Carnival Miracle Photo Essay

Carnival Miracle is one of those ships that just always seem to be in front of my camera.

For the last few years, Miracle has been one of two Carnival ships based in New York during the summer season. She primarily heads south towards the Caribbean and the Bahamas on relatively longer itineraries.

In the winter, she operates out of Fort Lauderdale in Florida. There, her schedule takes her on both Eastern and Western itineraries. Thus, the ship gets around and it is no wonder that I am seemingly always running into her.

Miracle is the last of four Spirit class ships built for Carnival in Finland. The design is a forerunner to the Vista class cruise ships in the fleets of Holland America, Costa, P&O Cruises and Cunard. However, her interior by ship architect Joe Farcus gives her a unique identity. Moreover, her captain pointed out to me that because the ship does longer cruises she tends to attract a more sophisticated clientele than some of her fleetmates.

I have put together a new photo essay on Carnival Miracle showing her in some of the ports that she visits and underway at sea. It is posted at http://www.beyondships.com/CarnivalMiracle-photos-2.html

Talking with the Captain of Carnival Pride

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Captain Alessandro Galotto, the master of Carnival Pride. We spoke first informally during a dinner with his senior officer team in the Pride’s main dining room. Later, on a bright sunny day in Freeport in the Bahamas, we spoke in his office. On both occasions, Captain Galotto was personable and open in discussing his ship, his professional and cruising in general.

Captain Galotto was an officer on Carnival’s first ship and has seen the line change quite a bit over the years. As a result, he explained, people who assume that Carnival ships are just party boats are mistaken. Fun is still the objective but it isn’t the same type of fun as in the old days.

A cruise ship captain wears many hats. It isn’t just about being on the bridge. So, we spoke about what the job entails and how one learns this trade.

Carnival Pride has recently begun cruising from Baltimore, Maryland, where she will be based all year-round. With many people anxious to avoid the rigors of flying, basing a cruise ship in a place that is a convenient drive for literally millions of potential passengers makes a lot of sense. However, there is also some risk. Carnival has never based a ship so far north in the winter. Captain Galottos spoke about why Pride is the right ship to face the challenges of this market.

My conversation with Captain Galotto is at: http://beyondships.com/CarnivalPride-art-Galotto.html