MSC vs. Oasis of the seas

[kj_connections]

Can anyone compare their experience on both these ships? How does the food in the dining room and buffet compare? Service? Entertainment?

 

My last cruise was on Oasis and I absolutely loved it. I've heard mixed things about MSC Divina so I was hoping to hear from anyone who has cruised on both these ships.

 

TIA

[sidari]

There is no comparison between Divina and Oasis, for me Oasis would win hands down everytime.

 

Because the two ships are worlds apart you are trying to compare the wrong two ships.

[Shippy]

As the prior posted stated....no comparison.....I loved them both...but..

We stayed in the Yacht Club on MSC in January. NOTHING COMPARES TO THAT !

You would have to pay at least 3 times as much on another cruiseline for the food and service but even then, you would not have as much dedicated area on the ship.We have booked again for next March.The entertainment was great.

Now for the Oasis. Love it ! However when it comes to price, We had a YC2 cabin on MSC for the price of a junior suite on Oasis ($1550.pp). Do Not forget that the Yacht Club includes your alcohol and mini bar in your cabin which is replenished twice a day.

We have booked the Oasis again because we loved it so much. There is nothing like that ship....except Allure. We attend every show.

It is very unique. We also love the giant casino there and belong to Royal Caribbeans Club Royale ( casino club)

We are in our early 60's and have to fly from the West Coast but glady do it for those ships.

We had sailed MSC in the Caribbean in the past for their itinery which tended to be very unique. I will admit that I would not pick Divina for their itinery but the Yacht Club....I am hooked !

[riclop]

Can anyone compare their experience on both these ships? How does the food in the dining room and buffet compare? Service? Entertainment?

 

My last cruise was on Oasis and I absolutely loved it. I've heard mixed things about MSC Divina so I was hoping to hear from anyone who has cruised on both these ships.

 

TIA

It depends what you are looking for in a cruise. I loved the Oasis but i must say the Divina has them beat when it comes to shows and buffet food. Everything else i will say Oasis especially the crew and the pools and the other cruisers as well. The Divina has alot of foreigners and some of them are not the nicest, there is also some language problems with some of the crew members. A couple of them did not know what a towel was.

[camofwilliamsburg]

As you can see, we did Oasis and then a b2b on Divina recently.

We found nothing wonderful on Oasis. Bigger is not better. The shows still did not compare to anything on Divina. Our inside cabin was the tiniest on any ship, but we knew we were getting a small cabin so I am not complaining.

Service was not good. Dining room food was inferior to Divina except for their signature chocolate dessert which was wonderful. The pool areas on Oasis were as crowded as Divina . Finding chairs was difficult. The buffet on Oasis did not compare to the wonderful food found on Divina. The dining experience on Oasis reminded me of fast food-too quick. We loved Divina.

The buffet was closed at 9 PM on Oasis and there was little to eat in any of the no pay restaurants unless you wanted all carbs and fruit in a cup. We found it difficult finding seats whenever we went to the Park Cafe. Breakfast on OAsis was a joke. We went to the MDR and was told to get up ourselves to the buffet in the MDR for the items we wanted! Oasis serves nothing in the MDR for lunch during port days, Divina does! Divina hours for breakfast went until 9 am in one of the dining rooms, and extended to 9:30 in the other.

While there was a lot to see on Oasis, they did not utilize the space well. Boardwalk was a ghost town literally after 7 pm. In the morning the donut shop closed so early that if you ate at Johnny Rockets and wanted a sweet dessert, it was closed. The zumba and dancing was held in the main area and getting from one side of the ship to another during those times was Terrible. Lots of choices, but nothing great in the choices.

We are diamond on RCI and that was the only nice thing, the diamond lounge. Other than that, it was kind of boring cruise. With all the things to do, there was very little to do once your show was over.

Zip line was closed most of the time: weather they claimed. We had fine weather but it was closed! The flow rider was open very few hours. Thought of skipping a port and playing on the ship to find these venues were CLOSED. We thought Oasis was much ado about nothing. When we saw our first show on Divina , I leaned over and whispered to Dh, " We wasted a week on oasis!"

