Divina extreme reviews, is it the Divina, or the Reviewers!

[Bosjoe]

Wow, I'm actually worried now. It's must have been bad if people are willing to pay double. I hope they get their act together before September.

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I would never pay double, and if I booked the cruise on Independence of the seas for March 29th it would have been more then double then My Divina cruises. was there service worth that much more. NO

 

The service on Divina was fine for me on this ship, Bar service was excellent, room service, was fine, and only one minor thing of not refilling the bar the 2nd day. Dining room service was ok, could have been slightly better, but not once did I or my table mates feel like we had any major issues, each one of my meals was correct, I asked for extra bread at the beginning and water i probably ask twice for, he knew after the second night what wine I wanted and asked before he went to get it the remaining nights. Either I am so laid back compare to others, or some people are just more demanding then me.

 

Andrew if you expect them to get everything right then you will be disappointed if lilttle minor things are ok, then you can have a fantastic cruise.

 

As I have recently discussed with a couple of friends regarding RCCL service, they have also notice service has gone down hill ever since pre-paid gratuities have been enacted. I have notice the same. Workers just go about their service and will not improve if they know they have already getting their tips. What motivation do they really have now?

Edited March 25, 2014 by Bosjoe

[neptuno]

Quote from Cruistrail: It sounds optimistic. Reports on buffets on the sister ships in the Mediterranean are not good, but I rely on changes that were supposed to be done to Divina buffet.

Buffets at peak time are busy on all ships. Food is what makes the difference.(quote)

 

Having sailed Divina, I would say the buffet is good, on par with Poesia and NCL and CCL. There is always something special like the 'ethnic corner'. But, we try to avoid the buffet(s), when the MDR is so much finer, with white table cloth and service, why stand in line, just dress a bit and enjoy the MDR.

Edited March 25, 2014 by neptuno

[andrewjb1]

I would never pay double, and if I booked the cruise on Independence of the seas for March 29th it would have been more then double.

 

 

 

Andrew if you expect them to get everything right then you will be disappointed if lilttle minor things are ok, then you can have a fantastic cruise.

 

 

I'm trying to play devils advocate if I'm honest, I don't normally need to say what I'm actually thinking, I'll leave that you you lot. I don't expect them to get everything right every day. Far from it.

 

If I'm honest, some of the comments have me quite frustrated. I'd hope for some detailed objective reviews for the 15th cruise, all I've read so far is that the 'service was that bad I'd pay double.'

 

I think a better description go the service would be; 'lacking in certain areas and less refined than than the American market is used to. A small amount if extra training would make a major difference. There was some trivial issues that could be fixed at a low cost and quickly without compromising the MSC Mediterranean atmosphere'

 

The service I had on MSC, admittedly a different ship, wasn't bad, but it was very 'Mediterranean.' Any of you that had travelled in the southern EU will know what I mean. They are laid back and chaotic.lol. You do end up shaking your head and thinking MAMMA MIA!

 

They need to fix the issues without question, regardless of the validity of the complaints, in a world of social media perception is worse than reality.

 

I'd suggest they give the service a Disneyesque theme tune and flashy training logo, coat each crew member in saccharin, bleach their teeth and tell them to be totally submissive.

 

I'm now going to enjoy some lime juice. And my daily newspaper has just arrived through the letterbox.

 

 

 

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[resstation]

A small amount if extra training would make a major difference. There was some trivial issues that could be fixed at a low cost and quickly without compromising the MSC Mediterranean atmosphere'

QUOTE]

 

You hit the nail on the head with that!

 

It has everything to do with upper management. On the cruise I took, it was ALWAYS a training issue. We did not encounter anyone who we felt was not performing to the best of their ability. But you can only do what you know. They need some serious customer service training as well as some cross training in a few departments. When I ask someone a general question, there should not be only one particular person on the ship who knows the right answer while everyone else tries to be helpful but have no idea what they're talking about.

 

As far as the incessant complaints about prepaid gratuities, most of the service employees on the ship will bend over backwards to keep their jobs. There are not a plethora of steady jobs available to them where they are from. They know what they have and aren't going to mess it up. There are hundreds in line to take their place. Prepaid gratuities were absolutely necessary IMO. I won't get into politics but I can see why some people may not grasp the concept of needing a job because there are no alternatives available.

