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My wife and I booked a back to back on the Divina starting May 3, the balcony prices were lower then other cruise lines ocean views!

This will be our first time on MSC.

We thought about it for awhile before buying cause I'm not into set dinner times! Carnival changed to anytime dining like NCL, and its the main reason we stopped going on RCL!

I also agree that MSC needs to do a much better job of getting info out!

Americans want to know what they're buying, especially for thousands of dollars!

The trade off is - MSC offers great shows every night = at fixed time

early seating - sees shows after dinner

late seating - sees shows before dinner

I was really bored by the shows on my last Carnival cruise - bingo bingo then a short 8 person "show" with no sets, just flashing lights...none of them could even be cast on MSC shows - they just were not talented (Playlist)...plus "hasbro game show".. and passenger talent show/? Ouch

With 2 weeks on board you could try the specialty restaurant/s....and maybe the buffet/pizza on a couple nights on a port day

Yes...I think we all agree that MSC falls short on their website and their pre-cruise info, details etc ...hopefully they will improve - the Fort Lauderdale office is always waiting for some info/approval/facts/whatever from "Genoa" or so they say LOL

One problem we have here is that there are NOT that many reviews/travelogs, trip reports on MSC...I always wonder if there are great forums with all sorts of info and detail - but all in Italian haha

I bet they do have forums on the cruises - we just can't read them

that is why it is nice when people share here (in English LOL)

MSC USA posted menus (may change but give you an idea)

so that is a good step forward :)

I really think YC people should do the math :)

Buying a drink package on TOP of the YC defeats the purpose IMHO

especially since, as noted, everyone in cabin must buy the package

if some special drink is wanted or needed it will be much more economical to buy that drink as desired and/or probably you will find suitable substitutes on the YC choices - they look wonderful

Some part of me would love to try YC it but I sail with a group and I am sure not many would go for this, only a few even take the all drinks packages

but it still looks really nice - lucky you :)

I have seen several people in YC now asking about "packages' and *(frugal me haha) one look tells me -NO NO NO = if you must buy a separate drink

It is fine to splurge but no need to waste

enjoy :)

I have mixed feelings about these cruises

I was "on" the sailing with the Donny/Marie Osmond people

but ...not with them <grin>

they all had early seating and their shows were exclusive to them , we had the regular wonderful MSC shows

The theme people - some were pretty unhappy - they paid a LOT of $$

and maybe not so great for that much $$....they had huge lines to get in their shows and some also were unhappy that other "meet/greets" were for VIP (who paid even more)

I have heard some people rave about these kinds of theme cruises - and others complain. I am sure they are legit - have heard of the Irish cruises before - but...if the stars are dropping out I would honestly be wary

I personally love the Temptations and have/will see them in concert almost every year for many years (decades LOL)>>> I was at first excited to see them on a charter cruise (HAL)...but no way would I pay double cost of a cruise to see them - I will see them in concert

That is just how I personally feel - and yeah I am Irish American - but I guess I am the kind of Irish who is not real into drinking OR Irish culture but more into being "frugal" haha - I would pay to see a concert but NOT pay nightly double/cost of a cruise to stand around in lines or try to get seats

I do go to one or two free Irish festivals every year (St Pats haha)

MSC has some super deals - get on their email list - the cruise is really nice and the MSC entertainment is fabulous - would be a shame to miss it

My choice is - go on a "regular" cruise - and buy good seat tickets to a one night concert = win /win

do keep us updated and have fun whatever you choose :)

No you won't be alone on 7 nighter - I wore a long gown on 7 night Poesia

plan to be more dressy the first formal night - that is also Captain party

and it is pretty elegant on MSC

the 2nd night is IMHO better food - lol...lobster tails

but may be slightly less dressy

The "americanization" of MSC does seem to allow less dressy attire but people still do dress up

Have fun :)

I have cruised with folks with all kinds of food allergies, needs etc (real and imagined LOL)...

