Divina Feb 8 - 15 2014 Reviewed

[Miss JAD]

I have used this board to ask quite a few questions leading up to our holiday so I wanted to do a brief review. We were on Divina from Feb 8-15 2014. The ports were Falmouth, Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. We are Canadian, 38-42 years of age, Married with no kids. We booked the Yacht Club Room 15029. We normally take a two week holiday every year. This is the second year for a cruise, previously we went to All Inclusive resorts.

Embarkation relatively fast with all the Yacht Club guests waiting in a sitting area to board. Once boarding started they took groups of people on based on who arrived first. We were probably on the ship by noon. You are taken to the Concierge area to select your daily newspaper and arrange your preferred dining time in Le Muse. To those of you from Alberta – you can select the Edmonton Sun. However, beware that the paper is mostly car sales ads J

The Room was exceptional. 15029 is one of the square rooms. It is very roomy and there are pictures on the boards of this exact room. I am not good with names but we had (2) Butlers/Room Stewards who were very nice, professional and very competent with their jobs. We brought a gift (Team Canada shirt for our butler) not realizing that there would be two of them. When your room key is inside the door in a slot there is a light that comes on in the hallway so that the attendants know if you are in your room or not. The mini bar was well stocked at all times. The closet is very nice with lots of storage.

We enjoyed the Yacht club private areas: pool, Top Sail Lounge and Le Muse. We did not venture out to the main pool, buffet, or main dining area as everything we needed was in the yacht club – during the day. The staff in these areas are amazing. Very nice people, doing an amazing job to ensure that everyone is having a good holiday.

We did go to most of the shows at night and really enjoyed the Pirates show, Witches show and the Wonderland show. We skipped the Sinatra and the Michael Jackson show.

We spent quite a few evenings enjoying the dueling pianos. We did donate to the casino. The one annoying thing with Yacht Club is that the drinks are only free when you are in Yacht Club areas or from your mini bar. One of us was always running upstairs to the Top Sail Lounge to get drinks. The good thing was the bartender up there made us some nice large drinks so we didn’t have to run that often. Very thoughtful of him. Again – I am bad with names but he was very nice to us.

We only ate in the Top Sail Lounge for a light breakfast, a few times at the pool bar for a light lunch and in Le Muse for supper. The food was OK. It is European – I am a picky eater. Some things were great others were not. The French Onion soup was weird. It is creamy not a broth like we are used to. The Shrimp cocktail was very good. I asked for one when it was not on the menu one night and they brought it to me.

This was a nice quiet vacation – almost too quiet in the yacht club. The fact that there are so many European passengers makes it hard to talk to people. I am not sure I would go on Divina again. We were on the Reflection the week after and preferred that week to our week on Divina. The food was better on Reflection then the Yacht Club. The drinks were free everywhere and there was premium alcohol on the Reflection. We asked for premium a few times in Yacht Club (Grey Goose) and we were told there was an upcharge.

We enjoyed all of the ports. The private island in the Bahamas has very rocky water so bring your water shoes.

I had prepurchased the Golden Jasmine spa package and really enjoyed all of the treatments. The pricing of this was very good for everything that is included.

[Cruisergal1208]

Thank you so much for your review. We will be in #15031 beginning on the 15th for 2 weeks. I sure wish you could remember your butler and asst. names. We will probably have the same ones. We sailed on Divina in December for 2 weeks and really enjoyed the YC experience. That's why we are returning so soon. I agree about the food and drinks. I didn't care for all of the choices offered but I did like most of the pastas dishes in Le Muse. We too would take our drinks from the Top Sail to other parts of the ship. Will have to remember to ask the bartender for a "large" one this time. This time, we may try the MDR for lunch to see how that works out. Since we have seen all of the shows, we plan to enjoy some of the music in the lounges after dinner. Would you share what you did in the ports as we have been to them all and need to find something different to do. We are in our 70's so not as spry or active as we use to be.

