Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Carnival Miracle - March 24, 2016

Carnival Cruise Line
Miracle
Leaving: Port Of Tampa
March 24, 2018


Another great day for ship inspection! I was so excited to go on this ship as it was the first time I’ve ever been on this ship. The Carnival Miracle was first launched on June 3, 2003 and christened by a United States Army soldier Jessica Lynch in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 7, 2004. Her first voyage was a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas. Now, she sails out of Tampa, Florida from 6-9 days to the Western Caribbean and 10+ to the Panama Canal.

Fun Fact: Carnival Miracle underwent their first refurbishment in 2012 and now, an extensive refurbishment in March 2015, that added an array of new features like the RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar to fun entertainment choices such as Playlist Productions and Hasbro, The Game Show, and the family-friendly Seuss at Sea program.



As I arrived at the pier, it was easy breezy to get through security and find my group. Travel agents have a different section that waits until the ship is ready for us to board to visit different areas. This usually happens before the passengers get on board at noon.

As we started walking on board, there was a fellow travel agent wearing the signature Carnival Funnel hat! I had to take a picture with him. It wouldn’t be all Carnival if I didn’t. Also, my BDM challenged me to wear the Carnival shirt on the inspection, and of course I did. How do you like it?

There was a big group of travel agents on the ship inspection so we had to break up into groups. The first thing that happens, as I’ve noted in all of my other ship inspections, you visit the staterooms. This gives you and of course, my clients, an idea of what an inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite look like. Here are some pictures of some of the cabins, which hopefully interest you to book with Maraloha Travel vacation:

Interior Stateroom (1247) (Category 4A) (Rivera Deck): For first time cruises or for the cost conscious, this is a great cabin to stay if you are the very active, "out and about" cruiser, however, not for the claustrophobic. It has two twin beds (convert to king), desk and seat, 3 closets, a full private bathroom with shower, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and 24-hour room service.

Interior with French Door (obstructed views) (4201) (Category 4K) (Main Deck): Another option for couples is to get this cabin that sleeps 2 people. This is another great cabin if you are looking for more of an ambiance to your cabin or a balcony feel to it. But remember, the French Doors have obstructed view. These views are obstructed by a lifeboat, tender boat and/or steel beam. It features two twin beds (convert to king), sofa and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower, 3 closets, and other features that come with the Interior Stateroom.






Interior Stateroom with Picture Window (obstructed views) (4203) (Category 4K) (Main Deck): For second time cruises or for couples looking for a quick getaway, you can stay in this cabin. Don't worry if you are claustrophobic, this cabin gives you a little natural light and gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be obstructed. View is obstructed by a lifeboat, tender boat and/or steel beam.). However, this cabin only sleeps 2 people. It has a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and 24-hour room service. In addition, it also is is also designed as an Ambulatory Accessible Stateroom: This stateroom is designed for use by people with mobility limitations, who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. For example, it is ideal for the person who only use an assistive device (like a cane or walker) for traversing longer distances, and who may benefit from certain accessible features like grab bars, to assist with balance.


Aft-View Extended Balcony (4239) (Category 8M) (Main Deck): If you want a little more room and an extended balcony, this is the cabin for you. Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more lounge-around room, more kick-back space, two twin beds (convert to king) and single sofa bed, sofa and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower, 3 closets, and private aft-facing extended balcony with patio chairs and table, and all the Carnival stateroom amenities: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens, and 24-hour room service. This cabin sleeps 3 people.





Premium Balcony (6279) (Category 9B) (Empress Deck): Unlike the standard balcony cabin, this cabin is one seriously spacious stateroom! It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have. Two twin beds (convert to king), one upper pullman and single sofa bed, sofa and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower, 2 closets, private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.






Ocean Suite (6197) (Category OS) (Empress Deck): A Carnival Miracle suite is the ultimate way to cruise. Great for celebrating that special occasion or with family. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool. Sleeps 4 people with two twin beds (convert to king), sofa, armchair and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/double sinks, walk-in dressing area with vanity table, seat and ample closet space, along with private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.






After we visited the staterooms, it was time for the public areas, including the casino, atrium, pool deck, and so much more:




One of my favorite places is the Serenity Adult Only Retreat. Somebody at Carnival knows just what our clients need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement… but you could easily forget, because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes, swaying hammocks and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all. Plus IT'S FREE and INCLUDED with your cruise to enjoy! No kids allowed. These pictures just don't do it justice as you will have to experience and see it for yourself.


After 2 hours of visiting the ship, it was time for the complimentary lunch. Some yummy selections, and wine is complimentary.


Of course, you also can't forget about the lively entertainment you get on a Carnival Cruise!


Here are some documents, along with other files in my previous review of the Carnival Paradise, that can give you an idea of cost of drinks, ship daily schedules, shore excursions, and more: Great information to review and plan ahead!


Overall: The ship was a good large size, not too small and not too big, as they say 'just right!' It also leaves right out of Tampa, Florida, easy to get too, convenient for us Floridians who live in the Tampa area, and excellent pricing! This is a ship you don't want to miss!





I hope you all enjoyed our visit on Carnival Miracle and stay tuned for more visits with Maraloha Travel!

Please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.

Click here for more recent Cruise Ship Visits!

Subscribe to our Blog Page and Don't forget to follow us on Linkedin, Facebook andTwitter LIVE feed!


