Just back from divina 05/07-05/14

Kathie we will be looking for you all...This Saturday....It will be here before we know it! I haven't started packing yet...We hope to get it done tomorrow. Did you take advantage of the dinner they give you for black status? Do you have to make reservations right away? Do you get off the ship? Have you found things you love to do in these ports? I have SO many questions! LOL!!!!

Yes, we take advantage of the free dinner and usually eat at Eataly Steak House. We love it! Yes, make reservations right away. We were very limited on available times last cruise because we waited til the third day to make reservations. Yes, we get off the ship in every port but we do our own thing...Junkanoo Beach in Nassau (you can walk to it), the forts in San Juan, (you can walk to them), and not 100% sure in St. Maarten. Probably a beach. Wanted to do Maho to watch the planes but the big ones fly over earlier in the day and we don't dock til 1:30. It would be at least 2:30-3 before we disembarked, got a taxi or bus, and drove there. We'll see. This cruise is for our boys so we are focusing on them. My friend and I did Bermuda last month...just the two of us so that was for US! Now it's about the boys!

I'm excited for all of you boarding Saturday! Can you let me know how long your dinners in LeMuse lasted? I'm trying to figure out if we made reservations for 7:30 if that would be enough time to see late show. Thanks so much!!

I also have a butler question, I've had butlers before (land vacation not cruise) that insisted on ironing our clothes. I'm thinking butlers don't do that on a cruise because irons aren't in the rooms. Just wondering because our Butler at Sandals insisted. Thank you.

All I ever see are YC reviews. Doesn't anyone go cheap?

I sure did and proud of it.

I did 3 in an interior; posted a review a few weeks ago.

About $1600 for a week for 3 of us, with an 18 drink voucher book, tips, taxes, port fees, and travel insurance. Free Black Card match. Can't beat the value.

Hey you sound like me. I will be there on the 4th. Booked inside guarantee and got a oceanview. Looking forward to trying something different.

Great!!! Have you checked in to the Roll call? Some who are on the forums are meeting at 3PM deck 15 AFT Garden bar. See you there!

If you eat at 7;30, you should go to the early show. Dinner takes about 1 1/2 hours in LeMuse. It's set up so late seatings go to the early show, and early seatings go to the late show. Butlers do not iron your clothes. there are laundry services for that.

Early show starts at 7:00, so 7:30 wouldn't be enough time, but I'm happy to know dinner in le muse is approximately 1.5 hours. Much more reasonable than the 2.5-3.0 hours so often reported in the mdr.

I sure did and proud of it.

 

I did 3 in an interior; posted a review a few weeks ago.

 

About $1600 for a week for 3 of us, with an 18 drink voucher book, tips, taxes, port fees, and travel insurance. Free Black Card match. Can't beat the value.

Me too and proud of it as well! Was able to book Fantastica Balcony 2for 1 with my husband and 2 boys (who sail free at 8 and 11) for $1750 next February break! We did inside cabin Norwegian this past February for $1850 so I think I got a great, CHEAP deal!!

Just briefly we are on our first MSC cruise in YC on the Divina. Shows are fantastic and the service is great. Butler is extremely attentive. Cabin is clean and the ship is in good repair. However, the ship is dark and almost gloomy. The ceilings are low and the public areas seem cramped. The food in Le Muse is disappointing, no better than what can be found in most decent Italian restaurants. There us no dedicated IT specialist and people with problems are directed to seek help at reception. Good luck with that. Oh, I tried to cash a travelers check and was told there was a 15 per cent commission by a guy who might be a manager. If I return, it will only be in YC which is outstanding with the exception of Le Muse

If you eat at 7;30, you should go to the early show. Dinner takes about 1 1/2 hours in LeMuse. It's set up so late seatings go to the early show, and early seatings go to the late show. Butlers do not iron your clothes. there are laundry services for that.

I have a couple questions - been learning about MSC. I see in your post you mention a drink coupon book - what is that for - aren't all the drinks in the YC included? Also, I read in a year old brochure that under tips MSC mentions tips are not required or something along those lines. So is that true that on MSC you aren't expected to tip butler and concierge?

How does your first lunch work once you embark and are escorted to the YC? Is there a set or open time for lunch in Le Muse on embarkation?

All drinks in the YC are included, but I wanted to be able to try things on the rest of the ship. Bought drinks, special coffees, etc. Tipping is not recommended by the line, but I still tipped. This is the USA, not Europe, where tipping is not customary. We ate at the buffet in the Top Sail lounge.

How does your first lunch work once you embark and are escorted to the YC? Is there a set or open time for lunch in Le Muse on embarkation?

If it is still open you just go for lunch. Don't remember time they close. Maybe 2pm.

Well I am going cheap on June 4th. I booked an inside room (which I usually do because I go to relax and sleep) but got upgraded to a balcony. No frills for me. Just give me my bed and food!!!!

We're on that same sailing and in the cheap seats (or should I say beds) also!