november 29 2014 DIVINA whats not to miss?

[anamarieus]

Any tips on freebies or fun parties or things I should pack??

 

Is any of room service free minus the gratuity?

 

Is the buffet the only free dining option other than the MDR?

 

Anything else I should know about that you wish you had known?

 

Thank you!!

 

I have done a search and read everything and all the reviews as well :D just wondering if there are any tips??

 

Thanks in advance :cool:

Edited November 14, 2014 by anamarieus

[Thompsolonian]

I would like to know the same thing!

 

My Wife and I are going in February!

 

OP, Let me know how it is! I read the reviews too, and some are scary.

Some close friends told me it is a beautiful ship, and the food is great.

[skyking]

I would like to know the same thing!

 

My Wife and I are going in February!

 

OP, Let me know how it is! I read the reviews too, and some are scary.

Some close friends told me it is a beautiful ship, and the food is great.

 

Donnnnnnnnt let the crazy reviews scare you. The Divina is a wonderful ship with great food and a great crew. You will have a blast!!!!

[Beamafar]

Donnnnnnnnt let the crazy reviews scare you. The Divina is a wonderful ship with great food and a great crew. You will have a blast!!!!

 

I remember after booking my first MSC cruise how I felt after reading the negative reviews - I thought "Have I made a major mistake?". I'm now looking forward to my seventh cruise in 3 weeks time having sailed only 3 years ago for the first time with them!

[anamarieus]

thank you guys so much!!!!!

 

I think i should book the sauna steam as soon as i board. I still cannot believe i have to pay extra for that. But oh well.

 

Anything else??? Bueller??

[CTBob]

thank you guys so much!!!!!

 

I think i should book the sauna steam as soon as i board. I still cannot believe i have to pay extra for that. But oh well.

 

Anything else??? Bueller??

Don't forget to bring clothes for the White Party and the Italian Party. Red, White and Green should cover it. And check my Website for a list of hints that I have picked up by reading the Cruise Critic boards.

[skyking]

Dont miss the SHOWS, please DONT miss the shows:) The Michael Jackson was amaaaaazing, but all the shows were good. Also make sure to eat Pizza, the free pizza was very good. Also the Gellato at the pool bar, it is all made fresh on the ship and must try.

[Grandmaflower]

If you enjoy wine...please visit the wine bar after 6pm. If you purchase a glass of wine get free yummy snacks and you can watch then make the famous pizza!

[JohnLocke2012]

Don't forget to bring clothes for the White Party and the Italian Party. Red, White and Green should cover it. And check my Website for a list of hints that I have picked up by reading the Cruise Critic boards.

 

 

Any word on your stateroom yet? No word over here with 29 days until I embark.

[helen haywood]

Room Service breakfast from the card in your room is free (I tip the deliverer) but other food from Room Service is not. Like a hamburger or something else for lunch or dinner is not free.

 

The shows are absolutely amazing and none should be missed. But the theater is small and you must get there 20 minutes or more to get a good seat. The first night there is only one show and it is at 8. We missed it because our seating was at 6 and we only got out at 7:55 and it was standing room only. I don't know why they only have one show the first night when they know there is no way all their passengers will fit in the theater. Also, unlike every other cruise line I have ever sailed on, MSC doesn't want/allow drinks to be brought into the theater. It says so in the fine print in your Dailies along with no digital recording....I missed it and tried to go in with a drink I had just purchased and was stopped by an attendant at the door. Mea culpa...I went to the other side where there was no attendant.

 

Do not miss the last formal night in the MDR. The lobster was the best I've ever had among over 25 cruises on six different lines. Moist, flavorful, tender. And then they still do the flaming Baked Alaska parade and MSC's is the best also! Instead of generic grainy ice cream and stale cake it was black walnut ice cream and pistachio ice cream and the meringue was also wonderful. The food on Divina was the best I've had on any cruise line.

 

The drink vouchers are a fantastic deal if you drink.

[skyking]

Room Service breakfast from the card in your room is free (I tip the deliverer) but other food from Room Service is not. Like a hamburger or something else for lunch or dinner is not free.

 

The shows are absolutely amazing and none should be missed. But the theater is small and you must get there 20 minutes or more to get a good seat. The first night there is only one show and it is at 8. We missed it because our seating was at 6 and we only got out at 7:55 and it was standing room only. I don't know why they only have one show the first night when they know there is no way all their passengers will fit in the theater. Also, unlike every other cruise line I have ever sailed on, MSC doesn't want/allow drinks to be brought into the theater. It says so in the fine print in your Dailies along with no digital recording....I missed it and tried to go in with a drink I had just purchased and was stopped by an attendant at the door. Mea culpa...I went to the other side where there was no attendant.

