Review - Divina 11 night - 12/10/13 - Long!

[tbmrt]

I wanted to give back to all who helped me w/my many questions before sailing. Thanks! I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the Divina. We are anxious to do another MSC sailing!

 

Review is a bit sporadic, but wanted to post it asap.

 

-Night before cruise....Stayed at Miami Doral area hotel with $12 shuttle to port and free parking for 11 nights. Good friendly service, clean, walk to restaurants.

 

-Took 11am shuttle, porters took bags and we were given numbered cards to board in sequence. On board about 12:15. Cabin ready. Room Steward wonderful. Asked for robes, ice, more hangars, etc. Nice size balcony with 2 chairs and stool. Flat screen TV. Could use more US channels. Plenty of storage including under bed.

 

-Most all problems referred to on Boards and Reviews have been taken care of. The only negative I can remember that turned into a positive was that our Allegrissimo Classic code wasn't on our card although we ordered online months ago. I was told to go to the Service Desk, Deck 5. The clerk told me to go to the Restaurant. When I arrived the Mgr. personally walked me back to the Service Deck and had them change my card. After that no problems with Allegrissimo. It did seem that some of the bartenders still weren't too familiar with making some drinks, but there was always a head bartender there to help out. Really not much of a wait at all! Wines on Allegrissimo classic package were fine for us!

 

-No rudeness encountered at all except from one bar waitress who argued loudly with our wonderful wait staff in front of us. We mentioned this to her and she came back to apologize to us for her actions. Didn't experience the pushing and shoving that I had read about.

 

-Food: Buffet was really good with varied items. The Ethnic, cheeses and other "fancier" food items are in the back buffet. Easy seating there also. Most people just get food from front area and sit there so that area is busier.

 

French toast, sausages at breakfast and other selections very good. Eggs and bacon not so good.

 

Dinner items were mostly very good. There were very few items that we didn't care for. Plenty of choices though, extra and special orders also fine.

Loved the lobster tails, juicy and extras offered. Shrimp cocktail good. Tiramisu and Baked Alaska ceremonies by waiters fun. Wait staff sensational. No problem getting drinks or wine at dinner table. Horseradish, hot red pepper, etc. also not a problem!

 

Coffee was fine...No problem with cups, milk, etc.

 

Servers walked around buffet to get drinks or coffee for us if we didn't want to go to bar ourselves.

 

Muster was at 5pm. Sailaway first night was 7pm. We decided to skip 7pm show to watch sailaway with friends. No music at sailaway except for on the movie screen. That was a bit disappointing.

 

Shows were the best I've ever seen except for comedian on last night. Standing ovations most nights.

 

Lounge entertainment including dueling pianos, bands and duets were fabulous. The entertainment staff really worked hard, were friendly and we felt like friends by time we disembarked.

 

The sheets, pillows and mattress could be improved upon.

 

Bar staff were friendly and we never had a bad drink. However, it seemed that the newer bartenders had to get instruction from the main bartender on quite a few occasions. Not a big deal. No big delays getting drinks. On certain gala nights (3 gala nights on 11 night cruise!) there were free drinks for an hour for those not on Allegrissimo package.

 

Pizza at buffet was pretty good.

 

Few children on this cruise. Some still went to Infinity Pool in back of ship, but well behaved. We saw the +18 Solarium, but didn't think we needed to go there. Chairs always available at pools and nearby.

 

They had a white party on the deck, an Italian theme night (red/white/green) and a flower 60's party. Some guests dressed up in appropriate theme.

 

Interesting seeing flying fish while onboard at many ports.

 

Bananas for breakfast were abundant in beginning of cruise, then "spotted" in middle of cruise and then non-existent at end of cruise. Not a big deal, but I thought this was odd.

 

Many of my friends had purchased the drink vouchers online and this worked well for them also.

