Divina Extra's?

[sue7045]

I will be on Divina on May 10th. I just watched a you tube video and the narrator kept stating "that cost extra". I know from past cruises restaurants, specialty coffee's, some ice cream stations and the "the norm" always cost extra. Is there more extra's on this ship compared to other. The video started to get me thinking. I purchased liquor vouchers and excursion, but how much more will this cost me?

Edited March 25, 2014 by sue7045

[sidari]

Hi Sue ... It will cost you nothing more unless you decide to pay for it, there is a charge for the 4D cinema, Formula 1 race car, 10 Pin Bowling as well as the Top 18 Solarium which is Adults only although there is no pool up there two hot tubs are available for use.

[dogchopper]

I was kind of worried about the same thing. I'm not a big drinker so I don't plan to purchase a drink package. But I keep worrying that it has more extras than other ships? Extras that maybe are included on others?? I hope that's not the case.

[cruisetrail]

I will be on Divina on May 10th. I just watched a you tube video and the narrator kept stating "that cost extra". I know from past cruises restaurants, specialty coffee's, some ice cream stations and the "the norm" always cost extra. Is there more extra's on this ship compared to other. The video started to get me thinking. I purchased liquor vouchers and excursion, but how much more will this cost me?

 

"The norms" that don't cost extra on cruise ships:

1. Pastry shop. Food in pastry shops is free on cruise ships (except MSC). Specialty coffee is extra.

2. "Private sun deck". MSC is the only cruise line that charges for sun deck.

 

Free service that is not universal across the industry: 24h free room service on some ships.

AFAIK room service breakfast is free on the Divina, lunch and dinner is extra.

Cinemas (regular movies) on some ships are free.

[alli]

"The norms" that don't cost extra on cruise ships:

1. Pastry shop. Food in pastry shops is free on cruise ships (except MSC). Specialty coffee is extra.

2. "Private sun deck". MSC is the only cruise line that charges for sun deck.

 

 

Princess has the solarium which they charge for. Seems like the private sundeck on Divina is the same kind of thing.

[cruisetrail]

Princess has the solarium which they charge for. Seems like the private sundeck on Divina is the same kind of thing.

Absolutely different things.

"The Sunctuary" on Princess is mostly under the roof. It features large cushion beds, butlers, refreshments and massage rooms. It's more like open air spa, not a sun deck.

The pool area next to it is called "sunctuary pool" but it's free for everyone.

[alli]

Since I haven't been on the Divina yet ( counting down the days!!!) I'll have to rely on information from the Internet ( which we know really isn't the best way to get real information):

 

"Top 18 Exclusive Solarium

 

On the top decks of the MSC Divina, you will be able to soak up the sun in style at the TOP 18 EXCLUSIVE SOLARIUM, and adult-only sanctuary of serenity, boasting premium deck space and stunning sea views. With its own dedicated spa service, bar menu and complimentary delicious fruit skewers, you are greeted at a private entrance on DECK 18 by dedicated staff with a refreshing chilled towel and escorted to your own personal sun bed (full sun or shaded) where you can while away the day in perfect peace and harmony. For those who believe that a day of relaxation is not complete without a massage, there’s no need to interrupt precious tanning time for a trip to the spa. With a specially tailored menu of express spa treatments available in the solarium itself, guests can receive those spa services right on the deck. This EXCLUSIVE solarium is unique on any cruise ship sailing in North America."

 

Now I have been on Princess several times and can tell you the charge for their sanctuary ranges from $20 to $40 a day ( it is ship specific). There aren't any 'butlers'...there is staff to assist you. Food and massages are extra. It seems like the major difference is the padded chairs.

[cruisetrail]

Since I haven't been on the Divina yet ( counting down the days!!!) I'll have to rely on information from the Internet ( which we know really isn't the best way to get real information):

 

"Top 18 Exclusive Solarium

 

On the top decks of the MSC Divina, you will be able to soak up the sun in style at the TOP 18 EXCLUSIVE SOLARIUM, and adult-only sanctuary of serenity, boasting premium deck space and stunning sea views. With its own dedicated spa service, bar menu and complimentary delicious fruit skewers, you are greeted at a private entrance on DECK 18 by dedicated staff with a refreshing chilled towel and escorted to your own personal sun bed (full sun or shaded) where you can while away the day in perfect peace and harmony. For those who believe that a day of relaxation is not complete without a massage, there’s no need to interrupt precious tanning time for a trip to the spa. With a specially tailored menu of express spa treatments available in the solarium itself, guests can receive those spa services right on the deck. This EXCLUSIVE solarium is unique on any cruise ship sailing in North America."

