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

[legion3]

Better price for a better cabin on a much better ship doing a much better itinerary.

 

If you never got to sail on MSC then how do you know HAL is a much better ship?

you seem biased.

[Mattingly23]

Your paradigm is lacking such a small thing like cruise ship.

Do you think all cruise ships are the same??

"Imagine 4000 people on a ship like the Divina" with high density PAX per square incn, no promenade deck, no observation deck, premium public space cut off public access, premium sun deck for fee, no free alternative dining options except less than perfect buffet, no proper spa and kids "sail free".

 

Now imagine the same 4000 people (with the same family, travel, business and health problems) on a spacious comfortable ship with first class amenities, great food with free alternatives and upscale specialty options.

 

Don't you see the difference? Rhetorical question.

 

 

Here's another rhetorical question: Have you actually been on the ship you're critiquing?

[cruisetrail]

Better price for a better cabin on a much better ship doing a much better itinerary.

 

If you never got to sail on MSC then how do you know HAL is a much better ship?

 

It's not a problem for experienced cruisers.

I've cruised on similar ships.

 

How I was trying to cruise on MSC Divina - detailed research with pics and cabin numbers..

[Mattingly23]

It's not a problem for experienced cruisers.

I've cruised on similar ships.

 

How I was trying to cruise on MSC Divina - detailed research with pics and cabin numbers..

 

12 words and no answer? Only one word is required to answer.

[AmoMondo]

I digress, but in reference to the chair hogs, the lounge chair companies that provide ships with their supply should install a small "egg timer" type of device (that cannot be tampered with) on each chair. If you are on the chair, great. If you get up to swim or get a drink, just set the timer for 30 minutes. When the timer is at zero and you are not back, you're out of luck; things get moved (and you can't extend the 30 minute timer while it is going, and you can only reset it to start again after a 5 minute reset period). LOLOLOLOL I'm always thinking! Thank goodness I live in Florida and the last place I want to be on a cruise ship is out in the sun on a lounge chair.

 

Can you IMAGINE the anger in the reviews if they actually did something like this?!

 

I love this idea. Let's not stop at cruise ships either, let's include hotels too!

 

The funniest thing I saw was on a cruise in the Indian Ocan around Madagascar, Seychelles and Mauritius. I'd not done my research fully, so had inadvertently booked for one of the wettest months of the year. It doesn't rain all day though, just very short showers throughout most days. Notwithstanding this, the chair hogs duly booked their sunbeds every day with towels, by mid morning they were soaking wet, so pool attendants cleared them. You should have seen their faces when they came back from their excursions ashore or lunch or whatever and their towels were all gone each time and new people were on "their" beds with new dry towels. The weird thing was they continued to do this for the entire 14 night cruise, to no avail!

[jhogan]

When I select a cabin, I gather as many ship pics as I can to see where my cabin will most likely be. Here in this pic of the Divina, I can clearly see that for most of Deck 8, I do not want to be on a mid ship balcony because I do not want to look at the life boats. So you are correct that you looked down at the life boats but, not obstructed as you looked out at the ocean.

 

I understand your frustrations, but as you said that you were on over 30 prior cruises. I personally, having been on that many cruises, would have known that the "Deal" I was getting was going to come with a price tag somewhere else, like maybe an obstructed view.

 

Having said that, I will always take into consideration when choosing a cabin, what is above me (like a pool deck that could have deck chairs moving, sliding "creeeek" on the ceiling all night), where the disco is (not wanting the thump, thump, thump) an aft cabin that spits water from up above (either from the pool or window washing equipment). by the elevator to hear the loud drunks like myself getting off at 2 in the morning, or an obstructed view from my balcony. I study the pictures available and look at the cabins available and after satisfied with my research, then make a decision.

 

Due diligence is a wonderful thing and I trust nothing to glossy brochures or websites anymore.

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/MSC_Divina_a_Istanbul.JPG

 

I agree with all your points in the 3rd paragraph but I never said that I was getting a "deal" when I booked the cruise.

The fact that you had to use links other than MSC's site confirms the fact that MSC does not indicate the cabins with obstructed views. This is the practice with the most if not all other lines. It would seem the only website not worth trusting is MSC's.

