Divina extreme reviews, is it the Divina, or the Reviewers!

[Wookiee]

I never had a problem taking a drink with me to the shows on Fantasia...:)

[American Bear]

I never had a problem taking a drink with me to the shows on Fantasia...:)

 

We also saw many people bring their drinks in with them on the Divina, which kept the waiters out of the theater!:D

Just wish they had a no cell phone, no I-Pad policy inside the theater, or enforced it if they do!:D

[maryann2]

Right you are Mike, the Divina's no smoking on balconies is terrific, and all other cruise lines should follow!:D

How many times we've opened up our balcony door 'on other cruise lines' only to be met with a cloud of smoke from nearby smokers!:mad:

Has anyone ever walked through a casino 'on another cruise line' and not smelled like smoke afterwards?!

As you can see from my comments, I'm an unabashed non-smoker! Sorry smokers!

Carnival is banning smoking on balconies starting in October:cool:.

Not many cruise lines allow it now. I think Norwegian is the only one.

I remember the outcry when Celebrity first did it.

[American Bear]

Carnival is banning smoking on balconies starting in October:cool:.

Not many cruise lines allow it now. I think Norwegian is the only one.

I remember the outcry when Celebrity first did it.

 

Right you are Maryann2, I saw the thread on Carnival also, but the others still allow smoking in the casino which wasn't allowed during the 2 weeks we cruised on Divina in May! I know because we spent extra time losing there!:D

As large as the Allure's casino is, we were sitting in the non-smoking area, and still were forced out of there by the smoke!

[cruiseclues]

We'll be going on the 7 Night MSC Divina January 24th, 2015 and we'd like to vote for the great food...and hope we are right, but we will enjoy our cruise because we always do...and will be taking photos of most things especially the food, menus of all kinds, Dailies & more. :):):):)

[American Bear]

We'll be going on the 7 Night MSC Divina January 24th, 2015 and we'd like to vote for the great food...and hope we are right, but we will enjoy our cruise because we always do...and will be taking photos of most things especially the food, menus of all kinds, Dailies & more.

 

Look forward to your reviews!:)

We enjoyed the food everywhere on the ship, the Restaurant, the buffet, the sports bar, Caffe Italia, La Cantina di Bacco, and room service on our balcony!:eek:

If you drink alcohol, there are no better deals the MSC allegissimo pkges for all you can drink, or the coupon books for lighter drinkers! :D

And don't forget to try the gelato!:D

It seems everyone takes a turn of picture taking on those beautiful Swarovski crystal staircases!

[American Bear]

1) the pizza and pasta took over the buffet!

No pasta or pizza here!

 

2) can't find a place to sit in the buffet!

no seats here?

 

no seats here either?

Now those of you who are going to say 'maybe the buffet was closed when these pics. were taken', remember the Divina buffet is open 22 hours a day!

 

3) The pizza station was a mess!

Not here!

 

4) The ship was boring!

There is no belly flop contest, and there is no 'I can't sing' karaoke contests, but there are the following,,

the beautiful Pantheon Theater with 2 shows a night,

the non-smoking casino,

the 4 D cinema,

the F-1 simulator,

8 shops to shop in,

an exercise room,

the sports arena where groups can play basketball, tennis, football, or volleyball,

multiple bars many with live entertainment,

the least expensive drinks, and best drink pkges. we've seen on a cruise ship,

multiple pools, and spas,

an out door theater at night that played movies and concerts,

if you were still bored, well it just might be you!:D

 

5) the portions were too small,

So order more, its FREE!!!

 

6)No jogging track!

Sink the ship, no jogging track would ruin my cruise!

 

We love our negative cruisers, they let us know how wonderful the rest of us are!:D

[NathUK]

Why would I care if you agree with me. You were not there when I got raw bacon when I asked for well done or when I constantly had to turn completley around to select bread from a assistant waiter who didn't have a clue about waiting on passangers.

 

Pax et bonum,

Kevin

 

Oh noes. I hope it was bacon and not proscriutto. Either way, send it back asking it to be cooked more. State can I have bread please rather than lunging. This is not end of the world stuff.