 

Now I have been on Princess several times and can tell you the charge for their sanctuary ranges from $20 to $40 a day ( it is ship specific). There aren't any 'butlers'...there is staff to assist you. Food and massages are extra. It seems like the major difference is the padded chairs.

 

Quoting ads is not always helpful.

As one poster has recently said, MSC is still building their market position so let's be mercyful.

Let's say it in a delicate way: it's not exactly what you can imagine reading this add.

Take time to look at it and you'll see everything...from "stanning sea views" and so on.

 

The Sunctuary on Princess for a decade has been an exceptional extra comfort spot, limited in number of beds, very expensive and highly popular - very hard to obtain.

It's not a sun deck!

It's a different concept: an extra comfort spot on a ship that has plenty of pools and sun deck space.

 

Left: The Sunctuary on Princess

Right: Deck 18 solarium on MSC Divina

 

[American Bear]

I will be on Divina on May 10th. I just watched a you tube video and the narrator kept stating "that cost extra". I know from past cruises restaurants, specialty coffee's, some ice cream stations and the "the norm" always cost extra. Is there more extra's on this ship compared to other. The video started to get me thinking. I purchased liquor vouchers and excursion, but how much more will this cost me?

 

Sue, we're on your cruise, and most people on our cruise spent less on the cruise then the all you can drink package!:D

By the way, what a great deal with drink vouchers on the Divina, they bring your drink price down to '$4.80 including gratuity', that's less then I've ever spent on a cruise ship!

Divina has a free ice cream machine open for several hours near the pool at lunch time, and the Divina sells gelato much like other lines sell premium ice cream! You don't have to buy it, but you most likely will!:D

Every cruise line will nickel and dime you if you let them! Its up to you!

On sail away, wave to the other ships as they leave port, and remember they paid a lot more for their cruise then you did, so enjoy!:D

[jchipgcs]

Quoting ads is not always helpful.

As one poster has recently said, MSC is still building their market position so let's be mercyful.

Let's say it in a delicate way: it's not exactly what you can imagine reading this add.

Take time to look at it and you'll see everything...from "stanning sea views" and so on.

 

The Sunctuary on Princess for a decade has been an exceptional extra comfort spot, limited in number of beds, very expensive and highly popular - very hard to obtain.

It's not a sun deck!

It's a different concept: an extra comfort spot on a ship that has plenty of pools and sun deck space.

 

Left: The Sunctuary on Princess

Right: Deck 18 solarium on MSC Divina

 

 

Cruisetrail.......I was on Princess not very long ago and their "Sanctuary" didn't do it for me. Everyone was frantic about getting there, standing in line at the crack of dawn to get a spot. We went up on embarkation day to tour it. It was so cheesy. Looked like my grandmothers decorations in her Florida room in 1984 with tacky (yet comfy) furniture, fake grass, fake palms, useless offer of iPods (who doesn't have their own tunes now days). The only redeeming thing about it in my opinion was that it didn't allow kids. I'm the first one in line to splurge on something special and "exclusive", but they completely missed the mark on that feature, at least for me. We both walked away and agreed it's ugliness couldn't make up for being kid free, so we passed. I think we were the exception though as the lines to get in were long.

[cruisetrail]

 

On sail away, wave to the other ships as they leave port, and remember they paid a lot more for their cruise then you did, so enjoy!:D

 

It's time to look for a bargain when you book a cruise.

Once you are on a ship, it's time to get what you paid for.

 

 

The other ships will wave to you too. :)

 

P.S.

I have looked up Miami schedules and checked at what ships will be there...:)

As a matter of fact, you won't have too many reasons to envy other ships cruisers. There will be MSC Divina direct competitors and one Mistake of Celebrity.

The best ships depart from FLL.

Edited March 25, 2014 by cruisetrail

[cruisetrail]

 

Quoting ads is not always helpful.