fixed seating in MDR is the best choice - as others said they can go over next night menu with you and also get to know your needs

Can ask for info on the Lido on foods - but IMHO I would ask a supervisor if in doubt cause the workers may or may not know or even understand your question

You can also contact special needs ahead of time

and - when your kiddo gets older - contact special needs and fill out form at Camp Carnival

I sailed with one "imagineer" who "thought" she could only eat salads with vinegar, sushi , raw fish, tuna, some vegetables and diet coke

she tried to get them to give her diet coke with no charge (no way LOL)...and the special needs lady came nightly to try to figure things she "could" eat (and this is why I say "imagined" >>> we also found out this lady was pretty much bulimic - she would eat like a bird then eat 3 desserts...then off to the ladies room - ouch)

Staff was even good with her nutty ideas LOL and have been fine with the standard issues like gluten /dairy free etc :)

Thanks again....those menus are making me hungry LOL

I think we all realize they are not set in stone, subject to change BUT it is great to "see" examples of what to expect, especially for those new to MSC

One thing I think MSC staff in Fort Lauderdale needs to realize - there is a real lack of info , past cruisers here in the states. If I want to read reviews of Carnival, Royal, NCL - there are simply thousands of reviews, "trip" reports, pictures, menus, daily sheets, down to the tiniest detail

I have been on 4 MSC cruises out of Florida yet when I tell people that they say "what is that"? Having stuff online for people to get a feel is super important IMHO = these menus are a great start thanks

To view a sampling of menus on MSC Divina, please visit http://www.pinterest.com/msccruisesusa/msc-divina-menus/.

 

Since the daily programs are made on board by the team, they are not available online as they change frequently. On all MSC Divina sailings, there is a White Party and an Italian night, and other possible theme nights include Hollywood Stars, Flower Glory Party, and Carnival.

 

Hope this helps!

Thanks but....how do we know which theme nights a cruise will have? what nights are they please?? I sail with a group and they want to know this stuff

also...just think...what if we bring our hippie dippie clothes for flower power but they decide to host hollywood stars??

I know that other cruiselines - NCL for a fact - give total access to this info before a cruise. Yes, things change, I realize not set in stone but how does MSC figure that people will "know" to bring theme clothes? I have already read reviews where the cruisers were sad they did not know in advance and were not prepared

IMHO - MSC Needs to address these sort of things for USA satisfaction :)

thanks for help

You can pre order wine vouchers - 7 at about $12 each - choice of 2 red, 2 white and 1 rose - all Italiano <grin> - they will keep it for you in dining room

you can walk a glass out...and sometimes a bottle, depend on waiter

It has been my experience as a Platinum member, that anyone booked in your cabin who was not Platinum, will be able to board with you.

 

This was true in Miami and Tampa. :)

No longer...if you read up thread recent cruises from Miami - only those in cabin (and minors? but aren't they each usually booked with a parent? and then switch?)

I can tell you - as platinum, the people I ride to port with go in the regular line, I go in the Platinum/VIP lounge

My "cabinmate" - automatically has Platinum status as she boards - and will get into the lounge with or without me

and that is how it is in Miami (currently)...I was just there mid december 2013

As Elaine pointed out - probably too many people were doing this

as far as tenders go ? I suck it up and just go with the group, not going to leave anyone out

disembark? I like to hang out since I live here, so I eat breakfast, hang in lido and wait for crowds to go down then call my driver or whatever <grin>

I have been able to give my number 1 luggage tags to friends who need to get off quick for personal reasons or to catch a flight easier

Recent information (not what you did 2 or 3 years ago) should be considered by those looking for real info and not simply just what they want to hear :cool:

While I do not have experience with Europe cruises, I would still say that you might consider just buying your bourbon drinks by the drink rather than adding a whole other drinks package cause the drinks package duplicates so much of what you get included in the YC

Different strokes for different folks :)

I prebuy wine at the reduced rate - I am hardly a wine expert but I enjoy the merlot