 

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[gaddgie]

 

The service I had on MSC, admittedly a different ship, wasn't bad, but it was very 'Mediterranean.' Any of you that had travelled in the southern EU will know what I mean. They are laid back and chaotic.lol. You do end up shaking your head and thinking MAMMA MIA!

 

 

Got to agree 100 percent. Having lived in the South of Spain for the last 3 years and have witnessed the chaos first hand.

 

However still looking forward to the experience.

[American Bear]

I can fully understand how some cruisers put amenities first, some put service first, some put price first, some want it all, etc. :)

What's the old saying, 'different strokes for different folks'!:D

 

What are facts, itinerary, the ship's size, how many pools, the lack of limes, :D, etc., while food quality, and service, are subjective!

That's why I enjoy reading all the reviews, good, bad, indifferent, but only in the forum do we learn why the reviewer felt the way they did, and many times its because they value what is important to them on a cruise the 'same', or 'differently' then what we do!

 

example; For my wife and I, service is near the bottom for us, but we understand how others feel it more/most important as we have friends who feel this way!

We chose a B2B on the Divina, getting a balcony for less then a Carnival ocean view, and would have paid more then double on any other line for the same B2B!

Would I have chosen the Divina if we got the same price/cabin on Princess, or on a RCL Freedom, or Oasis class, or the NCL Getaway, 'NO', because we are high ranking loyalty members on these lines we receive a lot of benes.! But they weren't offering a competitive price, not even close to what we got on the Divina! That's what won us over to try the Divina! :)

 

I enjoy reading the different opinions of everyone, especially those who have cruised the Divina!

Thanks resstation, for your review, thanks for hanging in their answering questions, and for your pics/videos!

Your review ranks right up there with Bosjoe, and SteelCruisin for being informative, entertaining, and fair in what was your experience, and what was important to you!

 

I hope as others explain their future reviews here, 'which is why this thread is here', I hope you'll come back with your insight/opinions/experiences!:)

 

We all may disagree with which ship, which line, etc. but we're all united on one thing, we know what others don't, the best vacation deal is a cruise!:D

[cruisetrail]

So you have got the answer to the thread question.

Amen.

[American Bear]

So you have got the answer to the thread question.

Amen.

 

Ok? Bye! :D

This thread is for people who've actually cruised the Divina to explain their reviews, past, present, and future, for as long as they wish, positive or negative!

It is also a place to ask questions of the reviewers who have experienced the Divina!

[Bosjoe]

.

 

As far as the incessant complaints about prepaid gratuities, most of the service employees on the ship will bend over backwards to keep their jobs. There are not a plethora of steady jobs available to them where they are from. They know what they have and aren't going to mess it up. There are hundreds in line to take their place. Prepaid gratuities were absolutely necessary IMO. I won't get into politics but I can see why some people may not grasp the concept of needing a job because there are no alternatives available.

 

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I believe in pre-paid gratuities. Because there are people out their that stiff these poor workers if they waited till the end to pay. Many of those last night with empty tables is pathetic years ago. At the same time I have and my friends have agreed regarding rccl that service has slipped a bit.

 

I agree it comes down to management to train these workers properly, a lot of these are new workers that they added to this ship, they still need training on how Americans like their service, this goes to the dining room, and some newbie bartenders. I found the waiters had to many people to try to service, that's poor management. Not the waiters fault as he still did the best he could.

[resstation]

I believe in pre-paid gratuities. Because there are people out their that stiff these poor workers if they waited till the end to pay. Many of those last night with empty tables is pathetic years ago. At the same time I have and my friends have agreed regarding rccl that service has slipped a bit.

 

I agree it comes down to management to train these workers properly, a lot of these are new workers that they added to this ship, they still need training on how Americans like their service, this goes to the dining room, and some newbie bartenders. I found the waiters had to many people to try to service, that's poor management. Not the waiters fault as he still did the best he could.

 

I agree about poor management. Training is key. However, I think good, knowledgeable service is universal, not just something expected by Americans. I don't mean the difference between soggy and crisp bacon, ice or no ice etc.. I just mean good SERVICE, ask a question, get an answer; ask for something on the menu, get it as it is listed on the menu; ask for a drink on a bar menu downstairs and be able to get it upstairs...simple things, nothing extravagant.

 

For example:

We ordered room service once (other than the overnight request that was botched). Our order came the way room service decided they wanted to send it, not the way it is listed on the menu. We ordered the cheese plate. It states it comes with dried fruit, nuts, crackers... our plate came with 6 small slices of cheese and 3 grapes.

