Live From The Carnival Miracle On Her First Post-Covid Cruise To Alaska
Just The Facts, Ma’am
As a first order of business, you should know that the internet is basically non-existent on the Miracle. I stopped by guest services this morning and was informed that they are working with the satellite company to get it up and running, but they weren’t able to assure me that it would be back up anytime soon (if at all). Sooooo, for now, when I get a brief few moments of decent connectivity, I’m going to focus my updates on those items that I deem most helpful to future passengers booked on the Miracle this summer. This is the Joe Friday version: Just the facts ma’am.
But I promise to provide a longer, extremely insightful and hilarious (at least to my own weird little brain) review of the Miracle when I’m back home to better internet. So with that, I’ll offer a few initial impressions and then I’ll do a daily update where I’ll post the schedule, menus, a few food pics, some information about the weather and ports, and a Q and A (please keep posting questions and I’ll do my best to answer them as quickly as possible). Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram (@profcruise) – I’m having better luck posting quick updates and photos there.
A Few Initial Impressions
Covid Precautions
Except for the crew wearing masks (although compliance isn’t 100%, I regularly see crew with their masks pulled down), once-per-day stateroom cleaning, and no paper menus anywhere, I haven’t noticed any additional health or safety measures due to Covid. Almost no passengers are wearing masks anywhere on the ship, there are no occupancy limitations to any venues, tables aren’t spaced further apart, and there are no stepped-up, visible sanitizing measures. And while there are no kids under 12, the ship still feels full. In other words, this basically feels like a pre-Covid cruise which is equal parts awesome and weird for someone coming from a city with widespread masking and other mitigation measures.
The HUB App
For now, the HUB app seems to have made onboard life much more difficult for many passengers and certainly for the crew who must patiently work with said passengers who range from simply confused to overwhelmed to downright hostile at times. The app, in theory, is awesome. But on a ship with a generally less-than-tech-savvy demographic and without back-up methods if the app doesn’t work due to technical or user error.
There are also some things that could have easily been built into the app for it to be more functional. Just to give one example, there is no way to request either a “private” or “shared” table in the dining room. So when you check-in on the app, you get assigned a table, usually private, but no one really seems to know exactly how seats are assigned. If you aren’t happy with your dining configuration and request a change, there is no easy way for crew to do that without messing up the whole system and holding up the (long at times) line of people waiting to be seated. Why not just offer the option of “shared” or “private” during the check-in process?
Pro Tip: If you DO want a shared table, pick a set dining time (either early or late) and stop by to talk to the maître d’ on the first day to request a shared table for the duration of the cruise.
It’s also all but impossible to just show up without your phone and get seated. The woman I dined with for brunch today had suffered a stroke and couldn’t use a phone with her limited mobility. It took them 20 minutes to finally get her a table (I finally just suggested they seat her with me since I was alone, but even that was complicated). She also had no way to view the menu (no hard copy menus were available – I pulled it up on my phone for her, but without me she would have been out-of-luck).
Service
So far the service has been good (for cruise service). The crew is friendly and efficient. There are some training gaps though (particularly regarding the app…but that’s to be expected with something totally new and that hasn’t been tested under real-world conditions onboard).
Food
I’ve been sticking with the things I know I like (especially Indian and burritos from Blue Iguana Cantina), but so far the food has been delicious and plentiful (except for the buffet which seems pretty skimpy to me, especially at dinner). Which brings me to my first reader question:
Q: Are there limits to how much you can order in the MDR?
A: No. At least that has been my observation and experience so far. I’ve ordered multiple entrees and desserts and have seen others do the same. My waiter always asks if I’d like anything else (even after I’ve ordered enough to feed a high school football team) and I saw plates piled high with lobster tails in the MDR tonight.
And here’s another reader question related to food:
Q: How does the buffet function? Is it still self-serve or do crew members serve the food?
A: There are no changes to how items are served on the buffet. Except for bacon (no one has defunded the bacon police yet) and the carving area, guests can serve themselves.