 

Exercise - Did the Aqua Bikes and DH did regular spin class. Really enjoyed both. Also did FREE Stretch, aerobic and zumba classes...Fun. The gym wasn't that crowded so DH worked out there daily also.

 

Infinity Pool was never filled to edge. I heard that this was because water flowed onto aft decks. Not sure about this though. Still a nice place to chill out away from main pools.

 

We were told to be out of cabin at 7am. Breakfast from 6 - 8 buffet and restaurant. Our colored luggage tags said 9:30 so we had to wait in theatre for awhile after breakfast. Then someone came for our group, directed us to baggage carousel...Luggage came quickly. Customs took about half an hour.

 

Dance lessons, wine tasting, astronomy seminars, trivia available.

 

Drink servers always available, but not pushy at all. Announcements in one language except for muster. Very few announcements.

 

 

Ports

 

Falmouth - Time N Place Beach (never got there - more info on Jamaica board..If they get their transportation straightened out, this would be a good stop. We decided to just shop....the pool at Margaritaville still in progress)

 

Aruba - Took van ($3 each) from port to Eagle Beach. Beautiful beach...Not much else there. Water cooler than in Florida!

 

Curacao - Got prearranged taxi to Porta Mari beach to snorkel...Best snorkeling ever...easy to enter beach...Beach bar....Great excursion.

 

Panama - stayed on ship.

 

Cozumel - Went on Bar Hop to 4 or 5 beaches on West side with no electricity. Fabulous time...Waves like Hawaii....Fun time!

 

I loved having port days with sea days inbetween.

 

Thanks for a wonderful cruise, MSC!

 

Barbara

[alexkrn46]

thank you for your review, glad you had a good time.

[legion3]

Good stuff, thanks for the review, how was the smoking on the ship (I saw you ask about it in another thread) was the casino smoke free or mostly?

 

Sounds like it was a fine trip.

 

How was the miami port? Where there lots of other ships with you on sailing day?

[tbmrt]

Good stuff, thanks for the review, how was the smoking on the ship (I saw you ask about it in another thread) was the casino smoke free or mostly?

 

Smoking took place on port (left side) of ship. Not bad at all...Just avoided it.

 

Also in Cigar Lounge by shops (avoided this also)

 

Casino was fine as was rest of the trip

 

 

Sounds like it was a fine trip.

 

How was the miami port? Where there lots of other ships with you on sailing day?

 

We only had one other ship (Maasdam I believe). Since we left on a Tuesday, no problem.

 

Miami's port was crazy as usual when we returned back on Saturday (11 night trip). We grabbed a cab back to our hotel to pick up our car rather than wait for shuttle.

 

Still in heaven..Wonderful cruise!

Barbara

[hatjohn]

Wow wow wow! I can't wait for 25th of jan,

[hatjohn]

What time was the dining's? Still not if I read it some where that it was 530 and 730?

 

Also what was ur fav cocktail we have booked the prem drinks package .... So excited

[adjoankora]

I wanted to give back to all who helped me w/my many questions before sailing. Thanks! I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the Divina. We are anxious to do another MSC sailing!

 

Thank you so much, Barbara!! Saturday can't come fast enough. Cheers!

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[tbmrt]

Originally Posted by legion3 View Post

Good stuff, thanks for the review, how was the smoking on the ship (I saw you ask about it in another thread) was the casino smoke free or mostly?

Smoking took place on port (left side) of ship. Not bad at all...Just avoided it. SHOULD HAVE READ POOL DECK 14 PORT (LEFT SIDE FACING FRONT OF SHIP!

 

Also in Cigar Lounge by shops (avoided this also)

 

Casino was fine as was rest of the trip

[sidari]

Hi Barbara ... good to hear you enjoyed the cruise ... :)

Edited December 23, 2013 by sidari

[sharecruises]

Welcome back :)

 

I am so glad you enjoyed your cruise - I had a nice time on Conquest but oh my Carnival entertainment can NOT compete with MSC

 

I can't wait to get back on MSC - the shows and the music - missed it

 

Glad to hear the dining staff is getting better, and I think the bartenders will follow. Drink prices are so much more affordable on MSC even without a package :)

[travelady65]

I wanted to give back to all who helped me w/my many questions before sailing. Thanks! I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the Divina. We are anxious to do another MSC sailing!