I asked if the bartender could make an espresso martini in the Top Sail Lounge. The server said he would ask. He brought me a chocolate martini and said this is what an espresso martini is on their ship. Really, it's all just laughable, but come on. I'd rather just you tell me you can't make it than just make something up so that I can change my order. Same with the limes. Don't prepare a mojito with lemons and act like that is perfectly acceptable. It wastes all the ingredients and makes the cruise guest think you're nuts.

Super simple things - that ALL nationalities, I would imagine, would care for.

Sure didn't ruin my cruise though.

[Bosjoe]

I asked if the bartender could make an espresso martini in the Top Sail Lounge. The server said he would ask. He brought me a chocolate martini and said this is what an espresso martini is on their ship. Really, it's all just laughable, but come on. I'd rather just you tell me you can't make it than just make something up so that I can change my order. Same with the limes. Don't prepare a mojito with lemons and act like that is perfectly acceptable. It wastes all the ingredients and makes the cruise guest think you're nuts.

Super simple things - that ALL nationalities, I would imagine, would care for.

Sure didn't ruin my cruise though.

 

:) The casino bartender did not know how to make a lemon drop martini or make a shot called brain tumor. He asked one of the other bartenders he didn't know either. He asked how do you make it , he was so willing to try and make it. I didn't know honestly, I just drink lemon drops. :D, I did teach him on the brain tumor shots, and he didn't charge me for the 2 he made. So training and learning is still needed, but the willingness to try and make me happy outweight his not knowing how to make it.

[resstation]

:) The casino bartender did not know how to make a lemon drop martini or make a shot called brain tumor. He asked one of the other bartenders he didn't know either. He asked how do you make it , he was so willing to try and make it. I didn't know honestly, I just drink lemon drops. :D, I did teach him on the brain tumor shots, and he didn't charge me for the 2 he made. So training and learning is still needed, but the willingness to try and make me happy outweight his not knowing how to make it.

 

 

I would have appreciated that too - and ours were free in the YC!

 

 

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[ddjwms]

Just back from the Divina and thought I would share a few quick observations. We were in a balcony cabin, but not Yacht Club, so I guess you could say we were in with the crowd. I had read a lot of different opinions on the Divina on these boards and found I agreed some and didn't with others.

 

First, food: I think that is very, very subjective. I found that to be true even within our own group. Some were quite happy with food; others were not. I personally was disappointed in the pasta and pizza; I thought since this was an Italian ship that it would be better than it was. I tried several different pastas and found them boring; not much taste at all. As for the pizza, I guess I am used to the Meat Lover's Special or a Supreme here in the US. I found the pizza on the Divina pretty bland with pepperoni about it for meat toppings (oh, I remember wiener pizza one day--no thanks...) and other pizzas with a few veggie toppings; not bad, just nothing to rave about. Same with the desserts: I was so-o-o disappointed with the tiramisu, usually one of my favorites: again, it was not bad, just flavorless.

 

The buffet always seemed to have a good variety, but was always very crowded even though we followed the advice to go to the back (and the back is a lo-o-o-n-g way from the front!) Others have already commented about the lack of an omelette station. They did have premade omelettes (dry and overcooked with one or two choices of fillings) and precooked fried eggs (hard to tell whether they were over easy or well done), but these were only at the very front line. I skipped the omelettes after a couple of tries, but my husband who is usually pickier than I am was quite satisfied with the fried eggs. And I will say that I fell in love with their chocolate chip twists--yum!!! We tried sitdown breakfast a couple of times, and the omelettes were better, but service was so slow that they were not very warm when they got to us. In fact, it took nearly two hours to complete a sitdown breakfast; thanks, but I have better things to do with my time...

 

We had no problem with service most of the time; in fact, most of the staff seemed to go out the way to be friendly and helpful, including our cabin steward who was always eager to please. And yet, for several days, he left the same glasses by the ice bucket, just putting the lids back on them even when they were half full of melted ice! Seemed like something too minor to mention, and yet it bugged us.

 

One thing I haven't seen mentioned (I didn't read every page of the comments, so I might have missed it...) is how HARD the beds are; reminded me of some we had in Beijing: hard as a board! I asked our steward to bring us an extra comforter to go under us to try and add some padding, and he promptly complied, making the bed up with the extra comforter under the sheets and apologizing profusely that he couldn't provide anything better.