I like the buy 10, get 12 coupons -

On Poesia 7 night they did honor them for the "Alchemy" drinks (I like the Dr Love haha) but on Divina they did not (I split a package with 2 other gals, 4 coupons each)...

they honor them for Pina Coladas, Bloody Mary, rum and coke but not the fancier drinks - so I used the 4 coupons and bought a dr love

I am happy with 2 cups regular coffee (very good on MSC) and drinks from buffet....bought some water in port and carried it on for the last 2 days haha

others were able to carry it on in Miami

I don't really want or need the extra calories - I manage to order gelato at least once in dining room (different included flavor each day lunch/dinner)...or maybe a scoop up at the pool

I too fear that I would go "buck wild" and crrrazy with all that stuff to drink LOL>> :) I don't want to slide down the bannister of the crystal staircase or go "St Tropez" topless in the hottub haha..

On my 7 night I will buy the drink coupons, the wine, and then a few Dr Love's as desired

3 bottles wine - $36....drink coupons ..about $79 or 80 ?

and 2 dr love with tip - about $16....so around $130 for the week >grin>

champagne at Captain's party and drinks at past guest

works for me

:D

Thank you.

Some shows by their nature may require canned music.

But having no live music band at all... is not a quality product.

A show without live music is half show.:(

Until you see them - you just do NOT know how amazing these shows are

most every review, event those that have found other faults with MSC has nothing but praise for the shows

~~~~~~~~~

To Lauren - I loved Poesia's shows...and honestly Divina has even better shows YES!

So many really really talented people on MSC

The Michael Jackson tribute guy is fantastic - the choreography, costumes, just the whole show

I have been on different cruises and I find I "remember" the shows on MSC more cause they are so unique.

MDR = eggs benedict with hollendiase on the side (I add squirt of lemon)

bagel with smoked salmon , cream cheese onions and capers yum

Seaday brunch - awesome tomato soup - I really loved it

salmon eggs bene - again hollandiase on the side

Lido- the Blue Iquana for the breakfast burrito or the premade breakfast taco

(dislike - the powdered egg scrambled eggs on the lido haha)

Yes they will let them board with you. It is not policy but you will be fine.

 

I am pretty sure each platinum member can take up to 10 passengers with them for priority tendering. It is a policy. Look it up to verify the amount.

 

They can also join you for priority disembarkation.

 

Others here may say no it is not right.... That is their opinion. I am not saying if it is wrong or right. Just giving you facts based on personal experience and observations.

Not so sure they will be "fine">> they can take some others on the tender = as was posted up to 5

but boarding?? not in Miami at any rate

they have gotten a lot stricter about the VIP lounge from what I see, maybe especially since they added the FTTF

You , as platinum cruiser , can always join them with their boarding passes if a boarding picture is that important

If your aunt is on your credit card, then , to my understanding,she will have to check in with you. They will need your credit card on file for her s&s card..

They stopped that I am pretty sure

the VIP lounge is pretty small in Miami and the FTTF go upstairs

as ? Elaine said, the Platinum guests can go up and meetup with them

get there early and they should get a good zone

Those are great rates - I really hope Carnival continues to do this, and

also think they should add some "solo" /studio type cabins like NCL has

 

 

Also, my best friend and her partner will be cruising with us. It is their first cruise.

They initially wanted a balcony (for experience) but when I told them the difference in price and how rarely we used it, they settled for an interior.

I remember on my first cruise I had to have a balcony or I wasn't going..

Is a balcony cabin a MUST for a first time cruiser?

Should they upgrade?

 

Thanks in advance! :)

LOL>>> I would say the opposite....start small and maybe if they get hooked work your way up

I first cruised on an old ship with bunk beds, 4 young people (many years ago) to a cabin, - so now it is all good

Caribbean cruises = balcony can be hot, nothing to see really - pull into port - check it out from the deck or from the windows at the buffet

Not to mention - you are from Florida (me too)...most of us have a screen porch, a patio....we can sit out every morning and enjoy our coffee

