Currently on Divina eastern.

[Bosjoe]

I'm currently on Davina. Just posting some quick notes. Beautiful ship. Service can be better in the dining room. I think they are still learning, but it's a challenge. Some servers are better then others as I have sat at 2 tables.

 

Bar service had been really great. There are a few who are also still learning, but once you find the best bartenders service has been amazing. Hint, look for the Caribbean island bartenders, they know what they are doing. Lots of waiters and waitresss working the bar and pool areas, unlike my last Celebrity cruise.

Premium Drink package has been amazing.

 

Buffet is really not bad, people need to realize it runs both sides and go way back. The back has been empty when the front has been swamped. So if your looking for seats go all the way down, easier to fine. The best pizza I have had on a cruise ship.

 

The shows are very good and should not be missed.

 

I'm in a inside cabin, enough space for 2, still small. My pillows are the lumpiness things on earth. Bad pillows in my room. Americans are use to having bars of soap and wash cloths. No bars of soap available, wash cloths on request.

 

Another thing I dislike with the room is, you have to leave your card key in the switch as you enter the room for full power. Also if you have a spare key, and you leave it in the door and leave, they will not makeup the room as they think the room is occupied and will not disturb you.

 

If anyone have questions, I will do my best to respond.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Bosjoe

[alexkrn46]

the card thing is a Europeon practice, hope you enjoy your cruisr,

[jimchet1978]

No problems with pilows but paid $1700 +fee for travel ins

my water staff could not be beat only one water just average

 

i'd go back just for the food smooth ride warm wether sat near gelato on 14th level

 

yes buffet was good ate there twice

 

stakehouse also worth $55 visit my stake best this year

 

 

ovberall Diivia compares favorably with Norweagean Epoch

 

i like big

 

 

i found cupon soft drinks a good value

internet at $6 a pop also much better than norweageagen

 

casino not very good at all with penny slots set to $5 a rool

but one can live without casino although i usually gamble $100

[Bosjoe]

No problems with pilows but paid $1700 +fee for travel ins

my water staff could not be beat only one water just average

 

i'd go back just for the food smooth ride warm wether sat near gelato on 14th level

 

yes buffet was good ate there twice

 

stakehouse also worth $55 visit my stake best this year

 

 

ovberall Diivia compares favorably with Norweagean Epoch

 

i like big

 

 

i found cupon soft drinks a good value

internet at $6 a pop also much better than norweageagen

 

casino not very good at all with penny slots set to $5 a rool

but one can live without casino although i usually gamble $100

 

On deck 14 now looking at the gelato. Very good. :)

 

A couple of negatives some might think.

 

Hot in some parts of the ship when more people in an area, night clubs, bar areas before dinner.

It seems very hard to find the restrooms, not very good signage.

Not many automatic doors top deck. Can see this slightly difficult with people in scooters, canes, wheelchairs, if out and about on your own.

 

I do this ship again easily.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Bosjoe

[Bosjoe]

the card thing is a Europeon practice, hope you enjoy your cruisr,

 

Thank you. Hope you don't enjoy that snow your getting today through tomorrow.

[sharecruises]

Wow....I can't wait till May

 

How are/were the "theme" nights?

 

Did people dress up...did you?

Did MSC tell people ahead of time, email them about the themes?

 

what night /s were they? thanks a bunch- have fun!

 

PS - the "Island" bartenders are mostly new hires from....Royal Caribbean and they are greeeat :)

[jimchet1978]

yes as with most cruse ships not designed for the handicapct

but no more than say norweagean epoch

 

i picked this cruse based on pictures on travel co websight and theit price $750 per pers balcony real price was over $300 more

 

i would use different travel agent next time 1st time with expidia

promised me cabin near elevator got one as far from evelitor as possable

 

did not try disco or most bars as i had one beer ; 1st in 20 years

 

i got a good deal on the Epoch and it has the ice bar and chocklet buffet

but food on Divia is what i love:)

[RikerKirk]

Question on premium drink package.

 

Are there an exclusions? The package says includes the premium liquor but can you order the johnny walker blue for free?

 

The menu price on that drink is 22 bucks.

 

Thanks.

[cruisegrancruise]

hi glad your enjoying the divina is the premium drink package as good as the say all the top drinks available and full mini bar in your room or is there some drinks you have to pay for and you still get the same service from the waiters as those paying for there drinks we are going to be anytime dining do you get a table for two look forward to hearing more how you are getting on on your cruise

[American Bear]

My wife and I are doing a back to back on the Divina in May, got a really good balcony price of $529. per person, lower then Carnival ocean views!

 

Bosjoe Could you check out a couple things in the casino this week for me, like do they pay in coins or receipts on slots? Do they allow you to take money off your room card, or do you need cash?

Also we would like to know what theme nights MSC is offering you on your cruise, and what nights are? I've seen in other blogs there is a red, white and green night, a white night, and a hippie 60's, 70's, and 80's night!

Thanks Bosjoe We'll look forward this week to any comments you make! Have fun!

