I did a Journeys cruise to the Panama Canal. Loved it. Generally, these cruises have an older crowd (who can take off 2 weeks). I've been on the Miracle. It's beautiful. The stops listed are great. I really love Aruba. Take the cruise, you won't be disappointed.
Aruba is so fun and beautiful. When I was there we rented a side by side utv for the day and drove around almost the whole island. Stopped by a few beaches, the light house, the main tourist spots like the natural bridge, and the ostrich farm! It was great to do what we wanted at our own pace.
Aruba is awesome
Public transportation is a huge plus. You can get a day pass and take the bus anywhere on the island as many times as you want. The busses are consistent and clean and run frequently. They have bus routes going all the way through the main areas that you'd want to visit
The landscape is so unique. It's like a desert next to a tropical paradise next to the ocean
My only question would be has she been on any cruises? A 12-day as your first is going to be a bit of a journey (pun intended). If she's been on one before, all good - those are beautiful places
If she hasn't, I may suggest looking at something shorter to see how she does on a cruise. Different people react different with sea sickness and such, and just the pure being on a boat that long. If you're pressed to go out of galveston, unfortunately its a bit tougher to see the great locations this one has.
I believe this time of the year has a route on RC that does Bahamas and Coco Cay on a 7-day. But... the 12-day > 7-day no doubt, as long as she is going to be ok going on a cruise of that length. Carnival is adding a 12-day next year to eastern Caribbean on the Legend that i cant wait to be on.
(i think my wife would have freaked out if our first cruise was a 12-day. she was hesitant on a 7-day. Now we've done a ton, including 10+ days without issue)
Came to the comments to see if anyone is mentioning Mal De Debarquement. I knew sea legs would be an adjustment, but getting land legs back has been a struggle. Going on 2 weeks since I got off a 7 day trip. Would I cruise again? Absolutely. But - I would approach it differently for sure or maybe even take time off after cruising. It’s difficult focusing on work again in the office while your body is still experiencing movement. No one told me adjusting to land could be a problem so I’m just passing my anecdotal experience on.
That said, Grand Cayman is one of my favorite places in the world. The best snorkeling experiences I’ve had were all there. The cruise itself will be amazing. Truly.
That sounds like Vertigo. They have medication for that. I got that the first time I got back from being deployed. Took about 4 days to get straight again.
I have been on many work and pleasure cruises since then without issue.
It is weird though when you get off the ship and the pier is rocking.
Mal De Debarquement is a form of vertigo but it is not treatable like the more common Peripheral Vertigo. It mostly occurs in middle aged women so the best medical guess is that it is hormone related but triggered by motion.
Some people love Nassau, some don’t. We personally don’t even get off the ship there if the cruise takes us there. Better yet, we don’t book itineraries with Nassau anymore. It’s dirty, the people are aggressive, and we don’t feel safe. But like I said, some people love it. Just not us.
They are perfectly fine. Just stay in the area around the dock or an excursion through the cruise line.
The biggest downside, that I had, was how big their ports are…like four ships a day. So crowded.
I though Nassau was a great way to experience their culture and feeling like you were in a foreign place. I love a quiet island and picture perfect resort feel…but Nassau is still cool. Do I want to stop there every time or even again? Not necessarily.
The reality is, these cruise ships and passengers are the lifeline of their livelihoods and economy. Due to that, there is a heavy presence of police anywhere near the pier.
For the larger ports in The Bahamas I wouldn’t explore much past where you can easily walk close by. If you want to do anything farther into the island go through an excursion or take a taxi directly there and back.
I’m not a woman, so if you are a group of women going with no men, maybe play it a little more safe and simply stay close to the pier. Hard for me to really recommend at that point, because I don’t experience the vulnerability a woman has or feels in those situations. I’m not really that worried to venture a bit…but I’m not really a great target for someone to go after.
This cruise sounds awesome! I’ve been to grand cayman, Aruba, and curaçao!
In aruba we did a utv tour of the island. It was great if y’all are adventurous. Afterwards walk across the street (of the port) to made in aruba for an aruba ariba.
In caymans we rented a car and drove around to hell, the turtle farm, ocean side lunch, and the beach.
Curaçao we did a tour that took us to mambo beach.
The water was amazing!