Thursday, April 5, 2018

CLIA GRADUATE 2018


LISA SCHINDLER OF 
MARALOHA TRAVEL, LLC 
RECEIVES CRUISE INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION 
April 5, 2018



Lisa Schindler of Maraloha Travel, LLC has been designated as a Cruise Lines International Association ("CLIA") Cruise Counselor after recently completing the organization's Certification requirements.  Lisa Schindler is now recognized within the cruise industry as a CLIA Accredited and Master Cruise Counselor.

Lisa Schindler has achieved Cruise Counselor Certification through completion of a comprehensive program of cruise sales training and product instruction, delivered through a combination of extensive classroom training and personal cruise experience.  CLIA's Certification program graduates are widely recognized as the foremost cruise vacation experts among American travel agents.

Maraloha Travel, LLC is one of more than 20,000 North American travel agency members of CLIA.  According to CLIA statistics, the overwhelming majority of travelers - about 70 percent - book their cruise through a travel agency and for good reason - travel agents understand the products they recommend and excel in finding the perfect cruise to match their client's needs, lifestyle, and budget.

CLIA's Certified Cruise Counselors are the cruise industry's premiere travel agents and can arrange all of your vacation needs while providing the greatest service and value for your vacation dollar.


Subscribe to our Blog Page and Don't forget to follow us on LinkedinFacebook and Twitter LIVE feed!

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Shephard's Beach Resort

Shephard's Beach Resort
Clearwater Beach, Florida
(February 2018)



About a month ago, my friend and colleague Kim was coming to Florida to visit family.  She decided that she would like to make a stop over from Orlando (where she was staying) over to Tampa to visit me.  So sweet!  So off I went to find a Hotel and/or Resort so that she can get a little glimpse of Tampa and how much JC and I love it here.  I also wanted to be able to share all that Tampa has to offer with her.  In my research, I found Shephard's Beach Resort. 

Shephard's Beach Resort can be a great place to stay ans it is right on the beach, has two restaurants (Ocean Flame and Salt), live entertainment, and lots of activities.  Depending on the time you stay there, for instance, February during Spring Break, it is mostly a singles resort for a wide range of people.  Other times, around mid-September to December it would be a family resort.  Now JC and I originally looked at Shephard's Beach Resort as one of our wedding venue and/or rehearsal dinner options and thought that this would be a good way to see what it was like if we stayed there and a perfect opportunity for Kim to enjoy the beach and all the Resort has to offer.  Plus, during this time in February its Spring Break and we had a friend who worked there who could get us a discounted rate.  Score!

Keep in mind that all the resorts are expensive along the beach.  Pricing on a normal weekend can range from $150 to $300 per night and require you to stay 2-3 days.  However, during Spring Break it doubles and sometimes triples.  Starting price can range from the mid $300's to $600 per night! Plus, in addition to that, you have to pay the resort fee and parking!

Now a month later, Friday to be exact, we all met at the Resort.  We were greeted by the Hotel Front Desk, Cynthya.  Not such a nice person as when she informed us that only one car per room can be parked at the Resort and would cost us an additional $10 to valet park another car, she acted a little snotty.  She was very curt stating that there was nothing she could do, it wasn't her fault that no one told us, and that she just worked there.  Nice right?  I asked to speak to a manger and she wouldn't allow that either!  Makes me wonder why I would want to book my clients if that is the way they are going to be greeted right?  (P.S. I even thought later on she would change her attitude but that didn't happen either).  With that said and trying to make the best of it, we left our stuff in the room and decided to go down to the Tiki Beach Bar & Grill where the pool and outdoor music was playing.  We grabbed some food and drinks and talked well until the sunset started to settle in.  We were having a great time and the night was young!


 

The food at the Tiki Beach Bar & Grill, as you can see from the menu, are your typical munchies and football season grubs. The drinks were buy one and get a double for $1 more was a great deal! That was happy hour until 7PM. All of us definitely took advantage of that as the drinks can be quite expensive if you are getting them at $6 a drink! As far as the service, I do have some gripes about that. When we sat at one of the tables, we had waited over a 1/2 hour for someone to come serve us, let along notice us sitting at a table with no menus.  Mind you, I did go across to the bar to let them know that we would like or if they could provide some menus for us, but they would not let me take the menus to the table from the bar. One server, Fernando, just kept staring at us and not coming over to take our order at all. Then about 45 minutes of waiting, the bartender finally got a server, Heather. She was the best! She always checked on us to make sure that our drinks were never empty and the food was good.   Although the mold on our grapes that were served to us were gross, but they did compensate us for that.  Problem solved!

After the sunset and a full stomach, a band came on the outdoor stage. The outdoor stage is mainly used for the band for a couple of hours and then the DJ comes on for well into the night of dancing. 

Other facilities on the property:


     


JC, Kim and I decided to go up to the hotel room to check out the accommodations. Two double beds, desk, refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, safe, all the standard amenities that would normally come with a standard room. It also had a great balcony. The room we had was a fully handicapped room. I did not mind as the price was right and this was one room that we could have just for one night that was not booked.



Accommodations:


 

  



OVERALL REVIEW: Besides the rude hotel staff member in the beginning of our stay, the extra charge for parking, the non-existence and service at the Tiki Beach Bar, and the mold on our grapes, the stay was ok.  I would give it a 5 out of 10 as the experience was not that great.  The rooms were very clean, beds were comfortable but they need to get their act together when it comes to taking care of their guests.

Please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.

Click here for more recent Hotel reviews!

Subscribe to our Blog Page and Don't forget to follow us on LinkedinFacebook and Twitter LIVE feed!