The Carnival Miracle is an absolutely amazing ship that gives travelers so many different things to do and see. While it makes stops at many ports around the world, the ship itself offers so many experiences, that you don’t even have to disembark to have a great time.
This 963-foot ship can hold more than 2,000 guests, with just shy of 1,000 on-board crew, for a near 2:1 guest-to-crew ratio.
There are 12 different decks that are accessible to guests and most have an interesting name that gives you a little insight into what kinds of activities or amenities you can find there (so, for example, the Sports Deck, or Deck 11, has plenty of active fun, like a mini golf course and a walking track, along with a steakhouse to fuel up for your adventures).
The staterooms, which we’ll get into a little bit later, provide all kinds of ways to stay, so you get the best option for you and your family. Speaking of, this is a cruise ship that’s absolutely perfect for traveling families on the go, multi-gen vacations and even “gramping” (the latest in family travel trends).
There are 50 suites, along with approximately 1,000 other staterooms, varying in style and amenities. When you explore the other areas of the ship, you’ll find nine different entertainment venues, nearly as many restaurants and TONS of places to have fun, from the kids camps to waterslides.
So, want to hear more about this ship? Want to start planning your family’s itinerary aboard the Carnival Miracle? Keep reading to find out exactly what this ship offers, everything you need to experience and the 12 best things to do during your Carnival Miracle cruise.
1. Let’s Start with the Staterooms
Let’s start with those staterooms, because — after all — that’s where you’ll be sleeping and one of the first parts of the ship that you’ll see. You want it to be just right for you, so you can have a homey, comfy environment that fits your needs, whether that’s enough space for all your crew or a little added luxury or both. The right stateroom can make or break your Carnival Miracle experience, as it’s an experience in itself!
Interior staterooms are very budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be giving up any key elements by saving a few bucks. The interior staterooms on Carnival Miracle are comfortable and feature a spacious private bathroom, seating and a work space. They’re very comparable to your average hotel room.
Ocean-view staterooms give you a little bit more space and, of course, those stellar ocean views that you can enjoy at all times of the day — right from your bed! The bathroom is a bit bigger, the seating area is a tad larger, too, and you have more overall floor space.
The balcony staterooms are very similar, but with an amazing balcony. You can get a small balcony with an obstructed view, or a huge balcony, when you book a premium balcony stateroom, or a balcony that’s somewhere in-between.
2. But What About Those Suites?
Of course, if you really want to up the ante for your family’s vacation experience, you can book a suite. There are four different suite options for you to choose from.
The junior suites are practically huge, with multiple seating areas, a large foyer, walk-in closet, big bathroom and balcony. Ocean suites are even larger, with all of the same as the junior suite, just super-sized.
Vista suites really put the emphasis on the vista, of course, with amazing balconies that wrap around your room, with space for two sun loungers and additional seating for four — the whole family can enjoy your private balcony with no problem! Lastly, the grand suite is the crème de la crème, with a balcony, big seating area and large bathroom complete with double sinks and a soaking tub.
3. Dining in High Style
Okay, so you’ve experienced your stateroom or suite — what’s next on the Carnival Miracle itinerary? Well, what about grabbing something to eat? Kick off your cruise with a true fine-dining experience when you visit one of the ship’s premiere dining establishments.
At the on-board steakhouse, you can indulge in mouthwatering cuts of meat and seafood — it’s a carnivore’s dream! Reservations are recommended and your four-course meal should come in at about $40 per adult — a steal for this kind of experience.
Worth Reading: Carnival Cruise Dining Options Worth Paying For
For an even more upscale dinner, visit the Chef’s Table, where you’re hosted personally by the ship’s master executive chef. The exclusive experience is limited to 14 cruisers and includes a kitchen tour and full dinner of items that you won’t find on a menu anywhere else aboard Carnival Miracle. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime dinner!
But, if you want to enjoy world-class dining with a mix of elegant and casual touches, and not pay extra for your meal, you can still find amazing dining in the main Dining Room. Dinner includes three courses and entree options range from roast duck to prime rib. The Dining Room experience isn’t only limited to dinner, though; you an also enjoy brunch with classic favorites.
4. Great Food, Any Time, Any Way
You don’t have to get all fancy to enjoy amazing dining aboard Carnival Miracle, though — no worries. There are loads of restaurants on Carnival Miracle that cater to all kinds of palettes, with casual fare that is sure to please.
From Lido Restaurant, with its extensive mix of options, to Pizza Pirate, with all the varieties of pizza you could ever want, to The Carnival Deli with its huge sandwiches and kosher dills, there’s no end to your culinary explorations.
5. Get on Your Feet!
Now, you can’t spend all of your time eating (unless you do, in which case, we won’t judge!). Carnival Miracle offers plenty of ways for you to get up on your feet and get active.