Sometimes when I read reviews I have to remind myself that this is a big deal to people who have a backyard full of snow - LOL

different strokes for different folks

Unless they are smokers I don't see any reason to pay $600 more (that is a lot) - I would think about what else you could do with that money -

dinner in steakhouse, captain's table, awesome excursions etc

JMO of course

I have been in all of them...interiors are fine...they usually have fake window curtains haha....i never look out the window in an oceanview it seems

One important point to consider - Carnival balcony doors slam....and frankly given some of the party people on these ships you may hear them out there in/out/making noise, playing music

another important point : Carnival still allows smoking - even cigars= on the balcony - there have been many complaints of that even before but remember this Jan Royal Caribbean put in a new rule = NO MORE BALCONY SMOKING...and they limited it greatly...even the Italian line MSC has NO balcony/cabin smoking, mostly a non smoking ship

so....dedicated smokers will be in full force on Carnival

Carnival has (thank heavens) limited the deck smoking on the 2.0 ships...which means...chain smokers perch on their balcony

If I paid $600 more and had a slammer/smoker next to me = :eek:

I can say maybe on some cruises - Alaska - a balcony has some merit, or a honeymoon....I like a non smoking balcony on MSC...and hey IF a balcony was a small upsell...yeah maybe...but $600??? LOL

One reason they do fixed dining is - every single night they have a great show in the main theater.....one show for early diners - (after dinner)

and one show for late diners (before dinner)

I can't imagine eating in between and missing the show JMO

I think they had some 2 tops but maybe others can answer that??

Maitre d's are also helpful once you board - so I am sure something can be worked out

Change can be good

I think Princess can be really good for couples - The Love Boat

More dressed up - so enjoy your Anniversary

I have found more and more that I personally cruise for the entertainment

I don't drink a whole lot, don't gamble, don't do athletic stuff...but I love the shows, and love lots of bands, groups, dancing etc

I would enjoy the comedy on Carnival if I could get seats easily LOL

I really disliked the Playlist shows - just don't want to see them again,

and the Hasbro? I walked out really quick - not my idea of nighttime entertainment sorry. I don't watch game shows on tv why would I want to watch them on a ship? Plus talk about "product placement"..what next? Infomercials for Ginsu knives??

I love MSC which only has one - fabulous- ship in the US but is big in Europe - just the biggest best shows and tons of live music all night in different venues, even dueling piano guys - so much fun

NCL is nice too - great shows on Pearl , lots of groups - I did find that for groups freestyle is a pain but it might be fun for you and your family

I still want to try Allure/Oasis/Epic too - and the new ones

Carnival? I won't say never - I might want a more port intensive ship, southern, panama canal...or even Europe for a good price - where I would be so busy in the day that the entertainment won't matter as much.

LOL>>>

well they have live violin player, really energetic..

sometimes live piano but yeah "canned" music

but....you have to see the shows to believe them

at one point I counted 28 entertainers on stage (final bow)

even people who don't like some MSC policies, etc mostly have good things to say about the shows

They have duos, trios in all the bars - latin, pop/rock....country/folk?/jimmy buffet..an R&B gal and guy duo ....a guy who played the saxophone that was surprisingly entertaining

dueling pianos....oh and classical trio in lobby...sometimes piano player there..or in the actual piano bar...they move around some

there is so much going on

the shows are just outstanding

along with the great dancers, singers, acrobat/cirque acts they bring in fly in acts - from....Royal Caribbean

they had a great comedy/singer/impressionist who is often on Allure and has "opened' many royal ships including Freedom (we spoke with him on the Lido for awhile)...on our sailing they had Abbacabra - who are usually on the Allure

If you actually sail on Divina or another ship you will see

I bet it is much more lively than Holland America?

It was a bargain before and a nice feature of Carnival but at those prices I am not sure how many people will commit or even want it, especially if the cheaper package has limited drinks