 

Review is a bit sporadic, but wanted to post it asap.

 

-Night before cruise....Stayed at Miami Doral area hotel with $12 shuttle to port and free parking for 11 nights. Good friendly service, clean, walk to restaurants.

 

-Took 11am shuttle, porters took bags and we were given numbered cards to board in sequence. On board about 12:15. Cabin ready. Room Steward wonderful. Asked for robes, ice, more hangars, etc. Nice size balcony with 2 chairs and stool. Flat screen TV. Could use more US channels. Plenty of storage including under bed.

 

-Most all problems referred to on Boards and Reviews have been taken care of. The only negative I can remember that turned into a positive was that our Allegrissimo Classic code wasn't on our card although we ordered online months ago. I was told to go to the Service Desk, Deck 5. The clerk told me to go to the Restaurant. When I arrived the Mgr. personally walked me back to the Service Deck and had them change my card. After that no problems with Allegrissimo. It did seem that some of the bartenders still weren't too familiar with making some drinks, but there was always a head bartender there to help out. Really not much of a wait at all! Wines on Allegrissimo classic package were fine for us!

 

-No rudeness encountered at all except from one bar waitress who argued loudly with our wonderful wait staff in front of us. We mentioned this to her and she came back to apologize to us for her actions. Didn't experience the pushing and shoving that I had read about.

 

-Food: Buffet was really good with varied items. The Ethnic, cheeses and other "fancier" food items are in the back buffet. Easy seating there also. Most people just get food from front area and sit there so that area is busier.

 

French toast, sausages at breakfast and other selections very good. Eggs and bacon not so good.

 

Dinner items were mostly very good. There were very few items that we didn't care for. Plenty of choices though, extra and special orders also fine.

Loved the lobster tails, juicy and extras offered. Shrimp cocktail good. Tiramisu and Baked Alaska ceremonies by waiters fun. Wait staff sensational. No problem getting drinks or wine at dinner table. Horseradish, hot red pepper, etc. also not a problem!

 

Coffee was fine...No problem with cups, milk, etc.

 

Servers walked around buffet to get drinks or coffee for us if we didn't want to go to bar ourselves.

 

Muster was at 5pm. Sailaway first night was 7pm. We decided to skip 7pm show to watch sailaway with friends. No music at sailaway except for on the movie screen. That was a bit disappointing.

 

Shows were the best I've ever seen except for comedian on last night. Standing ovations most nights.

 

Lounge entertainment including dueling pianos, bands and duets were fabulous. The entertainment staff really worked hard, were friendly and we felt like friends by time we disembarked.

 

The sheets, pillows and mattress could be improved upon.

 

Bar staff were friendly and we never had a bad drink. However, it seemed that the newer bartenders had to get instruction from the main bartender on quite a few occasions. Not a big deal. No big delays getting drinks. On certain gala nights (3 gala nights on 11 night cruise!) there were free drinks for an hour for those not on Allegrissimo package.

 

Pizza at buffet was pretty good.

 

Few children on this cruise. Some still went to Infinity Pool in back of ship, but well behaved. We saw the +18 Solarium, but didn't think we needed to go there. Chairs always available at pools and nearby.

 

They had a white party on the deck, an Italian theme night (red/white/green) and a flower 60's party. Some guests dressed up in appropriate theme.

 

Interesting seeing flying fish while onboard at many ports.

 

Bananas for breakfast were abundant in beginning of cruise, then "spotted" in middle of cruise and then non-existent at end of cruise. Not a big deal, but I thought this was odd.