So, let’s move on to Day 1 (remember to go here to read all about embarkation, the new muster drill, and sail away).
Day 1: Seattle
Weather
The weather in Seattle on embarkation day was downright hot! Now let me provide a bit of context for that comment. I live in Seattle where the average summer day is 75 degrees and sunny. In other words, perfect. I’m one of the only humans ever who moved to Seattle to a) cruise and b) for the weather. So anything above 80 degrees is almost unbearable to me. It was at least 80 degrees on the outside decks during sail away. There were people sunning themselves in swimsuits as those of us in long sleeves and full length pants were eyeing them with envy!
But also note that as I’m currently typing this (on day 3 as we approach the Tracy Arm Fjord), it’s windy and FREEZING. Now again, I live in Seattle where winter lows average in the mid 40’s. And I’d consider this current weather on deck comparable to Seattle in the winter. I’m wearing a giant puffer coat, two pairs of pants, a hat, and gloves. And I’m still chilly.
Today’s Schedule
RIP FUNTimes. First a quick note about the daily schedule. Carnival is no longer providing the daily FUNTimes schedule/newsletter to staterooms. Instead, the schedule is posted to the new HUB app each day. However, there is a simple paper copy of the schedule that you can pick up at Guest Services each day. Here it is for day one:
Tonight’s Dinner Menu In The MDR
Food Porn (Dinner Day 1)
Let me take a minute to answer a few more reader questions while I wait for the menus and food pics to upload (if they aren’t there yet it’s because my connection is bad – keep checking back):
Q: Is the dining room open for lunch on embarkation day?
A: No. The following areas are open for lunch on embarkation day: buffet, Blue Iguana Cantina, Guy’s Burgers, deli, and Pizza Pirate.
Q: Is Dr. Pepper available onboard?
A: No. I saw quite a few fellow Dr. Pepper fans carrying on 12 packs.
Q: My flight out of Seattle on debarkation day was changed to 10:45am, can I make it?
A: I’ve had a bunch of people ask me this (I guess you’re all on the same flight). While that’s cutting it very, very close, you may still be able to make it if you do the following:
-Use the Port Valet service (free) to have your bags sent directly from the cruise ship to board your airplane. This will save you having to stand in line to check your bags at SEATAC.
-Check in for your flight and print (or have ready on your phone) your boarding pass.
-Choose “self assist” for your debarkation time. This will get you off the ship as early as possible (I’ll report back on debarkation day with the exact time this starts, so you’ll know).
-Take a taxi to the airport. Taxis will be parked directly outside the terminal in Seattle. This will be your fastest option to the airport.
-Utilize TSA Pre-check if you already have it to get you through security faster (or apply for it if there’s still enough time).
Day 2: Fun Day At Sea
Weather
Today was chilly and foggy with periodic drizzle. Most people spent the entire day inside (except for me, I’m out walking the deck and stalking wildlife, rain or shine, cold or hot, 50 foot swells or smooth like butter, and so on).
Today’s Schedule
Sea Day Brunch Menu
Food Porn (Sea Day Brunch Day 2)
Tonight’s Dinner Menu In The MDR
Food Porn (Dinner Day 2)
Day 3: Tracy Arm Fjord
Weather
The weather started out extremely cold and windy at 8am. It continued to get warmer throughout the day and was gorgeous out on deck by 1pm (when we started entering Tracy Arm Fjord). Blue skies and sun all day. We lucked out with perfect conditions. We didn’t make it super close to the Sawyer glaciers due to ice, but we still saw them from a distance.
Tips for Tracy Arm Fjord
-Don’t forget to set your clock back one hour the evening of Day 2.
-If you want a prime spot, get there very early (I secured my clamshell on deck 10 at 8am and didn’t budge except to pee and run down to the Lido for food.
-Start out on the starboard (right) side of the ship. You’ll get the sun early in the morning which will keep you warmer and you’ll get the best view as you’re entering into the fjord.
-Dress in layers and bring out some towels or blankets to cover up with. It will start out cold and may end up very warm (if you get lucky with sun).