Edited March 18, 2014 by camofwilliamsburg

[American Bear]

As the prior posted stated....no comparison.....I loved them both...but..

We stayed in the Yacht Club on MSC in January. NOTHING COMPARES TO THAT !

You would have to pay at least 3 times as much on another cruiseline for the food and service but even then, you would not have as much dedicated area on the ship.We have booked again for next March.The entertainment was great.

Now for the Oasis. Love it ! However when it comes to price, We had a YC2 cabin on MSC for the price of a junior suite on Oasis ($1550.pp). Do Not forget that the Yacht Club includes your alcohol and mini bar in your cabin which is replenished twice a day.

We have booked the Oasis again because we loved it so much. There is nothing like that ship....except Allure. We attend every show.

It is very unique. We also love the giant casino there and belong to Royal Caribbeans Club Royale ( casino club)

We are in our early 60's and have to fly from the West Coast but glady do it for those ships.

We had sailed MSC in the Caribbean in the past for their itinery which tended to be very unique. I will admit that I would not pick Divina for their itinery but the Yacht Club....I am hooked !

 

We are also casino club members on RCL, wish MSC had a casino club, but I wanted to tell you I think your review is the right way to go about it, apples to apples, comparing equal priced cabins, equal priced ships etc.!

Comparing a regular balcony on the Divina for $500. to a Balcony on RCL for over $1,000., or any other cruise line at over double the price isn't a proper comparison! And I think your comment points that out properly!

You get what you pay for! Pay a lot, you should get a lot, and should expect it!

I find some reviews remarkable in that they want a $500 Balcony, pay $500., and then state their expectations weren't met in service/food/etc. like they paid $2,000!

[Bosjoe]

Can anyone compare their experience on both these ships? How does the food in the dining room and buffet compare? Service? Entertainment?

 

My last cruise was on Oasis and I absolutely loved it. I've heard mixed things about MSC Divina so I was hoping to hear from anyone who has cruised on both these ships.

 

TIA

 

Two different animals here. I will say buffet sucks so bad on Oasis, and I am a rccl fan. I stay away from their buffet.

 

It comes down to what you are looking for, both have their pluses, if prices were the same I take Oasis, but for a great deal Divina is great. Divina is more comparable to celebrity solstice class ship in beauty and size.

 

I was talking to a couple of pinnacle members from rccl, and we agree their service has been going down hill too. Once the prepay tips were added things have not been the same. Service is a hit or miss on Divina dining room, but all other service was exceptional.

[Bosjoe]

We are diamond on RCI and that was the only nice thing, the diamond lounge. Other than that, it was kind of boring cruise. With all the things to do, there was very little to do once your show was over.!"

 

Was Carolina the diamond concierge? She has been the absolute best for us.

[cruisetrail]

There is no comparison between Divina and Oasis, for me Oasis would win hands down everytime.

 

Because the two ships are worlds apart you are trying to compare the wrong two ships.

 

Absolutely.

[dogchopper]

There is no comparison between Divina and Oasis, for me Oasis would win hands down everytime.

 

Because the two ships are worlds apart you are trying to compare the wrong two ships.

Ok, so how does the Divina compare to say the Freedom of the Seas? Is that about the same class ship ??

[American Bear]

Ok, so how does the Divina compare to say the Freedom of the Seas? Is that about the same class ship ??

 

Size and cost,,,

The Freedom class is still a lot bigger, and much more expensive!

For RCL similar size would be the Voyager class, but still much more expensive then Divina!

 

For Carnival, the Dream class is about the same size as the Divina, but again more expensive then Divina! (but not as much as RCL)

 

For NCL, the Breakaway/Getaway are a little bigger then Divina, but again more expensive then Divina! (Size and price, the Beakaway/Getaway are about the same as the Carnival Dream Class)

 

For HAL, all smaller, and much more expensive then Divina!

 

For Celebrity, the Reflection and Solstice Class are a little smaller, and much more expensive then the Divina!

Edited March 18, 2014 by Russian Bear

[cruisetrail]

Ok, so how does the Divina compare to say the Freedom of the Seas? Is that about the same class ship ??