 

Many of my friends had purchased the drink vouchers online and this worked well for them also.

 

Exercise - Did the Aqua Bikes and DH did regular spin class. Really enjoyed both. Also did FREE Stretch, aerobic and zumba classes...Fun. The gym wasn't that crowded so DH worked out there daily also.

 

Infinity Pool was never filled to edge. I heard that this was because water flowed onto aft decks. Not sure about this though. Still a nice place to chill out away from main pools.

 

We were told to be out of cabin at 7am. Breakfast from 6 - 8 buffet and restaurant. Our colored luggage tags said 9:30 so we had to wait in theatre for awhile after breakfast. Then someone came for our group, directed us to baggage carousel...Luggage came quickly. Customs took about half an hour.

 

Dance lessons, wine tasting, astronomy seminars, trivia available.

 

Drink servers always available, but not pushy at all. Announcements in one language except for muster. Very few announcements.

 

 

Ports

 

Falmouth - Time N Place Beach (never got there - more info on Jamaica board..If they get their transportation straightened out, this would be a good stop. We decided to just shop....the pool at Margaritaville still in progress)

 

Aruba - Took van ($3 each) from port to Eagle Beach. Beautiful beach...Not much else there. Water cooler than in Florida!

 

Curacao - Got prearranged taxi to Porta Mari beach to snorkel...Best snorkeling ever...easy to enter beach...Beach bar....Great excursion.

 

Panama - stayed on ship.

 

Cozumel - Went on Bar Hop to 4 or 5 beaches on West side with no electricity. Fabulous time...Waves like Hawaii....Fun time!

 

I loved having port days with sea days inbetween.

 

Thanks for a wonderful cruise, MSC!

 

Barbara

 

 

Hi Barbara.... I read your review on the MSC Divina...I was on the Divina on the 3 night sailing on December 7, 2013....I throughly enjoyed myself...I also had the Allesgrissmo Preminum Package and it worked out very well. Only had one incident happen to me....I had ordered a drink from the bar when i first boarded...and they didn't read my card properly, and they billed me for the drink....I had told her that i had the Allesgrissmo Package, and she voided out the bill....yes you have to watch, as there are alot of new people on the ship, and i guess they still are not familiar with the different packages...Other then that, i had a wonderful time..

 

I saw all of the shows, which were fantastic....Witches of Paris, Abbracadabra, Starwalker, Wonderland.....all got standing ovations....best shows at sea i have seen in a long time, and i am an avid cruiser....

 

Food was delicious...both in the buffet, and in the dining room....being as this was only a 3 night cruise....we had the tirasumu but not the baked alaska.... but we did have shrimp cocktail, escargot, prime rib, lasagna bolgonese..which i pigged out on.....loved it...i was in seventh heaven....

 

Entertaintment....and activities..... were all over the ship....in the evening...you walked from one lounge to another...and there was music playing all over....Barbara, on your cruise, did they offer playing bingo, because on the 3 night cruise they did not.... we also had the flower party, white party, carnival night, and one formal evening....the ship was decorated all up for Christmas..... we even seen a wedding being performed by the Captain and his officers, in the atrium, which was beautiful....She looked like a princess...

 

My cabin was an inside cabin on deck 11....it was on the small side....but i was sailing by mself so it suited me fine...but this lady was telling me she was on deck 5, in a category 1, and she told me that she had a sofa, plus a chair and little table in her room, which i did not...she also was sailing solo, and hers was a guarantee cabin.....mine cabin was a category 2....so i guess that the inside cabins are all different sizes..... mine cabin you could not put a chair or a little table in it, as it was that small... but it was nice and cozy...