-Listen to an audiobook. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be out on deck for most of the day. I enjoyed listening to an audiobook while looking at the scenery.
-Watch for the pilot boat starboard side aft at 9:50am. A small pilot boat will transfer 3 south Alaska pilots onto the ship to help the captain navigate the fjord. It’s really cool to watch them pull up to the ship and hop on.
-At around 1:45 you can also watch for two tour boats to approach the ship to whisk away those who purchased the Tracy Arm Fjord excursion. Again, it’s cool to watch it pull up and load on passengers.
-Don’t forget to bring out your binoculars and camera! Also grab some sunscreen and sunglasses. Glare from the water is strong.
-Watch for whale spouts. You’ll see lots of humpbacks all through the day if you keep an eye out for spouts. Some got very close to the ship where you could see their backs.
-You can listen to the naturalist on outside decks until entering into the fjord, then due to environmental regulations no outside announcements are allowed. However you can still listen from inside the ship and on channel 33 in your cabin.
-The naturalist will be walking around on deck 9 once you enter the fjord if you want to ask her questions.
-The Captain will get as close as he can to the Sawyer Glacier, but exactly how close he gets will depend on ice conditions. You’ll get a good look at it though (regardless of where you’re watching from) unless there’s bad fog.
-You’ll sail out of the fjord the same way you sailed in, so if you stay on the same side of the ship, you can see both sides of the fjord. They are both spectacular! Try to catch them both if you can.
Here’s a reader question about the Tracy Arm Fjord excursion:
Q: Are masks required on the Tracy Arm Fjord excursion?
A: Yes, you will be required to wear a mask as you exit the ship and board the smaller vessel. One will be provided if you forget. Once you get onto the boat to an outdoor deck, you can remove it. Tour operators will be wearing masks at all times.
Today’s Schedule
Dining Room Breakfast Menu
Dining Room Lunch Menu
Tonight’s Dinner Menu In The MDR
Food Porn (Dinner Day 3)
Day 4: Skagway
Weather
The temperature was in the low 70’s with mostly overcast skies, but no rain.
Today’s Schedule
Q: Are masks required in Skagway?
A: Masks are required as you disembark and embark the ship, on excursions (unless outside), and in some shops and restaurants. If you are taking the train, masks will be required at all times.
Q: Are the shops open in Skagway?
A: Yes, roughly 90% of shops and restaurants were open.
Q: Are there tours available to purchase once I get off the ship in Skagway?
A: Yes, there is a booth near where the ship docks with a number of different tours you can book same-day.
Tonight’s Dinner Menu (Day 4)
Food Porn (Day 4)
Day 5: Juneau
Weather
The weather in Juneau today is perfection. 70’s and sunny.
Reader Questions About Juneau
Q: Are masks required in Juneau?
A: Yes, masking is required in ALL indoor areas of Juneau and outside if you can’t maintain 6 feet of distance.
Q: Are shops and restaurants open?
A: Yes, nearly everything is open!
Q: Are tours available to purchase near the dock?
A: Yes. If you haven’t booked anything for Juneau yet, there will be tour operators near where the ship docks (just keep walking along until you see them). There are whale watching tours, glacier tours, etc.
Schedule
Tonight’s Dinner Menu (Day 5)
Food Porn (Day 5)
Reader Questions
Let me take a minute to answer a few common reader questions about the ship. There appears to be great interest in this first one:
Q: Is there a Seafood Shack onboard the Carnival Miracle?
A: Yes! But’s it’s called the “Seafood Corner” and it’s located in the buffet area of the Lido deck. Here’s the menu and a few pics (I had to reduce the size of these menus to get them to load. If you have trouble seeing them, head over to Instagram where I think you can see them more clearly. I’m @profcruise):
Q: Do the performers wear masks?
A: No, none of the performers (musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, etc) wear masks while they are performing.
Day 6: Ketchikan
Weather
The temperature in Ketchikan is in the upper 60’s. Skies are mostly cloudy and there’s a bit of fog. But guess what? NO RAIN! I’ve been to Ketchikan many times and always count myself very lucky if it doesn’t rain (it often has). I better hit the casino tonight!