 

Do not miss the last formal night in the MDR. The lobster was the best I've ever had among over 25 cruises on six different lines. Moist, flavorful, tender. And then they still do the flaming Baked Alaska parade and MSC's is the best also! Instead of generic grainy ice cream and stale cake it was black walnut ice cream and pistachio ice cream and the meringue was also wonderful. The food on Divina was the best I've had on any cruise line.

 

The drink vouchers are a fantastic deal if you drink.

 

 

It was a little odd, the second night they stopped us from taking our drinks into the theater, there was someone collecting them at the door, but they never appeared again after that night. The next night I even tried to give someone at the door my drink, and they said it was ok to take in. So I guess they adjusted to that one:)

 

I have some great pics of the Baked Alaska Parade, I need to get to work on my review, im slacking.

[helen haywood]

It was the second night...the first Formal Night. The attendant said something about "...the Captain." The Captain was giving a toast and introducing the Officers but I didn't realize carrying in a drink would upset the apple cart. I was embarrassed when I read the next day in the Daily that food and drink were prohibited; I try to follow the rules. Also, those seats are so close together (and do not have any drink holders in the arms) and the aisles are so close together...if anyone tried to put their empty glass on the floor it would really be a hazard.

 

Do write a review! We thought the food was wonderful, the cabin beautiful and the bed the most comfortable ever. (That's having just come off Reflection and Celebrity's rounded off corner beds....)

[skyking]

It was the second night...the first Formal Night. The attendant said something about "...the Captain." The Captain was giving a toast and introducing the Officers but I didn't realize carrying in a drink would upset the apple cart. I was embarrassed when I read the next day in the Daily that food and drink were prohibited; I try to follow the rules. Also, those seats are so close together (and do not have any drink holders in the arms) and the aisles are so close together...if anyone tried to put their empty glass on the floor it would really be a hazard.

 

Do write a review! We thought the food was wonderful, the cabin beautiful and the bed the most comfortable ever. (That's having just come off Reflection and Celebrity's rounded off corner beds....)

 

I have started it, and it's already up, I just need to keep it going:) And I agree the beds were great, and the food was awesome. Lots of food pics in my review as well:)

[anamarieus]

thank you everyone!

 

This is such amazing, insightful information! Keep it coming!

[helen haywood]

Its easier to answer questions than to try to think of things you might find interesting...hmmm...let me think. Divina has lots of elevator bays. Some big ones with four elevators and some small ones with just one or two. You won't have to wait as long if you scope out the smaller bays. (Seven nights was just enough for me to finally know my way around....and then, bam!, I'm off...)

 

When you go to the show try to go on any other deck than Deck 7 because there is only a corridor on the starboard side and the photos are displayed there. It is an absolute nightmare of a bottleneck. You have the people released from the early show, people stopping to choose photos, people going from point A to Z....all in that one narrow hallway. Due to The Black Crab Dining Room you can't walk from stem to stern on a couple of decks...but you'll figure it out. Right outside the large elevator bays on every deck is a complete diagram of the ship telling you where you are and showing what's on every floor.

[anamarieus]

Thank you, Helen for the wonderful advice!!! This is awesome. I am going to print these tips out!

[Thompsolonian]

Donnnnnnnnt let the crazy reviews scare you. The Divina is a wonderful ship with great food and a great crew. You will have a blast!!!!

 

I know not to listen to the reviews, since 50% of the bad ones are someone who has nothing nice to say about any line (never happy) and the other 50% of the bad ones start with, "I am a super important VIP on another line, and this one sucks."

 

I trust the people who recommended it, and we are booked as a gorup with said people!

 

It look slike a marvelous ship, and I can't wait! i gotta get done with this deployment first though!

[TipsyT]

Just a few random thoughts regarding your question (we were on the Nov 1 sailing on the Divina).

 

• Room Service fees are different depending on which experience level you've booked. You can place a standing order for the week for continental breakfast to be delivered at the same time daily (although our 9:30 breakfast arrived any time between 8:55 and never). Always inspect your tray to be sure you're getting everything you ordered before letting the delivery person leave!
   
  
• You can get wine or beer or an after-dinner digestive in the MDR but no other bar drinks.
   
  
• Croissants are available in a couple bars in the mornings. I know we saw them in the Casino bar one morning.
   
  
• There are the yummiest cookies available free of charge in Cafe Italia from around 4:00 to 5:00.
   
  
• Be sure to tell your credit card company that you will be traveling to France and Italy. Sounds kooky but that's where the charges for your cruise will originate.
   
