MSC Divina April 10-21 2023 out of Miami

[Grant C]

Hi

 

my name is Grant

 

i am a solo traveller going on an 11 night Caribbean cruise on the MSC Divina starting April 10th (lost my husband a year ago, and this is my first major step forward). This is only my second cruise ever (I won’t mention the first, except to say northern Atlantic Ocean in December was NOT a good idea). 😁

 

I have some questions 

 

1. Do I need to wear a tie on formal nights, or will a jacket, dress shirt and slacks be ok?  I threw out all my ties when I retired. 😁

2. I have horrible sleeping habits, and generally want my first coffee about 5am. Is there anything available at that time?  I read somewhere that one of the buffet restaurants has coffee available 24 hours, but can’t confirm anywhere. 
3. I understand that no jeans are allowed in the dining room and I am fine with that, but their rules say no shorts etc in the evening. If I change into shorts after dinner, is that ok?

4. Where is the smoking area on the ship?  I know, it’s a disgusting habit, but other than wine, it’s my only bad habit. 
5. Does anyone know which pier it leaves from?  I have been told both E and F by MSC. 
 

That’s about it for now. I am SOOO looking forward to the warmth. I live in Ontario Canada, and this has been a brutal winter where I live. 
 

Thanks

 

Grant

[HardToPort]

18 minutes ago, Grant C said:

Hi

 

my name is Grant

 

i am a solo traveller going on an 11 night Caribbean cruise on the MSC Divina starting April 10th (lost my husband a year ago, and this is my first major step forward). This is only my second cruise ever (I won’t mention the first, except to say northern Atlantic Ocean in December was NOT a good idea). 😁

GRANT, I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Kitchener here and I’ll be on the last 7 days of your cruise.
 

I have some questions 

 

1. Do I need to wear a tie on formal nights, or will a jacket, dress shirt and slacks be ok?  I threw out all my ties when I retired. 😁

Jacket, shirt and slacks are absolutely fine.

 

2. I have horrible sleeping habits, and generally want my first coffee about 5am. Is there anything available at that time?  I read somewhere that one of the buffet restaurants has coffee available 24 hours, but can’t confirm anywhere. 
 

As a fellow caffeine addict, I’m ready for coffee early. The “good” coffee isn’t usually available until 7 AM, but the usual industrial strength drip is generally available 24/7.

3. I understand that no jeans are allowed in the dining room and I am fine with that, but their rules say no shorts etc in the evening. If I change into shorts after dinner, is that ok?

The “no shorts” rule is for the Main Dining Room and often the specialty restaurants. You’re perfectly OK to change after dinner.

18 minutes ago, Grant C said:

4. Where is the smoking area on the ship?  I know, it’s a disgusting habit, but other than wine, it’s my only bad habit. 
 

Fellow smoker here. There is a smoking section in the aft bar (unless that has changed recently). I believe there is also a cigar bar. Smoking is also allowed in the smoking section of the casino.

5. Does anyone know which pier it leaves from?  I have been told both E and F by MSC. 

 

Don’t worry. Just tell your cab or Uber driver to take you to the Cruise Port. There are large overhead signs with every ship and their pier listed.
 

That’s about it for now. I am SOOO looking forward to the warmth. I live in Ontario Canada, and this has been a brutal winter where I live. 
 

I am sick of this winter. More snow again last night. I need some sun!!!
 

Thanks

 

Grant

 

[HardToPort]

Grant, expand the quote boxes above for all my answers in bold.

[Grant C]

Hardtoport. Thanks for the info. See you on board

[cellfree]

1 hour ago, Grant C said:

 

1. Do I need to wear a tie on formal nights, or will a jacket, dress shirt and slacks be ok?  I threw out all my ties when I retired. 😁

3. I understand that no jeans are allowed in the dining room and I am fine with that, but their rules say no shorts etc in the evening. If I change into shorts after dinner, is that ok?

5. Does anyone know which pier it leaves from?  I have been told both E and F by MSC. 
 

1. Formal nights - Dress slacks fine. Jacket not even necessary. 
3. Dining Room - Husband has worn jeans in dining room for dinner. Breakfast/Lunch shorts are fine. 
5. We nave always cruised out of F with MSC. (Uber from MIA to cruise port is about $26.00, used it two weeks ago. Cabs no longer have flat rate, meter only.)

Love the Divina, our favorite MSC Ship, have sailed on her several times. Enjoy!

Edited March 20, 2023 by cellfree
grammar

[bruce85]

When we sailed Divina I had no problem wearing jeans in MDR.  

[KKB]

23 hours ago, Grant C said:

Hi

 

my name is Grant

 

i am a solo traveller going on an 11 night Caribbean cruise on the MSC Divina starting April 10th (lost my husband a year ago, and this is my first major step forward). This is only my second cruise ever (I won’t mention the first, except to say northern Atlantic Ocean in December was NOT a good idea). 😁

 

I have some questions 

 

1. Do I need to wear a tie on formal nights, or will a jacket, dress shirt and slacks be ok?  I threw out all my ties when I retired. 😁

Don't even need jacket or tie. Slacks & a decent shirt are fine.

2. I have horrible sleeping habits, and generally want my first coffee about 5am. Is there anything available at that time?  I read somewhere that one of the buffet restaurants has coffee available 24 hours, but can’t confirm anywhere. 

POSSIBLY the buffet??!! I sleep late...so cannot comment...
3. I understand that no jeans are allowed in the dining room and I am fine with that, but their rules say no shorts etc in the evening. If I change into shorts after dinner, is that ok?

Absolutely

4. Where is the smoking area on the ship?  I know, it’s a disgusting habit, but other than wine, it’s my only bad habit. 

I KNOW there is one on the Lido deck in one corner by the pool...not sure of others
5. Does anyone know which pier it leaves from?  I have been told both E and F by MSC. 
Went out of F last month

Port of Miami is a nightmare to get in/out of (traffic). One time it took 20 min from hotel to port another 45 as they rerouted us a longer way when traffic backs up. 

I recommend a cab from the port when you disembark--my Lyft took 45 min to get there.\

That’s about it for now. I am SOOO looking forward to the warmth. I live in Ontario Canada, and this has been a brutal winter where I live. 
 

Thanks

 

Grant

I was on Divina for 12 days last month solo. (DS was SUPPOSED to join me the 2nd 7 days...a freak snowstorm made that impossible!)

Do attend a solo gathering. I met some nice people...ran into them all week.