TheSoccerCoach

We are sailing on the Divina soon, and my husband is wondering about the dress code in the MDR. Are they as strict as it states in their guidelines? That is, do men need to wear a jacket every night or is a collared shirt without a jacket okay?

Sadly, the dress code does not seem to be enforced. I saw very few people in the MDR in jackets at night. I saw shorts at lunch with tank tops...it was horrid! But, at night, pants and collared shirts were the norm...

Hello! Is this app still in use? Still free? Thoughts?

The Status match card holders cards, expire in 36 months so it will automatically happen if they did not like it. If another cruise is taken in that 36 months it will start the time clock over again.

Steve

So, do non Status Match card holder's card not expire?

It is my understanding (based on asking two staff members), that if you PRE-PURCHASE the drink coupons to avoid paying the 15%, you are actually stiffing the staff, not the cruise line. I'd like to see this written somewhere.

I would like to know more about this as well! It is my understanding that the staff was getting tip compensation off of the pre-purchased packages. Would be disappointed to find out that this is not true.

And, anecdotally, the bars that we frequented, especially the Casino, the bartenders knew our preferred drinks pretty quickly and were very generous with their pours. And, did not look askance or react negatively when handed the drink coupons.

Love hearing these stories, Bea!

There are some incredible people working on cruise ships! And, we met some incredibly warm, caring folks on Divina.

My wife and I are hoping down the road we can experience the YC.

Hello. We actually did mention the pillow issue to her and she, kindly brought us five more. So, we had nine to choose from. But, none of them were the kind that work for me.

We have yet to stay in the yacht club or have access to the pillow menu. Maybe some day...

First of all, I loved our cruise on the Divina in July. And, we are booked for May, 2017. So, we loved it. I highly recommend reading the daily program completely when you get it.

For example, had I read the one on the first day, I would have known already that as a debit card user I would be required to go get any cash owed me by the ship before leaving. The information was there for me to read, but I failed. And, so when my card was scanned and I was not allowed to leave, it was irksome. But, that is on me. Not them.

I would say, as far as the cabin went, I did not enjoy the pillows. My wife found them fine. But, I did not. I like super full fluffy pillows. And, these were thicker, more compact pillows.

We booked the same exact cabin for our May cruise; we like it! And, I will be picking up some pillows from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and bringing them with me. Problem solved.

Some of the food was not as spicy as we liked in the main dining room. We have some spices that we love at home. I am going to pack a few of those to bring with. Problem solved.

So, pillows and lack of spices are my two big issues. But, easily remedied.

That was my thinking, Steve. But MSC could keep the status match level to the Black and offer some incentive to their repeat customers by having a top tier as an exclusive reward for loyalty.

#firstworldprobs j/k

You seem a lovely person, Bea! I hope MSC sees this thread and takes you up on your suggestion!

I asked this question on another thread, but am starting this thread to be sure the most people see it and can respond.

On our recent cruise, we paid our gratuities in advance and bought drink packages in advance that we thought included a preset tip paid to the bartenders, bar waiters, etc.

We did tip our casino dealers with some chips. But, did not tip room service; we did Fantastica...assumed it was included.

But, a recent Divina review has me concerned that we did wrong by following the expressed no cash tipping policy that we read online and onboard.

So, what do you all do? Do you tip in cash on MSC? Interested to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Great review! Thanks for sharing! Your review has prompted some questions for me.

Mainly the drink packages, room service, and tipping.

We were on the July 5th sailing. We paid for our gratuities in advance and also bought two of the More For Less drink packages. My understanding, I could be wrong, is that the bar staff are paid a gratuity per each package purchased prior to the cruise.

Also, the literature online and on board strongly discouraged cash tipping. We tipped our casino dealer's, with chips now and again. But, we did not cash tip.

Were we the anomaly?

Do most of you tip in cash on board, even though it is discouraged?

Thanks!

Yes, we enjoyed it. And, $15.00 for a rattan for an afternoon felt like money well spent. It would be great if the hot tub was enhanced by the addition of a pool, but the privacy, elbow room, and quiet relaxation time was lovely, nonetheless. And, we made good use of the showers up there to cool down. One shower in particular was freezing cold, which was shocking but wonderful!

My thought is this. A profitable cruise line is a viable, healthy one. One that can add ships, itineraries, grow, etc. Thus, staying in business, allowing repeat and new customers alike to enjoy it.

I was a loyal customer of Sports Authority. But, my loyalty means nothing now as they are closing...

I can certainly understand the desire to reach new levels...we humans enjoy goal setting and goal attainment.

But, the "legitimate" versus "Status Match" ire feels beneath all of you great people! You are better than this! Let all that negative energy go and just continue enjoying wonderful cruises with MSC!

I, for one, think the Status Match is a great business choice for MSC. And, clearly, it is bringing more people to the line. And, a profitable cruise line is what we want MSC to be!

Thanks, Mike! Andre added me on Linkedin but not on Facebook. I will ask him on Linkedin.

I wonder if the reductions in the perks are because of the Status Match program or the cruise line making simple bottom line decisions?

Hello,

Does anyone have access to or know the Cruise Director and Entertainment schedule for Divina?

Thanks!

We were just on. When did they start putting the cruise cards in the cabin? Seems a bit odd...

We paid for a rattan one afternoon on our cruise. It was so very worth it! We had cocktails, the attendant brought us satays, for free. And, he also brought us multiple chill towels. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. There were only a few other couples up there with us. And, it was nice watching the pool games down below without actually being with everyone. Cheers!

For dealing with on board credits/debits, we chose to use a debit card. Debit cards must be reconciled before you leave the ship, which might sound annoying, but it is not. They want your account to be at zero. So, if they owe you money, you get the cash. If you owe them money, you pay in cash. And, you can check your account daily on the tv, so you know where you are at.

To the world cruise friends! Enjoy! I went on a 105 day world cruise when I worked on the QE2. It was amazing!!!

So, I have noticed a trend with many of the negative reviews on MSC! It appears that many of these are coming from people that travelled with large groups! One person I was conversing with today on Facebook was in a group of 30.

I love my family and friends, but there is no way I would attempt to bring 30 of them anywhere with me! That number of people, with the usual wide variation in ages, health, interests, etc. makes for a logistical, travel nightmare!

On our recent Divina cruise, we went on a snorkel, catamaran tour in Cozumel. The tour website was adamant that this tour was intended for healthy adults only. And, yet, a large group of over 20 people came on it, with their matching green t shirts. There were many little kids and grand parents in the group. There was crying, tantrums, and I saw at least one grandma get seasick.

My assessment being, that no matter what line you went on, if you go with a large group, the potential is there to have a very bad time. IMHO...

Thought it might be interesting and edifying for this group for people to share their Top Five's.

So, please share the Top Five reasons you love MSC vs. the Top Five reasons why you do not prefer other line(s).

My Top Five for MSC for me would be:

1) The gorgeous ships!

2) The incredible entertainment!

3) The wonderful entertainers, officers, staff and crew!

4) The value received for dollar spent!

5) The pizza, buffet variety, and gelato!

It's that age old thing. We find a good thing. We love it. But, word spreads, and now we have to share it with others...that's how the cookie crumbles!

Well Carnival must be wonderful then! :D :rolleyes:

Ha ha, you all are funny! Made it official; booked with my TA for May 13 on Divina. Love her!

I didn't get a lapel pin! We did get 2 chocolate ships though....

 

 

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Wish there was a LIKE button on here!

We are heading back out on the Divina in May and plan to visit Orient Beach, but were wondering what other ships, itineraries, etc. with MSC would be good for topless/nudist recreation/sunbathing, etc.? Thanks!