Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
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Frankenstein's Lab Discotheque
Frankenstein's Lab Discotheque / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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SKYBOX Sports Bar
SKYBOX Sports Bar / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Metropolis Atrium
Metropolis Atrium / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Nick & Nora's Steakhouse
Nick & Nora's Steakhouse / Carnival Cruise Line / Andy Newman
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Carnival Miracle

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 2,124-guest Carnival Miracle is the progeny of former Carnival architect Joe Farcus, who's known for his glitzy, over-the-top style. Love it or hate it, it’s original, from Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab nightclub with its chained, oversized “creature” to the wine-infused hues of the Bacchus Dining Room to the velvet-bedecked Phantom Main Show Lounge.

The Carnival Miracle was introduced in 2004 as part of the Spirit class. After a major refurbishment in 2015, the now two-decade-old ship features some of Carnival's most popular food and entertainment venues. These include Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the Alchemy Bar.

What We Love

Exceptional Value: Carnival provides a lot of bang for your buck with lively entertainment and upbeat, friendly service at a low price. The ship sails a variety of itineraries, from Alaska and Hawaii to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. 

Updated Features: Since its refit in April 2015, Carnival Miracle has had the popular RedFrog Pub (a Caribbean-influenced rum and beer bar/lounge), the Punchliner Comedy Club (a venue with laugh-out-loud nightly shows), the SkyBox sports bar (featuring multiple TVs for watching live games), the Alchemy Bar (offering designer cocktails), and the “Family Feud Live” game show. 

Best Known For

Nonstop Activities: This is a ship with something for everyone, with three pool areas, including one just for adults, one that can be sheltered under a sliding glass dome, and one with an open-air lido. There are also expansive child and teen centers (Camp Ocean, Circle “C,” and Club O2), a WaterWorks aqua park with twisting waterslides, a large gym and spa, a basketball court, a nine-hole putting course, and a jogging track.

Who It's Best For

Value-Seeking Families and Party Animals: With all its diversions and relatively low cost. this is a great ship for families on a budget as well as cruisers whose main goal is to party.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It’s Not Terribly Polished: This is not an ideal ship for those seeking cultural enrichment, or doting attention, or high-quality food. (Aside from the Guy Fieri burgers, BlueIguana tacos and burritos, and Pizza Pirate slices, the rest of the included food isn’t all that consistent or good.)  Then again, you wouldn't expect gourmet dining or white-glove service at these prices, would you?