 

I booked another MSC Cruise for October 4, 2014 going on a 7ngt sailing to the Eastern Caribbean... I am taking my grandson this trip with me....This is a gift to him from me, as he is making his holy communion in May 2014...He has never been on a cruise, so i deceided to take him with me.... This trip i got an Oceanview Cabin on deck 9..... I loved MSC and i know that they will get my business alot....Liked the idea drinks were not pushed on you.... even at the private island that we went to....there were no crew walking all over, pushing drinks, you had to go to the bar and purchase them.... the buffet on the island consisted of only hamburgers, or hot dogs, with french fries, pasta salad, and desserts... which was fine....island we stopped at was half moon cay.....beautiful island....better than cococay......as there were no rocks at all...just pure white sand....water was crystal clear....

 

what other activities did they offer on the 11 night cruise during the daytime and evening?:)

[tbmrt]

Hi Barbara.... I read your review on the MSC Divina...I was on the Divina on the 3 night sailing on December 7, 2013....I throughly enjoyed myself...I also had the Allesgrissmo Preminum Package and it worked out very well. Only had one incident happen to me....I had ordered a drink from the bar when i first boarded...and they didn't read my card properly, and they billed me for the drink....I had told her that i had the Allesgrissmo Package, and she voided out the bill....yes you have to watch, as there are alot of new people on the ship, and i guess they still are not familiar with the different packages...Other then that, i had a wonderful time..

 

I saw all of the shows, which were fantastic....Witches of Paris, Abbracadabra, Starwalker, Wonderland.....all got standing ovations....best shows at sea i have seen in a long time, and i am an avid cruiser....

 

Food was delicious...both in the buffet, and in the dining room....being as this was only a 3 night cruise....we had the tirasumu but not the baked alaska.... but we did have shrimp cocktail, escargot, prime rib, lasagna bolgonese..which i pigged out on.....loved it...i was in seventh heaven....

 

Entertaintment....and activities..... were all over the ship....in the evening...you walked from one lounge to another...and there was music playing all over....Barbara, on your cruise, did they offer playing bingo, because on the 3 night cruise they did not.... we also had the flower party, white party, carnival night, and one formal evening....the ship was decorated all up for Christmas..... we even seen a wedding being performed by the Captain and his officers, in the atrium, which was beautiful....She looked like a princess...

 

My cabin was an inside cabin on deck 11....it was on the small side....but i was sailing by mself so it suited me fine...but this lady was telling me she was on deck 5, in a category 1, and she told me that she had a sofa, plus a chair and little table in her room, which i did not...she also was sailing solo, and hers was a guarantee cabin.....mine cabin was a category 2....so i guess that the inside cabins are all different sizes..... mine cabin you could not put a chair or a little table in it, as it was that small... but it was nice and cozy...

 

I booked another MSC Cruise for October 4, 2014 going on a 7ngt sailing to the Eastern Caribbean... I am taking my grandson this trip with me....This is a gift to him from me, as he is making his holy communion in May 2014...He has never been on a cruise, so i deceided to take him with me.... This trip i got an Oceanview Cabin on deck 9..... I loved MSC and i know that they will get my business alot....Liked the idea drinks were not pushed on you.... even at the private island that we went to....there were no crew walking all over, pushing drinks, you had to go to the bar and purchase them.... the buffet on the island consisted of only hamburgers, or hot dogs, with french fries, pasta salad, and desserts... which was fine....island we stopped at was half moon cay.....beautiful island....better than cococay......as there were no rocks at all...just pure white sand....water was crystal clear....

 

what other activities did they offer on the 11 night cruise during the daytime and evening?:)

 

They did do Bingo and at one point the coverall was about $1,200.

 

Off the top of my head...astronomy classes, wine tasting, arts/crafts, cooking demo, different types of dance lessons, various trivia contests, putting competition, basketball tournaments, dancing with entertainment staff and officers, bridge, jewelry making, etc, Frank Sinatra show (didn't see), 2 comedians...missed one..didn't like Levant (last one).

 

Shows every night except one...don't remember why.

 

Really great time!

 

Barbara

[jdvmd]

Glad you had a great time! Thanks!