[Aza1972]

When someone uses the phrase "waited on" they lose my respect. Ffs you precious people get over it. I am sure you would complain just as much in everyday life. There are much bigger issues in life. Be thankful you are alive, well and are able to afford such luxuries like a cruise....unlike 97% of the worlds population.

[AmoMondo]

When someone uses the phrase "waited on" they lose my respect. Ffs you precious people get over it. I am sure you would complain just as much in everyday life. There are much bigger issues in life. Be thankful you are alive, well and are able to afford such luxuries like a cruise....unlike 97% of the worlds population.

 

This is when I wish CC had a Like button like FB!

[JessicaB]

Hi AmoMondo, after cruising Armonia March/April this year I was so impressed with MSC booked 10night Caribbean on Divinia 11th November 2015. What made my Armonia one of best cruises been on (31 of them) was meeting friendly people like you from CC roll call. Thanks for showing me around ports in Spain and Malta. Wendy (JessicaB)

[AmoMondo]

Hi AmoMondo, after cruising Armonia March/April this year I was so impressed with MSC booked 10night Caribbean on Divinia 11th November 2015. What made my Armonia one of best cruises been on (31 of them) was meeting friendly people like you from CC roll call. Thanks for showing me around ports in Spain and Malta. Wendy (JessicaB)

 

Hi Wendy, great to hear from you.

 

The Armonia trip was one of my favourites too, for the same reason as you. I'm booked for the Divina next year but I'm doing the Med in June. Going to combine it with 5 nights on land in Sorrento and Positano.

 

I'm off to your part of the world at the end of next month. Finally settled on Hong Kong, Sydney, Denarau, Main Beach and finishing up in Perth 3 weeks later. Think you have a cruise next month? Hope you have a ball!

[JessicaB]

Hi AmoMondo, yes I have 3Celebrity cruises this year, 12night South Pacific 10-22October, 11night Holy Land 25Oct-5November and 16night Transatlantic Rome/Fort Lauderdale 5-21Nov. All booked with future cruise deposits bought

last year and good single inside prices. Only home for 2nights from 1st cruise until fly to Istanbul to start Holy Land. Air fares expensive here for long overseas flights. Your next month trip sounds fantastic - pity I wont be home as may have met you somewhere. Love resorts on Denaru - cruised there couple years ago. If want email is wendy underscore at yahoo dot com

[Skipper Tim]

Hi AmoMondo, yes I have 3Celebrity cruises this year, 12night South Pacific 10-22October, 11night Holy Land 25Oct-5November and 16night Transatlantic Rome/Fort Lauderdale 5-21Nov. All booked with future cruise deposits bought

last year and good single inside prices. Only home for 2nights from 1st cruise until fly to Istanbul to start Holy Land. Air fares expensive here for long overseas flights. Your next month trip sounds fantastic - pity I wont be home as may have met you somewhere. Love resorts on Denaru - cruised there couple years ago. If want email is wendy underscore at yahoo dot com

 

Hi Wendy! I also have a future cruise voucher for Celebrity which I fully intended using on a repo. The problem is all Celebrity repos involve the U.S. at one end. My last three experiences of U.S. Immigration has been so tortuous and degrading I vowed never to return at least until assurances can be given that things have drastically improved. Hence, I am waiting for a good value for solos, which probably means a repositioning, cruise with Celebrity which is not to or from the U.S. To or from Australia or the Far East would be perfect.

 

Enjoy your cruise season!

[AmoMondo]

Hi AmoMondo, yes I have 3Celebrity cruises this year, 12night South Pacific 10-22October, 11night Holy Land 25Oct-5November and 16night Transatlantic Rome/Fort Lauderdale 5-21Nov. All booked with future cruise deposits bought

last year and good single inside prices. Only home for 2nights from 1st cruise until fly to Istanbul to start Holy Land. Air fares expensive here for long overseas flights. Your next month trip sounds fantastic - pity I wont be home as may have met you somewhere. Love resorts on Denaru - cruised there couple years ago. If want email is wendy underscore at yahoo dot com

 

Hi just tried to email you but it was returned undelivered. Was there meant to be something between _ and @?

