Cruise Line: Ocean Club
Ship: Mirage I
Date of Cruise: November 8 - November 9, 2003

Port Canaveral to Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) on the Mirage I
By: Carol
cnj2229@aol.com

My husband & I just returned from the 2 night Grand Bahama trip on Mirage I. I have to admit I was was skeptical, if not down right depressed, after reading Lisa's review and the other negative reviews, but I had already paid and couldn't back out. Good thing too. We had a wonderful time, enjoyed the 2 night getaway, and visited a lovely island. We're avid cruisers, 9 times on Carnival and NCL, so this ship was different.

Yes, the ship is small and it's not the newest, luxury line out there, but OC never claims to be such. When you pay very little for a cruise, we knew we had to keep our expectations realistic. We didn't set ourselves up for disappointment, but kept an open mind. Embarkation was a solid hour, but we arrived right at the peak of traffic (get there at 1:00 or 3:00. Lunch buffet was OK, big variety, but certainly not gourmet. But that was OK. The pool area is quite small and no water during sail away (usual for all ships). Never went out there the next day as we went to the island. Our cabin was a premium OV room and was just as big as NCL Sea or the smaller Carnival rooms. Lots of desk space and shelf space in the bathroom.

Dinner was very nice. Not the glamorous display or fancy furniture of the larger lines dining room, but certainly clean, well presented, and the food was surprisingly good. Good cross section of foods and what we ate was good and others said the same thing.

Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) was a nice day. We had never been there before, but still just decided to do our own thing. The cruise director wasn't the nicest when I asked about a taxi (meaning we didn't pay for their excursions), but hey, that's our choice. The island folks at the pier work with you to hook you up with a van-full of people so it's only $5 to Our Lucaya or International Bazaar. And he schedules when he'll pick you up...AND he shows up. Ask for Hammer Taxi. He's great.

The casino (although good to me) is a bit outdated, with no new slots like Wheel of Fortune or Jackpot Party. AND no nickel machines either. Small, yes, but the bartenders and cage/casino personnel were VERY nice. If you're itching for a bigger casino experience, while on Freeport, go to Oasis Casino...and there's a new one opening in December too on the island.

The International Show is 10:30 pm both nights and the head entertainer (Bryn Yameen) is an absolute entertainer with both singing talent and comedic ways. His band is great. Al Hill does singing throughout the cruise (one man show) and is very good. We actually stayed awake during the show unlike some of the Carnival shows. The Mirage, with only 3 lovely dancers, a band with Bryn and Julianne, plus singing from Al...manages to pull something off for a small-time ship. Only complaint was that the hours between 7:30-10:30 can get a bit boring, if you're tired of casino and not having late dinner. They really should add in some karaoke of something to fill the time and give Al a break.

OK...yes, I agree with Lisa's review because we talked with Al about the trip (just one week earlier) and it was just as Lisa described. Apparently the weather was bad and stuff did go flying. Unfortunately, we were starting to feel the same rough seas and winds as the prior weekend. Check the marine forecast...if it's bad, and you're prone to sickness...DON'T BOOK. It rocked and rolled all night. But nothing ever broke or went flying. The band lowered the speakers and keyboards when finished for the night and the bar was prepared. The cabins did creek and no TV's meant you couldn't drown out the sound, but we did manage to fall asleep and wake up fine. My point is this, the ship is small and can't handle high seas and winds as gracefully as the bigger ships. Check the weather and book accordingly based on your resistance (if you book last minute...like us).

All in all, it was a fun time on board, the island was great. Is it the dream cruise of a lifetime...No, but satisfies a weekend getaway with some casino and pretty good food...for a great price. Hopefully they will actually read the comments sheets I filled out that they said they greatly appreciate...and make some changes that are really low effort/high return.

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