Schedule
Reader Questions
Q: What’s the mask situation in Ketchikan?
A: Masking is not widespread in Ketchikan. Some shops required them, bit most did not. Most residents and employees were not wearing masks. You’ll still need to wear them inside on Carnival excursions though.
Q: How many other ships have been docked at each port?
A: We had Skagway and Juneau all to ourselves, but are joined in Ketchikan today by the Celebrity Millennium (one of my all-time favorite ships).
Q: Are shops and restaurants open in Ketchikan?
A: Yes, nearly everything is open (even on a Sunday).
Q: Are tours available to purchase in Ketchikan?
A: Yes, several tour operators were selling tours as you exit the ship.
Q: Are the salmon still spawning in Ketchikan?
A: A few, yes, but we’re really at the tail end of the season.
Deli On The Miracle
I decided to eat at the deli for lunch today, so I thought I’d share the menu and a few pics. I ordered the falafel wrap and the tomato and mozzarella sandwich. Both were delicious and the fries were perfectly crispy. Of course I had to try a salted chocolate cookie too!
Tonight’s Dinner Menu (Day 6)
Food Porn (Day 6)
Reader Questions
Let me take a few more reader questions before I head out to this evening’s production show.
Q: Will I still receive a towel animal if I elect to have my stateroom serviced in the morning?
A: Yes! I have received a towel animal every morning. I feel like they’ve been extra cute this time too. I know I’m a grown-ass adult, but I still love them.
Q: What do people wear for formal night in the MDR?
A: Every Alaska cruise I’ve been on, on every line, has been very casual and this one is no exception. Formal night attire has ranged from a few (very few) gowns and suits to (mostly) dress pants and a dressy shirt for women and a polo or button down shirt and slacks for men. Some ties, but not many. On non-formal nights, pretty much anything goes! I showed up in my robe with a luggage strap belt and no one batted an eye!
Updates
As I’m heading into my final sea day (boo, hiss, cry) I wanted to provide a few updates to items I discussed early on. First, the internet was restored by the time I returned to the ship in the afternoon in Juneau. It has been slow, but otherwise working fine since.
Second, paper menus are now available and being handed out to anyone who asks for them.
And finally, there seems to be a good deal of confusion around my discussion of the HUB app as it relates to “Your Time Dining” (sorry about that!), so I wanted to clear that up. Prior to the app, when you approached the podium to check in for “Your Time Dining” you could do a number of things. You could request a certain kind of table (booth, by the window, etc). You could request to be seated in a certain section with a certain wait staff. And you could request to dine privately (meaning your party would not share a table with any strangers) or you could request a “shared” table, meaning your party would sit at a table with strangers. Some cruisers (especially those sailing solo) like to meet people over dinner and prefer to dine at a table with others not in their party. With the new HUB app, there is no way to make any of the above requests. Instead, you will be assigned a table as they become available, with no input about location, wait staff, and no ability to request a “shared” table if you want one.
I did ask one night if I could be seated at a “shared” table and was told “if anyone else requests one, we will seat them with you.” No one ever came. I can’t complain through. I live with an 8 year-old at home, so 7 nights of peace and quiet at a lovely table by myself with no one complaining about what I cooked or throwing stuff at the dog was a rare gift. But again, if you know you want a shared table, opt for a set dining time and be sure to stop by the dining room on the afternoon of embarkation to make that request.
Cabin Tour And Tip
I’ll be providing a detailed review of my stateroom later, but for now here’s a quick tour followed by my top tip.
This cabin has functioned pretty well for me with one exception: there is only a single lonely electrical outlet. This has made keeping my devices charged a challenge. Which brings me to my room tip. Actually tips. If you still have time before you sail, I strongly suggest ordering one of these:
This is especially designed and approved for cruising (if you have something already, make sure it does NOT have a surge protector or it will be confiscated). You can pick one up on Amazon here.
Second tip? Remember to actually PACK it (do as I say, not as I did!).