 

The shows were great; we enjoyed them all. The dancers rivalled or even surpassed the Jean Ann Ryan (???) companies from Norwegian who, by far, surpass the dancers on any other line IMO, and the tumblers and contortionists were superb. Beautiful costumes, sets, etc.--it was all spectacular. The theater is very well-designed also with few columns blocking the view.

 

Games like Trivia had great prizes (caps, t-shirts, little day packs, etc), much better than the pens and keychains that seem the norm on other lines these days. However, the staff members that ran games nearly started riots several times by not setting up clear rules from the start, and then by brushing off disputes by saying, "It's just a game; it's just a game!" You and I may accept that it is just a game, but if you have cruised much, you know that not everyone feels that way! They could really do themselves a favor by having clearcut rules spelled out in advance!

 

Some people complained about all the kids on the ship; can't say much because we were there with six of our grandkids (who did complain about a lack of activities that they were used to on Carnival and Disney), and I thought the staff went out of their way to be kid-friendly and accommodating, especially in the dining room, although the kids' menu selections didn't have much variety (or taste, from the looks of them...) and didn't seem to appeal to our younger ones. As for the pre-made, pre-wrapped burgers and hot dogs in the buffet, the less said, the better...

 

Would I go on MSC again; yes--it wasn't my absolute favorite, but it was an excellent value for the very good price we paid, and the service and entertainment were quite good. Would it be my first choice if the price were the same as the other major lines: (which I am sure it will be eventually) not necessarily, but it wouldn't be my last choice either. It was a good middling experience, equal to most other lines--better in some ways, needing improvement in others. I'd go again...it was better than doing my own cooking and cleaning--much better!!!!

[American Bear]

Just back from the Divina and thought I would share a few quick observations. We were in a balcony cabin, but not Yacht Club, so I guess you could say we were in with the crowd. I had read a lot of different opinions on the Divina on these boards and found I agreed some and didn't with others.

 

First, food: I think that is very, very subjective. I found that to be true even within our own group. Some were quite happy with food; others were not. I personally was disappointed in the pasta and pizza; I thought since this was an Italian ship that it would be better than it was. I tried several different pastas and found them boring; not much taste at all. As for the pizza, I guess I am used to the Meat Lover's Special or a Supreme here in the US. I found the pizza on the Divina pretty bland with pepperoni about it for meat toppings (oh, I remember wiener pizza one day--no thanks...) and other pizzas with a few veggie toppings; not bad, just nothing to rave about. Same with the desserts: I was so-o-o disappointed with the tiramisu, usually one of my favorites: again, it was not bad, just flavorless.

 

The buffet always seemed to have a good variety, but was always very crowded even though we followed the advice to go to the back (and the back is a lo-o-o-n-g way from the front!) Others have already commented about the lack of an omelette station. They did have premade omelettes (dry and overcooked with one or two choices of fillings) and precooked fried eggs (hard to tell whether they were over easy or well done), but these were only at the very front line. I skipped the omelettes after a couple of tries, but my husband who is usually pickier than I am was quite satisfied with the fried eggs. And I will say that I fell in love with their chocolate chip twists--yum!!! We tried sitdown breakfast a couple of times, and the omelettes were better, but service was so slow that they were not very warm when they got to us. In fact, it took nearly two hours to complete a sitdown breakfast; thanks, but I have better things to do with my time...

 

We had no problem with service most of the time; in fact, most of the staff seemed to go out the way to be friendly and helpful, including our cabin steward who was always eager to please. And yet, for several days, he left the same glasses by the ice bucket, just putting the lids back on them even when they were half full of melted ice! Seemed like something too minor to mention, and yet it bugged us.

 

One thing I haven't seen mentioned (I didn't read every page of the comments, so I might have missed it...) is how HARD the beds are; reminded me of some we had in Beijing: hard as a board! I asked our steward to bring us an extra comforter to go under us to try and add some padding, and he promptly complied, making the bed up with the extra comforter under the sheets and apologizing profusely that he couldn't provide anything better.

 

The shows were great; we enjoyed them all. The dancers rivalled or even surpassed the Jean Ann Ryan (???) companies from Norwegian who, by far, surpass the dancers on any other line IMO, and the tumblers and contortionists were superb. Beautiful costumes, sets, etc.--it was all spectacular. The theater is very well-designed also with few columns blocking the view.

