MSc Divina - Please search before posting a new thread!

[Skipper Tim]

Please be courteous to those who are interested in one of the other twelve ships in the MSC fleet or in MSC in general by not posting new threads on the MSC Divina without first searching to see if the topic has not already been discussed - as it almost certainly has.

 

Many other discussions are being drowned by a sea of repetitive new posts on the Divina relating to queries that could be answered with a few moments of search.

 

Thank you.

 

Tim.

[AmoMondo]

Could not agree more

[moomoocow]

Could not agree more

 

Motion carried!

 

Admins - is it possible to arrange all the Divina posts in their own folder for ease of location?

[hannibal54]

I like to read about the new experiences of people on the Divina now that it is sailing out of Miami. It is rude to ask people not to start new threads. This is Cruise Critic, you can post what you want. If you don't like Divina threads, don't read them.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

I like to read about the new experiences of people on the Divina now that it is sailing out of Miami. It is rude to ask people not to start new threads. This is Cruise Critic, you can post what you want. If you don't like Divina threads, don't read them.

 

no one said NOT to post them, simply check if a similar subject already exists, and continue the discussion within that thread.

 

You can do this within the section you are in, and click the search this thread tab, on the top right corner, insert you query and you WILL find lots of info.

Edited December 1, 2013 by MTL=CRUISEFAMILY

[glittergal1]

I too am a bit fed up with all the Davina threads it is as though the other ships have stopped sailing :(

[Cruisergal1208]

I like to read about the new experiences of people on the Divina now that it is sailing out of Miami. It is rude to ask people not to start new threads. This is Cruise Critic, you can post what you want. If you don't like Divina threads, don't read them.

 

That's right! Just skip them if you are not looking for info on the Divina. Since this is a new ship out of Miami a lot of us are interested in what passengers have to say.

[Skipper Tim]

That's right! Just skip them if you are not looking for info on the Divina. Since this is a new ship out of Miami a lot of us are interested in what passengers have to say.

 

The problem is twofold: 1) many of the other ongoing discussions are dropping off the first page and then not been seen and 2) most of the Divina threads are asking simple questions which have already been answered several times before.

 

People are being very lazy in not reading through existing posts before posting their own thread to the real detriment of the MSC forum. Is it much to ask to search for an existing thread on the same topic before posting it yet again? Such action comes with an associated cost to everyone else and this needs to be pointed out.

 

Tim.

[flag fan]

The focus of a board on one particular ship is not uncommon; it happens whenever there is a new ship. For the Divina this is particularly likely because this site focuses on English-speaking cruisers, the vast majority of whom are from North America, and MSC is specifically targeting North America for the first time. I agree that people should check to see if their question has already been answered, but this focus on Divina is likely to continue. I have not noticed that much redundancy among the posts, certainly not more so than for certain ships on other boards. (I noticed some boards go through periods with a lot of questions about certain ships even when not new; for example, there an inordinate number of posts about the Century and Summit on Celebrity for some reason, even though they are smaller, older ships).

 

Cutting down on the posts about Divina will not make much difference if you are looking for posts about another ship or a non-Caribbean itinerary--there are not likely to be that many. At the time I am writing this, there are only 156 pages of posts for all of MSC since the beginning. Cunard with only 3 ships has 395 pages of posts and Crystal, a luxury line with only 2 ships has 187. The focus on Divina is likely to continue even if some posts are consolidated.

[Skipper Tim]

The focus of a board on one particular ship is not uncommon; it happens whenever there is a new ship. For the Divina this is particularly likely because this site focuses on English-speaking cruisers, the vast majority of whom are from North America, and MSC is specifically targeting North America for the first time. I agree that people should check to see if their question has already been answered, but this focus on Divina is likely to continue. I have not noticed that much redundancy among the posts, certainly not more so than for certain ships on other boards. (I noticed some boards go through periods with a lot of questions about certain ships even when not new; for example, there an inordinate number of posts about the Century and Summit on Celebrity for some reason, even though they are smaller, older ships).

 

Cutting down on the posts about Divina will not make much difference if you are looking for posts about another ship or a non-Caribbean itinerary--there are not likely to be that many. At the time I am writing this, there are only 156 pages of posts for all of MSC since the beginning. Cunard with only 3 ships has 395 pages of posts and Crystal, a luxury line with only 2 ships has 187. The focus on Divina is likely to continue even if some posts are consolidated.

 

Very sensible points and very well-put flag fan. Thank you.

 

I did notice a temporary slowing of new Divina posts after this thread appeared but, yes, you are right, we have to accept the inevitable and deal with it.

