Ask your Divina Questions here - will try to get answers onboard

[LMaxwell]

I will be boarding Divina in mid-April. There are a handful of very smart and helpful forum members who have helped me out, but there is no denying this forum just does not have the traffic and number of posts, reviews, etc. as the mass market lines sailing from the US.

 

So for those with particular questions post them here and I would be happy to try to research or find an answer. We are staying in a Fantastica level interior room; so I probably will not be able to answer much about other types of rooms or about the Yacht Club.

[nikkiw60]

I am looking forward to your feedback as we are going on the 30th April in a fantastica balcony cabin. So the experience should be similar. Have a great time.

 

 

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[bills blasters]

Make sure you post a review when you get back. We will be in a Fantastica Balcony also.

We don't plan to eat in the dining room. I am curious what other options are available. I know there will be the buffet, but curious about a grill or deli, etc. Check out what other places are available to eat.

Also, can you check what the price of a Beer is onboard. Can't decide if we should buy a package or just pay the regular price. Also, do they have the 16 oz beers, like bud lite or Miller lite.

We have been on 13 cruises, but never on a ship with this many people. Does it seem to have to many people, or can you still find quiet places to sit and have a drink and visit.

I am sure I will think of many more questions.

Thanks for the help.

Claudia

[shelpt]

Thats so great, thanks! Im curious about the food. Is there a decent variety at the buffett for breakfast and lunch? In the main dining room, is there a decent variety of " american" dishes available?

I was also wondering about activities both day and night. Do they have sports type activities like soccer and volleyball? Any pool games? What is there in the evening besides the main shows?

How about music? I always love the caribbean music poolside.

Ill think of more!

[nikkiw60]

I have been looking at all the menus and bar lists on Cruise by Gambee very informative and fun to read about his uncles exploits on the cruise they did a couple of years ago!

 

 

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[cruiseguyinorl]

shelpt and nikkiw60 -

 

Though I'm sure LMaxwell will come back with up to date info, you may want to look at this page: http://www.scottsanfilippo.com/2015/12/cruisers-log-msc-divina-eastern-caribbean-cruise-day-1-december-5-2015/

 

If you scroll to the very bottom, Scott has put every daily program online in PDF format. His sailing was just Dec 5th which happened to also be my last sailing. You can go through day by day and see what activities/events were onboard.

 

Bret

[nikkiw60]

Thanks Bret will have a look.

 

 

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[LMaxwell]

shelpt and nikkiw60 -

 

Though I'm sure LMaxwell will come back with up to date info, you may want to look at this page: http://www.scottsanfilippo.com/2015/12/cruisers-log-msc-divina-eastern-caribbean-cruise-day-1-december-5-2015/

 

If you scroll to the very bottom, Scott has put every daily program online in PDF format. His sailing was just Dec 5th which happened to also be my last sailing. You can go through day by day and see what activities/events were onboard.

 

Bret

 

Good resource. I found Scott's page a few weeks ago and actually got in contact with him with a few questions. Very nice guy.

[musik07]

Could you look at the availability of Splenda and almond or other milk alternatives for someone with food allergies?

Also I have heard about drink coupons providing 2 drinks at happy hours but I have never seen them on a Daily Planner. If you see anything could you report back?

[LMaxwell]

Also I have heard about drink coupons providing 2 drinks at happy hours but I have never seen them on a Daily Planner. If you see anything could you report back?

 

On that like stink on garbage; I have the 18 voucher plan and could have sworn I read about 2 for 1 but can't find it again, so it's in my top "to do" list

[WillyGsMom]

We just returned and had a great time. Yes they have Splenda, many vegetarian options for each meal and options for people with food allergies. I highly recommend the dining room for meals (especially dinner) over the buffets. I would like to see more activities and when they do have them, they are scheduled at the same times, so you have to choose. You can find a quiet place for a drink or read, but good luck trying to get a pool chair. Only half are actually being used, but every one has a towel 'saving' it.

[counsdr]

We just returned and had a great time. Yes they have Splenda, many vegetarian options for each meal and options for people with food allergies. I highly recommend the dining room for meals (especially dinner) over the buffets. I would like to see more activities and when they do have them, they are scheduled at the same times, so you have to choose. You can find a quiet place for a drink or read, but good luck trying to get a pool chair. Only half are actually being used, but every one has a towel 'saving' it.

 

Chair hogs are on every cruise. On Royal they do have pool guards who sometimes will actually remove a person's things after 30 minutes!!!

I'd like to hear more about your cruise. What is the smoking policy? Do they allow smoking on the balconies and the casinos? I'm a non smoker with asthma.

How were the rooms? What was the procedure for getting your dining table? Any and all info will be appreciated!

Thanks!

[joybaby]

We just returned and had a great time. Yes they have Splenda, many vegetarian options for each meal and options for people with food allergies. I highly recommend the dining room for meals (especially dinner) over the buffets. I would like to see more activities and when they do have them, they are scheduled at the same times, so you have to choose. You can find a quiet place for a drink or read, but good luck trying to get a pool chair. Only half are actually being used, but every one has a towel 'saving' it.

 

I have never seen a 2/1 drink policy. The drinks are cheap, esp. if you buy a pack. prior to sailing.

Go - have fun, it is a great sailing.

Dining room is wonderful. Don't be so fussy!

[kathiean]

Chair hogs are on every cruise. On Royal they do have pool guards who sometimes will actually remove a person's things after 30 minutes!!!