[JessicaB]

wendy_maddock@yahoo.com

Hi just tried to email you but it was returned undelivered. Was there meant to be something between _ and @?

[JessicaB]

Hi Tim, I have also booked Celebrity Century Asia cruise 8th May 2015 that I bought as package - 3night pre cruise, 14night cruise plus return airfares with solo inside au$3400 which I thought was good price. Have used all my vouchers for Celebrity but have one for MSC which wont get to use. Booked 10night Divina Caribbean 11Nov 2015 which I felt excellent price for singles au$849 with member discount. Booked that cruise as doing 14night RCI Serenade Quebec/Fort Lauderdale that ends FLL 2nd Nov. and seeing such long flight book another cruise while there - maybe book short cruise to fill in time between 2nd Nov-11th Nov.? Had to buy e visa for Holy Land cruise as starts Istanbul - was US$60 for 60days even though arrive same day as cruise starts. I know what you mean about US Immigration, photos, fingerprints etc. Your yacht/cruising sound amazing and hopefully get some great solo prices soon!!! Wendy

Hi Wendy! I also have a future cruise voucher for Celebrity which I fully intended using on a repo. The problem is all Celebrity repos involve the U.S. at one end. My last three experiences of U.S. Immigration has been so tortuous and degrading I vowed never to return at least until assurances can be given that things have drastically improved. Hence, I am waiting for a good value for solos, which probably means a repositioning, cruise with Celebrity which is not to or from the U.S. To or from Australia or the Far East would be perfect.

 

Enjoy your cruise season!

[AlbertusMagnus]

I read all of the reviews I can, and realize that cruise dining is very subjective. However, there seems to be a constant trend when reviewers address the food service on the Divina. Using Cruise Critics own critique as to how to read a review, it doesn't look good. I am going anyway, but I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully, MSC is aware of the perception of their food service and realizes that "perception is reality." Also, I have not read one good review of the gym, most commenting that there aren't nearly enough machines, bikes and equipment for over 3800 passengers. Anyone have any positive reports, other than to admonish this American for expecting too much, and of being unaware of the European way of doing things. I don't buy that!!!! my parents were born in Italy, and I have spent a lot of time there and in Europe. I expect what everyone should expect. Acceptable dining options and a gym comparable to 90% of all cruise ships.

Ciao,

Alberto

[American Bear]

I read all of the reviews I can, and realize that cruise dining is very subjective. However, there seems to be a constant trend when reviewers address the food service on the Divina. Using Cruise Critics own critique as to how to read a review, it doesn't look good. I am going anyway, but I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully, MSC is aware of the perception of their food service and realizes that "perception is reality." Also, I have not read one good review of the gym, most commenting that there aren't nearly enough machines, bikes and equipment for over 3800 passengers. Anyone have any positive reports, other than to admonish this American for expecting too much, and of being unaware of the European way of doing things. I don't buy that!!!! my parents were born in Italy, and I have spent a lot of time there and in Europe. I expect what everyone should expect. Acceptable dining options and a gym comparable to 90% of all cruise ships.

Ciao,

Alberto

 

Service is subjective too!

As far as food service goes, we never spent more the 90 minutes in the dining room, which was about the time we always spent in other cruise ship dining rooms! You want to eat fast, eat in the buffet!

We never waited an unreasonable time for drinks, or anything else on the ship! Every time we walked up to a bar, we had drinks in our hands within 5 mins., maybe that's too long for some! Maybe they're too important to wait for others in front of them, who knows!:eek:

Some complain the portions are too small, there's complaints about that on every cruise line, just order more, its free!:eek:

Actually we waited far more on the Allure and we have D+ benefits!

Can't tell you about the gym as there were too many other things to do that interested us more!

As far as the reviewers go, some say the pasta is overcooked, some say the pasta is undercooked, while still others say its great, the only thing 'you can buy' from the reviews is what you think after your cruise!

In over 20 plus years of cruising, we never had a perfect cruise, but we've enjoyed every one!:D

You want to have a good, enjoyable cruise you will!:D

Edited September 27, 2014 by American Bear

[oreosmile]

Also, I have not read one good review of the gym, most commenting that there aren't nearly enough machines, bikes and equipment for over 3800 passengers. ... I expect what everyone should expect. Acceptable dining options and a gym comparable to 90% of all cruise ships.