[American Bear]

The sun deck on the Divina may be crowded, I'll let you know after our May cruises, but I've yet to see a cruise ship without a crowded sun deck on a sea day! Try one of the Oasis class RCL ships sun deck with 5,000 on board, its crowded!

Them chair hogs are everywhere,! Maybe an electrical shock if you come back after 30 minutes, and the size of the shock increases for the longer you hogged the chair!:eek:

 

That being said, I'm usually in the Casino anyway on sea days, as laying out in the sun is no big deal for us! We live on the Gulf Coast of Florida and we got the sun in our back yard every day, and the best beaches in the world only a short drive away!

Now the Divina is a smoke free casino, I like that, but there is no casino club, I'll miss that, I've actually received free cruises on other lines casino clubs, but you can't have everything, so I'll still enjoy my opera drink (for you cruiseguys) in the casino!:D

 

Beauty in a ship isn't just the sun deck, or the promenade, but also your cabin, and all the 'inside' public spaces, and from the photos I've seen, the Divina is one cute baby:D I'll let you know after our May cruise!

Edited March 4, 2014 by Russian Bear

[resstation]

Russian Bear - We are also from Florida (Tampa Bay) and spend quite a bit of time in the casino.

 

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[SeaYa52]

I agree with you Bosjoe!

We are also Diamond members of RCL, and let me tell you that not one cruise I've been on with RCL, (including Celebrity, and Carnival), was perfect, or even close to it! And that includes the best in the Oasis class to the smallest in the Monarch and Majesty, and most in between!

But I've never had a cruise that wasn't worth the money we paid! Maybe we were lucky, maybe we aren't too picky, whatever!

I guess I'm stubborn, I'd never let a ship, some crew, some passengers, or something on the ship I don't like ruin an entire week in my life!:D

Honestly, if I saw a couple bugs in my cabin, I'd kill them! I'd just figure the last passenger in that cabin brought them in! Again a couple bugs wouldn't cause me to loose any sleep, but that's me!

But then again, those chair hogs, maybe the death penalty for them!:D

 

I couldn't agree more! I am looking forward to trying MSC for the first time. They have offered an unbelievable deal to lure customers - I plan to make the most of this opportunity. I can honestly say I have never had a bad time on a cruise ( I will skip remembering the too many rum punches on a Pirate Adventure in Antigua) and I plan to make the most of this adventure too!

 

 

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[American Bear]

I totally agree with you!

From the pictures I've seen of the Divina, the chance to explore, and experience something different in a European style cruise, and the price we got for our 2 weeks in a balcony that was less then the least expensive ocean view for the same time period on any other cruise line, I can say we are very, very satisfied!:D

And no I don't expect everything to go perfectly, I've never been on a cruise that went perfectly, but I won't let that distract us from enjoying our 2 weeks at sea!

 

After reading some negative reviews, you are struck by their view that 'nothing' was good, 'nothing' went right, and that's simply bizarre!

Another person on this thread complains about a ship they've never been on, but have tried 2x to get on, now that's bizarre! Why try to get on a ship you don't like?!:eek:

 

Some people see a half filled glass of water as 'half empty', while others see it as 'half full' ! I prefer to see it as half full !:D Life is easier, and more fun that way!

 

I can only hope MSC continues their aggressive prices, as we will be Black loyalty members very quickly! Are you listening MSC?!

[American Bear]

'there were 4 of us at the bar, there were 4 workers behind the bar, and we waited '5 minutes', until 'we' finally had to ask for a drink!

They're complaining because they wouldn't/couldn't call out to a bar tender, and ask for a drink!

Imagine waiting 5 whole minute for your own fault, for a drink, you could die of thirst!:D

Now there's fun people to be around!

 

Original question,,,'is it the Divina or the reviewer', on this one its the reviewer!

Edited March 5, 2014 by Russian Bear

[cruisetrail]

Another person on this thread complains about a ship they've never been on, but have tried 2x to get on, now that's bizarre! Why try to get on a ship you don't like?!:eek:

 

 

Why do you think I "complain"?

Where did you see a word of complain in my research?:D

When a doctor says that you/me/he/she has flu, is he "complaining"?

 

I will cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy if it happens on the right time for the right price. The Divina is not an exception either.