Day 7 (Fun Day At Sea)
Weather
The weather has been gorgeous today, sunny and in the 70’s. I spent all day outside in my two favorite spots, walking on deck 3 and relaxing in a clamshell on deck 10. Perfect day at sea!
Schedule
Food Porn: Sea Day Brunch (Day 7)
I won’t re-post the menu since it’s the same as the one on day 2 (so scroll back up if you want to look at it again). Today I ordered the fettuccine and the skillet cake. The fettuccine was tasty, but the skillet cake was one of the best things I’ve had so far. I liked it better than the 24 hour french toast (which was still good, but a bit soggy in the middle). I also ordered the chia seed pudding (which I loved from day 2), but it wasn’t ready yet. I might have to go back for lunch to get one (it’s excellent!). Anyway, here are some photos of what I ordered today:
Tonight’s Dinner Menu In The MDR (Day 7)
Food Porn (Day 7)
And of course I had to order one last chocolate melting cake!
VIFP Benefits (New Procedures)
I want to take a minute to talk about the VIFP benefits, as this is a significant area of change from prior Carnival cruises and has been a major source of confusion for both crew and passengers. So let’s get it cleared up for you before you sail!
As per the new procedures, NO VIFP reward items will be delivered to cabins. Your water won’t be there, your pin won’t be there, and your drink coupons won’t be there.
Despite what John Heald promised, there was no information in my cabin (via any QR code or hard copy literature) about how I should redeem my benefits and the benefits were NOT visible to me anywhere on my account. As far as I could tell, they had vanished, never to be seen or heard from again (like my waistline somewhere on day 2).
So, I stopped by guest services to inquire, spoke to some friends of mine on this cruise who are Platinum (so I could get a sense of their experience), and visited each collection point to gather my items (except for my free drink, which I’m told will be redeemable at any bar after 5pm tonight…I’ll report back).
First, I visited the atrium bar (next to Guest Services on Deck 2) to get my water. I double checked with the bartender to make sure everything was legit and that there would be no charge. Sure enough, she handed me a giant bottle of water and I signed a receipt showing a zero balance.
Next, I headed up to the Pixel’s desk on deck 3 to collect my Gold level pin. The crew member scanned my card, handed me my pin, and wrote something down on a piece of paper. Here’s the pin for Gold status members:
Now, as for my Platinum friends, they had a hell of a time getting their free drink at the Sea Day Brunch. Their waiter had no idea what they were talking about when they asked. Then when they explained that it was their free Sea Day Brunch drink for being Platinum, he kept asking for their coupon. Finally, one of them went back up to their room to get a printout they had received from guest services with instructions for how to receive their benefits. That finally did the trick! But then they found out that one of the drinks they’d ordered wasn’t covered (the fresh juice for $5 on the brunch menu), so they had to order something else. It eventually got sorted, but clearly there is still a lot of confusion among both passengers and crew. Hopefully, it will be better on future sailings. As with all change, patience and persistence are key!
Reader Questions
Q: Is there live music onboard and is the piano bar open.
A: Yes and yes! I don’t know why the music isn’t listed on the schedule, but there has been wonderful live music all throughout the cruise! See my prior post here for a graphic with all the musicians onboard (just scroll down until you see it).
Q: Are the pools heated and are people using them?
A: Yes and yes! I saw a few people using the pools in Seattle and they were getting some major love today with the nice weather we’re having. The hot tubs are also an awesome spot for cold days. Definitely pack those suits and trunks!
Q: Is there a naturalist onboard and what does she do?
A: I’ll confess, no one asked this. But it was one of my questions pre-cruise, so I thought I’d answer it, in case any other nerds are booked and curious. And YES, there is a naturalist onboard. Her name is Nancy Caruso and she’s a marine biologist. She gave multiple lectures during the cruise about Alaska and wildlife. She was also available to answer questions and gave commentary as we approached Tracy Arm Fjord. I highly recommend attending everything she offers – it will enrich your experience so much!
I have time for one last question, and it’s a good one:
Q: Where do the service dogs sailing with their humans do their, um, business?