 

For others reading this who also feel overwhelmed by the new influx of Divina posters, may I suggest subscribing to each thread of interest ('Forum Tools' upper right) so that we don't all get separated from our interests by the sheer overpowering volume of Divina threads.

 

Divina really needs her own forum. It feels like suddenly we can't talk for the noise.

 

Tim.

[riclop]

I like to read about the new experiences of people on the Divina now that it is sailing out of Miami. It is rude to ask people not to start new threads. This is Cruise Critic, you can post what you want. If you don't like Divina threads, don't read them.

Very well said!!!

[AmoMondo]

I like to read about the new experiences of people on the Divina now that it is sailing out of Miami. It is rude to ask people not to start new threads. This is Cruise Critic, you can post what you want. If you don't like Divina threads, don't read them.

 

You are missing the point. The OP is not being rude at all but very politely asking people not to start duplicate threads. We all expect new the threads of new reviews etc. it is people being too lazy to read other posts to get questions answered and starting duplicate or even triplicate threads on the same question topic that has very recently been posted, that he is trying to discourage.

[sharecruises]

While I do understand the concerns, I must say this must be a delight for MSC and MSC USA....they are finally getting Americans interested in their product and talking about it :)

 

For a long while NO one here in Ft Lauderdale (where they used to sail from) even knew the name haha....now people are asking me about the 3 night cruise, my neighbor is booking on MSC and more people are interested in it.

 

I do think Cruise critic is usa centric - with exception of Thompson and PandO boards.....I don't think many Americans would enjoy that

 

I also think it might be good for the English speakers here to realize that if more Americans become MSC fans they will sail her in Europe also - which means you won't be stuck on a ship with a bunch of people speaking Italian or Turkish or whatever....cause I have certainly seen complaints from Europeans about other Europeans on MSC cruises and language barriers especially with the Russian/Turkish/and such that fewer outsiders speak??

 

Just think - MSC has spent a LOT of money and effort to get top US cruise execs from Celebrity and Royal....and are hiring staff from US based lines...hired a cruise director from Princess...entertainer from Royal and so forth...so ....yeah they are trying to crack the US market. Love us or hate us....there are lots of us...and lots of people who like to cruise here

 

I am sure MSC has hopes of these US cruisers not only supporting Divina but booking European cruises on MSC, maybe bringing another ship over here and such.....you have to admit - we have great weather to sail to year round in the Caribbean....:) I for one am happy to see the local "buzz" about Divina :) It is nice to have a new alternative here

 

Oh yeah and one with Ice water. What a change from my first MSC cruise where we were glared at and even lectured about water with dinner LOL

[riclop]

While I do understand the concerns, I must say this must be a delight for MSC and MSC USA....they are finally getting Americans interested in their product and talking about it :)

 

For a long while NO one here in Ft Lauderdale (where they used to sail from) even knew the name haha....now people are asking me about the 3 night cruise, my neighbor is booking on MSC and more people are interested in it.

 

I do think Cruise critic is usa centric - with exception of Thompson and PandO boards.....I don't think many Americans would enjoy that

 

I also think it might be good for the English speakers here to realize that if more Americans become MSC fans they will sail her in Europe also - which means you won't be stuck on a ship with a bunch of people speaking Italian or Turkish or whatever....cause I have certainly seen complaints from Europeans about other Europeans on MSC cruises and language barriers especially with the Russian/Turkish/and such that fewer outsiders speak??

 

Just think - MSC has spent a LOT of money and effort to get top US cruise execs from Celebrity and Royal....and are hiring staff from US based lines...hired a cruise director from Princess...entertainer from Royal and so forth...so ....yeah they are trying to crack the US market. Love us or hate us....there are lots of us...and lots of people who like to cruise here

 

I am sure MSC has hopes of these US cruisers not only supporting Divina but booking European cruises on MSC, maybe bringing another ship over here and such.....you have to admit - we have great weather to sail to year round in the Caribbean....:) I for one am happy to see the local "buzz" about Divina :) It is nice to have a new alternative here

 

Oh yeah and one with Ice water. What a change from my first MSC cruise where we were glared at and even lectured about water with dinner LOL

Beautiful post. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[marcoigna]

While I do understand the concerns, I must say this must be a delight for MSC and MSC USA....they are finally getting Americans interested in their product and talking about it :)

 

For a long while NO one here in Ft Lauderdale (where they used to sail from) even knew the name haha....now people are asking me about the 3 night cruise, my neighbor is booking on MSC and more people are interested in it.

