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Ship was the gaudiest one I have ever been on. Not really sure what the theme of the decor was supposed to be but I did not find it beautiful, it was just weird. It is an older ship that gives you the feel of an older ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was comparable to most every other ship cabin. This one was convenient to elevator so that was good.
Ship tip
If you take the Miracle to Hawaii for 15 days, take some warm clothes. We were not prepared for the cool windy weather that we encountered between "Sunny California" and Hawaii.
Rented a car and drove through area on our own. A shuttle will pick you up at the port and take you to the rental car facility. Much better for us than an excursion.
Rented a car in Honolulu but there is no shuttle here as well. Got a better deal renting at the airport location with no shuttle. Took Uber to pick up the car for about $17 each way. Taxi was $30 each way. There is a car rental office closer with shuttle but they closed much earlier in the day and wanted the car for longer. We were able to see a lot of the area. Went to Pearl Harbor but the boat out to the Arizona Memorial couldn't run because of the high wind. Get your Arizona tickets online 2 months before you go. They are first come first serve otherwise and you will not have time to get over in time to get a ticket otherwise.
We road the Kona Trolley for $2. Road all around town and out the coast a ways. Just get on and don't get off. The trolley will pick you up across the street from the tender port by the banyan tree if you can get there in time for the shuttle it is a great deal and a pleasant ride. You can get off the shuttle a few stops from where you started and walk back thru the town area.
Rental car again. If you have a car, make sure you visit Big Island Candy, had a lot of yummy samples for free. Saw a lot of beautiful scenery. ride up to Rainbow Falls and there is a scenic route by the coast that was beautiful as well.
If you need to stretch your legs and got off the ship walk up the sidewalk to the fountain area that you can see from the pier. The town was crowded and a little scary to us. They have a bus that will take you to town for $3, just be careful, we were not impressed with the town but they have put a lot of effort to make the pier nice so take a nice little walk.
Patti.. my sister got back for the same cruise in sept she said she is glad she took a light jacket and long sleeve tops she said the days at sea were cooler .. we are going Sydney to Honolulu in April so will do the same thing but she said the shopping in Hawaii is great .. so take an extra bag .. enjoy 🍹😎
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