Carnival Miracle

Carnival Miracle is a Spirit class cruise ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Built in Helsinki, Finland, she entered service in 2004 and carries around 2,100 guests, placing her in the mid sized category. She is the fourth and final Spirit class ship, joining sister ships Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit.

Miracle has a playful fantasy theme running throughout the ship, giving her a character of her own. Her most striking feature is the eleven story atrium, topped by a ruby red glass ceiling that floods the space with colour. The theme continues outside the public areas, with a large picture of a fictional character displayed beside every cabin. Characters include Long John Silver and Sherlock Holmes, making the corridors part of the ship's quirky visual style.

There is plenty of choice when it comes to eating and drinking. Horatio's provides casual fare, while the Bacchus and Ariadne dining rooms offer a more formal setting. Nick and Nora's Steakhouse is the place for a special meal centred on steaks, while the Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Pub provide very different settings for drinks. Whether you want something relaxed or a more leisurely evening meal, the ship offers several ways to settle in.

The Phantom Lounge hosts shows, while Dr. Frankenstein's Lab provides a place for dancing and Sam's Piano Bar is suited to an evening of live music. There are also several other lounges and bars around the ship. Four swimming pools give guests options for spending time outdoors, including one with a retractable glass roof, and four outdoor Jacuzzis provide another place to relax.

Accommodation ranges from inside cabins to suites with wraparound balconies, giving guests a choice of room types and space. Miracle was christened in 2004 by retired US Army soldier Jessica Lynch. It suits couples and families who like a mid sized ship with plenty of character. Its unusual design, range of dining and entertainment and manageable scale give the ship a distinctive personality without making the onboard surroundings feel enormous.