Well, folks, get ready, because Carnival’s good old “Miracle” is heading to Galveston this month, just in time to give Texans their dose of sun-soaked Caribbean escapades. Yes, the Carnival Miracle will officially swap glaciers for palm trees when it begins sailing out of Galveston on October 16. I’m sure it’s quite relieved to escape the cold of Alaska, where it’s been schlepping passengers past frozen fjords like some kind of cruise-bound icebreaker.
But let’s be honest here, the Miracle? Really, Carnival? Don’t get me wrong—anyone who can sail into Galveston with a ship that doesn’t sink deserves a round of applause, but after more than 20 years in service, we should probably be calling it the Carnival Midlife Crisis instead. Yet here we are, welcoming it with open arms, adding it to Galveston’s already crowded cruise lineup like it’s the newest and shiniest thing on the block. Spoiler: It’s not.
The Old Galveston Miracle
Carnival Cruise Lines, ever so eager to milk Galveston for all it’s worth, has decided to berth the Miracle in what is now the fourth-largest passenger cruise port in the U.S. And guess what? It’s the biggest cruise hub outside of Florida, which is just another reason we’ll have to endure more congestion at the terminal. Because, you know, nothing says “vacation” like dodging tourists in Hawaiian shirts.
Anyway, the Carnival Miracle will offer a selection of nine to twelve-day cruises—long enough for you to really get your money’s worth of overcrowded pools and lines at the buffet. Over 19 voyages, the ship will call on more than a dozen ports across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Panama. So if you’re one of those people who love to island-hop while wearing flip-flops with socks (yes, I’ve seen it), this might just be your dream vacation.
From Alaska to the Caribbean: What a Journey
The Carnival Miracle is currently cruising down from Seattle, where it’s been playing ice-boat for a while. Up there, it’s been treating passengers to scenic sailings past Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord, and even British Columbia’s Victoria. That’s right, it’s been living the Alaskan dream before Carnival decided to drag it south to warmer waters.
Once the Miracle gets back to Alaska next year (because clearly, even cruise ships need a break from Texas heat), Carnival Legend—a ship that’s practically its twin—will step in to pick up the slack in the Great White North. Both these Spirit-class ships were built back in the early 2000s in Finland, when flip phones were all the rage. They each hold a respectable 2,680 guests, which is perfect if you enjoy long lines for ice cream.
But let’s talk about the real “miracle” here—this ship is old. Sure, it’s been updated with all of Carnival’s signature features like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, and the Alchemy Bar. But let’s face it, you can dress it up all you want, it’s still a ship built when Friends was still on the air. It’s like bringing your mom’s old minivan to prom and calling it a limo.
Carnival’s Galveston Ambitions
Despite my grumbling, Carnival Cruise Lines seems convinced that Galveston is its golden goose, constantly growing in popularity. They’ve already stationed the Carnival Breeze, Dream, and the upcoming Jubilee on the island year-round. With the Miracle joining the fleet, it’s safe to say Carnival has big plans for Texans with a love of sea breezes and buffets.
Fred Stein, Carnival’s VP of itinerary planning, says that adding a fourth ship gives guests “expanded choice,” particularly for those long cruises aboard the Carnival Miracle. “Expanded choice?” Sure, if by “expanded choice” you mean the chance to spend your vacation on a 20-year-old ship in the middle of the Caribbean. But I guess Fred’s point is, hey, some of you actually enjoy that sort of thing.
Now, I’ll give Carnival credit for offering longer cruises on this old gal. Those nine to twelve-day trips are ideal if you’re the type who likes to linger in a deck chair with a bottomless margarita. Plus, the longer the cruise, the more time you get to explore all the Carnival Miracle has to offer. Not that it’ll take long—this ship isn’t exactly a behemoth. You could probably cover the whole thing in an afternoon.
Why Not Use New Ships for Long Cruises?
Here’s the real head-scratcher, though. Why are cruise lines pushing these longer trips with their older ships? I mean, the Carnival Miracle is over 20 years old and feels a bit like a grandma in the cruise world. And while grandmas are great, you wouldn’t want to take one on a cross-country road trip. So why not put some of their newer ships—like Carnival’s Mardi Gras or Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas—on these extended Caribbean journeys?
Don’t get me started on Royal Caribbean. They’ve got this massive floating city, the Utopia of the Seas, which is so huge you’d need a full week to even get your bearings. But instead of putting that mega-ship on a grand Caribbean tour, they’re using it for weekend cruises! Weekend cruises! Why?! Meanwhile, the Carnival Miracle gets the grand tour of the Caribbean, and I just don’t get it. Who’s making these decisions? Clearly, someone who hasn’t spent more than a day on a cruise ship.
So, Should You Book the Miracle?
Now, I know I’ve been a bit hard on the Carnival Miracle, but let’s be real—it’s a solid option for anyone who enjoys classic cruising. It’s got the charm of a seasoned veteran and the fun of Carnival’s signature amenities. If you’re into the idea of taking a long trip, seeing more of the Caribbean than just a couple of ports, and don’t mind a ship that’s a little, well, “experienced,” then this could be the cruise for you.
Just make sure you’re prepared for a ship that’s seen a thing or two—and probably has a few battle scars to prove it. It may not be the newest or the biggest, but the Miracle has plenty of heart. So pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure, and let the Carnival Miracle take you on a trip through the tropics.
After all, the only real miracle here is that people still get excited about boarding a two-decade-old cruise ship for nearly two weeks at sea.
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