  
• There are free drinks for 45 minutes in the bars on Decks 5, 6 and 7 during the Captain's Welcome Party. Sit close to a bar and grab the waiters as soon as their trays are filled because those Rum Sours go fast!
   
  
• Pool towels are available on Deck 14 all the time and only sometimes available on Deck 15 near the aft pool.
   
  
• There are no hand railings in the lower level of the main theater so if you need assistance on steps use the upper level.
   
  
• If you want wash cloths just ask your room steward to supply them for you. I found leaving a written note for requests was very effective and know of several people who did not have good results by just speaking with their stewards.
   
  
• Buffet, MDR and room service (see my first point) are the only free dining options.
   
  
• Those gorgeous staircases can be a little blinding to walk on so just take extra care.
  

 

That's all I've got off the top of my head for now. Have a wonderful cruise!

 

Trish

[anamarieus]

Trisha, good morning! Thank you for the fabulous tips we can't wait to get on board!!

[neptuno]

The drink coupons and 7or10 bottle wine packages are a good value compared with other cruise lines. If you pre-book you can save an additional 15%. Go to their website @ 'already booked' and look for the packages, but they differ in Carib v. elsewhere.

[CTBob]

Just a few random thoughts regarding your question (we were on the Nov 1 sailing on the Divina).

 

• Room Service fees are different depending on which experience level you've booked. You can place a standing order for the week for continental breakfast to be delivered at the same time daily (although our 9:30 breakfast arrived any time between 8:55 and never). Always inspect your tray to be sure you're getting everything you ordered before letting the delivery person leave!
   
  
• You can get wine or beer or an after-dinner digestive in the MDR but no other bar drinks.
   
  
• Croissants are available in a couple bars in the mornings. I know we saw them in the Casino bar one morning.
   
  
• There are the yummiest cookies available free of charge in Cafe Italia from around 4:00 to 5:00.
   
  
• Be sure to tell your credit card company that you will be traveling to France and Italy. Sounds kooky but that's where the charges for your cruise will originate.
   
  
• There are free drinks for 45 minutes in the bars on Decks 5, 6 and 7 during the Captain's Welcome Party. Sit close to a bar and grab the waiters as soon as their trays are filled because those Rum Sours go fast!
   
  
• Pool towels are available on Deck 14 all the time and only sometimes available on Deck 15 near the aft pool.
   
  
• There are no hand railings in the lower level of the main theater so if you need assistance on steps use the upper level.
   
  
• If you want wash cloths just ask your room steward to supply them for you. I found leaving a written note for requests was very effective and know of several people who did not have good results by just speaking with their stewards.
   
  
• Buffet, MDR and room service (see my first point) are the only free dining options.
   
  
• Those gorgeous staircases can be a little blinding to walk on so just take extra care.
  

 

That's all I've got off the top of my head for now. Have a wonderful cruise!

 

Trish

Thanks Trish, I have seen some of these tips before but you have some great new tips that I'll add to my Cruise Website.

 

Did your CC group have a place to meet on embarkation day? I have read that the bar in the covered pool area might be a good place to meet at about 4PM and the muster will take place at 5PM. Sound about right? Bob

Edited November 15, 2014 by CTBob

[helen haywood]

And those pool towels are only one per card and you must have your ship card to check them out and must check them back in or you will be charged for it. Royal does it this way; Celebrity does not.

[skyking]

And those pool towels are only one per card and you must have your ship card to check them out and must check them back in or you will be charged for it. Royal does it this way; Celebrity does not.

 

On every occasion I checked out three or four towels with just my card. No problem!

Edited November 17, 2014 by skyking

[tawkny2me]

Cruised Poesia several years ago... so, so. Recently, cruised Divina. Best cruise ever in every category. Can't wait to go again; hopefully, in March 2015.;) All staff, from Captain down, very approachable. Entertainment cannot be beat; food, service, cabins, all excellent. No problem here either, with getting towels. Agree, the main theater is a little tricky since there are no handrails. MSC has come a long way since I originally cruised Poesia!

Edited November 17, 2014 by tawkny2me

[anamarieus]

These are all great tips! Compilation so far, still have to figure out decks

 

Villa Rossa great filet on embarkation day

 

go 20 mins before shows to get good seat

 

last formal nite in MDR is Lobster Night also parade of Baked Alaska

 

Free drinks at Captains Welcome Party decks 5 6 7

 

room service free for breakfast fill out card hang on door. All other is charge.

 

wine bar after 6pm, if u purchase glass of wine u get free snacks

 

photos are starboard side deck 7

 

I also heard it is best to compile what is on each deck forward and aft as divina doesnt give out maps. If I am wrong, pls advise.

 

3 big portraits 60 bucks. All pictures 199.00

Edited November 21, 2014 by anamarieus