Better IMHO to just reserve a venue and pay as you go

another thing - with some people on the "cheers" program they have no incentive to go with a party like this

maybe Carnival is hoping the cheers will be the choice for many??

It's just Carnival (and other computers LOL)

My last name is very "Irish"...Mc

people with various "European" last names get their spelling mangled by Carnival

Mc...O'....de La....Von...Van...Van der etc

I first realized this when they first put in the kiosk in Miami - my whole gang sailed through....but there was NO record of "me" in the kiosk...OMG

had to go to the desk where they found me - with the Mc used more like a middle name

from then on - I have to put it in that way....pretty funny but that is how they have me and so it goes . Even on my sign and sail

(Carnival and drycleaners LOL - my drycleaning might be under Mc, Mac, M, or even C haha)

Hopefully all will be well....:) Good to leave and know the emergency number but sounds as if the main problem is worry about what is going on at home with the child /grandma etc - reassurance needed to enjoy cruise

some ideas - a 1.99 call for a minute or two each day

use the (*free) fun hub feature - you set up a "thread" for the family at the Carnival site, you post free from fun hub computers, grandm can check and post free

in ports - look for the internet /wi fi spots...lots of em...if you need to, most ports have little internet cafes with super cheap plans like a buck for 1/2 hour

in ports - cell phone should work in St Thomas - San Juan - USA ports, no charges

they could also contact their phone company (or yours) ? for cheapest alternative - "international plan" for a month or whatever?

buy a bit of internet time - look for specials on board

hope this helps

Having been on a fair amount of cruises , I have come to realize that the entertainment on a ship is a huge priority for ME

I live in South Florida, so palm trees and beaches are not a huge deal for ME

I am not athletic - never was - so rock walls, flowriders, rope courses mean zip to me (zip lines too haha)

I don't gamble....I don't smoke...I am only a very moderate drinker - glass or two wine with dinner, some frozen concoctions, maybe one bloody mary at sit down breakfast per cruise

I am not a big tv watcher at home so the tv channels don't mean much to me

I do like : air conditioning - worst cruise for me was the old Destiny when it had air cond problems LOL

I love hot tubs and saunas, steam room, pool area

I enjoy some trivia...

but...really ...what I like is ....THE SHOWS....THE BANDS....THE MUSIC....SOME DANCING...MORE GROUPS...DIFFERENT VENUES ALL BUSY

My very first cruise in the dark ages of the 80's - I was blown away on a small but fun rocking (no stabilizers) ship when I realized I could go from a comedy show to *small production show, to a piano bar to a rock band to the reggae band on deck and then hit the (small) "disco">> all by just walking around the ship (drink in hand haha)....no driving....no going from place to place...no cover charge....all right there....if roommate, friend, boyfriend wanted to do something else they could....I felt very free...I loved it...I was hooked

Lately on other cruise lines that feeling has gone - less and less shows...more let the passengers entertain....karaoke, guest talent show, "game shows" (yawn) Cutback after cutback

What I love about MSC = great great shows!

different shows - almost like Cirque....crazy shows...shows every night...really good singers...just wonderful

then ....music all over....I can go from place to place and hear dueling pianos....to the classical trio in lobby....the r and b duo in the coffee/gelato place...another duo...the latin band....the disco....wow!

I love it ! I saw some repeats on Poesia (3 x) but it felt "new"....different acts in the lounges each year too....the first (what I call my "Euro" cruise) had a really unique act I never saw before or since - a couple from Israel who are "quick change" artists !! Wow - I never imagined such a thing ! Loved them

I am amazed at the people who can bend and the strongmen and acrobats and the singers and Michael Jackson guy and wow...plus all the great acts

Food? Yeah I like it....good service (uh humm,...ice water please LOL..now they bring it out on Divina - think they have that hammered into their heads...give water LOL)....I like the buffet too...

but...really - for me - it is the entertainment - the feeling that I can walk from theater to club to another club to disco and have so much fun :)