tbmrt

Awesome, look forward to it, just booked the yc on the divina for next Christmas.

Was the ship decorated?

Welcome back

The ship was decorated a bit, but nothing compared to other ships we've been on. However, the beauty of the ship itself was amazing.

I wanted to give back to all who helped me w/my many questions before sailing. Thanks! I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the Divina. We are anxious to do another MSC sailing!

Review is a bit sporadic, but wanted to post it asap.

-Night before cruise....Stayed at Miami Doral area hotel with $12 shuttle to port and free parking for 11 nights. Good friendly service, clean, walk to restaurants.

-Took 11am shuttle, porters took bags and we were given numbered cards to board in sequence. On board about 12:15. Cabin ready. Room Steward wonderful. Asked for robes, ice, more hangars, etc. Nice size balcony with 2 chairs and stool. Flat screen TV. Could use more US channels. Plenty of storage including under bed.

-Most all problems referred to on Boards and Reviews have been taken care of. The only negative I can remember that turned into a positive was that our Allegrissimo Classic code wasn't on our card although we ordered online months ago. I was told to go to the Service Desk, Deck 5. The clerk told me to go to the Restaurant. When I arrived the Mgr. personally walked me back to the Service Deck and had them change my card. After that no problems with Allegrissimo. It did seem that some of the bartenders still weren't too familiar with making some drinks, but there was always a head bartender there to help out. Really not much of a wait at all! Wines on Allegrissimo classic package were fine for us!

-No rudeness encountered at all except from one bar waitress who argued loudly with our wonderful wait staff in front of us. We mentioned this to her and she came back to apologize to us for her actions. Didn't experience the pushing and shoving that I had read about.

-Food: Buffet was really good with varied items. The Ethnic, cheeses and other "fancier" food items are in the back buffet. Easy seating there also. Most people just get food from front area and sit there so that area is busier.

French toast, sausages at breakfast and other selections very good. Eggs and bacon not so good.

Dinner items were mostly very good. There were very few items that we didn't care for. Plenty of choices though, extra and special orders also fine.

Loved the lobster tails, juicy and extras offered. Shrimp cocktail good. Tiramisu and Baked Alaska ceremonies by waiters fun. Wait staff sensational. No problem getting drinks or wine at dinner table. Horseradish, hot red pepper, etc. also not a problem!

Coffee was fine...No problem with cups, milk, etc.

Servers walked around buffet to get drinks or coffee for us if we didn't want to go to bar ourselves.

Muster was at 5pm. Sailaway first night was 7pm. We decided to skip 7pm show to watch sailaway with friends. No music at sailaway except for on the movie screen. That was a bit disappointing.

Shows were the best I've ever seen except for comedian on last night. Standing ovations most nights.

Lounge entertainment including dueling pianos, bands and duets were fabulous. The entertainment staff really worked hard, were friendly and we felt like friends by time we disembarked.

The sheets, pillows and mattress could be improved upon.

Bar staff were friendly and we never had a bad drink. However, it seemed that the newer bartenders had to get instruction from the main bartender on quite a few occasions. Not a big deal. No big delays getting drinks. On certain gala nights (3 gala nights on 11 night cruise!) there were free drinks for an hour for those not on Allegrissimo package.

Pizza at buffet was pretty good.

Few children on this cruise. Some still went to Infinity Pool in back of ship, but well behaved. We saw the +18 Solarium, but didn't think we needed to go there. Chairs always available at pools and nearby.

They had a white party on the deck, an Italian theme night (red/white/green) and a flower 60's party. Some guests dressed up in appropriate theme.

Interesting seeing flying fish while onboard at many ports.

Bananas for breakfast were abundant in beginning of cruise, then "spotted" in middle of cruise and then non-existent at end of cruise. Not a big deal, but I thought this was odd.

Many of my friends had purchased the drink vouchers online and this worked well for them also.

Exercise - Did the Aqua Bikes and DH did regular spin class. Really enjoyed both. Also did FREE Stretch, aerobic and zumba classes...Fun. The gym wasn't that crowded so DH worked out there daily also.

Infinity Pool was never filled to edge. I heard that this was because water flowed onto aft decks. Not sure about this though. Still a nice place to chill out away from main pools.

We were told to be out of cabin at 7am. Breakfast from 6 - 8 buffet and restaurant. Our colored luggage tags said 9:30 so we had to wait in theatre for awhile after breakfast. Then someone came for our group, directed us to baggage carousel...Luggage came quickly. Customs took about half an hour.

Dance lessons, wine tasting, astronomy seminars, trivia available.

Drink servers always available, but not pushy at all. Announcements in one language except for muster. Very few announcements.