One of the newest active offerings aboard the ship is Zumbini, an activity that was rolled out to all Carnival ships just recently. It’s a fun way to get kids (and their parents!) up and moving, in a Zumba-style setting perfectly tailored to toddlers ages 2 to 5.
But, of course, if you do want to just get your adrenaline pumping and the sweat pouring on your own, you can do that, too, in the ship’s modern fitness center. Beyond state-of-the-art equipment that comes with unbeatable views of the ocean (you won’t get this experience at your home gym!), you can enjoy a welcoming, judgement-free atmosphere where you might even meet some fellow gym rats among the other cruisers.
6. Then Relax it all Away…
But a good vacation includes some relaxation, too. That’s why Carnival Miracle offers lots of spaces for adults to relax in serene settings. Take, for example, the Spa Carnival, which is only open to cruisers ages 18 and up. There, you can relax as you’re treated to a range of beauty and wellness therapies, from facials to body wraps. There are even treatments for men, so no one’s left out of the experience.
7. …In the Sun!
The relaxation isn’t only limited to the spa. Enjoy a serene retreat at none other than the Serenity Adults-Only deck. You have to be over 21 to pull up a sun chaise here, so grab your ID and head over.
You’ll get to avoid all the screaming kids and splashes and hullabaloo, as you kick back with some tapas, a glass of wine or cocktail and perfect views of the water. The space is totally created for adults-only and it shows. (You may never want to leave!)
8. The Kids Need Their Own Retreat, Too!
Let’s be honest — Sometimes it’s not only the parents who need to get away from the kids, but the kids who need to get away from the parents as well. When you’re aboard Carnival Miracle, every single member of the family has their own designated space to relax or play.
For kids ages 2 to 11, Camp Ocean provides age-specific groups and itineraries to keep your little ones entertained for hours, as trained professionals supervise their fun and offer both educational and enriching activities.
The pre-teens can hang out at Circle C, where guests ages 12 to 14 get their own special spot to mingle with only those near their own age. The super-cool space is outfitted with loads of activities they’re sure to love.
And, then, the teens in your family can hang at Club O2, the award-winning space for high schoolers, ages 15 to 17, that comes with sports, video games, karaoke and more.
9. Experience it All With a Drink in Hand
If there’s one thing that there’s absolutely no shortage of aboard Carnival Miracle, it’s the drinks. The spirits are flowin’, no matter what deck you find yourself on. Step into one of the many pubs and bars for your favorite cocktail, or a new one that’s unique to the ship.
Related: How The Carnival Drink Package Can Benefit Your Cruise
At RedFrog Pub, you’re guaranteed a chill Caribbean atmosphere filled with your favorite tropical, fruity concoctions. At Alchemy Bar, you can discover some new cocktails courtesy of the talented on-staff mixologists. And whatever you do, don’t miss your exclusive chance to try one of Carnival’s own brews, available on every single ship, in convenient cans, so you can sip as you go.
10. Enjoy a Little Entertainment.
Just as plentiful as the drinks aboard Carnival Miracle is the multitude of ways you can be entertained. Whatever your favorite genres or whatever your favorite activities, the entertainment is right at your fingertips. Battle it out on stage at the Lip Sync Battle: Carnival.
Get competitive in a family-friendly way at Hasbro, The Game Show. Or, solve a big mystery with the CLUE Murder Mystery game. If you’d rather sit out of the fun and just watch, that’s totally possible, too, thanks to Playlist Productions and the theater team’s amazing lineup of shows all cruise long.
11. Get on the Dance Floor.
If dancing’s your jive, don’t miss your chance to get out on the dance floor, in multiple venues across Carnival Miracle. There’s live music nearly every deck, and some of the lounges and bars around the ship are specifically dedicated to tunes.
At the Piano Bar, be prepared to sing along as you sip on some liquid courage. At the Nightclub, hit the floor while the DJ spins the most popular hits and all of yesterday’s favorites.
12. Bask in the Sun.
But, if your itinerary is taking you to sunny locales, don’t stay indoors all day. Carnival Miracle offers loads of spaces for you to get in a little sun (just remember the sunscreen!). Hit one of the multiple pools and find the best one for you based on amenities, crowds, etc.
Take a walk around the jogging track for unbeatable views. Zip down the waterslide for a blood-pumping thrill. Or, challenge your kids to a game of hoops and show off your skills to the fam.
Also Read: 18 Reasons to Take a Carnival Sunrise Cruise
Are you ready for your Carnival Miracle experience?
As you can see, there’s something for absolutely everyone aboard Carnival Miracle. Whether you’re a family, couple or grandparents traveling with your grandkids, you’ll find this ship is suitable for your needs and your interests, too.
The foodies, gym rats, beach bums, theater kids and everyone in between will find activities and entertainment tailored to their favorite hobbies, whether that’s a trip to the spa after a hard workout or just lounging by the pool all day and soaking up the sunlight. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and have an awesome time, all thanks to Carnival Miracle.
