Do you have any MSC Divina questions?

[dst87]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this review, so commenting largely to subscribe and show appreciation - I don't have any real questions.

 

Actually... (from the pedant in me) do MSC really call it 'high tea'? This is afternoon tea, not high tea. They're really quite different! This is one of those bugbears of mine! ;)

[BermudaBound2014]

Tuesday June 21st- st Martin from 9-6. Random notes:

 

1) This is my second MSC divina cruise and the second time I've had balcony smokers in nearby cabins. Either I'm unlucky, or MSC fellow passengers like to smoke. I haven't had balcony smokers since the rules about smoking on balconies first changed. Due the the built in ashtrays in all bathrooms (and the cigarette burn on our desk top) I'm thinking MSC allows smoking while sailing in Europe and this may be adding to the confusion. Casino is still smoke free (heavenly) but don't walk port side at the Aqua park if you are sensitive.

 

2) We were warned by cruise director Andre (who is better than the director in April) that st Martin was holding their military safety drills the next few weeks. He didn't know how we would be affected but other than following a Red Cross caravan and seeing military boats and a military helicopter- nothing was out of the ordinary.

 

3) I typically do the regatta or Catamaran in st Martin, but my gf isn't much of a swimmer so we decided to have a leisurely debarkation and just grab a cab to Moho to watch the planes. Been awhile since I've done that and it's always a good time. For 8.00 pp each way taxi ride- it's a nice inexpensive excursion.

 

4) We got back to the boat around 3 and for the first time the one pool hot tubs were full. Each had a family of four enjoying. I am surprised at the number of children in YC. We had a nice swim in the pool instead.

 

5) I've grown fond of the pool attendant in the YC. No lie, he asks us if we need anything several times a day and will gladly get us drinks from the bar. I've seen the roaming waiter twice this entire cruise and we spend quite a bit of time at one pool. So far, pool attendant wins The entire pot of gold in the extra tip jar.

 

6) Went to see witches of Paris. Show was better than I remember. Andre had quite the comedy act after the show with the 3 acrobatics. Either I left early last time or the last cruise director didn't participate in the skirt shenanigans.

 

7) We had a big lunch, full day, and we're tired so we decided to skip dinner entirely and call it an early night. Had a few drinks in top sail- the evening bartender makes a fantastic margarita- perhaps the best I've ever tasted and I've had the pleasure of sampling margaritas around the world.

 

8) highlights: planes at Maho, and the show, margarita, and the peace and quiet of YC. Low lites- none worth mentioning :)

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this review, so commenting largely to subscribe and show appreciation - I don't have any real questions.

 

 

 

Actually... (from the pedant in me) do MSC really call it 'high tea'? This is afternoon tea, not high tea. They're really quite different! This is one of those bugbears of mine! ;)

 

 

 

Ohh... Learn something new everyday- I will double check the specific language today. Then maybe you wouldn't mind teaching me the difference when I get back home :)

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

That was a great photo. Is high tea only served in YC?

 

Also thank you for checking what was available at the pool side omelette station :)

 

 

 

High tea (or afternoon tea lol) is only available in YC :)

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Looks good!

 

 

 

I am trying to get back to normal every day type stuff...it is hard after out MSC cruise and being waited on every day...c'est la vie! I have a cruise booked in a few weeks...so my after vacation blues are not so bad this time.:)

 

 

 

Enjoy the YC!

 

 

 

Hey love2! So looking forward to reading the rest of your Mediterranean review since we will be headed there in August- I left off just as you were entering kotor which I'm very much looking forward to.

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Is the gym that crowded early in the morning?

 

 

 

Yes :(. The gym is small for this size ship. Cardio Machines fill very early with 30 minute time limit and stay full pretty much through noonish. Weights were underused if you lift.

 

 

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[dst87]

Ohh... Learn something new every day- I will double check the specific language today. Then maybe you wouldn't mind teaching me the difference when I get back home :)

 

In fairness I believe 'high tea' has come to mean 'afternoon tea' in some non-UK markets... hence my pedantry!

 

High tea is typically a manual workers' dinner (think 19th-century miners) around 5-6pm - when they got in from work. It would be heavy sustenance and involve hot food.

 

The elite of the time would have dinner later in the evening, so required an additional meal to keep them going in the afternoon, hence afternoon tea which would be a much more refined (but lighter) meal of sandwiches cakes, and scones.

 

There's a common saying that the specific phrases come from the table at which the meals were consumed. High tea was eaten at a dinner table (which was high), while afternoon tea was taken on comfortable armchairs or sofas on a low table, such as a coffee table. I don't know how true this is, though!

 

EDIT: Today, you'll often find 'high tea' menus in the UK (at least in Scotland where I live). These menus are typically available for early dinner service, perhaps between 4 and 6, and will typically be a less fussy menu of traditional, simple fare.

Edited June 22, 2016 by dst87

[BermudaBound2014]

I find it interesting that either NCL or Princess, I dont remember which one, does not require you to bring your life jacket to the muster. They say too many people are likely to trip over the straps while going back to their cabins.. Its soooo much better that way..:D:D:D

 

 

 

It is absolutely a tripping hazard and I believe all lines Except princess and MSC have abandoned the practice. Although last time I sailed princess was 2011- they may have changed by now too.

