Carnival Miracle
February 27, 2004
Inaugural Cruise
by Linda Coffman
A "Miracle-ous" New 'Fun Ship'® from Carnival
|
|
|
Carnival Miracle Christened at Jaxport in Jacksonville, Florida
|
She has the distinction of being the first-ever ship christened at JaxportJacksonville, Florida's shiny new cruise port. With 2,124 passengers on board, Carnival Miracle set sail for her maiden voyage on a blustery February 27, 2004, after being officially named by her godmother, former Army private Jessica Lynch.
Come aboard with CruiseDiva.com and prepare to be surrounded by "fabulous fictional icons" and a multi-million dollar international art collection! Designer Joe Farcus based his theme for this fourth Spirit-class ship on characters from novels, poetry, music, myths, films, and Broadway. A Renaissance man, and obviously very well versed in literature and the arts, Farcus borrows design elements from classic forms to Deco styling to create the unique interiors. "We haven't done anything in quite this style before, and it creates an entirely new look," says Farcus. "It has classical elements, reinterpreted in a sort of post-modern way that combines clean lines yet with decorations and colorations that are simply delicious."
Dining
Speaking of delicious, Carnival Miracle's traditional and alternative restaurants tempt even the most particular palates with a profusion of cuisine choices. Carnival Miracle has something to please everyone!
For a variety of casual dining choices, head to Lido Deck and Horatio's Restaurantin addition to the usual buffet items found in the Rotisserie, there are Asian dishes, a Pizzeria, Salad Bar, an outdoor Grille area serving up fresh burgers and grilled favorites, the Deli for just-made sandwiches, the Pâtisserie, for specialty coffee and desserts, and Taste of Nations, featuring a different cuisine from around the world each day. Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream from several serving stations near one of the swimming pools. Try Sushi on Promenade Deck for, what else?... Sushi before dinner. Also on Promenade Deck, gourmet coffees and pastries are available for a nominal charge at the Fountainhead.
 |
|
Bacchus Restaurant
|
For a start in the formal Bacchus Restaurant, choose from eight different appetizers, soups, and saladsall very freshbut leave room for your choice of one of seven entrées and four desserts. Healthful selections are offered from the SpaCarnival menu as well. Don't leave early or you'll miss the inventive and talented wait staff performing musical numbers just as energetically as they served dinner. Everyone on Carnival Miracle has FUN. I heard many times that staff members not only enjoy their jobs and the interaction with passengers, but also appreciate the opportunity to work for the world's most popular cruise line.
Nick & Nora's is Carnival Miracle's New York-style supper club. For a nominal $25 per person cover charge, it's one of the most outstanding restaurantsand dining bargainsat sea. Not only is the food excellent (escargot, lobster bisque, Alaskan king crab claws, grilled lamp chops, lobster, and several cuts of beef from 9 to 24 ounces), but the presentation is a feast for the senses. A dance floor and live entertainment add to the sophisticated atmosphere. Don't miss this dining experienceI wanted to try everything on the menu... and there are 17 different appetizers, salads, soups, and side dishes from which to select.
Carnival Miracle offers the flexibility of dining styles around the clock. For parents who want to share a romantic dinner for two, the Camp Carnival program and group evening babysitting solves the problem of child care. Of course, room service never closes and dining on one's private balcony is always a treat.
Staterooms
 |
|
Oceanview Stateroom with Private Balcony
|
So many categories, which is the best for you? There are five stateroom categories, but everyone is assured of accommodations that are, on average, 50% larger than those on most cruise ships. Carnival Miracle's range from standard Interior and Oceanview staterooms to Oceanview staterooms with private balconies and Suites and Penthouse Suites with large private balconies. More than 80% of all staterooms are outside and 70% have balconies.
Staterooms feature light wood cabinetry, pastel decor, mirrored accents, small refrigerator, personal safe for valuables, a sitting area with sofa, chair and table, and a hairdryer in a vanity/desk drawer. Bathroom amenities include shampoo and bath gel in shower mounted dispensers and an array of sample toiletries. The shower itself is roomy and has a pull-out clothesline for drying bathing suits or hand laundry. A real convenience is the two-sided (regular and magnifying) bathroom shaving/make up mirror. Closet and drawer/shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves, are more than adequate for one-week cruises.
For families, the sitting area sofa converts to an additional sleeping area at night and passengers with physical challenges haven't been overlookedsixteen staterooms have been designed taking their special needs into consideration.
Continued --> Carnival Miracle (Part 2)
More --> Carnival Miracle Photo Tour
