Carnival
Miracle
February 27, 2004
Inaugural Cruise
by Linda Coffman
A
"Miracle-ous" New 'Fun Ship'® from Carnival
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Carnival
Miracle Christened at Jaxport in Jacksonville, Florida |
She has the distinction of
being the first-ever ship christened at Jaxport—Jacksonville,
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
Restaurant—in 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.
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Bacchus
Restaurant |
For a start in the formal
Bacchus Restaurant, choose from eight different appetizers,
soups, and salads—all very fresh—but
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 restaurants—and
dining bargains—at 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
experience—I 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
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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 overlooked—sixteen
staterooms have been
designed taking their special needs into consideration.
Continued --> Carnival
Miracle (Part 2)
More --> Carnival
Miracle Photo Tour