 

MSC wrote me saying dinner was 5:30 and 8:00, and the shows were 7:00 and 10:00 pm.

[Bosjoe]

Wow....I can't wait till May

 

How are/were the "theme" nights?

 

Did people dress up...did you?

Did MSC tell people ahead of time, email them about the themes?

 

what night /s were they? thanks a bunch- have fun!

 

PS - the "Island" bartenders are mostly new hires from....Royal Caribbean and they are greeeat :)

 

Saturday - casual. Very relax dress code.

Sunday formally- not enforced, mostly dressed up, I wore shirt tie, slacks. No jacket.

Monday- Italian night theme. Some people did dress up to the theme. I did not.

Tuesday tonight is white theme casual dress.

 

The workers do all dressed to the theme. We were not notified prior to the cruise.

[Bosjoe]

Question on premium drink package.

 

Are there an exclusions? The package says includes the premium liquor but can you order the johnny walker blue for free?

 

The menu price on that drink is 22 bucks.

 

Thanks.

 

My friend I have good news, it's included. All ultra premium is included. Not every bar carries it.

[Bosjoe]

hi glad your enjoying the divina is the premium drink package as good as the say all the top drinks available and full mini bar in your room or is there some drinks you have to pay for and you still get the same service from the waiters as those paying for there drinks we are going to be anytime dining do you get a table for two look forward to hearing more how you are getting on on your cruise

 

Yes all the drinks I have been able to find are included, if you want doubles they ring it up as doubles and it's included. The mini bar is included, I have used contents of the bar, but service there is lacking in refilling. You have to sign a usage form before they refill. Service is the same as people who pay or have the package. As I said the bartender will double the alcohol so easily. If you want shots and other drinks at the same time, they have done it.

 

There is no anytime dining. 2 main settings 5:45 and 8:30. They do have table for 2's they are limited and there was a waiting list on the first day.

[Bosjoe]

My wife and I are doing a back to back on the Divina in May, got a really good balcony price of $529. per person, lower then Carnival ocean views!

 

Bosjoe Could you check out a couple things in the casino this week for me, like do they pay in coins or receipts on slots? Do they allow you to take money off your room card, or do you need cash?

Also we would like to know what theme nights MSC is offering you on your cruise, and what nights are? I've seen in other blogs there is a red, white and green night, a white night, and a hippie 60's, 70's, and 80's night!

Thanks Bosjoe We'll look forward this week to any comments you make! Have fun!

 

MSC wrote me saying dinner was 5:30 and 8:00, and the shows were 7:00 and 10:00 pm.

 

All payouts are receipts on slots. You are allowed to take money from your card at the tables and on the slot machines electronically.

 

The theme nights are Italian night, we had last night, tonight is white night, and not sure what night hippie bight is. :)

 

You made a nice choice of choosing this over Carnival. The show times quoted are correct.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Bosjoe

[cruisegrancruise]

thanks so is dining not a fixed table number all cruise do you just turn up and get seated at available tables

[Bosjoe]

thanks so is dining not a fixed table number all cruise do you just turn up and get seated at available tables

 

It is fixed assigned tables.

[American Bear]

Thanks Bosjoe!

What's the weather like?

We live in the gulf coast of Tampa area, and its about 60 with some sun this afternoon.

I see you were on the Allure, how does the Divina compare with the Allure?

Edited January 21, 2014 by Russian Bear

[Bosjoe]

Thanks Bosjoe!

What's the weather like?

We live in the gulf coast of Tampa area, and its about 60 with some sun this afternoon.

I see you were on the Allure, how does the Divina compare with the Allure?

 

Weather has been high 70- low 80s. One day mostly cloudy. Today in St Martin. 80's and just had a 10 min down pour.

 

Allure is superior for the most part. I do not like the buffet area on allure. allure is very well designed in user space. The shows are amazing. Food in dining rooms I compare the same. IMHO. Specialties on allure over the top. All main balconies ( non suites) on Allure are the same size and no obstructive views, Divina room locations need research, higher floors better. Service in dining rooms on Allure better, On Allure the sell sell sell approach had become annoying to me.

[tigger89]

hi glad your enjoying the divina is the premium drink package as good as the say all the top drinks available and full mini bar in your room or is there some drinks you have to pay for and you still get the same service from the waiters as those paying for there drinks we are going to be anytime dining do you get a table for two look forward to hearing more how you are getting on on your cruise

 

Hi

 

If you are in the yacht club it's anytime dining. Just noticed we are on the same cruise there are 9 of us going we are also from Scotland. I have started a roll call but there is no one else on it yet.

 

Judith

Edited January 21, 2014 by tigger89

[sharecruises]

My wife and I are doing a back to back on the Divina in May, got a really good balcony price of $529. per person, lower then Carnival ocean views!

 

Bosjoe Could you check out a couple things in the casino this week for me, like do they pay in coins or receipts on slots? Do they allow you to take money off your room card, or do you need cash?