 

My friend, not seeing the difference between cruise vacation and ship reviews - that's bizarre! :):)

Edited March 6, 2014 by cruisetrail

[Bosjoe]

'there were 4 of us at the bar, there were 4 workers behind the bar, and we waited '5 minutes', until 'we' finally had to ask for a drink!

They're complaining because they wouldn't/couldn't call out to a bar tender, and ask for a drink!

Imagine waiting 5 whole minute for your own fault, for a drink, you could die of thirst!:D

Now there's fun people to be around!

 

Original question,,,'is it the Divina or the reviewer', on this one its the reviewer!

 

hmmm reviewer. :) I thought the bar service was exceptional on my cruise. The casinio bar had 2-3 bartenders with 1-2 servers walking around the casino. Depending on how busy there were. I spent most of my time at the pool bars and the casino bars. Black and white third when it was busy and they had quite a few workers. The servers did not walk up to the table games as much, if you make eye contact or ask the dealer to call them over they came. There was a group of 5-10 of us every night and never had an issue. Will service slow down when its busy, hell yeah especially mid afternoon at the pool bars.

Edited March 6, 2014 by Bosjoe

[American Bear]

Why do you think I "complain"?

Where did you see a word of complain in my research?:D

When a doctor says that you/me/he/she has flu, is he "complaining"?

 

I will cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy if it happens on the right time for the right price. The Divina is not an exception either.

 

My friend, not seeing the difference between cruise vacation and ship reviews - that's bizarre! :):)

 

Making up reviews for ships you've never been on is bizarre!

Do you not wonder why so many are questioning your motives?

Please, move on to another cruise line!

[American Bear]

Anyone who wants an excellant review of the Divina, should look no further then your review Bosjoe, it was one of the best!:D

[cruisetrail]

Making up reviews for ships you've never been on is bizarre!

Do you not wonder why so many are questioning your motives?

Please, move on to another cruise line!

 

No, my friend. You have not answered my question (#87). :)

Edited March 6, 2014 by cruisetrail

[resstation]

If anyone on these boards gets upset by someone else's posts so much that it ruins or makes their cruise less special than it would have been, it is most definitely their own problem. Wow. I may not like what another person has posted (and in this case, I'm not a fan) but WHO CARES? Dozens of posts back and forth. So juvenile. And hilarious entertainment. Carry on.

[cruisetrail]

That's true.

But I see no problem in dicussing aspects of cruise reviews or cruise ships reviews.

It's interesting.

However, intelligent dialogues require answering questions that were asked before asking new questions.

 

We can discuss my research. I would appreciate it if someone finds incorrect facts about the ships I compare. I will post corrections right away. :)

Edited March 6, 2014 by cruisetrail

[Bosjoe]

Anyone who wants an excellant review of the Divina, should look no further then your review Bosjoe, it was one of the best!:D

 

Thank you, I will say when I first chose this ship it was based on the price for a single cruises compare to my 2 main cruise lines that was 200%. I started to read the reviews before I actually book 2 weeks prior, after reading the far negative ones, I come to realize these people there is no pleasing and its not just this cruise line. I had slight reservations on going, but as it turn out it has been one of my best cruises. Everything was not perfect, I knew they had a big turnover of crew and sometimes these take time. I saw it at the bars with the new bartenders working slower measuring every drop, then I found the bar tenders that pour so well. Look for the island people I said. I remember the smiling island lady working at one of the bars in the morning before we got off to the private island. She was happy, humming away and I spoke to her by name once I saw her name tag. She said have a wonderful day sweetie, it looks like a great day. So much for all the staff that these people say are grumpy.

 

I can see how the RSVP cruise and the dining room staff couldn't handle it. It was open seating come when you want. These workers are more adept for 2 seatings and with new workers who never done this probably got overwhelmed.

 

SHIP happens. Enjoy the air the sunset and warm weather, enjoy the people you meet and family your with. Thats what makes the cruise.

[KevintheIrishDJ]

If anyone on these boards gets upset by someone else's posts so much that it ruins or makes their cruise less special than it would have been, it is most definitely their own problem. Wow. I may not like what another person has posted (and in this case, I'm not a fan) but WHO CARES? Dozens of posts back and forth. So juvenile. And hilarious entertainment. Carry on.

 

Yes. That is what CC is all about. Sharing your experience, not telling another member their thread is wrong.

 

Pax et bonum,

Kevin

[alexkrn46]

That's true.

