MSC Divina 18 Day Live Cruise Blog 11/14-12/2

[dexddd]

5 hours ago, Motegi said:

Some Yacht Club Suite Treats that have been placed in our cabin the past few days:

 

We never got the canapés but did get the dog turd.

[Motegi]

1 hour ago, dexddd said:

We never got the canapés but did get the dog turd.

I initially thought they were chocolate covered pickles. LOL.

 

After tasting them I think they’re chocolate covered candied lemon?

[Motegi]

Day 4 - Theatre Show - Autumn in Paris

 

This was a French themed variety show with singing, dancing (including the can-can), a juggler who tried his best on a swaying ship, and a pair of acrobats.  

We got there a bit late but there were still plenty of seats available.

 

[Motegi]

Day 5 - Costa Maya

 

[Motegi]

Day 5 - Costa Maya

 
Always one of our favorite stops since they completed the new post facilities, we were looking forward to coming back.  

 

Divina was the only ship in port and with the low passenger count there were very few tourists ashore. 
 

And of course with the pandemic there have been some changes to the port itself.  
 

First the Cantina Latina Lucha Libre restaurant and bar no longer has the wrestling show and has removed the ring completely for social distancing.  But we still enjoyed a few cold ones and hanging out in the pool.

 

Next the taco stand, La Tortilleria, appears to have gone out of business. 
 

The people in traditional costumes that typically stood at the entrance for souvenir photos were not there.  Neither were the aerial artists inside the plaza.  

 

Many of the stores have also changed with a few stalls completely empty.
 

Diamonds International is still open for business despite rumors that the company had folded.  They just aren’t sponsoring shopping guides onboard the ships anymore.  The inventory on the luxury watch side seemed a little sparse now though.   
 

Prices on certain items seem to have gone up but we found some shops toward the back nearby the excursion departure area where we were able to bargain for a good deal.  

[rkacruiser]

17 hours ago, Motegi said:

And if you could time it around sunset it would be perfect! 

 

That's HH time!  I suppose I could have HH at the Lighthouse Bar.  But, could I get my drink up to the top without spilling it?  😀

 

16 hours ago, Motegi said:

Apparently neither of us are sauna people because it reminded us of standing at a Las Vegas bus stop in the middle of summer.  

 

I can withstand the environment for awhile, but, a sauna is not my favorite spa experience.

 

16 hours ago, Motegi said:

Some Yacht Club Suite Treats that have been placed in our cabin the past few days:

 

In your last photo of the treats, what is that item?  

[Motegi]

Day 5 - Costa Maya

 

Lunch at LeMuse 

 

 

Our selections and ratings * to *****
 

Caesar salad ***
Duck Rillettes ***
Mushroom Cappuccino ***
Fish and Chips (not pictured) ***
Tutti Frutti Sundae ****
 

 

[Motegi]

1 minute ago, rkacruiser said:

In your last photo of the treats, what is that item?  

 My best guess is candied lemons covered in dark chocolate. 

[rkacruiser]

9 hours ago, Motegi said:

After tasting them I think they’re chocolate covered candied lemon?

 

My just posted question has been answered.  UGH!  If that was what they were

 

2 minutes ago, Motegi said:

 My best guess is candied lemons covered in dark chocolate. 

 

The cook that came up with that combination ought to be made to "walk the plank".  

[jamesboat]

Am I reading the daily planner wrong, or is there no food past 9pm?

[Motegi]

1 hour ago, jamesboat said:

Am I reading the daily planner wrong, or is there no food past 9pm?

The Pizzeria and the Sports Bar are open till midnight.  Also the Top Sail lounge for Yacht Club guests.

[Motegi]

Day 5 - 

 

After we ordered our fruit smoothies this morning the Aurea Spa bartender gave us a complimentary fruit and gelatin platter.  
 

Edited November 19, 2021 by Motegi

[Motegi]

Day 5 Costa Maya 

Edited November 19, 2021 by Motegi

[jamesboat]

2 hours ago, Motegi said:

The Pizzeria and the Sports Bar are open till midnight.  Also the Top Sail lounge for Yacht Club guests.

 

Are those included or only pay options after 9?

[dexddd]

5 hours ago, jamesboat said:

 

Are those included or only pay options after 9?

Yacht Club would be free.

[PRH]

Costs Maya is one of our favs for Maya Chan.  Yesterday there were eight of us. Snorkeling , kayaks, paddle boats—all included.  Delicious lunch too! Authentic “all you can eat” tacos with handmade tortillas and local fare including fish.  Hesitate to spread the word but they need the business.  Our 4th time there.

[Motegi]

1 hour ago, PRH said:

Costs Maya is one of our favs for Maya Chan.  Yesterday there were eight of us. Snorkeling , kayaks, paddle boats—all included.  Delicious lunch too! Authentic “all you can eat” tacos with handmade tortillas and local fare including fish.  Hesitate to spread the word but they need the business.  Our 4th time there.

Looks great!  How far is it from the port?

[Motegi]

Day 5 - Dinner at LeMuse

 

Tonight was the White Party onboard.   Participation in the theme among fellow guests was quite good. I think most cruisers expect a White Party on every trip. 

 

Our selections and ratings * to *****
 

Beef Tartar ****
Asparagus Tarragon ****
Smoked Swordfish *****
Pan Fried Sea Bream ***
Arroz con Leche **
Rum Cake **

 

[jamesboat]

7 hours ago, dexddd said:

Yacht Club would be free.

 

So if youre not in YC, no free food after 9pm?

 

Ive never been on MSC and Im trying to see if its right for me

[publicpersona]

6 hours ago, PRH said:

Snorkeling , kayaks, paddle boats—all included.

 

Maya Chan is our go-to when in Costa Maya, and has been for many years and many visits. The focus is on uncrowded, peaceful. seclusion, excellent drinks, wi-fi, and a good lunch. Having said that, I would caution others against thinking of it as the best choice for snorkeling or water activities. They fight a constant battle with the sea grass, and there are likely much better choices on your cruise if snorkeling is a bucket list item.

[PRH]

4 hours ago, Motegi said:

Looks great!  How far is it from the port?

Transportation is included.  About 40 minutes due to roads.

[Motegi]

3 hours ago, jamesboat said:

 

So if youre not in YC, no free food after 9pm?

 

Ive never been on MSC and Im trying to see if its right for me

Well, on Meraviglia I remember going to the buffet for late night pizza and i remember on Seaside going to the sports bar for wings.  We weren’t in Yacht club on either of those ships.  Not sure what is free and what is up charge on Divina but I’ll try to ask for you.
 

 

[rkacruiser]

9 hours ago, Motegi said:

Arroz con Leche **

 

I thought this was quite good when I was on Meraviglia.  Your photo of the preparation looks like its too "soupy".

 

9 hours ago, Motegi said:

Rum Cake **

 

Certainly not like the Tortuga Rum Cake that I bring home!  (I do like those.)  

[PRH]

We see you....

[Motegi]

2 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I thought this was quite good when I was on Meraviglia.  Your photo of the preparation looks like its too "soupy".

 

 

Certainly not like the Tortuga Rum Cake that I bring home!  (I do like those.)  

Actually the rice pudding was a little too dense for me.  But the goldenberry on top was delicious! I give the berry 5 stars.   LOL

 

I think we’ve all been spoiled by Tortuga Rum Cakes.  This dessert was not the same.