Nice but not great

Item: Carnival Miracle
Rating: 4
Author: MsDWig

Carnival Miracle Cruise Review

MsDWig

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 18

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

5 Night Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 18, 2022

Ship: Carnival Miracle

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6236

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Being on the ocean is always great! It was by far not the worst cruise I have been on but not the best. Of all the families that were in our group, I am glad our cabin was the worst because I would be embarrassed for recommending the ship if they had bad water or no AC. We made the best of it at the moment and chose not the think too much about the down sides until after.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Easy boarding experience, had the added challenge of a wheel chair for one in our party. They were very accommodating and courteous. Made her feel comfortable and not a bother.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Pizza Pirate

4 out of 5

Pizza was always good but they could not keep up. There is usually a line on the ships- but this was a ridiculous wait, seems like 4 pizzas would come out ever 5 minutes.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Seems like some venues were overcrowded and others were empty. This was large in part to the entertainment being less than entertaining (piano bar, guitar entertainer) so people left those.

Photo Gallery

3 out of 5

I really like the digital experience better, we spent so much time looking for our pics and it was uncomfortable navigating between others looking. The staff was helpful and courteous.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The piano bar gentleman was talented but not engaging to the crowd. Many people went in and out. We tried to get the fun rolling but it seemed to be more of a relax and enjoy rather than enjoy experience. The guitar player was not the quality we are accustomed to seeing, again, a walk out experience. The couple in the atrium were good.

Phantom Main Lounge

4 out of 5

The playlist staff was great but noticeable there were members missing and others covering- which did great considering the circumstances but you could tell it was off.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Club O2

2 out of 5

The leader seemed more like a babysitter and wanted to debate with the kids. Usually, carnival has leaders that know how to speak to kids in an engaging, encouraging, and uplifting way. We had 1 that was 2 months older than the limit and 1that was 2 months younger. Prior, they let the younger stay with her siblings. This leader- no way. Even asked guest services, they said if it was ok with us, it is ok with them but she still said no. I think it was because she thought we were lying about them being siblings (there are a few different cultures as they are mostly adopted) because of they way they look, she even said that someone else was in our family that was not. The kids said she is not our sister and she said that they told her she was before and they said, we “just met her”, and she responded “whatever”. Tried to explain because this is a complex situation (some people need some clarification, that’s normal) but she was back petaling like crazy, changing the subject and making it seem like our fault- I told the kids to stay away from there. Never have we had that happen, usually they become fast friends with the leader.

Camp Carnival

5 out of 5

The small kiddos were well cared for and enjoyed themselves so much!!!

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

The wait staff and room staff were great!!!! The only place we found odd was the bartenders treating us differently once they found out we had a soda card. Even thought we tipped above and beyond, we were treated oddly. Carlos in the auditorium continuously got our orders wrong or would deliver items from the same order 5 minutes apart. We just learned to avoid Carlos and wait for someone else to come by.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cleanliness and ship design were great! The issues were the water occasionally being brown and our AC never worked, even after someone came in to check it out. Customer service did supply us a fan to use in our room, that was nice.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Steward was nice, room was clean. AC did not work even after the staff was sent to check the room. Water was sometimes brown- had to be cautious.

Ship tip

Small kids- good. Older kids- pass. If you like to see the music venues- pass. Pool, fun squad activities- good. Medical care- superior to that on land.

Thumbs up