Also we would like to know what theme nights MSC is offering you on your cruise, and what nights are? I've seen in other blogs there is a red, white and green night, a white night, and a hippie 60's, 70's, and 80's night!

Thanks Bosjoe We'll look forward this week to any comments you make! Have fun!

 

MSC wrote me saying dinner was 5:30 and 8:00, and the shows were 7:00 and 10:00 pm.

 

 

Uh oh....sorry but those times do NOT sound right...unless you are on a charter cruise with it's own entertainment?? I just pulled out some old Daily Sheets from my past MSC cruises

 

Last April 7 night Poesia - no special group /charter - seemingly the "normal" times .....

early dinner seating was at 5:30 and early showtime was 8:30

 

late seating was 8 PM and late show time was 6:30 before the dinner

 

MSC always has the early people see show after dinner, late seating sees show before dinner

 

Our 3 night us inaugural cruise - oh americans cried LOL....

we had euro time...late seating at 9 pm (waaa waa) with show at 7 pm (before dinner)....early seating was 6:30 and their showtime was 9:30 pm

 

it is always that way on MSC as far as I have seen...

now...I will say that each cruise our "daily" papers look better and better...last cruise in 2 color, looks like they actually have graphics and software to lay out a newsletter/paper LOL

(my first "euro" cruise was badly "copied" black and white,looked worse than a small town junior high paper haha...bad spelling, grammar, and ...they never had enough "English" papers LOL)

 

Now....here is the truth...the Fort Lauderdale office will often tell you stuff off the top of their head I think...and if you press them they promise to "contact Genoa" and get the info but don't hold your breath

 

I do NOT think the showtime is 10 pm for the early diners - anyone else on board, or recent cruiser have the facts? thanks

[sharecruises]

Saturday - casual. Very relax dress code.

Sunday formally- not enforced, mostly dressed up, I wore shirt tie, slacks. No jacket.

Monday- Italian night theme. Some people did dress up to the theme. I did not.

Tuesday tonight is white theme casual dress.

 

The workers do all dressed to the theme. We were not notified prior to the cruise.

 

Oh thanks....do let us know if they do the :flower power: night that would be fun

 

I do wish MSC would use their heads and put this info up on the website on the Divina Caribbean page...many people love this stuff. It is really "old school"....years ago ships like Emerald did a "50's night" ..bobby sox and poodle skirts....Costa did/does?toga night...Princess used to do a 50's night and a country western night back in the 90's...they put this info on your cruise docs and "welcome" letter that they sent /and/or the travel agents (before internet) told you...

 

now..it would be so easy if MSC would put it on the site <sigh> well I will be ready - even if I have to bug the Ft Lauderdale people and/or drive down there LOL ("we are waiting to hear back from Genoa")

 

Thanks a bunch....can't wait to read more:D

[American Bear]

Bosjoe When you have a spare little time, can you fill us in on some of the day time activities on Divina, especially on 'sea days'? My wife is worried I'll spend those sea days in the casino!-))

I've asked MSC directly to post some daily's, but all they gave me was a daily showing disembarkation day.

The shows, and dinner fill up most evenings, but MSC seems to be keeping it a secret what is going on during the day, especially on sea days!

Enjoy you trip.

[toes_in_sand]

Dinner was 6:00pm and 8:30 pm on our Poesia cruise last April.

 

Show times were 7:00 pm for the guests for the 2nd seating dinner and 8:45pm for the guests with the 1st seating dinner.

 

We had late seating, so we watched the show at 7:00 pm, followed by pre dinner cocktails before our second seating.

 

Buffet was from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

 

Sea days were relaxed, no blaring announcements and pushy cocktail servers. There was always something to do....or not:-)

Edited January 22, 2014 by Laurnat

[Bosjoe]

Hi there.

 

Yes shows are at 7 and 9. Dinner 5:45 and 8:30.

Last night was the white party on deck. Very busy and a nice evening. Tonight is casual night for dinner and theme is 60-80.

 

The entertainment on this ship has been top notch from the piano bars to singers to the shows. Unlike recent celebrity with there cut down on live entertainment.

 

People who are vegetarians as I am not and a table mate is, her comments are very lousy on the food at dinner. Unbearable as she has not eaten to much of the main course.

 

Non smokers beware you want to say on starboard side of the pool area, heavy smokers on the ship. Including cigars. The staff are doing their best at making people move to the correct locations.

 

One other thing about the drink package. You have to sign the receipts. Get a annoying oh because I drink to much. Haha

[Bosjoe]

Bosjoe When you have a spare little time, can you fill us in on some of the day time activities on Divina, especially on 'sea days'? My wife is worried I'll spend those sea days in the casino!-))

I've asked MSC directly to post some daily's, but all they gave me was a daily showing disembarkation day.

The shows, and dinner fill up most evenings, but MSC seems to be keeping it a secret what is going on during the day, especially on sea days!

Enjoy you trip.

 

Hi there. I will give this information over the weekend, when I get back. I will say it's limited