 

Royal Caribbean Freedom Class is not the same. These ships are built on different principles. The Freedom class is larger and better equipped ship -different class of cruising.

Prices for the nearest dates are from $500 for 7 days.

 

 

I looked up other prices.

 

1. Best products in the Caribbean:

The largest and most entertaining ship in the Caribbean Allure of the Seas - from $650.

The most comfortable in the Caribbean first class resort ship HAL Nieuw Amsterdam - from $400.

 

2. Mid-level product:

Celebrity Reflection is from $450.

 

 

3.MSC competitiors:

 

NCL Epic - from $320 (need to add about $100 for dining)

NCL Getaway - from $520 + dining.

Carnival Dream - from $480

 

MSC Divina - from $350 (+ about $50 for paid sun deck)

[dogchopper]

Royal Caribbean Freedom Class is not the same. These ships are built on different principles. The Freedom class is larger and better equipped ship -different class of cruising.

Prices for the nearest dates are from $500 for 7 days.

 

 

I looked up other prices.

 

1. Best products in the Caribbean:

The largest and most entertaining ship in the Caribbean Allure of the Seas - from $650.

The most comfortable in the Caribbean first class resort ship HAL Nieuw Amsterdam - from $400.

 

2. Mid-level product:

Celebrity Reflection is from $450.

 

 

3.MSC competitiors:

 

NCL Epic - from $320 (need to add about $100 for dining)

NCL Getaway - from $520 + dining.

Carnival Dream - from $480

 

MSC Divina - from $350 (+ about $50 for paid sun deck)

Well ok that helps clear things up some..

[riclop]

If your just going to compare prices and the shows than the Divina wins hands down, for now.

Edited March 19, 2014 by riclop

[dogchopper]

If your just going to compare prices and the shows than the Divina wins hands down, for now.

Well, price wise they pretty much have everyone beat now, but that won't last long I'm sure.

As for the shows, on the Freedom they had great shows but seems like some nights you were left hanging with no shoe at all. The Divina looks like that will not be the same (from what I've seen anyways)

[American Bear]

Royal Caribbean Freedom Class is not the same. These ships are built on different principles. The Freedom class is larger and better equipped ship -different class of cruising.

Prices for the nearest dates are from $500 for 7 days.

 

 

I looked up other prices.

 

1. Best products in the Caribbean:

The largest and most entertaining ship in the Caribbean Allure of the Seas - from $650.

The most comfortable in the Caribbean first class resort ship HAL Nieuw Amsterdam - from $400.

 

2. Mid-level product:

Celebrity Reflection is from $450.

 

 

3.MSC competitiors:

 

NCL Epic - from $320 (need to add about $100 for dining)

NCL Getaway - from $520 + dining.

Carnival Dream - from $480

 

MSC Divina - from $350 (+ about $50 for paid sun deck)

 

Your prices look like they are inside cabin prices, so I guess you missed the several month long sales on the Divina

$199. for an inside,

$249. for an ocean view, and

$349. for a balcony!

None of the cruise lines you mentioned are even close to the Divina's prices!

[cruisetrail]

You are too late with this prices.

Sales happen here and there. They start and end.

 

It only makes sense to compare prices when they are actual.

 

I can give links to prices I posted right now.

Today prices are what they are.

Compare and enjoy.

No doubt low prices is how MSC product can be competitive.

It's logical, expected and beneficial in some cases.

 

What were those "months of long sales"?

We were in the market for lowest prices last November and found a better price for a way better product!

Edited March 19, 2014 by cruisetrail

[American Bear]

You are too late with this prices.

Sales happen here and there. They start and end.

 

It only makes sense to compare prices when they are actual.

 

I can give links to prices I posted right now.

Today prices are what they are.

Compare and enjoy.

No doubt low prices is how MSC product can be competitive.

It's logical, expected and beneficial in some cases.

 

What were those "months of long sales"?

We were in the market for lowest prices last November and found a better price for a way better product!

 

No you cannot give links to prices as that would be a violation of cruise critic rules!

And those month long sales are continuing/ongoing!

Maybe you should open up your personal links to pricing cruises a little more to see the prices you're missing!

MSC low prices are not competitive, they are far superior!

