Discover the world of cruise travel


Make the most of your cruise vacation with information from
CruiseDiva.com

CLICK HERE for savings--CruiseCompete

Insure My Trip
Use the automated quote form to compare plans
Cruise Insurance comparison guide

Get ready to cruise with Cruise Wear, Luggage & More from
The Cruise Shop

 Cruising by the Book ~ Top Picks in 
Cruise Guidebooks

The favorite of serious cruise travelers:
Cruise Travel Magazine
Cruise Travel

Have a question or a review to submit?

Copyright © 1995-2004 
Linda Coffman

 

Carnival MiracleCarnival Miracle
February 27, 2004
Inaugural Cruise

by Linda Coffman

A "Miracle-ous" New 'Fun Ship'® from Carnival (Part Two)

Metropolis Atrium

Public Areas
Metropolis
atrium/lobby is the center of activity—and likely the first space guests see when embarking. It's a delightful spot to sip cocktails at the lobby bar, take care of business at the Reception Desk, or discuss tour options with the Shore Excursion staff. The focal point of the second, smaller Fountainhead atrium (forward on the same deck) is a double-story fountain topped by classical sculptures.

Public rooms are primarily located along Decks 2 and 3. Phantom Lounge, the main showroom, anchors three decks forward. Reminiscent of a Paris opera house, stunning crystal chandeliers cast a glow on the lavish decor. The three-level tiered seating is provided in either a comfortable sofa/chair/table arrangement or theater-style seats. Views of the stage are obstructed by few columns.

On Deck 3, Kane's Way and Yellow Brick Road constitute the main indoor promenade and anchor the entries to a variety of lounges and public rooms, each with a distinctive style reflected in the decor:

  • The Lobby Bar, featuring live music

  • The Raven Library/Internet Café, plenty of computer stations, but only a single cabinet of books

  • The Chapel, non-denominational wedding chapel also serves as a venue for religious observances

  • Sam's Piano Bar, live piano and sing-along

  • Shops and Photo Gallery

  • Gotham Lounge, a cigar and jazz lounge

  • City Room, for meetings and private gatherings

  • Gatsby's Garden, a delightful enclosed "winter garden" on the forward Promenade Deck (reached via the exterior promenade)

Deck 2 is where you'll find:

  • The Joker Card Room, pretty self-explanatory

  • Fountainhead, the secondary atrium with a pâtisserie and shoeshine stand nearby and, in the evenings, a sushi bar for pre-dinner snacks

  • Frankie & Johnnie's Club, dance club with live music

  • Maguire's Bar, an Irish sports bar

  • Mr. Lucky's, spacious casino and casino bar with adjacent tables

  • Metropolis Lobby Bar, the night-time center of activity surrounded by comfortable, smoke-free seating areas

  • Jeeves Lounge, for afternoon tea and evening music and drinks

  • Dr. Frankenstein's Lab, the late-night disco

Deck 1...

  • Mad Hatter's Ball, tucked away forward this lounge is a must-find for it's whimsical decor and variety of activities such as large-screen films and karaoke parties

Bold works of art play a large part in carrying out the interior theme of Carnival Miracle's decor. As passengers move throughout the ship they cannot help but notice the sixty Bohemian crystal pieces and twenty-seven original murals on the stair landings. Along stateroom corridors eighteen original works depicting legendary fictional characters add interest. Staterooms are accented by Janine Alter prints, signed and numbered by the artist. Even the view from the panorama elevators during their ascent reveals a classic painting of the muses visible on the opposite wall. Murano glass light fixtures through public rooms cast a soft glow.

For Active Lifestyles
For those who don't want to leave their exercise regime at home, the multi-level Adonis Gym sports state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of exercise classes.
Staffed by Steiner Leisure, the Adonis Spa on Deck 11 boasts a full menu of salon treatments and spa indulgences. For sheer serenity, the spa's therapy-style Jacuzzi is heavenly with a domed skylight overhead. The entire gym has incredible sea views, but if your workout includes nothing more strenuous than time in the sauna or steam room, you won't be shortchanged—each has glass walls and endless vistas.

Joggers and walkers can complete their laps on the uninterrupted jogging track's cushioned surface forward on Deck 11. If sunning is your thing, there are three swimming pools (Orpheus, Ulysses, and Sirens) and four outdoor whirlpools with ample deck chairs nearby on Deck 9. Nearby bars serve soft drinks, beer, and cocktails locations. A separate Kid's Pool is located on Deck 11.

For a quick thrill, try the waterslide!

Children's Pool

Camp Carnival
With record numbers of families setting sail on cruise vacations, Carnival Miracle and Camp Carnival are prepared. The 2,400-square foot Pinocchio's Club play area is dedicated to delighting youngsters with structured activities tailored for specific age groups. Toys, games, computers, a children's pool... and, most importantly, trained counselors—Camp Carnival provides an entertaining, educational, and safe environment for kid-fun.

Teenagers, always difficult to please, can opt to participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options or simply hang out with new-found pals in Wizard's a high-tech video game room. A short time is set aside early every evening for teens to dance in the adult disco.

The Carnival Miracle Experience...
Should satisfy the tastes of even the most finicky passenger—there's a little something to appeal to everyone. When not ashore exploring the ports of call, if nothing appeals to you, there's always your private balcony, a quiet corner to read, or a deck chair from which to contemplate the sea. 

What You WILL Find:

  • Activities to suit a wide range of interests for all ages

  • Tasty meals, creatively presented

  • Service by a friendly staff

  • Numerous triple and quad staterooms suitable for families

  • Attention to accessibility for the physically challenged

  • Well stocked duty free shops

  • A meeting room for corporate functions

  • Chapel for weddings and religious celebrations

  • Large, well-equipped areas for children and teenagers

  • Some of the most professional entertainment afloat, presented by the Carnival Miracle production team and guest performers

  • Self-service passenger laundry rooms with ironing facilities

  • Stroller rentals and group babysitting services

  • Fountain Fun Cards for children and adults, which provide unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise for a one-time, flat fee

  • Gratuities are automatically added to all accounts, but can be adjusted as deemed appropriate

  • More fun than you can imagine!

What You WON'T Find:

  • Boredom

Fast Stats

  • 88,500 tons

  • 960 feet long

  • 105.7 feet wide

  • Speed 22 knots

  • 2,124 guests, double occupancy

  • 2,667 total guest capacity (including uppers)

The Spirit of FUN Permeates Carnival Miracle
Carnival Miracle
will sail a series of three- to six-day cruises from Jacksonville through April 17, 2004, before moving to Baltimore to begin seven-day Key West/Bahamas sailings on April 25, 2004. She will again reposition on June 12, 2004, and operate seven-day cruises from New York City to the Bahamas and Port Canaveral, which will include ample time for shore excursions to Orlando’s theme parks. Carnival Miracle will arrive in her homeport of Tampa and begin “exotic” seven-day cruises to Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Belize on November 7, 2004.

More --> Carnival Miracle Photo Tour

Back to --> Carnival Miracle (Part One)

Images courtesy of Andy Newman/CCL© and CruiseDiva.com© 


Carnival Cruise Line - Cruise Reviews

Carnival Cruise Line Profile