Ciao,

Alberto

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HFWYEwckBd4

 

I haven't experienced it yet, but it seems in line with other ships that I have been on. All 3800 passengers will not be gym enthusiasts.

[Skipper Tim]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HFWYEwckBd4

 

I haven't experienced it yet, but it seems in line with other ships that I have been on. All 3800 passengers will not be gym enthusiasts.

 

I imagine most of those complaining about the crowds are of the herd mentality. If you appreciate space, peace and good service just head the opposite direction to the crowds. When the weather is great, below decks is almost deserted. When it is poor, the service on pool deck is amazing. Be leaving breakfast as most are arriving and you will have had a team of waiters just for you. Let the crowds go ashore when you arrive in port and enjoy the peace onboard. Go ashore after an early lunch in the MDR just as the masses are returning for theirs. The gym is no different. Either go when it first opens before an early breakfast or during the first dinner sitting and you will find it wonderfully quiet.

 

It doesn't take much effort to increase your personal space-to-passenger and staff-to-passenger ratios and have a more leisurely, unhurried and enjoyable cruise with better service as a result - almost like being on a different ship to those who write the negative reviews.

[oreosmile]

The gym is no different. Either go when it first opens before an early breakfast or during the first dinner sitting and you will find it wonderfully quiet.

 

It doesn't take much effort to increase your personal space-to-passenger and staff-to-passenger ratios and have a more leisurely, unhurried and enjoyable cruise with better service as a result - almost like being on a different ship to those who write the negative reviews.

 

I agree... Open up the gym and you will have choice of the machines and can probably spend more than the time limit before the crowds come. And often you have the added bonus of watching the ship arrive in port.

 

If the cardio machines are busy, make yourself a circuit on the weight machines - often they are under utilized.

[Willow1686]

I have yet to sail with MSC, having got very cross with them when they refused to allow me to travel in the Yacht Club as a solo at any price in the summer, but I've really enjoyed reading this thread; a lot of helpful information, together with good humoured repartee to those cruisers determined to go down to the garden and eat worms.

 

I've just come back from the Star Flyer, where everything is in German, English and French, though there are people from countries beyond that; I met a wonderful couple from Sweden.

 

It's therefore found an unique way of getting round the menu problem. They put out sample plates of all the main dinner dishes in the late afternoon so we can see what they actually look like before ordering! I thought that exceeding clever of them...

[Skipper Tim]

I have yet to sail with MSC, having got very cross with them when they refused to allow me to travel in the Yacht Club as a solo at any price in the summer, but I've really enjoyed reading this thread; a lot of helpful information, together with good humoured repartee to those cruisers determined to go down to the garden and eat worms.

 

I've just come back from the Star Flyer, where everything is in German, English and French, though there are people from countries beyond that; I met a wonderful couple from Sweden.

 

It's therefore found an unique way of getting round the menu problem. They put out sample plates of all the main dinner dishes in the late afternoon so we can see what they actually look like before ordering! I thought that exceeding clever of them...

 

I doubt that will be an option on MSC as the menus are different for every meal, there are six courses and each has multiple choices. Even if you were on 2nd sitting and went at 1st just to inspect, there would be an awful lot to remember.

 

My advice to help with 'the menu problem' is threefold.

 

1) MSC's menus are in five or six languages. Check a couple of other languages to cross reference an item you think you understand or for clues for those you don't.

2) When something arrives at the table as a 'surprise' relative to its menu description, memorise it. That is the new meaning of its menu description.

3) Ask the waiter to tell the chef to send whatever is best.

 

Plenty of wine also helps.

[Willow1686]

Skipper Tim

 

Strange as it may seem to you, the menus on Star Flyer are different for every meal and there are six courses at dinner with multiple choices. Admittedly, there are only 160 passengers, which makes inspecting said choices a great deal easier; it wouldn't be viable on big ships but it was exceedingly useful when careful reading of the English, French and German menus still left us completely baffled as to what it was.

 

Lots of wine helps just about everything...