The Atrium

One of my favorite places on the ship is the Grand Atrium. It’s fairly common on most cruise ships I have found, a central area where the ceiling towers many floors above which gives the impression of being in the middle of a large sky scraper. Sometimes it’s easy to forget you are even on a ship here.

On the Carnival Miracle, the grand atrium spans 10 stories, is dwarfed by 3 glass elevators, centered on a large bar and dance floor and then flanked by cushy seating areas that are perfect to sit and enjoy conversation with your fellow passengers. After enjoying the beauty of Tracy Arm fjord from out on the chilly deck, our group headed down to the atrium to watch glaciers and ice bergs float by out the window as soft music played and waitresses kept the drinks flowing. This is also a terrific place to people watch, as a central point it means people pass back and forth all day. Ice bergs and people watching all at once- who would have thought!

I know it may be funny to devote a whole entry to the Atrium, but I realized I forgot to include pictures the other day and it truly is the most eye catching part of the ship!

On board the Carnival Miracle

This is going to be LOADED with photos!

Every ship has a variety of rooms to choose from that range in size and price. For this cruise, we opted for category 4K rooms, also known as “French door” rooms. These rooms are interesting, they have French doors that open to the outside with little or no view due to life boats so they bill at the cheaper “inside cabin” rate. You can cruise of  a very limited budget with these and still have the sounds of the ocean rushing by, fresh sea air, cool natural breezes, and natural lighting. I am very happy with my 4K cabin. A balcony would be ideal, however we have 2 cabins so budget was a consideration.

I’m sharing some photos of our cabin to give you an idea of how much (or how little) space there actually is. While we are in a 4K, this is pretty much the same size as any standard ocean view cabin and most balcony cabins, and maybe a smidge bigger than most inside cabins.  I will tell you many cabins can accommodate four passengers, some even five- but that doesn’t mean they are any larger unless you book a suite. They have bunk bed style racks that drop from the ceiling and/or sofa beds that adapt. Can your family peacefully cohabit a space this size? Many do! Mine however can not, we need two bathrooms, we need a place to kick cranky kids, and we need a place to collapse at the end of the night after a few too many mojitos. We always opt to book 2 cabins, and I have found the price is not substantially higher to book 2 in 2, than 4 in 1.

Closet space is plentiful, and there is ample space under the bed/s to store suitcases. There are plenty of drawers for personal items, a room safe, and a stocked mini fridge (you pay per item so be careful!) Carnival has converted (finally) to flat screen tv’s and they have standard channels, special cruise channels, and in house movies. Carnival’s beds are typically VERY comfortable, with firm mattresses, high count cotton sheets, and very comfy duvets and hallelujah- good pillows!

I’m also going to share random photos from around the ship, to share some of what the Miracle has to offer. This is hardly inclusive, there are so many fun little clubs and lounges and sitting areas and game rooms, etc. but this should give you an idea of the ambience and experience aboard the Carnival Miracle and her sister ships.

Some inside shots (including a little food porn)

And finally some outside shots aboard the Carnival Miracle.