[Bosjoe]

We were on the Reflection the week after and preferred that week to our week on Divina. The food was better on Reflection then the Yacht Club. The drinks were free everywhere and there was premium alcohol on the Reflection. We asked for premium a few times in Yacht Club (Grey Goose) and we were told there was an upcharge.

 

 

Thank you for your review, so that people won't get confused about Celebrity and the Free drinks. Drinks are not free on celebrity unless you got one of their promotions that they included a free drink package with ocean view and above. Otherwise you would have to pay for the package. Also you have to pay 12.50 per day extra on top of the basic package for their premium alcohol.

 

Free drinks are included at a certain Suite room. I think its Presidential and above.

Edited March 3, 2014 by Bosjoe

[Miss JAD]

Hi - Now that I am thinking about I do remember our Butlers' names. They were Bruce and Bryan.

 

We for Falmouth we did the Ship tour to the beach club. They took us to a very nice beach in a cove (I think it was hidden Beach??)Beach chairs were included. You were on your own for lunch and the club was serving Jerk Chicken. The drinks here were inexpensive.

 

For Grand Caymen we also did a ship arranged tour to snorkel with the Stingrays. You are bussed over to get on a catarman then taken out to a sand bar that is only about waist high to snorkel with the stingrays. Your guide will hold a stingray, show you how to feed it if you want and will tell you all about them. Take sunscreen as it was very hot. After snorkeling they will take you to Tikki Beach club where you can get a drink, have lunch and spend time on the beach. We had plenty of sun so we just sat at bar and had lunch.

 

For Cozumel we took a cab to Nachi Cocum. I had booked this on my own via there website. I think the cost was $50 each and includes really good food and drinks for the day. The beach was nice, quiet and there were only about 30 people here for the day. There is also a pool to use and lots of shade. It was a very nice relaxing afternoon. Were we docked in Cozumel was a mall - so there is lots of shopping and restaraunts right there if that is what interests you.

[Miss JAD]

Yes - Sorry to be confusing in my post/review. We were on the 123 Promo on Celebrity and hd the Classic package for free and then we upgraded to the Premium. It was nice not having to worry about what you ordered or where you were on the ship.

[Miss JAD]

Thank you so much for your review. We will be in #15031 beginning on the 15th for 2 weeks. I sure wish you could remember your butler and asst. names. We will probably have the same ones. We sailed on Divina in December for 2 weeks and really enjoyed the YC experience. That's why we are returning so soon. I agree about the food and drinks. I didn't care for all of the choices offered but I did like most of the pastas dishes in Le Muse. We too would take our drinks from the Top Sail to other parts of the ship. Will have to remember to ask the bartender for a "large" one this time. This time, we may try the MDR for lunch to see how that works out. Since we have seen all of the shows, we plan to enjoy some of the music in the lounges after dinner. Would you share what you did in the ports as we have been to them all and need to find something different to do. We are in our 70's so not as spry or active as we use to be.

 

Yes - Ask for the large drinks to go - Tell him that you will bring the glasses back to him. Once he runs out of the large glasses I think he has to find a way to get them back. If you keep bringing them back he will keep them full!

[Cruisergal1208]

Hi - Now that I am thinking about I do remember our Butlers' names. They were Bruce and Bryan.

 

We for Falmouth we did the Ship tour to the beach club. They took us to a very nice beach in a cove (I think it was hidden Beach??)Beach chairs were included. You were on your own for lunch and the club was serving Jerk Chicken. The drinks here were inexpensive.

 

For Grand Caymen we also did a ship arranged tour to snorkel with the Stingrays. You are bussed over to get on a catarman then taken out to a sand bar that is only about waist high to snorkel with the stingrays. Your guide will hold a stingray, show you how to feed it if you want and will tell you all about them. Take sunscreen as it was very hot. After snorkeling they will take you to Tikki Beach club where you can get a drink, have lunch and spend time on the beach. We had plenty of sun so we just sat at bar and had lunch.