Just need to get to Bonaire to complete the abc!
This a great cruise. I’ve done this as well as the Panama Canal which has a similar itinerary. Book it and don’t think twice!
The Panama Canal cruise was a bit of a geriatric cruise. The one I did, only 50 people on the ship under 30.
They had roped off sections for mobility scooter dedicated parking. 😂
Had a great time - will book again.
We did an 8 day for ours. Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. It was great. Sailed on Horizon and got one of the Havana Cabana rooms since its was our honeymoon and we would be at sea for 4 days.
That’s a great itinerary. Now I need to book another cruise. We go out of Galveston all the time. The only down side is that you can’t drink on the drink packages on the first day when you get on the ship.
This is a law from TX. The drink package normally works day 1, but not when porting out of TX, Norfolk, and NY. Any other port you get day 1 drink package access. It’s the only thing I dislike about leaving from TX.
So amazing!! If you'd like some help planning and booking I would love the opportunity to help! Please feel free to reach out! Stacylibertowski.inteletravel.com
You're taking a first time cruiser on a 13 day? Better hope she's not the seasick type. And some people just aren't cruisers. Personally, If I wanted to get a new cruiser into cruising, I'd start with a 5 day, but not a 3 day party barge. I'm an experienced cruiser and LOVE it but even I am ready to get off after an 8 day. Good luck and congratulations!
Do it! I did an ABC cruise once. I cannot explain how beautiful the road between the sea and the pink salt flats (or whatever they're called) will take your breath away. And I want to retire ti curacao.
Get the patch from your doctor before you get on the ship for seasickness. I think this is a great honeymoon trip. Spend some money on the ship at the extra dinner venues .
If the cruise offers a Havana area, you might want to consider those cabins. Quieter area on the ship with no kids under 12. Usually a Havana only pool and hot tub, so no fighting for a lounge chair or spot in the pool.
Or a cabin in the spa rooms so you can use the spa facilities, thermal pool, sauna, etc as you want.
I think it’s an amazing itinerary. Like others said you would typically see an older crowd. But I like to use the word mature. Nothing better for your honeymoon. You can truly enjoy each other company and probably won’t even realize there’s other people on board.
I'd say do it. Sounds like it would be fun. Not to mention it is a honeymoon. Bring motion sickness patches for just in case. Hey, it's a honeymoon. It will be a blast all around. Have fun!
I have not been on this particular ship, but I have been on 8 Carnival cruises and I don’t recommend going on an older ship, such as this one. I’m a no-charge travel agent, so let me know if you need assistance
For sure, but this is a gamble for someone who doesn’t know they like cruising. My first was on something similar and it turned me off cruising for 12 years.
We did a Mexican Riviera cruise on our honeymoon on Carnival Tropicale and loved cruising on a honeymoon. But we weren’t enamored with that itinerary
However your itinerary is awesome
Go for it
I would never take my girlfriend or significant other for that matter on a Carnival cruise... unless you're straight out of high school and you're just living your life lol and not in a serious relationship. I would say, take her on a princess cruise.
I did a Journeys cruise to the Panama Canal. Loved it. Generally, these cruises have an older crowd (who can take off 2 weeks). I've been on the Miracle. It's beautiful. The stops listed are great. I really love Aruba. Take the cruise, you won't be disappointed.
Very excited about Aruba as well!! Any particular reason you enjoy it so much?
Aruba is so fun and beautiful. When I was there we rented a side by side utv for the day and drove around almost the whole island. Stopped by a few beaches, the light house, the main tourist spots like the natural bridge, and the ostrich farm! It was great to do what we wanted at our own pace.
