PaulnKarl

You either love or hate art auctions. If you love them, its because its a fun way with free drinks to pass a couple of hours on a sea day. The art auction on MSC Divina (and soon to be on MSC Seaside) is run by Dreams Fine Art who have galleries in Miami and St. Maarten. This is not an easy company to research, other than turning up at one of the galleries, which I did at St. Maarten. Since being home, I've researched on Ebay some of the artwork they were selling ..... and I could kick myself for not bidding. I buy art at sea and on land, and have been doing so for 20 years - am I a serious collector? ...... enough to know my stuff and to be familiar with many of the artists. Art at Sea has a bad rap, and, IMO, is not to be taken too seriously, and not a place to part with money you cannot afford to be parted from. There was quite a bit of older artwork on our cruise, and I wonder whether it's a clearance outlet for the land galleries. Given that Dreams has zero buyer's premium, and most of the art can be carried off makes it attractive for a flutter (and should earn me some raffle tickets). Compared with other auctions at sea, their bidding seemed fairer, their hammer prices often low. Did I buy anything? No! But I had a good time.

On Divina eastern Carib:

Sunday is White Party - late party in Black & White lounge tho' many wore something white to dinner.

Monday is Gala Night/Italian Night (semi formal) Guests encouraged to wear green, white or red, or a combination

Thursday is formal night - smart dress, jacket for men.

They also have a flower power party on 70s night - Tuesday or Wednesday.

We used prepaid coupons for coffee and for cocktails - no problems, great value. There are some restrictions, for example in the Piano Bar (Deck 7 above Casino) you have to ask for the bar menu, not the cocktail menu they put out. More expensive items not included. Cocktail coupons = $6 each cp to $7.50 + 15% at the bar. Coffee coupon less than $2 each cp to $3-4.50 + 15% on board.

On Themes - there's also a Flower Power Party.

We didn't use room service, but they do have a dedicated kids buffet, right at the back next to the Mediterranean buffet.

Theme nights on the Eastern Carib itinerary are:

Sunday - White Party

Monday - Gala Night/ Italian Night - green. white & red

Thursday - Formal Night

The late night snacks in the buffet were better than any ship I've been on in the last decade, and everyone said the burgers were great.We were also told that they changed the MDR menus during dry dock to make service flow better.

Yes, they showed a feature movie each night - I think Spectre and the latest Mission Impossible were included. Most of the time they showed music videos. The Aqua park is more compact than other ships. and there are few seats in front of the screen - people just pulled up chairs from the sides. That said you could see the screen from the tables on either side ... and it was easy to bring food out from the buffet. Some nights there were 40+ watching.

We were on Oct 22 Sailing. I accept that the Divina is not everyone's cup of tea, but we went looking for something different and found it. Perspective is everything. We're British & American currently living in the USA. Cruised all the major USA lines so we were open - which I think is key to enjoying an MSC cruise. We don't use the Casino, but several of our tablemates did, who felt the Casino takes way much more than it gives - but that was about the only $$ neg. For the price we paid this ship is outstanding. As many have commented the bar prices are good, the prepaid coupons are excellent value, plus you don't pay the 15% gratuity. IMO the Coffee Cuddle (15 coupons for $28) was the best deal.

Highs - Entertainment. One of us used to be a pro dancer, so rated the dance company as the best we have seen on any ship. They do 14 shows a week, and we we're told, after the 2nd show rehearse until 2 a.m. for the following day. The shows did get repetitive toward the end of the week, but because the Divina is the only MSC in the area, its not possible for them to transfer acts between ships like the larger cruise lines do. That may change when the Seaside joins the Caribbean fleet. The vocalists were great, and Thursday afternoon at the opera, is unique to the Caribbean.

Highs - the pre-show antics of the entertainment crew were hilarious, way better than sitting through a pre-show bingo game inorder to get a good seat. The Captain came to the main stage several times during the week, and was very entertaining. His best line (on Gala Night) "Why is the Head Chef getting more applause than the Captain? Don't blame me if you wake up tomorrow in Miami."

Highs - Décor & cleanliness - though one thinks that so many mirrors are there to trick you. They succeeded more than once.

Highs - best night sleep in months (Oceanview deck 5)

Likes - six live music venues that continue to the early hours.

Likes - buffet is open until 2 a.m.

Likes - few announcements - which makes 5 languages ok.

Could Do Better - Dining Room Service - however, we were told this was the first season the MSC has hired Filipinos, and many were only on their 2nd cruise, so menu familiarity was an issue. Likewise MDR breakfast & lunch so-called "open" seating was very regimented, and not always friendly. Several time we were made to sit with people who wouldn't even make eye contact because they (presumably) spoke a different language.

Could Do Better - People flow in the buffet. Buffet food was great but the front sections became so congested, that it was hard to get to the rear sections where the food was often better. Great desserts tho'.

I could have stayed on this ship another week. We had great MDR table mates (5 + us) who came to dinner every night, and that added to the experience. It made us want to compare a MSC cruise in Europe so we're looking at the Fantasia (sister ship) in the Baltic next summer.

Fascinating websites - thanks for posting. If the outside work is complete, the inside upgrades can be finished at sea.

I'm also a Brit but have lived in North America for 20 years. Most Americans have no idea about shagging in the UK. It's not done on the dance floor - not until very, very late.

First time on MSC. Early 10th wedding anniversary for my husband and I. Anyone else on this cruise?

Hi RMS Olympic,

You are right about the Beverley Hills area espec. We have a number of friends in Pine Ridge. Believe it not there used to be a gay bar on the boundry of Crystal River/Homassassa - not sure if it's still there. As you also pointed out in an earlier email, there's a large resident community at Sawmills Campground near Dade City. There are great beaches, a little further south, at Caledesia and Honeymoon Island in Tampa Bay and great fresh water springs at Rainbow Springs and Weeki Watchi.

Paul

Hello RMS Olympic

Welcome to Florida. My partner and I both lived in the Crystal River area prior to moving south - and I have to say there's a lot going for that area. (My job moved me south). You can also cruise out of Tampa, which while it may not be the most exciting cruise port, in season there are four ships homeported there, and IMO any cruise port on my doorstep is better than no cruise at all. And as you say, the mecca of Fort Lauderdale is a mere 4-5 hours drive.

I hope the transition goes well.

Paul

Liz & Holly

We booked the Maasdam on the same itinerary last year (May 26) for our pre-wedding cruise. We were married on arrival in Montreal. It was a fabulous cruise although in May Halifax was a little damp and cold - but a great place to visit nonetheless.

We're in West Palm Beach

Paul & Karl

West Palm area