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Pictures are uploading slow so I'll catch up later. Not sure if I'll get to free wifi in Nassau. MSC times do not coordinate with a trip to Stuart's cove which is what I really like to do in Nassau- we may not get off the ship and spa instead.

 

Maho- always fun at the sunshine bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Ctrinh225]

Thanks B.B 2014 for the updates. Since u r doing spa later on, can u get pics and what u do get for being in YC? Is it crowded? Are spa services expensive or do they have deals? Thanks

 

 

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Edited June 22, 2016 by Ctrinh225

[cruiseguyinorl]

I believe all lines Except princess and MSC have abandoned the practice.

 

MSC only reinstated the bringing of life jackets to muster after the Costa Concordia tragedy. Prior to that when I sailed them as early as 2009, only the station attendants had them and demonstrated how to put them on. I do feel more people paid attention during the muster then than they do now.

 

Bret

[dukeorbust]

Yes :(. The gym is small for this size ship. Cardio Machines fill very early with 30 minute time limit and stay full pretty much through noonish. Weights were underused if you lift.

 

 

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Thanks! So the machines not related to cardio in general are more open?

[jamon]

Having just sailed on Royal Caribbean, they do not require life jackets at the drill, and haven't for some time now...

[RichNY]

I find it interesting that either NCL or Princess, I dont remember which one, does not require you to bring your life jacket to the muster. They say too many people are likely to trip over the straps while going back to their cabins.. Its soooo much better that way..:D:D:D

 

I do believe it was on NCL...

[BermudaBound2014]

Let's see if I can catch up- I believe i left off on Tuesday in st. Martin.

 

Wednesday, June 22

 

1) Woke at 6 am, totally refreshed and ready for the day. Enjoyed a bowl of cereal with fresh strawberry and blackberries. Yum. Not every waiter in top sail understands cafe mocha so We ended up with coffee American.

 

2) Arrived in San Juan early, cleared customs at 8:15 am. We were off the ship immediately.

 

3) I've been coming to San Juan pretty regularly since the late 80s so I have a routine whenever in OSJ. I take the walk to El Morro via the sea inlet. Make my $5.00 donation to the cat rescue center, turn around at the dead end. Backtrack to enter the city at the red gate. Go to the top of the hill- enter Coach Store.

 

4) I was kicking myself for not picking up the promo coach bag when I was here in April, so I headed to the coach store first thing to see if there were any left. They were having a 50% off the 50% off sale- needless to say I left with 5 bags instead of one. I have a thing for bags- shoot me.

 

5) We were back in the ship around 1pm, hot/hungry/semi-broke but sporting some lovely new bags and I was happy :). Decided to do LeMuse for lunch- AMAZING!! Best meal I've had this trip. We both had Caesar salad which is served with very fresh parmesan with a lemon wash. Then we had chili that was perfection- hazelnut gelato rounded off the meal. Full tummy and new bags made for a perfect nap opportunity.

 

6) Changed into bathing suit and headed to one pool for a mid-afternoon rendezvous with the back of my eyelids. Pool became quite crowded with folks coming back from excursions hot. There were 6 adults and 4 kids before I decided to bail. Did get prompt chair side service - one pool bartender makes his margaritas different than top sail, but it was enough to nail the nap coffin shut.

 

7) Confession- I'm an 80s girl- big hair bands still rock my world and my world can't get anymore rocked than the site of Bon Jovi (and Richie) banging out their greatest hits on the big screen. After some delish appetizers (and a few margaritas) in top sail, I abandoned the violin music (no seriously-there is a gal that comes in and plays the violin for the YC folks) and braved the crowds at Aqua park for a conce and on the big screen. Matters none that I saw this exact same show MSC few weeks ago- JBJ still has it and I suspect he always will.

 

8) Sad to report that LeMuse was another bust :(. I was excited that pedimont beef from the "pay" eataly was on our menu, but for Piedmont the beef was just ok. I like mine medium rare and the steak was palatable once I added the tablespoon of sea salt that was served on the plate (off to the side). My friend ordered hers medium well and stated it was extremely tough. This cut was better than the filet mignon I had on the first formal night, but still not what I consider top shelf. The Caesar salad was good, as was the cannoli for dessert- but the appetizer and main course did lack flavor in my opinion. Note to self, always be cautious when your beef is served with a side of sea salt as part of the presentation.

 

9) Since neither of us finished dinner, we ordered another pizza from eataly before bed (bad I know)- I'm not sure what is going on with MSC tonight, but the pizza wasn't fabulous like I remember either. Saves on calories :)

 

10) low-lites: 1) LeMuse for dinner was actually pretty darn bad. 2) pizza from eataly was not much better High-lites: 1) LeMuse for lunch 2) coach sale 3) Prompt chair service in loungers today 4) great appetizers in top sail this evening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

San Juan

 

Made my donation to the cat lady

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Sail away

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Unannounced window washers - careful ladies :)

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Thursday June 23- random thoughts

 

1) While I'm thinking about it, I should mention that top sail and one bar can not make all the drinks listed on the MSC menus from other areas of the ship. No ice cream at all means drinks like mud slides can't be made properly (For the cc member inquiring about gelato in YC that would be no :(.) I really enjoyed the pomegranate margaritas last trip, but I was told no pomegranate in YC. No cranberry mojito either. They do have everything for the basics PLUS (meaning they can make tons of drinks - no worries); but the YC simply doesn't have the physical room for the speciAlities served elsewhere on the ship. If you are finding really unique drink choices from menus posted here on cc, know that they may not be available in YC.