[dogchopper]

Your prices look like they are inside cabin prices, so I guess you missed the several month long sales on the Divina

$199. for an inside,

$249. for an ocean view, and

$349. for a balcony!

None of the cruise lines you mentioned are even close to the Divina's prices!

Well I wish I would of gotten in on those deals!! 199 for an inside, 249 for an ocean view !! That's just crazy low. And I thought I got a good deal :)

[American Bear]

Well I wish I would of gotten in on those deals!! 199 for an inside, 249 for an ocean view !! That's just crazy low. And I thought I got a good deal :)

 

On one site today was,,,Divina,,,

April 12 $199/$249/$399 west caribbean

April 19 $199/$299/$399 east caribbean

many sailings mid August -mid Oct approx. $299/$400/$540

Prices rose to these levels after an obviously long successful sale!

$540 for a balcony is still a great price for a week!:)

[neptuno]

$299 B2 balcony 12Apr14 on cruise dot com, is this real?

[cruisetrail]

No you cannot give links to prices as that would be a violation of cruise critic rules!

And those month long sales are continuing/ongoing!

Maybe you should open up your personal links to pricing cruises a little more to see the prices you're missing!

MSC low prices are not competitive, they are far superior!

 

Twisting and bending.

 

I say "product competitive".

You say "prices competitive". :D

 

Without "special offers" like free OBC, etc.:

 

HAL Signature ships: $800.00 (published price per couple) + $0.00 (private sun deck) + 250.00 (spa pass) + S160.00 (~gratuities) + 100.00 (~ports charges) + 120.00 (hotel) + 500.00 (air fare) = $1,930.00

 

MSC Divina: $400.00 (your price !) + $100.00 (private sun deck) + 100.00 (spa pass) + S80.00 (~gratuities) + 100.00 (~ports charges) + 120.00 (hotel) + 500.00 (air fare) = $1,400.00

 

The difference is about $265 pp per couple - for incomparable product quality.

 

Skipping "extras":

HAL - $1,680.00

Divina - $ 1,200.00

The difference is about $240 pp ...:)

 

 

P.S. I can give links without violating CC rules. :D

Edited March 19, 2014 by cruisetrail

[dogchopper]

On one site today was,,,Divina,,,

April 12 $199/$249/$399 west caribbean

April 19 $199/$299/$399 east caribbean

many sailings mid August -mid Oct approx. $299/$400/$540

Prices rose to these levels after an obviously long successful sale!

$540 for a balcony is still a great price for a week!:)

Yeah it is a great price for a balcony!! I paid more than that for an ocean view on the freedom of the seas.

 

I am, I guess, one of those people who jumped on this cruise for the price. I was looking to take a cruise in the fall on Carnival but when I saw these prices I jumped at it. They were cheaper than any 7 day carnival cruise and it looks like a much nicer ship than any carnival ships? So I guess I will be one of 'those people' who are a low class cruiser just looking for a bargain. I will try to act classy like I belong :)

Edited March 19, 2014 by dogchopper

[cruisetrail]

I don't know if this is fair competition - not my business.

As a consumer, I will benefit from price wars unless they undermine the quality of cruising industry (knocking on wood).

 

Carnival Miracle is a nicer ship.

 

Carnival Dream class ships are comparable. They have better amenities, more open space, but crowded as well.

Dining - carnival has more free options. The Divina offer better extra charge dining.

If someone cares of decor - Carnival is the worst at sea.

 

Prices vary, ships stay the same.

Take advantage of bargain prices.:)

[American Bear]

I don't know if this is fair competition - not my business.

As a consumer, I will benefit from price wars unless they undermine the quality of cruising industry (knocking on wood).

 

Carnival Miracle is a nicer ship.

 

Carnival Dream class ships are comparable. They have better amenities, more open space, but crowded as well.

Dining - carnival has more free options. The Divina offer better extra charge dining.

If someone cares of decor - Carnival is the worst at sea.

 

Prices vary, ships stay the same.

Take advantage of bargain prices.:)

 

We need to add here, the opinions of this reviewer are of someone who hasn't yet cruised on the Divina!

Their opinions are uninformed!