 

I do think Cruise critic is usa centric - with exception of Thompson and PandO boards.....I don't think many Americans would enjoy that

 

I also think it might be good for the English speakers here to realize that if more Americans become MSC fans they will sail her in Europe also - which means you won't be stuck on a ship with a bunch of people speaking Italian or Turkish or whatever....cause I have certainly seen complaints from Europeans about other Europeans on MSC cruises and language barriers especially with the Russian/Turkish/and such that fewer outsiders speak??

 

Just think - MSC has spent a LOT of money and effort to get top US cruise execs from Celebrity and Royal....and are hiring staff from US based lines...hired a cruise director from Princess...entertainer from Royal and so forth...so ....yeah they are trying to crack the US market. Love us or hate us....there are lots of us...and lots of people who like to cruise here

 

I am sure MSC has hopes of these US cruisers not only supporting Divina but booking European cruises on MSC, maybe bringing another ship over here and such.....you have to admit - we have great weather to sail to year round in the Caribbean....:) I for one am happy to see the local "buzz" about Divina :) It is nice to have a new alternative here

 

Oh yeah and one with Ice water. What a change from my first MSC cruise where we were glared at and even lectured about water with dinner LOL

 

I too agree with ur post - this site is for all and the majority on this board are north American. Hence ".com". Embrace that msc is making a move in this market to grow. Look at all the other lines lines boards - ther is no difference from this one. It will calm down like RCI with the oasis and NCL with the epic - just let nature takes its course until MSC has 4-5 ships over here then all will get back to normal. EMBRACE THEIR GROWTH, COMMITMENT, STRUGGLES, and ACCOMPLISHMENTS. !!!!

[nowaysis]

people need to get a grip, post what you like when you like if about MSC & Divina, these people are still quick to answer your questions, or make sarcastic comments regardless :)

[sidari]

Nowaysis ... Nice to see you are still around .... :D Our review seems to be taking a while to be added but hopefully it will appear a day or two.

Edited December 2, 2013 by sidari

[hannibal54]

The problem is twofold: 1) many of the other ongoing discussions are dropping off the first page and then not been seen and 2) most of the Divina threads are asking simple questions which have already been answered several times before.

 

People are being very lazy in not reading through existing posts before posting their own thread to the real detriment of the MSC forum. Is it much to ask to search for an existing thread on the same topic before posting it yet again? Such action comes with an associated cost to everyone else and this needs to be pointed out.

 

Tim.

 

It sounds like some people are just to lazy to click on page 2.

[Daniela32]

In section Ports of call -> Europe -> Other Meditteranean Ports there is a thread Dubrovnik questions (merged).

In this thread, moderator of that section merges all questions about Dubrovnik to one thread. But if someone put review of that port with pics and comments, it stands as a sperate thread, it's not merged to questions.

I think this is what Tim suggested - questions to one thread, reviews or some special comments can have their own thread.

[sharecruises]

Many of the Divina threads are from recent cruisers (and I think this happens with any new ship)

 

some people are asking a lot of questions - probably cause there are not all that many Americans who have cruised on her

 

As was pointed out - this is a dot.com (usa) site and we are a big country that loves to cruise (with ice water and washcloths haha)

 

MY personal guess is there are probably tons of posts on some Italian forums about MSC...they no doubt discuss the food , the pasta (I have read that Italians have as many words for pasta as Eskimos have for snow haha)....the food, the food, and whatever else :)

I hear Aida ships are beautiful but they are all German language.....I bet they have their own German forums

 

Most other Europeans that don't speak Italian gather on UK boards and/or here ?

 

I see there are UK cruise boards, and while I certainly can "read" and understand them, I didn't return to them as most focus on UK ships like Pand O and ? Thompson and stuff....from reading UK reviews on various lines I gather that our across the pond buddies are concerned about "kettles" in the cabins, they go nuts looking for a way to make tea ? Just like we go crazy searching for ice water LOL

 

Beyond Kettles, I have seen UK reviews of American ships where people don't "get" the comedy/pop references....don't like the food, and especially I have seen (here haha) UK people upset at the southern Europeans who don't know how to "queue" like the British <grin>

 

 

Different strokes for different folks...as I said, Divina has finally got people thinking and talking about MSC....the Fiat cars were a great idea (British Isles might say Brilliant)

 

I am planning a 7 night on Divina and also looking at the Nov cruises for next year...they have one to Panama and Costa Rica that leaves on my Birthday :)

[Skipper Tim]

Many of the Divina threads are from recent cruisers (and I think this happens with any new ship)

 

some people are asking a lot of questions - probably cause there are not all that many Americans who have cruised on her

 

As was pointed out - this is a dot.com (usa) site and we are a big country that loves to cruise (with ice water and washcloths haha)

 

MY personal guess is there are probably tons of posts on some Italian forums about MSC...they no doubt discuss the food , the pasta (I have read that Italians have as many words for pasta as Eskimos have for snow haha)....the food, the food, and whatever else :)

I hear Aida ships are beautiful but they are all German language.....I bet they have their own German forums

 

Most other Europeans that don't speak Italian gather on UK boards and/or here ?