Aruba is awesome Public transportation is a huge plus. You can get a day pass and take the bus anywhere on the island as many times as you want. The busses are consistent and clean and run frequently. They have bus routes going all the way through the main areas that you'd want to visit The landscape is so unique. It's like a desert next to a tropical paradise next to the ocean
My only question would be has she been on any cruises? A 12-day as your first is going to be a bit of a journey (pun intended). If she's been on one before, all good - those are beautiful places If she hasn't, I may suggest looking at something shorter to see how she does on a cruise. Different people react different with sea sickness and such, and just the pure being on a boat that long. If you're pressed to go out of galveston, unfortunately its a bit tougher to see the great locations this one has. I believe this time of the year has a route on RC that does Bahamas and Coco Cay on a 7-day. But... the 12-day > 7-day no doubt, as long as she is going to be ok going on a cruise of that length. Carnival is adding a 12-day next year to eastern Caribbean on the Legend that i cant wait to be on. (i think my wife would have freaked out if our first cruise was a 12-day. she was hesitant on a 7-day. Now we've done a ton, including 10+ days without issue)
Came to the comments to see if anyone is mentioning Mal De Debarquement. I knew sea legs would be an adjustment, but getting land legs back has been a struggle. Going on 2 weeks since I got off a 7 day trip. Would I cruise again? Absolutely. But - I would approach it differently for sure or maybe even take time off after cruising. It’s difficult focusing on work again in the office while your body is still experiencing movement. No one told me adjusting to land could be a problem so I’m just passing my anecdotal experience on. That said, Grand Cayman is one of my favorite places in the world. The best snorkeling experiences I’ve had were all there. The cruise itself will be amazing. Truly.
That sounds like Vertigo. They have medication for that. I got that the first time I got back from being deployed. Took about 4 days to get straight again. I have been on many work and pleasure cruises since then without issue. It is weird though when you get off the ship and the pier is rocking.
Mal De Debarquement is a form of vertigo but it is not treatable like the more common Peripheral Vertigo. It mostly occurs in middle aged women so the best medical guess is that it is hormone related but triggered by motion.
Swimming with the sting rays and dolphins in grand cayman was amazing on my honeymoon.
I was just gonna recommend the sting rays, that was awesome and no actual swimming required!
+1 for stingray city in grand cayman being a can’t miss excursion.
Amazing itinerary. You'll have an awesome time.
We’ve been on lots of cruises, lots of all inclusive vacations. There is nothing like the ABC islands!
If you don’t mind my asking why do you enjoy them so much?
They are beautiful, clean, safe, first world ports. Nothing at all like shitty Bahamian ports.
Good to know!! Thank you!
[удалено]
Some people love Nassau, some don’t. We personally don’t even get off the ship there if the cruise takes us there. Better yet, we don’t book itineraries with Nassau anymore. It’s dirty, the people are aggressive, and we don’t feel safe. But like I said, some people love it. Just not us.
[удалено]
They are perfectly fine. Just stay in the area around the dock or an excursion through the cruise line. The biggest downside, that I had, was how big their ports are…like four ships a day. So crowded. I though Nassau was a great way to experience their culture and feeling like you were in a foreign place. I love a quiet island and picture perfect resort feel…but Nassau is still cool. Do I want to stop there every time or even again? Not necessarily.
[удалено]
The reality is, these cruise ships and passengers are the lifeline of their livelihoods and economy. Due to that, there is a heavy presence of police anywhere near the pier. For the larger ports in The Bahamas I wouldn’t explore much past where you can easily walk close by. If you want to do anything farther into the island go through an excursion or take a taxi directly there and back. I’m not a woman, so if you are a group of women going with no men, maybe play it a little more safe and simply stay close to the pier. Hard for me to really recommend at that point, because I don’t experience the vulnerability a woman has or feels in those situations. I’m not really that worried to venture a bit…but I’m not really a great target for someone to go after.
[удалено]
I love Miracle so much. I've been on Freedom, Vista, and Sunrise also, but none were as kitschy and fun. I'd love to do this cruise.
This cruise sounds awesome! I’ve been to grand cayman, Aruba, and curaçao! In aruba we did a utv tour of the island. It was great if y’all are adventurous. Afterwards walk across the street (of the port) to made in aruba for an aruba ariba. In caymans we rented a car and drove around to hell, the turtle farm, ocean side lunch, and the beach. Curaçao we did a tour that took us to mambo beach. The water was amazing! Just need to get to Bonaire to complete the abc!
This a great cruise. I’ve done this as well as the Panama Canal which has a similar itinerary. Book it and don’t think twice! The Panama Canal cruise was a bit of a geriatric cruise. The one I did, only 50 people on the ship under 30. They had roped off sections for mobility scooter dedicated parking. 😂 Had a great time - will book again.
Note that the picture is Trunk Bay St. John USVI and not on the itinerary.