 

Games like Trivia had great prizes (caps, t-shirts, little day packs, etc), much better than the pens and keychains that seem the norm on other lines these days. However, the staff members that ran games nearly started riots several times by not setting up clear rules from the start, and then by brushing off disputes by saying, "It's just a game; it's just a game!" You and I may accept that it is just a game, but if you have cruised much, you know that not everyone feels that way! They could really do themselves a favor by having clearcut rules spelled out in advance!

 

Some people complained about all the kids on the ship; can't say much because we were there with six of our grandkids (who did complain about a lack of activities that they were used to on Carnival and Disney), and I thought the staff went out of their way to be kid-friendly and accommodating, especially in the dining room, although the kids' menu selections didn't have much variety (or taste, from the looks of them...) and didn't seem to appeal to our younger ones. As for the pre-made, pre-wrapped burgers and hot dogs in the buffet, the less said, the better...

 

Would I go on MSC again; yes--it wasn't my absolute favorite, but it was an excellent value for the very good price we paid, and the service and entertainment were quite good. Would it be my first choice if the price were the same as the other major lines: (which I am sure it will be eventually) not necessarily, but it wouldn't be my last choice either. It was a good middling experience, equal to most other lines--better in some ways, needing improvement in others. I'd go again...it was better than doing my own cooking and cleaning--much better!!!!

 

Hope you'll write a review on the main cruise critic review page, you have some interesting, and entertaining views!:D

[dogchopper]

Just back from the Divina and thought I would share a few quick observations. We were in a balcony cabin, but not Yacht Club, so I guess you could say we were in with the crowd. I had read a lot of different opinions on the Divina on these boards and found I agreed some and didn't with others.

 

First, food: I think that is very, very subjective. I found that to be true even within our own group. Some were quite happy with food; others were not. I personally was disappointed in the pasta and pizza; I thought since this was an Italian ship that it would be better than it was. I tried several different pastas and found them boring; not much taste at all. As for the pizza, I guess I am used to the Meat Lover's Special or a Supreme here in the US. I found the pizza on the Divina pretty bland with pepperoni about it for meat toppings (oh, I remember wiener pizza one day--no thanks...) and other pizzas with a few veggie toppings; not bad, just nothing to rave about. Same with the desserts: I was so-o-o disappointed with the tiramisu, usually one of my favorites: again, it was not bad, just flavorless.

 

The buffet always seemed to have a good variety, but was always very crowded even though we followed the advice to go to the back (and the back is a lo-o-o-n-g way from the front!) Others have already commented about the lack of an omelette station. They did have premade omelettes (dry and overcooked with one or two choices of fillings) and precooked fried eggs (hard to tell whether they were over easy or well done), but these were only at the very front line. I skipped the omelettes after a couple of tries, but my husband who is usually pickier than I am was quite satisfied with the fried eggs. And I will say that I fell in love with their chocolate chip twists--yum!!! We tried sitdown breakfast a couple of times, and the omelettes were better, but service was so slow that they were not very warm when they got to us. In fact, it took nearly two hours to complete a sitdown breakfast; thanks, but I have better things to do with my time...

 

We had no problem with service most of the time; in fact, most of the staff seemed to go out the way to be friendly and helpful, including our cabin steward who was always eager to please. And yet, for several days, he left the same glasses by the ice bucket, just putting the lids back on them even when they were half full of melted ice! Seemed like something too minor to mention, and yet it bugged us.

 

One thing I haven't seen mentioned (I didn't read every page of the comments, so I might have missed it...) is how HARD the beds are; reminded me of some we had in Beijing: hard as a board! I asked our steward to bring us an extra comforter to go under us to try and add some padding, and he promptly complied, making the bed up with the extra comforter under the sheets and apologizing profusely that he couldn't provide anything better.

 

The shows were great; we enjoyed them all. The dancers rivalled or even surpassed the Jean Ann Ryan (???) companies from Norwegian who, by far, surpass the dancers on any other line IMO, and the tumblers and contortionists were superb. Beautiful costumes, sets, etc.--it was all spectacular. The theater is very well-designed also with few columns blocking the view.

 

Games like Trivia had great prizes (caps, t-shirts, little day packs, etc), much better than the pens and keychains that seem the norm on other lines these days. However, the staff members that ran games nearly started riots several times by not setting up clear rules from the start, and then by brushing off disputes by saying, "It's just a game; it's just a game!" You and I may accept that it is just a game, but if you have cruised much, you know that not everyone feels that way! They could really do themselves a favor by having clearcut rules spelled out in advance!