 

For Cozumel we took a cab to Nachi Cocum. I had booked this on my own via there website. I think the cost was $50 each and includes really good food and drinks for the day. The beach was nice, quiet and there were only about 30 people here for the day. There is also a pool to use and lots of shade. It was a very nice relaxing afternoon. Were we docked in Cozumel was a mall - so there is lots of shopping and restaraunts right there if that is what interests you.

 

Thanks for the tour tips. We did meet Bruce in the Top Sail before. We also loved Vasant, (V) he always took care of the snack/food bar and would make good recommendations to try. In Le Muse, our main server was Gabrielle - fantastic!! Made each dining night an adventure. So looking forward to my daily fix of Cappuccino and chocolate as my afternoon pick-me-up. Once, I even got them to fix a frozen one.

Did you book your tours through the YC Concierge?

Edited March 3, 2014 by Cruisergal1208

[SeaYa52]

Thank you for posting your review

:)

Edited March 4, 2014 by SeaYa52

[kunapets]

We are in 15030 and leave this week. We enjoy wine in our suite/balcony, and are not much for hard alcohol drinks. Will the butler provide a bottle of their standard wine in place of the alcoholic drink?

 

Thanks Ken S

[Inishmore]

 

For Cozumel we took a cab to Nachi Cocum. I had booked this on my own via there website. I think the cost was $50 each and includes really good food and drinks for the day. The beach was nice, quiet and there were only about 30 people here for the day. There is also a pool to use and lots of shade. It was a very nice relaxing afternoon. Were we docked in Cozumel was a mall - so there is lots of shopping and restaraunts right there if that is what interests you.

 

Miss JAD - Thanks for the reivew of Nachi Cocum. Sounds great! Our last visit to Cozumel we went snorkeling and to the Money Bar for lunch - I want to do something different this time around.

[kunapets]

On other cruises, Miami security check-in has been long lines and hot. Is there a separate security entrance for YC guests. I believe I saw a post saying there was a YC Tent at curbside check-in.

 

Thanks Again Ken S

[kunapets]

On other cruises, Miami security check-in has been long lines and hot. Is there a separate security entrance for YC guests. I believe I saw a post saying there was a YC Tent at curbside check-in.

 

Thanks Again Ken S

[Miss JAD]

There is a YC tent as soon as you pull up to the curb. There are porters right there to take your bags and the MSC YC people help them label you luggage and it is taken away. Then a butler has a sign and he takes you past everyone straight into the terminal, through your own security line and upstairs to a waiting room for YC guests. You are then checked in and offered juice, water and light snacks until they are ready for your to board. They boarded the YC guests in groups of 8-10 people based on who got there first. Then the butler takes his sign and walks you past all the other guests lined up to get on the ship. It is very nice and quick as well as a little awkward becasuse you get to go ahead of so many people with the butler leading the way with his sign and moving people aside.

[Miss JAD]

If you book Nachi Cocum, I think you will really enjoy. It was so quiet there and the service was great.

Edited March 4, 2014 by Miss JAD

[Miss JAD]

We are in 15030 and leave this week. We enjoy wine in our suite/balcony, and are not much for hard alcohol drinks. Will the butler provide a bottle of their standard wine in place of the alcoholic drink?

 

Thanks Ken S

 

I am not sure. I did read on the posts previously that if you want wine then just ask the butler to get you a glass or possibly a bottle when you need one. On hot vacations I tend to only drink wine at dinner. It makes me too tippy to drink throughout the day when it is warm :)

Edited March 4, 2014 by Miss JAD

[tigger89]

Thanks for the tour tips. We did meet Bruce in the Top Sail before. We also loved Vasant, (V) he always took care of the snack/food bar and would make good recommendations to try. In Le Muse, our main server was Gabrielle - fantastic!! Made each dining night an adventure. So looking forward to my daily fix of Cappuccino and chocolate as my afternoon pick-me-up. Once, I even got them to fix a frozen one.

