Great time on the MSC Divina!

[GadgetRick]

it was nice to read such a positive recap. we're on Divina next weekend, a 12th floor balcony. I'm afraid I went balcony on my first cruise and I was spoiled for life.

We'll be neighbors. We're also 12th floor balcony. Hello neighbor! :)

 

OP:

 

Thanks for the great post. Answered some questions my wife and I have.

 

One other question, what time do they allow you to board? I've heard like 11. We won't be there by 11--driving down from Jacksonville--but just curious. I expect we'll be there sometime around 2-2:30. No hurry for me to get on board since we don't depart until 7.

 

Looking forward to meeting others onboad. We're signed up for the meet and greet.

[wetwash]

We'll be neighbors. We're also 12th floor balcony. Hello neighbor! :)

 

OP:

 

Thanks for the great post. Answered some questions my wife and I have.

 

One other question, what time do they allow you to board? I've heard like 11. We won't be there by 11--driving down from Jacksonville--but just curious. I expect we'll be there sometime around 2-2:30. No hurry for me to get on board since we don't depart until 7.

 

Looking forward to meeting others onboad. We're signed up for the meet and greet.

 

 

 

We arrived at the terminal around 12 PM, checked our bags went through security and where online to check on within 20 minutes then another 25 minutes or so until we we're checked in and on the ship - all told less than an hour! Room was not ready until around 2:30pm although by the time we got to drink that just sorted, registered a credit card in the kiosk near reception on deck five, and had lunch in the sports bar, (based on the recommendation that the buffet was crazy on departure day), it was after 2:30pm when we went to the rooms ! The muster drill is around 4:30pm and then I think they have another one for those late arrivals !

[GadgetRick]

We arrived at the terminal around 12 PM, checked our bags went through security and where online to check on within 20 minutes then another 25 minutes or so until we we're checked in and on the ship - all told less than an hour! Room was not ready until around 2:30pm although by the time we got to drink that just sorted, registered a credit card in the kiosk near reception on deck five, and had lunch in the sports bar, (based on the recommendation that the buffet was crazy on departure day), it was after 2:30pm when we went to the rooms ! The muster drill is around 4:30pm and then I think they have another one for those late arrivals !

Perfect, thanks! Sounds like we should get there about the time our cabins will be ready. :)

[Arzeena]

Back from the cruise and just wanted to share a few impressions while we wait for our flight to NY!

1) food - plentiful and varied. The buffet did get crowded at peak times (like this morning before embarkation) but like a mall food court during holiday shopping you just need to be patient and wait for a table to open up (did find seating towards the back and most days it was not a problem because we went towards the end of the meal times and avoided the rush.

Ate dinner every night in the restaurant - we had assigned late dinner and found the staff friendly and although we sometimes had to wait for drinks from the bar the water glasses were always full. And the service was fine - sometimes it took longer than other times so if you are in a rush maybe go to the buffet. As we were traveling with 4 teens who we never saw except at dinner (and when we went off the ship) we did enjoy this time to catch up.

The food in the MDR was good - not a tremendous selection but enough to satisfy everyone. We had a gluten free guest with us and she ate from a separate menu (but anyone at our table could order from as well) and the head waiter brought out her food separately.

The staff worked very hard and so no complaints.

 

2) entertainment - saw many of the shows in the pantheon theater and really enjoyed them. It was a beautiful theater and it was nice to have shows that you didn't have to reserve in advance. (Officially don't want drinks in there but nobody stopped us - I can see that they don't want to have to clean up spills so we we're careful)! Enjoyed the variety of music in the different lounges and ventured to the disco once. The white party on deck was fun also as was the karaoke they had at different venues several of the nights.

 

3) stateroom - we were in a balcony on deck 11. Have no idea what level (i.e. B1 or B2 etc) but it was spacious. The girls had a balcony on the same floor - their's had a metal balcony which wasn't as nice but since we were able

To get them the balcony for the same price as an inside on another cruiseline we were considering they didn't complain - nice to have the opportunity to step outside and I enjoyed the view

 

4) drink vouchers - we had fantastica package with 12 included vouchers. Non alcoholic for the girls. We prepaid for a few extra packages thus saving the service charge. Enjoyed many yummy drinks while onboard - seems different bars had different menus (i.e. Pool bar and buffet bar different then lounges which were different from dining room but there was always something to chose from. The vouchers were a good value for cocktails and wine - not much savings for beer or soda but it was convenient to have it prepaid. Also purchased water packages and coffee cuddler - had some left so I don't know how much we saved but again it was convenient to not have to sign for anything (just give cruise card and voucher) and they gave back a "Zero" receipt!

A little confusion when we went to pick up the vouchers at the casino the first day but it was sorted out eventually!

 

5) wifi - my husband and I had the social package which was convenient because we could I-message each other (especially since I didn't have a key to our room as I was registered in the other room with 3 of the girls). Not really a problem as we could easily communicate. WhatsApp also worked the social package as well as Facebook (and ok sure lots of other social networking sights I don't use). This plan was unlimited and at $20 for the cruise well worth it.

The girls had the surfer package but (my

Fault for allowing them to charge) they ran out midway and so I saw several $11 charges for daily use not a big deal - they were happy to be able To keep in touch and it was still less expensive then the streamer package. The wifi was not perfect and was sporadic at times and cuts you off after 2 hours but it was a nice benefit for us!

 

6) staff and fellow passengers - found everyone to be friendly and no problem with communicating with the staff. We took advantage of the cruise critic meet and mingle and actually spoke to the captain, cruise

Director and head purser and found them all

To be very interested in our opinions. (Plus the

Champagne and finger food/cake was a nice treat - even at 10:30am)!

The ship was crowded and lots of different languages could be heard but it made it more interesting for us!

 

7) sea days - spent a good deal of time at the garden area pool on those days but it (as well

as the other pools) were packed. As with the buffet it took a bit of searching/flexibility to find a space but that was our experience on many of the carnival and RCCL ships we sailed on in the past as well. FLEXIBILITY was the key!

 

 

8) embarkation and disembarkation -

EASY and quick - on/off within an hour!

 

Overall a great trip - not perfect but nothing terrible! It was nice to see so many families from all over enjoying their vacation! Will definitely consider MSC for future cruises!

 

Any questions post away and I will be happy to answer!

 

 

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Thanks for posting. We are going on the Divina in a few days and really looking forward to it.

[wetwash]

Thanks for posting. We are going on the Divina in a few days and really looking forward to it.

Enjoy your cruise !!

[AZbeachboy]

Thanks, we are scheduled to cruise at the end of September.

[wetwash]

Have a great cruise!!

 

 

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[Heartgrove]

Thank you for your positive posting about the Divina. We are considering booking a Mediterranean cruise next year on the Orchestra.

[wetwash]

Hope you do and have as positive an experience!

[Dgshooter]

Nice review. Have a question about the drink coupons. Do you know if Campari is available with the coupons?

[wetwash]

Nice review. Have a question about the drink coupons. Do you know if Campari is available with the coupons?

 

 

 

I have another post with the drink menus so you can check the selection from our cruise 2 weeks ago but I've included the page listing are you and it does look like it's included… Have a great cruise!

 

 

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[Dgshooter]

Thanks for the link to the drink menus. I'm not a heavy drinker, but I'm stoked about the selection of drinks available,

[wetwash]

Sorry I was dictating the other message and didn't check it for typos but I guess you figured out I was trying to show you Campari!

Have a great cruise!