 

Some people complained about all the kids on the ship; can't say much because we were there with six of our grandkids (who did complain about a lack of activities that they were used to on Carnival and Disney), and I thought the staff went out of their way to be kid-friendly and accommodating, especially in the dining room, although the kids' menu selections didn't have much variety (or taste, from the looks of them...) and didn't seem to appeal to our younger ones. As for the pre-made, pre-wrapped burgers and hot dogs in the buffet, the less said, the better...

 

Would I go on MSC again; yes--it wasn't my absolute favorite, but it was an excellent value for the very good price we paid, and the service and entertainment were quite good. Would it be my first choice if the price were the same as the other major lines: (which I am sure it will be eventually) not necessarily, but it wouldn't be my last choice either. It was a good middling experience, equal to most other lines--better in some ways, needing improvement in others. I'd go again...it was better than doing my own cooking and cleaning--much better!!!!

I'm glad to hear a review from a non yacht club cruiser. Not that I have a problem with YC folks, just because I'm not one and for the most part everyone on this board seems to be cruising in the YC. I have been itching to know how the rest of the ship is?? How are the MDR meals. is it hard to get up on the pool deck? Is it easy to get to the shows after dinner, Ive heard they have a longer dinner so I'm worried about getting to the shows on time.

[maryann2]

We were in a balcony cabin, but not Yacht Club, so I guess you could say we were in with the crowd.

 

I was so-o-o disappointed with the tiramisu, usually one of my favorites: again, it was not bad, just flavorless.

 

 

We had no problem with service most of the time; in fact, most of the staff seemed to go out the way to be friendly and helpful, including our cabin steward who was always eager to please. And yet, for several days, he left the same glasses by the ice bucket, just putting the lids back on them even when they were half full of melted ice! Seemed like something too minor to mention, and yet it bugged us.

 

Games like Trivia had great prizes (caps, t-shirts, little day packs, etc), much better than the pens and keychains that seem the norm on other lines these days. However, the staff members that ran games nearly started riots several times by not setting up clear rules from the start, and then by brushing off disputes by saying, "It's just a game; it's just a game!" You and I may accept that it is just a game, but if you have cruised much, you know that not everyone feels that way! They could really do themselves a favor by having clearcut rules spelled out in advance!

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a very fair review. At last one that is not the Yacht Club.

Sorry about the tiramisu, one of my favourite desserts. Hope it will be better on the Armonia in May.

 

I have noticed that stewards on other lines now also do not change the glasses if there is any liquid left in them. I would imagine too many complaints about drinks thrown out.

 

I agree about the trivia though. It is taken very seriously by trivia players and to many is not "Just a game" LOL.

I think you are the first person to mention trivia and the decent prizes and happy to hear that it is an activity. On the Med cruises with so many nationalities it was not offered. I do love trivia.

 

I'm glad to hear a review from a non yacht club cruiser. Not that I have a problem with YC folks, just because I'm not one and for the most part everyone on this board seems to be cruising in the YC. I have been itching to know how the rest of the ship is?? How are the MDR meals. is it hard to get up on the pool deck? Is it easy to get to the shows after dinner, Ive heard they have a longer dinner so I'm worried about getting to the shows on time.

As I mentioned at last a fair review from the remaining 95% of the ship.;)

[ddjwms]

I'm glad to hear a review from a non yacht club cruiser. Not that I have a problem with YC folks, just because I'm not one and for the most part everyone on this board seems to be cruising in the YC. I have been itching to know how the rest of the ship is?? How are the MDR meals. is it hard to get up on the pool deck? Is it easy to get to the shows after dinner, Ive heard they have a longer dinner so I'm worried about getting to the shows on time.

 

The MDR meals were okay: usually four main entrees to choose from as well as a couple of pastas. As I said in my comments, the food wasn't bad; I just found it pretty bland overall. The desserts were also a little disappointing. Most nights we just got gelato which was good. The service was fine although our waiter would try to bring everyone something each time he served a course, so people were eating all different courses at the same time. But overall, no complaints. At lunch one day (sit down), I asked for the cold soup to be served in a glass, and after asking me to repeat what I wanted two or three times, the waiter said he would have to ask his supervisor if he could do that as if it were some big deal. His supervisor must have okayed it because he brought it to me in a glass, but I thought it was all very strange because I have made that same request for years on 15 or 20 ships, and it has never been a problem before. Shrimp cocktail is great: big jumbo shrimp, and one night they had a fried seafood sampler as an appetizer that was great; I could easily have made a whole meal of it. Loved the Baked Alaska parade although the slices of baked Alaska were more like slivers...Our daughter had been dieting all week and skipping dessert, saving up for baked Alaska, so I asked our waiter to bring her another slice, and he did. Our water glass was usually kept full. Bread was only brought around once (served to you; no basket on the table) unless you specifically requested more.