There was a woman out on deck trying to convince her drunk husband to zip back up his pants because, “while you’re definitely an animal in the sack honey, this area is meant only for dogs.” Okay, that didn’t happen. But it could have – this is Carnival after all (I kid, I kid).
Final Cruise Night Rituals
I have two rituals to close out every cruise. First, I put in some headphones and play Hallelujah (the Jeff Buckley version) while watching the sunset from the promenade deck.
And second, I order a martini and listen to some live music (I had no trouble cashing in my free Gold status drink – I just mentioned it at the Alchemy Bar and they took care of it for me).
And with that, CHEERS! I hope your cruise on the Miracle or to Alaska will be as magical as mine was!
GO HERE TO READ ABOUT MY DEBARKATION EXPERIENCE IN SEATTLE.
And if you missed my prior posts, you can catch up with the embarkation process here and all my pre-cruise planning (including all forms and communications from Carnival) here.
Also, if this is your first time to Alaska, check out my Alaska Packing Guide and my Alaska Excursions Guide (with recommendations for every budget and plenty of options you can do on your own).
We are so excited to be sailing on the Miracle on 8/31. I’m glad someone went before us to work out all the bugs! I hope the rest of your cruise goes more smoothly! Thanks for the updates!
Seafood Shack? On the Miracle? I noticed it on the sheet so I had to ask.
Yes! I’ll be adding info to the blog shortly!
Thank you so much!
My pleasure! Thanks for reading along!
Like Ann I also thank you for letting us know about this first Miracle cruise back to our favorite place Alaska. Wife and I will be going Aug 17th. Thanks for being a “crash test dummy”! 😀
LOL @ crash test dummy. I love it! Happy to help!
👍🏼🤣 Crash test dummy .
Prof. Cruise Thanks. I’m on the Miracle 9/14 to Alaska.
Do you know if the Port Valet service will take our bags if we don’t fly out until 5:30am the next morning or maybe will take across the street from the airport to the Hilton? Also take you so much for all the information provide. We are sailing on 8-31 and are so excited!
Hi Lisa,
Port Valet will only take your bags if you’re flying out that same day. You’ll have to take your bags with you to the hotel. Have an awesome cruise!!!
Lisa, there are several places that will store your luggage downtown, for a very reasonable price. Just do a google on “Luggage storage Seattle.” I originally was flying out the next day and that was my plan. My flight plans changed though and leaving late afternoon the day we get back. I think I might have answered you on our roll call…I’m also on the 8/31 sailing. Our group are apparently Prof’s “biggest fans”
Love the review so far!
Thank you for reading along!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The detail you have provided is amazing and so helpful. I’ve cruised the Caribbean 14 times and have been struggling to pack for my 8/10 miracle trip. You have brought some clarity and I think I can finally focus.
Thank you so much for the blogs. I am really enjoying. We are headed on this cruise in 10 days. On the ship, is the temperature comfortable? Trying to figure out clothing.
With the exception of the first day when some of the cabins were VERY HOT, the temperatures on the ship have been good. A bit chilly in the evening in certain spots, so pack a sweater or light jacket.
You have been an amazing source of info! Thank you thank you for sharing your experience. Somehow the Alaskan cruises on the Miracle have been Carnival’s lonely little stepchildren and they aren’t even really saying much about them. I guess we don’t stack up to the Mardi. That’s okay, they can keep their giant ship going to hot places. I’m headed to ALASKA! Your news about the Seafood Corner made my day. Now I have to convince my silly son who hates seafood that we’d be better off eating there. I’m no longer solo, decided to spring for a broke travel companion who is really fun and totes my luggage. He’s sure lucky I’m his mom. He did help me move this weekend, so I guess he kinda deserves it. He’s a pretty good kid 🙂
I’m so excited that you’ll be going with your son! I hope you two have a wonderful time together. I’m taking my mom to Alaska with me in September. I love cruising with her! Your comments about the Mardi Gras made me laugh. I personally love the older, smaller Carnival ships. And yes, ALASKA!
