MSC Divina with an infant

[iron9er]

I just wrote this review, but thought I would post it here as well if anyone is interested:

 

 

Went on the Feb 13-20 cruise on Divina. We have a 7 month old and this was our 10th cruise and 2nd time on MSC (Poesia out of Miami prior a few years ago). This cruise was dominated by our new child (who all the staff was super nice to), but we did have help in the form of grandparents and brother's family. We had a good time overall, and find really good value in MSC. By that I mean, I don't think any thing is perfect and would probably enjoy an NCL cruise more, but I'd have to pay 50-75% more than what I paid for a balcony on MSC and we had kids sail free so mine and my brother's kids were cheap to add.

 

Embarkation: First, I have to give credit to Top Shuttle. My wife insisted baby girl gets a car seat for transport and I insisted not to lug ours around. Top Shuttle provided one for free and were very prompt. $60 from MIA to POM, and another $60 back. The booking process with them was somewhat awkward, but they were at the airport and port within a few minutes of us calling and saved me from bringing the baby seat!

 

We got to the cruise terminal at about 11am and had been checked in quickly, by about 11:20. However, they held everyone in the waiting area until 1:15 not letting anyone onboard. Looooong wait with an infant. Everyone was assigned groups when checked in (we were #4) to get onboard, but it wasn't property announced which group was currently boarding, so there was a glut of people everywhere and it was chaotic. We didn't get to the buffet until close till 2pm. Definitely longest I've ever waited to get on and comfy and not a good job by MSC. By the way, the website and communication could be a LOT better prior to cruising as well. Website has real issues.

 

Cabin: Big balcony, B2, 9th deck. Couch converted to bed as well. Really like the room, had minor wear but not a big deal. Cabin Steward was great and very understanding of the baby.

 

Ship: Beautiful. A little confusing layout but not different from some Carnival ships I've been on. It was sold out, so was tight on sea days. Most passengers seem to be not from the US, which was different from the Poesia. Different vibe, but it was cool.

 

Food: I thought it was fine. Not sure of the complaints on CC. Seems similar to other lines (though my brother's family thought it was better than the Royal ship they went on last year). Baked Alaska and Tiramisu were not to be missed. Peter, our dining room waiter, was good and threw on an extra lobster for everyone on lobster night though no one asked him to. Pretty cool. MDR is open every day for breakfast and lunch as well which is a plus, because the buffet was kind of hectic. Food at buffet was good, especially enjoyed the ethnic corner - didn't think the pizza was as good as some made it out to be - but, hey, all pizza is good, right? More for Less drink package is a bargain compared to other lines.

 

Gym was crowded unless you went at off peak times. Liked that Casino was non smoking and my brother and I did well at Texas Hold em tourney. Seemed like there was less activities than some other lines during the day, but that didn't bother us. My 11 and 8 year old nephew and niece didn't like the kids club as they said employees there spoke Italian primarily. Really nice pools if you can find a spot. Entertainment was good, though my family didn't love the couple of shows that had signing that wasn't done in English. Other shows (Starwalker, The Mask, Treasure Island) the kids really liked. Great Stirrup Cay was cancelled due to weather (rough seas), we didn't leave for St. Thomas, but enjoyed old San Juan strolling around with the baby.

 

Disembarkation was fairly quick and easy. Like I said, value is there. If you find other cultures, languages, different ways of doing things a hassle and not your style, then sit this line out. I think MSC will still get plenty of business from other nationalities who want to sail in the Caribbean anyways. And, at these prices, I'll keep coming too!

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[mairead224]

Excellent review. Thankyou

[LMaxwell]

There is a lot here that will be helpful for me. thank you for your thoughts.

 

Hey, how did you handle getting a crib? I haven't called MSC yet; did you pre-reserve one or just ask onboard?

Edited February 23, 2016 by LMaxwell

[mikesteg]

Yep, always take snacks and water when travelling with kids (or me!) :D Disappointed to hear that they haven't gotten their 'stuff' together yet in the terminal, but the delay itself was almost certainly not MSC's fault.

 

What times did you find to be good 'off hours' for the gym? We have not had good luck on that account previously.

Edited February 23, 2016 by mikesteg

[iron9er]

There is a lot here that will be helpful for me. thank you for your thoughts.

 

Hey, how did you handle getting a crib? I haven't called MSC yet; did you pre-reserve one or just ask onboard?

 

Honestly, we didn't. Our girl doesn't do well in the crib. She mostly slept with mommy on the fold out couch that turned into a bed. However, you don't need to pre reserve one. Our cabin steward asked us the first day if we would be needing one and we just said no - we are going to use the couch. He was very good and made it easy.

[iron9er]

Yep, always take snacks and water when travelling with kids (or me!) :D Disappointed to hear that they haven't gotten their 'stuff' together yet in the terminal, but the delay itself was almost certainly not MSC's fault.

 

What times did you find to be good 'off hours' for the gym? We have not had good luck on that account previously.

 

Yeah, not sure who's fault it was, but it wasn't good. I think they could have done a better job with communication.

 

Off hours are hard to tell. But mostly, I found the morning to lunch difficult in the gym (though it got better as the cruise wore on). 3pm and onward seemed to be a good time to be able to use treadmills and the weights of your choice.

[mikesteg]

Thank you!