 

The outside pool deck was always quite crowded. There were usually a few spots at the indoor pool (retractable top was opened on pretty, calm days) but even when the top was open, most of the seating was in the shade. But at least on our cruise the outside pool deck stayed pretty full all the time. As others have noted, there are chair hogs who stake out their lounges early and keep them even when they aren't there, so it makes it hard on everyone else, but overall, it was just full of people all the time...

 

There were two shows so there was really no problem getting to one or the other. And the shows are very, very good. Dinner (and other sitdown meals as well) do tend to be pretty slow. We have gotten used to anytime dining the last few years and really missed it on the Divina. Early seating was too early--5:45 lasting till 7:15 or 7:30 (with the late show at 9:00) and late seating was too late at 8:30 (after the early show at 7:00) It wasn't that service in the dining room drug; it just took a long time to take all the orders, serve all the courses, etc. We would have enjoyed a happy medium like eating at 7 or so.

 

Overall, the ship is quite beautiful and well-kept, and we had no complaints about the service. We thought everyone went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. My husband has difficulties with mobility, and it seemed as if everyone rushed to help him even when he didn't need it! We were very impressed with the staff's eagerness to be helpful.

 

I think you will enjoy a cruise on the Divina. It's not perfect, but what is? We had no big complaints and would not hesitate to sail her again (in fact, we have already been considering a cruise on her later in the year; I consider that a pretty positive recommendation!

[ddjwms]

I think you are the first person to mention trivia and the decent prizes and happy to hear that it is an activity. On the Med cruises with so many nationalities it was not offered. I do love trivia.QUOTE]

 

There was almost always a morning trivia and often an afternoon one also, as well as what they called "multi-lingual trivia" which was pretty much the same as the other trivias, but the girl who ran it spoke several different languages,so if there were other language speakers, she would give the question first in English, then repeat it in the other language or languages--there was a German group who came almost everyday and some Spanish speakers a couple of times. She (the staff member) graded the foreign language papers, I think. They had what they called "quizzes" also. I only was there for one of them so I am not sure how they worked. The one we went to was a music one; she played little snatches of showtunes, and you had to name them. They had Scattergories a couple of times and a kind of Scrabble-like game with similar rules. I know there were other similar games also. So if you prefer brain exercise to physical exercise (there was plenty of that available, too...), you can find plenty to entertain you, with, as I said, pretty good prizes compared to what most ships have been giving lately.

[dogchopper]

The MDR meals were okay: usually four main entrees to choose from as well as a couple of pastas. As I said in my comments, the food wasn't bad; I just found it pretty bland overall. The desserts were also a little disappointing. Most nights we just got gelato which was good. The service was fine although our waiter would try to bring everyone something each time he served a course, so people were eating all different courses at the same time. But overall, no complaints. At lunch one day (sit down), I asked for the cold soup to be served in a glass, and after asking me to repeat what I wanted two or three times, the waiter said he would have to ask his supervisor if he could do that as if it were some big deal. His supervisor must have okayed it because he brought it to me in a glass, but I thought it was all very strange because I have made that same request for years on 15 or 20 ships, and it has never been a problem before. Shrimp cocktail is great: big jumbo shrimp, and one night they had a fried seafood sampler as an appetizer that was great; I could easily have made a whole meal of it. Loved the Baked Alaska parade although the slices of baked Alaska were more like slivers...Our daughter had been dieting all week and skipping dessert, saving up for baked Alaska, so I asked our waiter to bring her another slice, and he did. Our water glass was usually kept full. Bread was only brought around once (served to you; no basket on the table) unless you specifically requested more.

 

The outside pool deck was always quite crowded. There were usually a few spots at the indoor pool (retractable top was opened on pretty, calm days) but even when the top was open, most of the seating was in the shade. But at least on our cruise the outside pool deck stayed pretty full all the time. As others have noted, there are chair hogs who stake out their lounges early and keep them even when they aren't there, so it makes it hard on everyone else, but overall, it was just full of people all the time...