But I see no problem in dicussing aspects of cruise reviews or cruise ships reviews.

It's interesting.

However, intelligent dialogues require answering questions that were asked before asking new questions.

 

We can discuss my research. I would appreciate it if someone finds incorrect facts about the ships I compare. I will post corrections right away. :)

 

You choose facts your determine by your criteria.

 

My criteria number one criteria is a safe and clean ship.

 

Events at Sea 2014

 

 

MCS- one missed port

 

Holland America- 5 ranging from RAPE, Norovirus, 88 year old going missing

 

Events at Sea:

 

MSC 4 incidents Dumping garbage, Union issues, and one 87 dying on the ship

 

Holland America 14 Numerous Noro cases, 2 fires, and other issues.

 

So if you want a cruise line with a history of Noro, Fires, and rape Holland America is for you.

 

If you want the most experienced fleet and newest fleet choose MSC.

[big al]

People who make comparisons OR make negative comments about cruise lines or ships they HAVE NOT sailed are invalid- let me make an analogy and true story: one night about 8 of my friends & I were discussing steak houses and which ones we thought were the best. I have eaten many times at Ruth Chris, Capital Grille, and Morton's, as well as Smith & Wolinski, The Palm and a few others that are local..many for business, some for social events..a few people kept harping on saying they thought Morton's was the best..after a few minutes of going back & forth, I finally asked if they had tried the truffled fries at the Capital Grille, and those people who were the Morton's people said, "actually, I've never dined at The Capital Grille"...I went,"how can you discuss various steak houses IF you've never dined at some of the primary ones we're discussing?"

 

I have cruised 30 times on RCI ( Diamond), Carnival, HAL, Princess, Disney, NCL , and Celebrity. I have not cruised on Costa or MSC. THEREFORE, my opinions on those ships are worthless & invalid ..I never give an opinion on something I know nothing about OR have not experienced first hand...another good one is I never thought I'd cruise Disney because I'm a senior, no kids, got married in my 40's, and thought Disney ships were not for me-until my wife & cruised on a 3 night Disney Wonder cruise in 2006..WOW! Was I wrong! Service, shows, food in the MDR & Palo ( $$) were simply amaaaazzzing..cabins were great- love the 2 bathrooms! LOVED the rotation dining and the service staff following you to your new dining venue every night- very cool...OK, Disney is not for everyone..if you like to gamble, no casinos..lots of kids, although they have adult pools, adult dining, adult lounges & bars,etc...we LOVED it so much, we just went on a 4 night Disney Dream this past November, and it was even better..BLEW away all the others in buffet, production shows ( except Oasis's Hairspray) , service, MDR food ( subjective but I thought it was better than all the above cruise lines), cabin was spectacular, and their private island, Castaway Cay, is unrivaled IMO ( HAL'S Half Moon Cay is 2nd IMO)..

 

My whole point is..........Don't knock it till you try it!! There are ALOT of posters who have ZERO credibility saying they wouldn't cruise MSC because they heard this , or they read that...some people say to me, "oh I've never cruised any line other than XXX"...well, fine, if you want to be that restrictive in your choices, FINE, BUT DON'T KNOCK OTHER CRUISE LINES YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT......just my HO

 

Big Al

[legion3]

The price for HAL has never been competitive for us when we look to book. But neither has Celebrity. Neither has the Faux luxury we want this next cruise. MSC and NCL do but NCL is way more pricey right now for our cruise window.

 

If you wanted to do the faux luxury would you go MSC Yacht club or NCL Haven? Why or why not?

[SeaYa52]

People who make comparisons OR make negative comments about cruise lines or ships they HAVE NOT sailed are invalid- let me make an analogy and true story: one night about 8 of my friends & I were discussing steak houses and which ones we thought were the best. I have eaten many times at Ruth Chris, Capital Grille, and Morton's, as well as Smith & Wolinski, The Palm and a few others that are local..many for business, some for social events..a few people kept harping on saying they thought Morton's was the best..after a few minutes of going back & forth, I finally asked if they had tried the truffled fries at the Capital Grille, and those people who were the Morton's people said, "actually, I've never dined at The Capital Grille"...I went,"how can you discuss various steak houses IF you've never dined at some of the primary ones we're discussing?"