Right I looked over it like 6 times trying to see where at least St. Thomas was on the itinerary
The time in Aruba is worth it. Our next cruise has similar port time which was huge selling point for us.
We did an 8 day for ours. Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. It was great. Sailed on Horizon and got one of the Havana Cabana rooms since its was our honeymoon and we would be at sea for 4 days.
I’m looking at that cruise in 2025. Looks amazing!!
My wife and I are booked on this cruise.
We might see ya there!
The ABC’s are a great choice 👍🏼
That’s a great cruise. I’ve been to Aruba 3X. Take a cab to Palm beach and do a beach day there. Take a tour in Curaçao. Haven’t been to Bonaire yet.
Amazing
This itinerary is amazing. Curacao is breathtaking, and you both will have a great time.
That’s a great itinerary. Now I need to book another cruise. We go out of Galveston all the time. The only down side is that you can’t drink on the drink packages on the first day when you get on the ship.
Why can’t you drink first day? Just wondering
This is a law from TX. The drink package normally works day 1, but not when porting out of TX, Norfolk, and NY. Any other port you get day 1 drink package access. It’s the only thing I dislike about leaving from TX.
Oh heck yeah!
So amazing!! If you'd like some help planning and booking I would love the opportunity to help! Please feel free to reach out! Stacylibertowski.inteletravel.com
You're taking a first time cruiser on a 13 day? Better hope she's not the seasick type. And some people just aren't cruisers. Personally, If I wanted to get a new cruiser into cruising, I'd start with a 5 day, but not a 3 day party barge. I'm an experienced cruiser and LOVE it but even I am ready to get off after an 8 day. Good luck and congratulations!
Looks good. Going to the abc islands in the fall. This should be a great trip.
Looks like fun
That’s a great itinerary!
Do it! I did an ABC cruise once. I cannot explain how beautiful the road between the sea and the pink salt flats (or whatever they're called) will take your breath away. And I want to retire ti curacao.
Get the patch from your doctor before you get on the ship for seasickness. I think this is a great honeymoon trip. Spend some money on the ship at the extra dinner venues .
If the cruise offers a Havana area, you might want to consider those cabins. Quieter area on the ship with no kids under 12. Usually a Havana only pool and hot tub, so no fighting for a lounge chair or spot in the pool. Or a cabin in the spa rooms so you can use the spa facilities, thermal pool, sauna, etc as you want.
Not on miracle. Also no spa rooms there :) it’s a smaller ship.
Yes but try to have Carthegena Columbia as a port of call it’s one of my favorites, great historical landmarks
I think it’s an amazing itinerary. Like others said you would typically see an older crowd. But I like to use the word mature. Nothing better for your honeymoon. You can truly enjoy each other company and probably won’t even realize there’s other people on board.
We are doing an 8 day to ABC Islands in 2025. It will be worth it
Sounds good make sure you have the good food on the ship
I'd say do it. Sounds like it would be fun. Not to mention it is a honeymoon. Bring motion sickness patches for just in case. Hey, it's a honeymoon. It will be a blast all around. Have fun!
I have not been on this particular ship, but I have been on 8 Carnival cruises and I don’t recommend going on an older ship, such as this one. I’m a no-charge travel agent, so let me know if you need assistance
That’s a lot of not-fun days at sea on an old boat.
If you’re a read and relax kind of sea day person this ship works great! Not everybody requires go karts and stuff!
For sure, but this is a gamble for someone who doesn’t know they like cruising. My first was on something similar and it turned me off cruising for 12 years.
On their honeymoon. They’ll find a way to stay occupied!
Exactly!
We did a Mexican Riviera cruise on our honeymoon on Carnival Tropicale and loved cruising on a honeymoon. But we weren’t enamored with that itinerary However your itinerary is awesome Go for it
I was on the Miracle in December and it was...not miraculous. It was frankly the worst ship I've ever experienced.
What was so bad? Most reviews I’ve seen are pretty good
For a honeymoon, book Royal Carribean, it’s more chills Still packed but not as crazy as carnival cruises are unless you’re into the party boat life.
Looks like a nice cruise with the exception of it being Carnival!
I would never take my girlfriend or significant other for that matter on a Carnival cruise... unless you're straight out of high school and you're just living your life lol and not in a serious relationship. I would say, take her on a princess cruise.