He and I have been on some adventures ..he’s my favorite travel buddy 🙂 And 100% with you on the big ships. I’ve never had a *bad* cruise, but my least favorite has been on the Vista, the biggest ship I’ve been on. Nope, I like the little ships.
I hope I’ll still be able to travel with my son when he’s all grown up! You’re both lucky!
Do they close the Sky Dome over the main pool to keep one area warm for swimming, or is it open during the days?
I haven’t spent a ton of time near the main pool (so they may have and I just didn’t notice), but all the times I’ve been out there, the dome has been open. We haven’t had any rain, so I suspect they’ve kept it open. I haven’t seen anyone swimming except on the first day when it was hot in Seattle. Hot tubs are getting good use though!
Hi! Have you had a chance to check out the spa on the miracle? sailing on 8/17. First time in Alaska and on the Miracle and your blog has been so helpful. thank you so much for all you do!
Hi Alex,
You’re welcome! Thanks so much for following along! I’ve walked through (so I can verify that it’s open and that everything is functioning as usual), but I don’t use the spa, so I can’t speak to any details.
Is the casino open? Did not see it listed in Carnival Capers (old school).
Yes! The casino is open and hopping!
Thanks for all the info Looking forward to my turn on August 10 !!!!
Woohoo!!! So excited for you. Have an amazing cruise!
Do they have plans to add any live music or the piano bar in future sailings?
They have tons of live music and the piano bar has been active too. Not sure why they don’t include it on the schedule. But it’s happening!
Thanks so much.
I need to know the real time that we can run off ship with our luggage
All our debarkation information says 8am, but I’ll verify tomorrow and will be writing a whole live debarkation post, so be sure to check back. I know a lot of people have very early flights from Seattle and are nervous!
Your review has been wonderful as always. Thanks so much for keeping us updated! When are you headed back to sea again? I bet H is jealous and wants to come next time.
Thanks so much for following along and for your kind words! I’ll be heading back to Alaska with my mom in September on the Encore and H will (hopefully, assuming kids can get vaxxed by then) be coming along on a 10-day Christmas cruise to Mexico!
Are there any theme parties? If so which nights and what were they? We haven’t been on Carnival in over 10 years but we are booked on Miracle Alaska Sept 7th, thanks, LOVE your posts!
Hi Mary,
Yes, there was an 80’s rock and glow party on night 5 (Juneau)!
Thanks as I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully theme stays the same through summer or I’ll have packed a costume for nothing.
Thanks for blogging your experience. Sounds like there were very few hiccups with this first voyage! Looking forward to smooth sailing on 8/31.
Thanks as I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully theme stays the same through summer or I’ll have packed a costume for nothing.
I really appreciate you blogging your experience. Sounds like there were very few hiccups with this first voyage! Looking forward to smooth sailing on 8/31.
I dunno, I think an 80’s glow costume would make quite a statement on formal night. LOL. Have an amazing cruise. I’m so excited for everyone booked on the Miracle over the next few months!
Prof, I really, really, really enjoyed your review! Your writing style speaks to your audience, and I love your twisted sense of humor! Your writing is clear and concise. Very well worded! I’m in Texas , and found your website through a sympathetic Cruise Critic member. If I’m every up in your parts of the world, I wanna go on the cruise you just reviewed. Thanks so much!
Joe
Thank you so much for the kind words – you made my night! I’m always heartened to know that others out in the world share my weird sense of humor. LOL! Maybe we’ll find ourselves on a cruise together at some point and we can crack each other up at the bar. Happy cruising!
I was on this cruise as well. I felt the food in the main dining room was well below average. Entrees where cold and bland. The coffee was horrible which is why everyone gets the specialty coffee. Loved going to Alaska but overall Carnival needs to step up with the food in the main dining room. Sorry to disagree with you on that. Everyone I talked to said it was bad. Thank the Lord the pizza and burger joint was good. Cutting corners is Carnival middle name.
