Luckyone2

On Friday, there was an announcement made shipwide that the aft infinity pool was closed due a to broken pipe.

Although people flocked to the areas directly around the pool, there were many areas that were not crowded and were available for sunbathing. The lounges never felt crowded. Times that did feel crowded were when the shows were finished. This is the first cruise where I thought that we had plenty of time at the ports. Disembarkation at ports was easier when we waited about an hour to leave after the crowds had left. There was a variety of activities planned each day. Sometimes there were several activities that we wanted to attend scheduled for the same time. There are cooking demonstrations that were scheduled close together. We were able to go from one to the next without missing anything. I recommend buying drink packages and internet packages before the cruise where you can get a better deal. I wished that we had ordered the internet package because we found it to be a very good connection when we bought the one day package. I was glad that we brought our Tervis cups to fill up at the drink station at the buffet. We used their cups to fill up our containers with ice and water.

My husband and I have cruised four times with MSC: twice each on MSC Poesia and MSC DIvina. This review comes from the perspective of being a non-drinker, non-smoker, and non-gambler. We are senior citizens who simply love being on the sea, exploring familiar ports, enjoying fabulous shows, and eating great food. We have previously cruised aboard Carnival, Norwegian, Premier, Costa, and Princess ships.

We cruised on the MSC DIvina about two years ago, and I can honestly say that the DIvina looks as new now as it did then. MSC DIvina is a beautiful, elegant ship which we loved exploring again.

We booked an interior cabin and were bumped up to a balcony. Our room was B1 balcony which overlooked deck 7 and the lifeboats. The lifeboats in no way obstructed our view but I did miss looking directly down at the passing ocean. I was worried about smoking odor because our cabin was directly above the allowed smoking section of deck 7, but this did not happen. In fact, we never noticed the odor of smoke anywhere on the ship. Our cabin was one of the few cabins that had a tub. The bathroom was bigger because of this. I also like that the closet opened up into the room instead of the narrow room hallway. Our room steward, William, did an excellent job of keeping our room nice and tidy. Our bed and pillows were very comfortable. Our room was below a lounge, and the only thing we heard was the faint sound of music at night. We rather liked having this music as we fell asleep. Our room was centrally located on the ship. We often used the quick single elevator to go directly to the Black Crab dining room or Calumet Buffet. I believe these elevators are referred to as the "secret elevators".

We ate all breakfasts, most lunches, and all dinners in the Black Crab dining room. We found the food to be very delicious. The pasta dishes, breads, soups and sorbets were excellent! My husband loved the Beef Wellington, but found the steaks to be tough. The vegetarian dishes were quite good. While we had requested first seating, we were assigned second seating. This actually worked out better because we did not need to hurry when coming in from our excursions. Our waiter, Patris Dcosta, and his wait staff were exceptional. Patris always let us know that if we did not like anything that he would get us something else. We did not visit any speciality restaurants and did not order any upcharged dishes. The Calemut Buffet was always busy. We always sat at the very back of the buffet because it featured a panoramic view of the wake and was always deserted. The buffet had a vast variety of food. When we ate in the buffet, we always found the food to be very good.

We did purchase the non-alcoholic drink package which allowed us to enjoy speciality coffee drinks, sorbets, virgin cocktails, and water. We enjoyed visiting Caffe Italia and the Piazza del Doge to redeem our drink coupons.

The shows on the MSC DIvina are the best shows that we have ever seen aboard any cruise ship that we have been on. The shows featured excellent singers, dancers, and gymnasts. I especially loved the Pirates and the Michael Jackson shows although the other shows were just as good. All of the shows were different or improved from the first ones that we first saw on the DIvina years ago. There was always live music in the different lounges around the ship.

In Nassau, we walked to Fort Fincastle and the Queen's Staircase since it had been nearly 42 years since we had been to these places. In Puerto Rico, we walked around the base of Fort Morro, then used our National Park senior pass to tour Fort Morro. The views from Fort Morro are spectacular! We also enjoyed walking along the Paseo de la Princessa. In St. Maarten, we took a taxi to Mayo Beach to watch the planes fly in. Round trip taxi passes were being sold but I had read that there had been problems with people using the return portion of their ticket so we asked for and received a one way ride to Maho. It was very easy to find a taxi for our return trip.

Embarkation and disembarkation was very easy, effortless, and organized. We arrived at the terminal at 11:30 and were aboard by 12:15. I picked our drink tickets in the casino. We notified on Tuesday to submit a request for early disembarkation on Monday which we immediately turned in to reception. We were assigned to the first group for 6:30 disembarkation and were on the road at 7:10.

MSC absolutely suits our needs as cruise travelers. We would not hesitate to book another cruise with MSC. We found the fellow travelers to be friendly. We saw far more acts of kindness and helpfulness than we did of rudeness. The crew was friendly and welcoming. MSC offers a wonderful experience at a very reasonable price.

What is the least busiest time for embarkation on the Divina? Thank you!

You might want to change consider buying a senior park pass. It is good for your lifetime and will admit you and another person to any national park.

http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2011/10/lifetime-senior-and-access-park-passes-now-available-mail8952

I believe that you can buy it at one of the forts and save the processing fee.

My husband and I have cruised with MSC three times, twice on the Poesia and once on Divina. We have booked our second cruise on MSC Divina. As a person, who values other people's opinions, I heavily depend on this board. What I have learned that the truth lies somewhere between "this cruise was the worst," and "this cruise was the best." This is true no matter what cruise line you book. We have cruised Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. What I have found is that the better prepared you are for your cruise, the better the cruise should be. I take advantages of any hints, tips, and advice given by cruisers on ships, ports, and excursions. I find out what dishes are recommended and know which dishes to avoid. In short, know as much about your cruise before you leave. I have never been disappointed by MSC. I would cruise MSC more often if they left from Port Canaveral.