I'd like to hear more about your cruise. What is the smoking policy? Do they allow smoking on the balconies and the casinos? I'm a non smoker with asthma.

How were the rooms? What was the procedure for getting your dining table? Any and all info will be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

No smoking on balconies or in the casino. The only ship I've ever been on where smoking is NOT allowed in the casino!

[SuiteTraveler]

No smoking on balconies or in the casino. The only ship I've ever been on where smoking is NOT allowed in the casino!

 

The smoking policy is the BEST I have ever experienced on any ship. Smoking is only permitted in the cigar bar and one side of the outside deck (which I never happened to pass by.) Just got off Divina Saturday and didn't smell the stench of smoke on the entire 7 day cruise!

[counsdr]

The smoking policy is the BEST I have ever experienced on any ship. Smoking is only permitted in the cigar bar and one side of the outside deck (which I never happened to pass by.) Just got off Divina Saturday and didn't smell the stench of smoke on the entire 7 day cruise!

 

Lovely!!! Tell us all about your cruise!!!!

[maureencruiser]

On that like stink on garbage; I have the 18 voucher plan and could have sworn I read about 2 for 1 but can't find it again, so it's in my top "to do" list

 

I seem to recall the 2 for 1 was only the day of the Captain's Gala, the first formal night, from 7-9 or something. I also seem to recall it was only for champagne cocktails or something like that. I think it was listed in one of the compasses Gambee posted and discussed at the time, but I can't be sure. :D:D:D Gee, Maureen, could you be any more vague?

 

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is don't plan your cruise around it. :p:p

[maureencruiser]

So, I just googled 2 for 1 cocktails gambee and this is what I found on his blog-

 

Most drinks are well prepared and their well vodka was Smirnoff. Much better choice than the non brand well vodka that other cruise lines like Norwegian cruise line uses. MSC also offers some of the best drink packages out there. My favorite MSC drink package was the Allegrisimo one, you would purchase 15 drink coupons for $72 plus 15% gratuity. At this cost each drink comes out at $5.52, one of the best deals that I have seen. The best part is that you can use these vouchers at happy hour and get 2 drinks per coupon. Just ask where and when the happy hours are at, and head that way to double the amount of drinks that you can get. An incredible deal really!

 

So, that is where the word went out about this, I'm not saying if it is true or not.

[tea4ular]

We would love to know if the spa area has those heated loungers like some of the other ships do. We have a daily spa ritual when we sail and this is one item we haven't seen covered on Divina. She sure looks beautiful!

Edited March 27, 2016 by tea4ular

[Homosassa]

I also just came off the Divina.

 

Food in the buffet is varied and good. For those who are limited by inclination in what they consider "American" food, there is a station just inside the door that has hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, and hot dogs. Unlike the thin, greasy, gray patty served on other lines (Guy's Burgers come to mind), the MSC burger is thick (I estimate it is probably 5 oz precooked weight) and lean.

 

Grits and biscuits and gravy are not be found on the breakfast buffet (thank you, MSC, for providing better fare!).

 

For anyone wanting a made to order omelet, the omelet station is located outside the buffet area in the middle of the outdoor pool area (non-smoking side).

 

The pizza is Neapolitan style (New York style) and excellent.

 

Splendor and the blue packet (can't remember what the brand name uses the blue packet) are available on the table and at the coffee stations in the buffet, on the tables in the main dining room.

 

Food in the dining room is good to excellent. As to if it is "American," it again depends on how limited one is in the normal cuisine or preparation at home. I found nothing unusual or strange on the menu. There was meat loaf on one night and turkey breast on another night for the less adventurous. However, if the meat loaf and turkey breast is the limit of one's eating experience, then the food in the dining room may appear strange and different.

 

There is also an everyday menu in the dining room that has a strip steak, chicken breast and salmon.

[maureencruiser]

For anyone wanting a made to order omelet, the omelet station is located outside the buffet area in the middle of the outdoor pool area (non-smoking side).

 

And, how have I been on Divina twice and never found this? Of course, I usually sleep through breakfast. A tip I would give, on this and all ships, is to put the TV on in the morning and catch the Cruise Director's show. It's only about 10 or 15 minutes and it's on a continuous loop, you can catch part of it before you get in shower and part while you're getting dressed. They sometimes tell you about things you wouldn't otherwise know and on Divina, they ask a trivia question every day and the winner gets a prize.

[Homosassa]

And, how have I been on Divina twice and never found this? Of course, I usually sleep through breakfast.

 

LOL - I didn't find the omelet station until the end of the cruise. I usually came up and down the elevators outside the buffet and never went out of the pool deck. That particular day, I was walking forward after breakfast to get a glimpse of our arrival into Nassau.

[mikesteg]

Good tip on the omelette station. We've never found it either, and do tend to wander the decks. Maybe it hasn't been there for a year and more? Anyway, DD and I love a good omelette so we'll be hitting it next week. Hopefully due to it's secret location the lines will be minimal. :cool:

[travelwide]

We are loyal to RCCL but will be trying divina June 4th.

 

Do they have a next cruise desk with perks to book on board or purchase certificates for future sailings??

 

What about art auctions......love those and the champagne. Interesting to see what other like in art and what they end up buying.

 

Thanks in advance for your reply.

[maureencruiser]

Do they have a next cruise desk with perks to book on board or purchase certificates for future sailings??

 

Yes, you can buy a certificate for $10 that can be used for $100 OBC on a future cruise, no need to book the cruise then. It can't be combined with other offers and you have to use it within 18 months. :)