Disappointed

Carnival Miracle Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 4

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5
Carnival Miracle

6 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 11, 2018

Ship: Carnival Miracle

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

My husband and I are not normally picky about food. But we were very disappointed. The desserts were good, but most of our meals were bland and had an odd consistency. Our servers were wonderful and attentive though. It wasn’t their fault the food wasn’t good. We highly recommend Mr. Sanchos Beach Club in Cozumel. That was our favorite day of the Cruise. We didn’t book any excursions in Costa Maya, but got off the ship and did some shopping. I made the mistake of having 2 Pina Coladas at the Tiki Bar. I normally only drink dry wine and light beer because I’m Diabetic. I wasn’t thinking. The Pina Coladas really looked good. But I felt horrible from all that sugar! Plus I have an immune system disorder that takes away my energy. My blood sugars must have gone sky high. I felt really sick. So when heading back to the ship they had wheelchairs available. I’m turning 62 next week and have never had to use a wheelchair before, but I took them up on using one. When we got to the ship they took me to my room. They never questioned me about why I was feeling sick and exhausted. I drank a lot of water, took a nap and then felt much better. At dinner time, I ordered a Light Beer and was told my Cheers package had been revoked for the next 24 hours! I was so upset that they did this without talking to me about it. Plus it was embarrassing! They assumed I was intoxicated. And I was not! I had to go to customer service and then talk to security. They said they couldn’t do anything for 24 hours and to come back the next day. I was so hurt and upset. It ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing trip. I had to go back a few times and then fill out a report. I feel Carnival was unfair in how they handled this. It was very stressful and upsetting. Our room was not as clean as it could have been either. Because of my immune disorder I took along Clorox wipes. The bathroom sink had some little curly hairs when I wiped out the sink. Plus the bathroom smelled like a sewer the entire trip no matter how much I cleaned it. I heard other passengers had the same complaint about the odor. So we decided we will never be taking a Carnival Cruise again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

1 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 4

12 Comments

AnnieJ27    6 years ago

I didn’t list my diabetes when I checked in. The way I remember the question was if you had any health conditions that would prohibit you from taking a cruise. Maybe I didn’t read it correctly? I felt that I had my health under control so I didn’t list anything. I was more worried about germs because I have a weird immune system disorder where my body doesn’t produce enough IGG’s that fight off bacteria and viruses. I talked to my Immunologist before the trip and she said to not go to the buffets, wash my hands constantly and make sure things are sanitary. I also got a Flu Shot, pneumonia shot and Shingles vaccine a few months before the cruise. And there was nothing strange that happened between getting back on the ship and dinner time. The reason I’m upset with Carnival is that there was no communication that they revoked my privileges. It really took me by surprise and that’s why I’m upset.

RFedele    6 years ago

I am glad to hear about the wheelchairs. I cruise with diabetic friends and family. Question I have, what else happened? Something your not including here? If your sugar was high and you were tired I dont see them blocking the drink package... especially if you've listed the medical condition for the cruise... NOW, if your sugar had dropped and you came across as intoxicated, that would be a different story. I just can't ge the thought out of my head that something else transpired between returning to the ship and dinner... did you tell them you had too much to drink? Perhaps they tried to act in your best interest, if you did inform Carnival you are diabetic.

SargeF    6 years ago

I am also diabetic. I also get the drink package. I also disclaim on my check in that I am diabetic so if there is any medical issue the cruise line is aware. I to tend to stay away from the real sugary drinks. I recieve a letter from carnival with there ada disclaimers ect. I know the risks and like others do indulge once in awhile. I can feel your disdain as yes I also have had a spike and know exactly how you felt. The rest and water is always my cure. Hope you look into another carnival cruise and see how it goes.

AnnieJ27    6 years ago

Thanks for your kind words. I hope my post helps others who are in my situation to be more careful. My experience is a “cautionary tale”.

Decall2002    6 years ago

On vacation we all want to have fun and relax which does involve having foods and drinks we normally don't have. And yes they should have let you know they would be stopping your beverage card.

AnnieJ27    6 years ago

That’s for sure! I’m back to my healthy eating. It’s a lot easier to eat well at home. It’s been so long since I’ve had sugar I didn’t realize how bad it would make me feel. I also had some desserts on the cruise I wouldn’t normally eat. I know that none of you know me. But I am usually very careful and conservative. My dad is 85 and is also diabetic. He’s a retired Pharmacist. He is way worse than me with his diet and has a Manhattan most days. He is 6 foot tall and weighs 175. He just had both of his knees replaced in the past 18 months. He has his diabetes under control. I guess I was just being rebellious eating and drinking things I normally wouldn’t thinking it wouldn’t affect me that much. It’s really difficult to not be able to eat and drink things I enjoy. Please don’t be so judgmental. I am just upset because they did not inform me. It was humiliating. We went to a meet and greet right after the muster drill. I met quite a few people who were already tipsy. I was fine because I only had a light beer. Those people didn’t have their privileges revoked. We went on this cruise to de-stress and Carnival added to my stress instead of communicating with me.

Decall2002    6 years ago

You didn't like the way they treated you and they did not check on you. Did you tell them what your medical issue was. That you didn't think, and you drank some drinks you should not of had in the first place, not just one but two of them. Perhaps next time you will think first before order something you shouldn't have.

AnnieJ27    6 years ago

My doctor did give me permission to drink light beer and dry wine. I’m usually careful. It definitely was my fault that I drank something with that much sugar. I wish they would allow just one person in a cabin to get the Cheers package. My husband enjoys his cocktails and it’s nice to know exactly how much you will be spending. I figured I would still get my money’s worth with all the bottled water at dinner and a few drinks per day. But I felt like I was being punished after the incident. They should have said something to me. I wasn’t loud or crazy or anything. I just didn’t feel well. My blood sugar was probably around 400. Between that, the heat, and my other health conditions I was happy to take them up on a ride to the boat. I’ve been diabetic since I was 42 and it’s difficult to not splurge now and then. I can understand they can’t salt the food or add much spice. I am fine with adding a little salt and pepper myself. But it was the texture of the food that I was unhappy with. A lot of the entrees were dry or difficult to cut. The shrimp cocktail consisted of 4 tiny limp shrimp and weren’t drained after thawed. They were sitting in water. It has to be really difficult serving that many people, but I think they could do better.

JustCruz    6 years ago

There are those people with salt or other food restrictions. And food taste bland without salt. However it is easier to add salt than take it out. They have several thousand people to feed and try there best to accommodate.

dbsu58    6 years ago

Did you eat in the main dining room? Its usually pretty good. Sorry I have to say it...As a diabetic you know you should not drink at all let alone have a drink package. Alcohol is extremely damaging to a diabetic. I would bet you BS was well over 800 from your description. Better watch it, that is coma territory. Is it any wonder they thought you were drunk? Did you tell them how you were feeling or just assumed they should have known? Too bad they didnt let you know they were cutting you off. Well, I hope you got a refund for that 24 hours. Sometimes odors happen did you let someone know? All you have to do is pick up the phone and call house keeping or guest services. I had that happen once and it was taken care of promptly.

AnnieJ27    6 years ago

My husband wanted me to add that the WiFi is horrible and isn’t worth the money.

DerekMire    6 years ago

Other reviews of this sailing