Ports

Falmouth - Time N Place Beach (never got there - more info on Jamaica board..If they get their transportation straightened out, this would be a good stop. We decided to just shop....the pool at Margaritaville still in progress)

Aruba - Took van ($3 each) from port to Eagle Beach. Beautiful beach...Not much else there. Water cooler than in Florida!

Curacao - Got prearranged taxi to Porta Mari beach to snorkel...Best snorkeling ever...easy to enter beach...Beach bar....Great excursion.

Panama - stayed on ship.

Cozumel - Went on Bar Hop to 4 or 5 beaches on West side with no electricity. Fabulous time...Waves like Hawaii....Fun time!

I loved having port days with sea days inbetween.

Thanks for a wonderful cruise, MSC!

Barbara

We met Harvel at Scotia Bank, boarded his van and he got out to talk with a policeman. After about 5 minutes we were told that he had to take us back to the port entrance since the policeman wanted him to have a special license (something like that!)

When we got back to port entrance, a policeman was there and we were told we had to go to the taxi entrance to take a regular taxi to TNP. After seeing the local area which looked pretty dangerous, I really was skeptical about taking a regular taxi and having to get a taxi back to the ship. So we went shopping. Hervel did refund our deposit as promised...very nice guy.

Cruisers on our ship did take the cabs, but had to pay a hefty tip to get the driver to take them that short distance to TNP. They had a wonderful time and mentioned that TNP offered to pay their cab fare due to problem.

They renegged on the offer since they had such a great time.

Hopefully, TNP transportation issues will be taken care of in the future...We really would like to visit their beach!

I'd also like to mention an incident in town...We wanted to buy coconuts from a street vendor...Was told $4.00 each....Said no and then agreed on a $4.00 price for two, gave him $5.00 which included a $1.00 tip. He started getting nasty, saying we owed him more money!

We walked away, but it was very unpleasant!

Will do full review asap......Loved DIvina...Can't wait to go again....amazing

Barbara

Sailing on DIvina today....Thanks so much for alll your help!

Looking

forward to a great cruise. Will definitely submit a review when I return.

Barbara

The indoor pool with the sliding roof was certainly NOT adult only - this is where all the kids hung out and the noise level was deafening with the roof open and closed. We avoided this area at all costs. It was not a case of parents just ignoring the rules - and they did that too in many other ways.

I'm hoping there will be less children on the 12/10 departure due to the holidays and 11 day trip....If not, we may choose to pay for Solarium 18 or find a quiet spot somewhere.

Was a good mom and think I'm a good grandma, but want this cruise to be for me and DH.

Barbara

I hope I have this right.. Please advise.

Phone set to data roaming off

Airplane Mode on

Wifi On....Puzzled as to how I can use MSC's wifi for the new app if I'm not using MSC's internet package.

Thanks as usual for all your help!

Planning for our after show/before dinner cocktails.....

Was the martini bar fun?

Did anyone do the tasting? Tasting included with Allegrissimo Classic?

Any other recommendations for your favorite bars and bartenders appreciated.

We were told no gelato w/Classic which is fine.

 

How can the one you have be any different from ours? we had Gelato!

 

Hope so, but told no (as you know, sometimes MSC reps give "different" info!)

Was Gelato on Allegrissimo Classic available at dinner and gelato bar also?

 

Drinks in the Dining room are only available if and i say if you manage to get the assistant waiter to go bring them from an outside bar, other than those normally available in the MDR such as Beer and Wine. On the odd occasion there was a few people early on from the bars who were available to bring drinks for you.

I think we'll carry our own cocktails in from MSC bar. Then order wine on Allegrissimo Classic from waiter. Did they pour by glass?

Thanks for the great information you have provided on these boards!

Barbara

Where was he located? I read that he usually is available at 2pm. How do we know where to meet him?

Should milk be ordered separately with coffee?

Charges for breakfast coffee and other items? Continental breakfast items available?

RE: Room service at other times:

Charge for each food item separately?

Can we order drinks on Allegrissimo Classic to room?

Separate charge for after hours room service?

Was breakfast room service delivery time pretty reliable?

If we are scheduled to debark at 9:45am and need to get off earlier (not doing self assist) can we request an earlier time? We planned to meet someone at 9:30am.

Guess we could hassle with our luggage to get off earlier, but really would prefer not to do that.

Thanks

Barbara

Thank you for this information. We know we'll be spending considerable time in the lounges for performances (Cruise to the Edge), and I wasn't sure whether to opt for the Premium or stick with the Classic Allegrissimo.

 

It sounds like the Classic will suit us just fine.

I checked this out thoroughly before taking the Classic package. Other than very high end liquors (to us), most major brands are included in Classic package as well as a huge selection of specialty drinks.

We were told no gelato w/Classic which is fine.