I so appreciate you chiming in with your opinion – I know a lot of people agree with you on the food and coffee. Glad you enjoyed Pizza Pirate and Guy’s. And Alaska was amazing – we got so lucky with the weather!
Great reading your comments. I was also on this first cruise and here are my comments. We ate in the MDR (late seating) each evening. Dinners were good but not like I remember from previous cruises. The quality seemed to improve as days went on but mostly our meals were barely warm. I go on a cruise to “disconnect” so having to carry and use my phone to navigate meals/events was an annoyance. Many of the staff were new and going through a learning curve. I wish deck chairs were available outside on Deck3. The weather was amazing and I prefer the quiet that’s not available on the pool decks. The ship was clean but I didn’t notice any extra covid protocols in elevators, stairways, or sitting areas. The casino was consistently busy and sometimes difficult to get a seat. This is good/bad depending on your view. Lol. All in all, our balcony room was comfortable, staff were fun/efficient/trying, comedians were entertaining, and the weather amazing.
Thanks so much for your review, Carolyn! It’s always fun to hear the perspective of someone else on the same sailing. I SOOO agree with you about deck chairs on deck 3. That’s always been my spot on other ships and this was one of the only ships I’ve ever been on not to have them. We sure did luck out with the weather though! Thanks again for taking the time to post your thoughts!
We were on the same cruise! Your review is pretty spot on. I’m sure most of the little inconveniences that we experienced were due to being out of service for so long & new employees. However, I wanted to share my thoughts on a couple things that really tried to ruin my good time…..
1. Straws! I was not aware that they only have candy straws, which are horrible. If you like straws, or frozen drinks, you will need to bring your own straws, or a reusable one.
2. I totally agree with the previously mentioned lack of paper menus & Fun Times.
Not everyone wants to carry a phone around all day while trying to relax & disconnect from the hussle and bussle of daily life.
I get the straw thing, I guess, but hopefully the menus, Fun Times and normal brunch routine is brought back.
Thanks so much for chiming in!!!
Yes on the straws! Thankfully I knew about this in advance, so I brought my own metal straws. Thanks for bringing it up so others can plan ahead and do the same.
It will be interesting to see if the paper menus and Fun Times come back. If I had to bet on it, I’d say they won’t be back. It’s a significant cost savings to Carnival not to have to print them all. I bet they’re gone for good. But, we’ll see!
Very good comments on the cruise. Thank you for taking the time. Some helpful pointers.
Great article. My wife and I were on the same cruise with you, we loved it. It was our first cruise to Alaska (our 32nd Carnival cruise). Will you be with us on Panorama’s first cruise back on August 21st out of Long Beach? If so we would like to say hi to you.
Hi Larry! I wish we’d been able to catch up on the Miracle. 32 cruises on Carnival? That’s very impressive! I’ve got some catching up to do! Sadly I won’t be on the Panorama. My next Carnival cruise is the Journey’s cruise on the Freedom through the Panama Canal in April. I’m so excited for you though (and jealous too, of course). Have a wonderful time!
P.S. To Platinum and Diamond cruisers: Go to the casino cashier and get your $25 cash, as they will not be having the Blackjack tournaments (for as long as that lasts due to covid) in which an extra buy-in is part of the platinum and diamond package.
Also, on the same note, for all you Carnival cruisers, on seaday go to the casino cashier and get your one free play to those crane games. (Those $1 games where you try to grab the bundles of cash.) We have seen people walking around proudly with their big plastic wrapped bundle of cash under their arm!
Excellent tips! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m hoping some of my cruise friends walk away with one of those bundles of cash!
Thank you we’re leaving the 24th to Alaska !! We can’t wait !
Yay! So excited for you! Have an amazing trip!
Thank you for the Miracle review. I have never read a more informative and concise (and entertaining) review in 33 cruises. This will be Alaska cruise #5, first on a Carnival ship. We will be following you and look forward to hearing about other cruises you have taken or are taking.
Thank you so much for your kind words. You’ll have to let me know what you think of Carnival compared to the other lines you’ve sailed on to Alaska. I hope you have an amazing time!