 

I have cruised 30 times on RCI ( Diamond), Carnival, HAL, Princess, Disney, NCL , and Celebrity. I have not cruised on Costa or MSC. THEREFORE, my opinions on those ships are worthless & invalid ..I never give an opinion on something I know nothing about OR have not experienced first hand...another good one is I never thought I'd cruise Disney because I'm a senior, no kids, got married in my 40's, and thought Disney ships were not for me-until my wife & cruised on a 3 night Disney Wonder cruise in 2006..WOW! Was I wrong! Service, shows, food in the MDR & Palo ( $$) were simply amaaaazzzing..cabins were great- love the 2 bathrooms! LOVED the rotation dining and the service staff following you to your new dining venue every night- very cool...OK, Disney is not for everyone..if you like to gamble, no casinos..lots of kids, although they have adult pools, adult dining, adult lounges & bars,etc...we LOVED it so much, we just went on a 4 night Disney Dream this past November, and it was even better..BLEW away all the others in buffet, production shows ( except Oasis's Hairspray) , service, MDR food ( subjective but I thought it was better than all the above cruise lines), cabin was spectacular, and their private island, Castaway Cay, is unrivaled IMO ( HAL'S Half Moon Cay is 2nd IMO)..

 

My whole point is..........Don't knock it till you try it!! There are ALOT of posters who have ZERO credibility saying they wouldn't cruise MSC because they heard this , or they read that...some people say to me, "oh I've never cruised any line other than XXX"...well, fine, if you want to be that restrictive in your choices, FINE, BUT DON'T KNOCK OTHER CRUISE LINES YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT......just my HO

 

Big Al

 

I completely agree Big Al! :D

[American Bear]

People who make comparisons OR make negative comments about cruise lines or ships they HAVE NOT sailed are invalid- let me make an analogy and true story: one night about 8 of my friends & I were discussing steak houses and which ones we thought were the best. I have eaten many times at Ruth Chris, Capital Grille, and Morton's, as well as Smith & Wolinski, The Palm and a few others that are local..many for business, some for social events..a few people kept harping on saying they thought Morton's was the best..after a few minutes of going back & forth, I finally asked if they had tried the truffled fries at the Capital Grille, and those people who were the Morton's people said, "actually, I've never dined at The Capital Grille"...I went,"how can you discuss various steak houses IF you've never dined at some of the primary ones we're discussing?"

 

I have cruised 30 times on RCI ( Diamond), Carnival, HAL, Princess, Disney, NCL , and Celebrity. I have not cruised on Costa or MSC. THEREFORE, my opinions on those ships are worthless & invalid ..I never give an opinion on something I know nothing about OR have not experienced first hand...another good one is I never thought I'd cruise Disney because I'm a senior, no kids, got married in my 40's, and thought Disney ships were not for me-until my wife & cruised on a 3 night Disney Wonder cruise in 2006..WOW! Was I wrong! Service, shows, food in the MDR & Palo ( $$) were simply amaaaazzzing..cabins were great- love the 2 bathrooms! LOVED the rotation dining and the service staff following you to your new dining venue every night- very cool...OK, Disney is not for everyone..if you like to gamble, no casinos..lots of kids, although they have adult pools, adult dining, adult lounges & bars,etc...we LOVED it so much, we just went on a 4 night Disney Dream this past November, and it was even better..BLEW away all the others in buffet, production shows ( except Oasis's Hairspray) , service, MDR food ( subjective but I thought it was better than all the above cruise lines), cabin was spectacular, and their private island, Castaway Cay, is unrivaled IMO ( HAL'S Half Moon Cay is 2nd IMO)..

 

My whole point is..........Don't knock it till you try it!! There are ALOT of posters who have ZERO credibility saying they wouldn't cruise MSC because they heard this , or they read that...some people say to me, "oh I've never cruised any line other than XXX"...well, fine, if you want to be that restrictive in your choices, FINE, BUT DON'T KNOCK OTHER CRUISE LINES YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT......just my HO

 

Big Al

 

I totally agree with you bigAl, you said it better then I did!

Interesting comments on Disney too, I felt like you about Disney, maybe in the future if we see a deal on Disney, I may give them a chance after your comments! (tough decision-we like the casino on sea days):D

Edited March 6, 2014 by Russian Bear