We were also pleased that fresh orange juice, espresso, cappucino and after dinner liqueurs like Baileys were included and would be available tableside.

The pastry shop stuff is not included.

Looking forward to a great cruise with MSC and hopefully, many more with them in the future!

Barbara

We too were on the Nov. 23rd cruise. Yes the ship is beautiful but felt a bit crowded. The entertainment was wonderful. Food preferences are such a personal thing but for the most part I felt the food was fine. Service in the MDR was a problem and I think it is because they just don't have a sufficient number of waiters. We were off the ship and in our car by 9:00 so no problem with that.

Glad to read that things were good except for service in dining room. Dining onboard is a big part of our cruise experience so we're hoping it improves.

Thank you

Barbara

Are the main dining rooms open for lunch on the day of embarkation? If not, are they open to check out our dinner assignment seating before dinner?

I've now read that MSC said we wouldn't have to pay for the new app and it didn't require internet package...Really newbie with this!

I thought we had to put our phones on Airplane Mode and shut off data roaming while sailing. If not, we would risk getting possible incoming voice message charges by our phone carrier. If that is correct, then how would we be able to put our web browser on to use new MSC app?

I'm probably missing something here.

Thanks for any clarification.

Barbara

The show is at 7:00 prior to dinner at the late seating of 8:30! I think the shows for the early seating are after dinner at nine! Don't miss the shows as they are incredible! The first show on the first night got three standing ovations!!!!

Mermaid rock was kind enough to provide the above information.

Isn't this odd?....We'd have to miss 7pm sailaway if the first show/first night takes place at 7pm w/our dinner being at 8:30.

Thanks

Barbara

Last check-in with all of you till you come on board on the 10th. Leaving in the morn to go part way to Miami and then rest of way Sat. morn.

Safe travels, everyone and will see you at M&G on the 11th.

Mary Ann & Tom

Have a safe trip and great time "warming up the Divina" for us!

Barbara & Tom

Do we swipe our card to get pool towels?

Are all pools saltwater? Read this, true?

The pools(small) were normally crowded, but you could get in them. We only got in 2X being that fresh saltwater is pumped into an empty pool everyday and it was freezing.

Hey fellow cruisers...We have two really great events on our cruise. On Dec 12/13 both nights is the Geminides Meteor shower. Unfortunately it will be less visible because of the Full moon which is Dec 17. We are at sea the 12/13/17 so go out and enjoy the view and just maybe we will get to see a meteor or 2. Or get up really early...4am...or so and when the moon sets maybe you will see some meteors...

I can't tell you how excited I am about this! Hope the weather cooperates!

Thanks

Barbara

We are scheduled for late dinner at 8:30pm.

Would like to know times for shows first night and afterward.

Thanks!

I understand that we need to be out of the cabin at 7am and the dining room and buffet will be open for breakfast afterward.

Are we assigned a room the night before to await debarkation? Do we have a choice of times to leave/pick up our luggage? (I think RC had a place where you picked colored slips for your luggage based on when you wanted to leave.)

What are the usual times that we may leave the ship? (Hope the luggage delay in Miami is now under control)

We want to meet friends when we leave the ship and I'd like to give them an approximate idea of what time to be there.

Thanks

Barbara

Barbara

urchin videos

 

 

 

 

I really appreciate your help with this!

Barbara

Ouch...I hate to tell you once again you are overthinking...I have done the same myself...

 

the thing about MSC is ...you just can not tell....there are 2 bars by the pool near where the band was...but...they may be crowded

there could be a whole other group there

 

I went on MSC one time and half the ship was Donny and Marie Osmond fans (1/2 charter)....I went on one time and there were about 600 gay guys who took over some bars (no problem, just a fact) plus a very large church/family reunion group...on one cruise my own group was over 100 people and I am sure we "took over" a few venues a couple times...you can NOT predict it

 

So you just cant tell...your phones work in Miami I am sure so call your friends and meetup ...I have had to do this with a group of over 50...you simply can NOT predict...we were able to meet in back of the buffet (larger tables, less crowded) so that is a good choice

 

we had a meet/greet in the (then empty/not open) piano bar....later on at night the Jazz Bar got crowded cause everyone loved the dueling pianos

 

but...plans to meet on deck for fireworks were not so easy...we were pretty split up cause guess what - there are lots of other people there...

 

 

We did find the Plaza de Doges (ice cream/bar etc) a good place to find others...it is pretty small and easy to see around there, usually can get seats...at night they had a good duo (R and B)...and/or a sax player

so that is a good place to find others - and then go up to the Pool area together -

another idea is one couple get seats and phone the others if you have not found them yet :)

Thanks so much!

AT&T had told me that I shouldn't leave my phone on even at the dock in Miami..something to do with possible charges, even there.

Barbara