 

I see there are UK cruise boards, and while I certainly can "read" and understand them, I didn't return to them as most focus on UK ships like Pand O and ? Thompson and stuff....from reading UK reviews on various lines I gather that our across the pond buddies are concerned about "kettles" in the cabins, they go nuts looking for a way to make tea ? Just like we go crazy searching for ice water LOL

 

Beyond Kettles, I have seen UK reviews of American ships where people don't "get" the comedy/pop references....don't like the food, and especially I have seen (here haha) UK people upset at the southern Europeans who don't know how to "queue" like the British <grin>

 

 

Different strokes for different folks...as I said, Divina has finally got people thinking and talking about MSC....the Fiat cars were a great idea (British Isles might say Brilliant)

 

I am planning a 7 night on Divina and also looking at the Nov cruises for next year...they have one to Panama and Costa Rica that leaves on my Birthday :)

 

The thing that shocked me about Americans, which I first discovered on the QE2, is that they don't know how to fry an egg. The white should be solid and the yolk cooked on top without turning the egg over!!!! This is achieved either by spooning the hot fat over the egg or, more healthily, frying the egg with a lid over it. Cunard of all lines and they don't know how to fry an egg between them!

 

I must pull you up on the dot.com reference, which I let go once before. 1) Dot.com is a global domain level not an American one ('.us') and 2) Cruise Critic members in the UK are here via cruisecritic.co.uk not .com.

 

Kettles, colloquially known as "tea and coffee making facilities", are a big issue for Brits. Even the lowliest bed & breakfast in the UK has them. I must have read a thousand reviews complaining about the lack of them, the poor queuing skills and the food not being suitable for Brits. That's us, well some of us. I like to feel I am not in my own country when, well, I am not in my own country.

 

The other complaint is that the staff don't speak English. In my experience the staff almost always speak better English than the English guests, just without the latter's inpenetrable accents, colloquialisms and disregard of grammar.

Edited December 3, 2013 by Skipper Tim

[sharecruises]

HaHA Tim....yes when I read about a "kettle" or "tea making facilities" in a review I KNOW they must be from the UK

 

Recent Divinia review someone felt smoking in casino was a true fire hazard and could NOT understand why no kettle - felt it was not a fire hazard I guess

 

Just curious....do people from UK want to make their own (non tea bag) tea OR do they just prefer to have tea before facing the world? I know people who want coffee via room service but don't need a coffee maker

 

 

Regarding the ice water....I guess it is similar here - a ma and pa diner, a cheap buffet, a fast food restaurant will have free ice water (most fast foods have free smaller cups, free ice, a free water dispenser by the soda machine)

 

My first cruise on Poesia (when it was truly more Italian) was interesting as when we came back from Port the buffet was closed (no longer) ...NO ice, no free water....the stewards did not leave ice....a bartender looked down his nose and gave me a juice glass of tepid water with ONE ice cube...and on to dinner at 8:30 where my group was crying for water, ice please...LOL....some of the waiters were so arrogant they guilted people into buying bottled water which again was not cold

 

I had to get firm w maitre d' and even then we were given eye rolls and small glasses of precious aqua

 

Thirsty Americans were always raiding the ice machine when they *slowly filled it...oh the frustration of watching some greedy desperate fellow ice lovers filling huge cups and such haha

 

By last spring MSC had become more agreeable = and we had nice pitchers of ice water at dinner every night BUT we still had the ice frenzy at buffet, rushing from side to side

One side closed and empty of ice...rush to other side....ciao...no ice for you

 

Now...Divina - icy heaven - happy to give ice..2x a day in ice bucket in cabin....icy cold drinks....they totally redid the buffet ice machines and they are big and full ...NEVER Empty ...Happy Cruisers

 

Tho I guess there were some British people poking around the cabin searching for kettle?? And some Americans were crying about washclothes haha

 

Hey on our Carnival board many complain of the sometimes garish decor but we can tell someone from UK - "Food was nice and many desserts had a good flavour but horrible decor and colours and whilst looking for a Kettle I was told it was not allowed - NO kettle in the cabin"

 

LOL....right? Just curious....do they allow Kettles in the cabin on the (mostly) British lines?? P and O....Thompson....Cunard??

 

 

<huge evil grin> ...cheers :)