 

2) For the first time we decided to have coffee and juice delivered to the room in the morning. We were expecting a pot of coffee to relax with on the balcony. Instead we received two tiny individual cups of Italian coffee, but the orange juice was fresh squeezed so I was happy.

 

3) Decided to do LeMuse for breakfast today. I ordered eggs over easy but they were well done. Really well done :(. However; the Orange juice was fresh squeezed so I was still happy. Service in LeMuse is wonderful, it's just the chef that needs a bit of tweaking.

 

4) Walked deck 15 to LeMuse at 8:15 am and all chairs on 14 were already taken so the chair reserves are out in full force today. There were still about 50% of the chairs available on deck 15- but I suspect those would be claimed shortly.

 

5) I solved the tea mystery :). It is officially called "afternoon tea" in the daily planner; but the waiter refers to it as high tea. It is not served at a high table, and the sandwiches are small tea sandwiches so it seems more like the afternoon tea described by

 

6) We were without power again late last night (like 4 am); but it was resumed when we woke at 7:30.

 

7) Spent vast majority of the day at one pool. Even though it is a beautiful (hot) sea day, the loungers were never all taken. That alone is worth admission to YC. Sooooo different than the main pool area. I can certainly see how YC would be worth it's price in gold on an itinerary that isn't port intensive to make the most of the tranquillity- perfect for a transatlantic.

 

8) Unfortunately, same tranquility can't be said for the pool itself which has a maximum bather load of 18- we topped off at 23 (6 were kids). Kids were all very well behaved. Saw a lounge chair server only once entire day. He did bring my drink quickly, but poor guy looked miserable in the heat which may be why they are avoiding table service.

 

9) Just when I'm ready to give up on MSC food, they deliver something outstanding. We went t LeMuse early (6:00) because it was lobster night and I figured the best chance of getting lobster properly cooked was to show up before the crowd. I love my cold water lobster and have never found an outstanding tail served outside of Maine or Alaska- let alone on a cruise ship; but MSC delivered an excellently cooked large lobster tail. Best meal of the entire trip.

 

9) We skipped the show- while the entertainment is excellent, the acts in the show are repetitive. Same acrobatic stunts, same hula hooper act, same strong man stunts, etc... Basically just the costumes, set, and song and dance routines change, so we decided to skip it and enjoy a few hours of the pool and hot tubs alone. It was heavenly. Never before have I had so much rest and relaxation outside of my balcony on a cruise ship. It's like having an entire deck of privacy. We rotated from the pool to the hot tub until the pool closed at 10pm and then slept like babies.

 

10) low-lites: room service coffee, 23 people packed in one pool during the day. highlights: Lobster dinner, One pool to ourselves after sunset!

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Evening treats:

 

 

 

 

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[nw gardener]

Some co-workers and myself are trying MSC/Divina for our annual girls' cruise in Feb and I am enjoying your review! Quick question, do you know if they offer a gluten free pizza crust ? One friend attempts to avoid gluten if she can, but loves pizza. Thanks!

[BermudaBound2014]

No gluten free pizza :(

 

 

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[CruiseDirections]

Thanks for posting all the info, I will be on the Divina in December.

[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks B.B 2014 for the updates. Since u r doing spa later on, can u get pics and what u do get for being in YC? Is it crowded? Are spa services expensive or do they have deals? Thanks

 

 

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As far as YC and the spa go, you receive complementary access to what they call a "thermal suite". However; the thermal suite on divina is not a true thermal suite you maybe thinking about with a lasso therapy pool and heated tile loungers. The "thermal suite" on divina consists of a dry sauna, wet sauna, and a room with 6 or 7 lounge chairs. Everyone who gets a spa treatment has full access to the thermal area for the entire week also (not just YC guests). The YC perk only has value if you like to sauna or steam bathe. Needless to say, with the lack of amenities, even though it was complimentary we did not partake. This is NOtHinG like you may be familiar with on HAL, Celebrity, Rcl. Even Ncl offers a far superior thermal suite experience.

 

We also passed on the spa treatments this trip. I have a regular massage therapist back home so I feel very fortunate. Massages were nicely priced on port days. The specials were 30% off select packages. I do believe that the spa packages online before boarding are better priced overall; but the spa is lovely and I wouldn't hesitate to book; just don't book before you physically see the thermal area to make sure it is something you are interested in.

 

Hope that helps :)

 

 

 

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks! So the machines not related to cardio in general are more open?

 

 

 

Absolutely- the non-cardio machines were much more available. You should be fine :). Enjoy!!