Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 #1 Share Posted April 7, 2023 This post was recognized by LauraS! "And another from IntrepidFromDC! Thank you for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic!" IntrepidFromDC was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' and 5 points. This morning I caught a flight from DCA to MIA for my first ever S2S and first ever non-Carnival cruise. I have 3 days on MSC Divina, disembark and walk to Carnival Conquest's terminal for a 4 day cruise. I have cruised 25 times, all Carnival. I will be trying to focus on differences in the brand experiences, but food and ridiculousness will find it's way home I imagine as long as I don't trip over the bathroom threshold and crack my skull like last cruise. My lives tend to be photo- and food-heavy. 12 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #2 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Embarkation was a dream. Due to my flight arrival in MIA at 10am but my boarding time at 1pm I was prepared to be turned away when I approached check in at 1050am. Instead I hit the embarkation expressway, no line at all and they didn't even ask for the health questionnaire or ask questions, I showed my passport and was handed my room key/charge card in 2 minutes. Service was great and terminal was beautiful. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #3 Share Posted April 7, 2023 The cabin is a bit classier than Carnival cabins, but the beach towels are a joke. 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #4 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Casino is small. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #5 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Although the ship's name, Divina, is named after Sofia Loren, the names (restaurants, theaters, bars, etc) are named after my favorite city in the world, Venice, Italy. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #6 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Main atrium is classy, not "fun". I miss the fun a little bit already. No Seuss on the loose on Divina. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #7 Share Posted April 7, 2023 No USB port in the cabin. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #8 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Note to self, don't fall for it... 1 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #9 Share Posted April 7, 2023 No 15 drink limit and alcohol is included in the (cheap) price, as is internet. Hmmmm... 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #10 Share Posted April 7, 2023 The theater is huge, upholstery like new (contrast to the chairs in the casino on Mardi Gras) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #11 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Tonight's menu. Since it's an Italian line, I'm expecting better pasta than Carnival MDR. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jamman54 Posted April 7, 2023 #12 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Hey Jeff! Great start to your S2S review. We'll be following along and interested in your comparisons of both lines. Wrap yourself in bubble wrap and have a great time! 😁 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #13 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Buffet is just like Carnival. Everything is hit or miss. Surprisingly, Carnival's pizza is much better than MSCs, which is buffet served rather than fresh baked to order. Carved roast beef is alot like Carnival... two pretty good tasting bites followed by a bite of well disguised gristly mystery meat. Couscous was disappointing but green lentils were yummy. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #14 Share Posted April 7, 2023 (edited) Pools are deeper than Carnival pools for anyone who likes to swim, 6ft+. Edited April 7, 2023 by IntrepidFromDC 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #15 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Internet is working well so far. Very international crowd, including some Italians. Tomorrow is Ocean Cay, MSCs marine reserve private island. I'm a huge Half Moon Cay fan but I have a feeling Ocean Cay is going to steal top spot on my best beach list. I have a kayak adventure, hoping to see turtles and other non-finned creatures. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mkcurran Posted April 7, 2023 #16 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Yay a non-yatch club review! Looking forward to following along! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #17 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Sailaway, South Beach 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #18 Share Posted April 7, 2023 Sports bar has some activities, but Carnival has the edge in big screens. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #19 Share Posted April 7, 2023 A few random pics from exploring the Divina. I love all the Venetian artwork, reminds me a little bit of Carnival Pride. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 7, 2023 Author #20 Share Posted April 7, 2023 MDR has tablecloths! The caesar salad was eh, Carnival's MDR caesar salad is consistently good imo. The Carnival MDR prime rib is inconsistent in my experience, sometimes good, sometimes too fatty or gristly. This prime rib was really good for MDR food. I asked the server for a margarita and her response was a shocker "are you sure, it'll take 20 minutes". Hydration break it is, then. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Saint Greg Posted April 8, 2023 #21 Share Posted April 8, 2023 6 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said: No 15 drink limit and alcohol is included in the (cheap) price, as is internet. Hmmmm... Alcohol and internet included in the regular price? It’s not a casino deal or anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Saint Greg Posted April 8, 2023 #22 Share Posted April 8, 2023 51 minutes ago, IntrepidFromDC said: Either that guy is a giant or those are the smallest bowling balls I’ve ever seen….or both. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare lazydayz Posted April 8, 2023 #23 Share Posted April 8, 2023 Thanks for doing this. Glad you are branching out and taking us along. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LatinaInTexas Posted April 8, 2023 #24 Share Posted April 8, 2023 Tried MSC last year on the new Seashore and other than a few very minor issues I loved it. Food, entertainment, drink package all great. Twice daily room service also! The vibe and passengers were quite different, more refined lol. We sailed close to capacity and I'm sure there were kids but I never really saw or heard them. Misses were no dedicated comedy, the fun factor was missing and the limited US itineraries. It was a nice visit but I didn't feel at home like on Carnival. Enjoy your visit.🙂 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare IntrepidFromDC Posted April 8, 2023 Author #25 Share Posted April 8, 2023 12 hours ago, Saint Greg said: Alcohol and internet included in the regular price? It’s not a casino deal or anything? Unless they somehow know I like to gamble, its just an offer to try to poach frequent loyal cruisers of other lines. The offer was in the list of offers on their website. Although I did the status match and am Gold status my first cruise, I never mentioned gambling at any time. That said, I did manage to drop $285 last night. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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