Thoughts on cabin 10115?

Thank you!

I have a favor to ask of anyone who visits Maho Beach: Can you please get the name of the artist who sells his colorful paintings at Maho Beach. He signed his paintings but only used his first initial and last name. It looks like A. St. Suring, but I am not sure. His paintings consists of Maho Beach scenes and sailboats.

Thank you!

Julie

my husband and I were on Valor's first cruise out of Port Canaveral. We had a fantastic time! Both my husband and I agreed that the food on the Valor was the best food that we have ever had on a cruise ship, and we have been on over 12 cruises.

I have posted a review, but it hasn't been approved yet.

Happy to answer any questions.

Have fun!

Do you turn left or right after getting off the ship? Are there any more landmarks that will help me find this wonderful snorkeling site?

Thanks!

Are the pastel gift shops downtown? Was the merchandise locally made or the same as what is offered at the cruise port?

Thanks!

i originally booked a 4J cabin on early saver. I later upgraded to a balcony for $400 more during the Halloween sale. We received our cabin assignment 22 days out, We were assIgnee a balcony cabin on the Lido Seck! Very excited!

you have been very helpful RayinPR!

Thank you!

Julie

RayInPR,

Can you recommend a shop that sells locally made crafts? I am also interested in purchasing local artist's paintings or pottery. Thank you for your recommendations.

Thank you!

Julie

Love your blog! Thank you for responding!

Search for Money Bar. Good snorkeling that is free. Only cost the price of a cab.

Thank you for your responses!

I have read an article describing an area where sea glass can be easily found. Article: http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-beach/ This area is called "Bajamar” or Playa de Bajamar. It is the area on the north side (front) of the Puerto Rico Capitol Building. Has anyone been to this area looking for sea glass. Although I love sea glass, I do not want to make any foolish decisions. Even the author of this article said to err on the side of caution. Since this article is not recent, I wonder if anyone could update me on the safety of this area.

Thanks!

Julie

We have FTTF on the Liberty where there were tender ports. FTTF was definitely worth the money for that. We arrived early for embarkation so I don't think that FTTF helped with that. However, it was great to go straight to our room. I just couldn't remember about the early disembarkation. Also, it was very cool to be able to go to the FTTF in guest services. Thank you, everyone, for your input. I love this board.

i want to confirm that if we arrive after one, there will be virtually no lines for embarkation. I bought FTTF really for the purpose of early disembarkation, but we always self assist, and I have been reading that FTTF is not necessary for that purpose. Loved FTTF on our last cruise when there were a lot of tender ports, but I think that on this eastern cruise there are no tender ports. I had thought that it made disembarkation easier, but my mind was not clear on that until I did some research on these boards. Getting to my room earlier is not a priority. What is a priority is avoiding crowds on embarkation.

Thank you!

We purchased Red Frog tervis tumblers on Carnival Liberty. Is anything sold in a Tervis tumbler aboard the Valor? Thanks!

We are sailing on the Valor on its first sailing next March 27th. So if we leave from one terminal, we might arrive back at another terminal and would still have to take a shuttle to our car that was parked near the original terminal? We usually park at the port to save time when disembarking, but now, I am considering using one of the park and cruise places. Can someone advise?

The Halloween Sale was outstanding! We upgraded from an Early Saver 4J cabin to a balcony guarantee for additional $450 and during another sale got the rate reduced by $200. Anybody got the info on any potential sales coming up? Gotta love Early Saver and gotta love this board! Thank you!

i always use my Capital One card; it is the only that I have found that doesn't charge an additional fee. I'm sure that there are other card companies that don't; I quit looking after finding one.

You are the best child ever! I cannot imagine how excited your mother is going to be! Not to mention all the lasting memories that are going to be made for you and your children!

Yes, I would get a wheel chair or a scooter. This would help your mom to easily access all areas of the cruise ship without wearing her out. You would need to check with Carnival, but I have seen wheel chairs parked on the outside of cabins. That might have been MSC. It would be ideal if your mom could fit into a narrow wheel chair that would fit into a cabin doorway. (Again, check with Carnival.) My mom just got narrow one that is extremely collapsible. The handicapped rooms have bathrooms that are handicapped accessible which it doesn't sound like your mom needs. You might want to get your mom used to the idea of a wheel chair; really, the only reason that it sounds like she needs it is to save her energy.

One of the many things that I have been pleased about cruising is the easy access that handicapped and/or older people have on a cruise ship. It is comforting to know that when and if I need a wheelchair, cruising can still be my guilty pleasure.

Your mom will enjoy most of the activities on the cruise. I am 60 and still enjoy all the things that the young folks do. I might not be able to participate, but I do love to watch. Your mom will love the shows and comedy clubs. I just love going from room to room, stopping to listen to any live music or just to people watch. The pool parties and activities are fun to watch. The Taste Bar is cool. I play a little nickel slots, but I do love watching others play and win in the casino. I especially enjoyed eating in the dining room all meals; after years of cooking, I love being waited on. I would make sure that she has time to rest, especially if something great is coming up later that afternoon. If you got Your Time Dining, you wouldn't be stuck with a rigid dinner schedule. I love YTD because we can get dinner service when we are ready, not when Carnival is ready. There are so many things to do on a cruise, but the best thing that I like to do is watch the ocean and sunsets from my balcony.

I do want to hear about your mom's reaction to this thoughtful gift. I hope that you post a trip report with pictures. What a wonderful family that you have to include their grandmother on the family vacation! You are a most precious child and parent!