 

There were two shows so there was really no problem getting to one or the other. And the shows are very, very good. Dinner (and other sitdown meals as well) do tend to be pretty slow. We have gotten used to anytime dining the last few years and really missed it on the Divina. Early seating was too early--5:45 lasting till 7:15 or 7:30 (with the late show at 9:00) and late seating was too late at 8:30 (after the early show at 7:00) It wasn't that service in the dining room drug; it just took a long time to take all the orders, serve all the courses, etc. We would have enjoyed a happy medium like eating at 7 or so.

 

Overall, the ship is quite beautiful and well-kept, and we had no complaints about the service. We thought everyone went out of their way to be friendly and helpful. My husband has difficulties with mobility, and it seemed as if everyone rushed to help him even when he didn't need it! We were very impressed with the staff's eagerness to be helpful.

 

I think you will enjoy a cruise on the Divina. It's not perfect, but what is? We had no big complaints and would not hesitate to sail her again (in fact, we have already been considering a cruise on her later in the year; I consider that a pretty positive recommendation!

Thanks!! That puts my mind at ease!! I am a pretty easygoing cruiser so I think I will enjoy this cruise.. I'm not used to the upper class cruising so I'm sure this cruise will be wonderful

[American Bear]

Just when I thought 'uh-oh!',,,the reviews on the main review page were getting too good, the prices would go back up, along come a couple of negative reviews that had me shaking my head in disbelief!:confused:

What do you think?:)

Edited March 29, 2014 by Russian Bear

[Mattingly23]

One thing that did hit home with me in those reviews was the person that lost their vouchers.

 

Since researching Divina, the vouchers struck me as a stupid and archaic system. It's 2014 and they're selling paper coupons? Just dumb.

 

If I misplace my stupid coupons and they refuse me replacements I can assure you the entire ship will be aware of it.

[resstation]

One thing that did hit home with me in those reviews was the person that lost their vouchers.

 

 

 

Since researching Divina, the vouchers struck me as a stupid and archaic system. It's 2014 and they're selling paper coupons? Just dumb.

 

 

 

If I misplace my stupid coupons and they refuse me replacements I can assure you the entire ship will be aware of it.

 

 

With all due respect, even my 14 yr old son didn't lose or misplace his vouchers. I told him to treat them like money. If you lose them it is not MSC's fault. The voucher system surprised me though, but that's how they operate. You'll have to decide if it's worth it to you. (They're small, maybe 1x3)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Mattingly23]

With all due respect, even my 14 yr old son didn't lose or misplace his vouchers. I told him to treat them like money. If you lose them it is not MSC's fault. The voucher system surprised me though, but that's how they operate. You'll have to decide if it's worth it to you. (They're small, maybe 1x3)

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

Understood, but things do happen, including theft. If something happens to your key card, you get it deactivated and get a new one.

 

There's key card activated lights for gosh sakes, and they're selling hundreds of dollars worth of tiny paper coupons. I can't believe your account can't be credited with 15 prepaid drinks and move forward from 1975 technology. I think they're counting on humans being human raising their margins slightly.

[resstation]

Understood, but things do happen, including theft. If something happens to your key card, you get it deactivated and get a new one.

 

There's key card activated lights for gosh sakes, and they're selling hundreds of dollars worth of tiny paper coupons. I can't believe your account can't be credited with 15 prepaid drinks and move forward from 1975 technology. I think they're counting on humans being human raising their margins slightly.

 

If they did that they would have to train the employees! They're already behind on that. Ha! Hopefully they will figure it out.

[American Bear]

To those who've reviewed on the main Cruise Critic review page,,,

Negative reviews from those who've never reviewed before?:confused:

 

I must say we have cruise 20 plus years, over 30 cruises, on many different cruise lines, and have reviewed 'only' maybe 5-7 cruises! We didn't review only negative experiences, as we've never experienced a 'totally negative cruise' even on the short, cheap trips to the Bahamas. so I not saying a person must review all their cruises to be believed!

 

But,,,,,,

I've noticed that most of the negative reviews recently on the main review page of cruise critic are of people making their first review, or first review after years of cruising! In one recent negative review, the person states they had taken 20 cruises, but they never wrote a review before this one! How believable is that, or all these first time negative reviews?:confused:

 

restation/others-what do you think about negative reviews from people claiming 10-20-30 cruises and never wrote a review before their negative Divina review? How believable are they?:confused:

Or do they have an ulterior motive?:confused: