This 11-story Spirit-class ship entered service in 2004. Even now, with larger, and more elaborate cruise ships in service, Miracle and her three sister Spirit ships remain at the fore of cruise ship excellence. With a total passenger capacity of 2,124 souls, this 88,500-ton vessel is 963 feet in length. She can ply the seas at 22 knots.
As this ship sails from U.S. ports, more than 85% of her passengers are U.S. citizens. Most are generally above age 30, but the mix includes honeymooners and families with children to take advantage of Carnival's excellent children's programs. When Miracle sails out of New York, a majority of the passengers are from the tri-state area and the East Coast.
To the popular, tried and true ports of San Juan and St. Thomas, Carnival has added Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, so voyagers on the 8-night cruises get three ports of call.
The list of shore excursions includes beach time, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, helmet dives, shopping, sightseeing and nightlife. Aboard ship, activities include contests and trivia challenges, where passengers can earn prizes; the daily offering of Bingo builds up to a $1,000 cash prize near the end of the cruise. Before you go, it is wise to check the prices at home of things you would consider buying on the cruise. And remember too, the ship operates shops and boutiques, and often you may find a better price aboard ship than you would at a port of call.
Fictional characters set the theme and tone of Carnival Miracle. Passageways leading to cabins are decorated with book jacket covers, artistic renderings and likenesses of the most celebrated novelists and characters in popular fiction from Cervantes to Twain to Hemingway. Hallways and lounges take this theme to a higher level with elaborate art and mural-size posters. The centerpiece in the 11-story Metropolis Atrium Lobby is a stunning ruby-red glass ceiling.
The upscale Nick & Nora's Supper Club is a tip of the hat to The Thin Man films of the 1930s and 40s. The nautically-themed Horatio's Restaurant, decorated with wall-hanging busts of a 17th-century naval officer, is named for fictional swashbuckler Horatio Hornblower. The diversity, presentation and quality of food are all very agreeable. Carnival has ratcheted up its food service operation to several levels above where it was even five years ago. The staff to is alert and quick to attend to details.
The Miracle offers some of the most spacious and luxurious staterooms at sea. Rooms are an average of 50% larger than on other cruise lines. All staterooms have plush carpeting, surprisingly ample drawer and closet space, a large private bath, phone, and multi-channel TV. Choose from relatively economical interior staterooms, or an outside with an ocean view, or one with a balcony. Luxury suites come with private balconies.
Miracle offers novel readers a fantasy escape experience. For people who have never cruised before, this ship provides is an excellent introduction.