Did you book your tours through the YC Concierge?

 

Hi do they offer all the different coffees that you can get at the coffee bar. I don't drink but need my coffee fix.

 

Judith

[tigger89]

Hi - Now that I am thinking about I do remember our Butlers' names. They were Bruce and Bryan.

 

We for Falmouth we did the Ship tour to the beach club. They took us to a very nice beach in a cove (I think it was hidden Beach??)Beach chairs were included. You were on your own for lunch and the club was serving Jerk Chicken. The drinks here were inexpensive.

 

For Grand Caymen we also did a ship arranged tour to snorkel with the Stingrays. You are bussed over to get on a catarman then taken out to a sand bar that is only about waist high to snorkel with the stingrays. Your guide will hold a stingray, show you how to feed it if you want and will tell you all about them. Take sunscreen as it was very hot. After snorkeling they will take you to Tikki Beach club where you can get a drink, have lunch and spend time on the beach. We had plenty of sun so we just sat at bar and had lunch.

 

For Cozumel we took a cab to Nachi Cocum. I had booked this on my own via there website. I think the cost was $50 each and includes really good food and drinks for the day. The beach was nice, quiet and there were only about 30 people here for the day. There is also a pool to use and lots of shade. It was a very nice relaxing afternoon. Were we docked in Cozumel was a mall - so there is lots of shopping and restaraunts right there if that is what interests you.

 

Thanks for your tips on the ports, did you get off the ship at Great Stirrup Cay and do anything onshore there. If so did you have to pay for drinks or were they included with the YC price.

 

Thanks

Judith

[Cruisergal1208]

Hi do they offer all the different coffees that you can get at the coffee bar. I don't drink but need my coffee fix.

 

Judith

 

Not sure. I had Latte's, Americano, and Cappuccino. They will bring you hot milk if you ask. Maybe I will take photos of the bar menu this time. I do plan to have some of the specials at the coffee bar this time if they are not available in the YC.

[tigger89]

Not sure. I had Latte's, Americano, and Cappuccino. They will bring you hot milk if you ask. Maybe I will take photos of the bar menu this time. I do plan to have some of the specials at the coffee bar this time if they are not available in the YC.

 

That would be great thanks. Did you eat in Le Muse.

 

Judith

[Cruisergal1208]

That would be great thanks. Did you eat in Le Muse.

 

Judith

 

Yes, we did eat most of our meals in Le Muse. A few mornings we just had a continental breakfast in the Top Sail. Our service in Le Muse was outstanding, but then we like to converse with the wait staff and they seemed to enjoy serving us. Let me know if you have any questions.

[tigger89]

Yes, we did eat most of our meals in Le Muse. A few mornings we just had a continental breakfast in the Top Sail. Our service in Le Muse was outstanding, but then we like to converse with the wait staff and they seemed to enjoy serving us. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Hi Thanks I'm sure I will have lots of questions we are in the same cabin as you are in for 14 nights as well can't wait.

 

Judith

[Miss JAD]

Thanks for your tips on the ports, did you get off the ship at Great Stirrup Cay and do anything onshore there. If so did you have to pay for drinks or were they included with the YC price.

 

Thanks

Judith

 

We did go via tender to Great Stirrup Cay. If you are in Yacht Club you get priority for getting on the tender. I think we were off fairly early and we just went and hung out on the beach. There are lots of chairs but the later you get there the busier it gets and the farther you will have to walk to find a beach chair. The water here was very rocky so bring your water shoes. This was my least favorite stop as it is very busy. Lunch was hamburgers, chicken, salad. I think they had free pop. We had water at lunch. You do have to pay for your drinks. We took some beer from the mini bar. I wished I would have looked around here a bit more as there were some trails and a light house that you could walk too but we didn't notice that unitl going back to the ship.

Edited March 5, 2014 by Miss JAD

[tigger89]

Thanks, I had planned if we had to pay to take them from the mini bar.

 

Judith