As one poster has recently said, MSC is still building their market position so let's be mercyful.

Let's say it in a delicate way: it's not exactly what you can imagine reading this add.

Take time to look at it and you'll see everything...from "stanning sea views" and so on.

 

The Sunctuary on Princess for a decade has been an exceptional extra comfort spot, limited in number of beds, very expensive and highly popular - very hard to obtain.

It's not a sun deck!

It's a different concept: an extra comfort spot on a ship that has plenty of pools and sun deck space.

 

Left: The Sanctuary on Princess

Right: Deck 18 solarium on MSC Divina

 

 

 

Cruisetrail.......I was on Princess not very long ago and their "Sanctuary" didn't do it for me. Everyone was frantic about getting there, standing in line at the crack of dawn to get a spot. We went up on embarkation day to tour it. It was so cheesy. Looked like my grandmothers decorations in her Florida room in 1984 with tacky (yet comfy) furniture, fake grass, fake palms, useless offer of iPods (who doesn't have their own tunes now days). The only redeeming thing about it in my opinion was that it didn't allow kids. I'm the first one in line to splurge on something special and "exclusive", but they completely missed the mark on that feature, at least for me. We both walked away and agreed it's ugliness couldn't make up for being kid free, so we passed. I think we were the exception though as the lines to get in were long.

 

If the Sunctuary on Princess is worth money - that's a different topic.

 

My point: one should not confuse it with sun deck 18 on the Divina.

That's it. :)

[jchipgcs]

If the Sunctuary on Princess is worth money - that's a different topic.

 

My point: one should not confuse it with sun deck 18 on the Divina.

That's it. :)

 

It wasn't worth the money, in my opinion.

 

And I'm not confusing them, they're a similar offering in my opinion as the Divina states they offer a bar, hut tubs, misting system, fresh fruit and mini-spa treatments in Top 18.

 

Princess also just doubled their rates for the Sanctuary due to high demand. It'll now cost you $40 a day for a lounge chair or if you commit to the entire cruise $30 a day.

 

Since I've seen the Princess version, I'll check out the Divina's one next month and report back.

Edited March 25, 2014 by jchipgcs

[sue7045]

Sue, we're on your cruise, and most people on our cruise spent less on the cruise then the all you can drink package!:D

By the way, what a great deal with drink vouchers on the Divina, they bring your drink price down to '$4.80 including gratuity', that's less then I've ever spent on a cruise ship!

Divina has a free ice cream machine open for several hours near the pool at lunch time, and the Divina sells gelato much like other lines sell premium ice cream! You don't have to buy it, but you most likely will!:D

Every cruise line will nickel and dime you if you let them! Its up to you!

On sail away, wave to the other ships as they leave port, and remember they paid a lot more for their cruise then you did, so enjoy!:D

 

Thanks for your input. This video on you tube just got me thinking that, in doing my research I missed something and didn't want to be surprised when we got there. We normally cruise on RC but we just got tired of the same thing. I am soooooo looking forward to this cruise. And will smile happily as we pull out of port.

 

We are average drinkers and did by the vouchers. They seem to big the big bargain.

[sidari]

They say there is a first time for everything and for the first time i find myself having to agree with Cruisetrail ... The Sanctuary on Princess the Ruby especially is far superior to the sundeck on the Divina which is just an open deck with loungers on it and a few wicker baskets! the bar is very limited as are the spa services offered.

[chanowski]

Here is a list I compiled for my group about extra charges onboard the Divina:

 

Gratuity:

 

The onboard currency is in U.S. dollars. A $12 per adult, per day, gratuity is automatically to your shipboard account; and $6 per person, per day, for those ages 3 to 17. Gratuity is not applied for children younger than 3.

 

A 15% service gratuity is automatically added to each drink or food purchased onboard.

 

Wi-Fi

 

$29.90 for 60 minutes

 

$44.90 for 100 minutes

 

$99.90 for 300 minutes

 

$149.90 for 480 minutes

 

$299.90 for 1,440 minutes

 

Internet Cafe

$6 for 10 minutes

 

$0.60 each additional minute

 

The Top 18 Solarium (Deck 18)

 

Adults-only sunning spot that features two hot tubs and a bar. Furniture includes standard loungers and covered rattan sun beds.

 

$5 to $30 depending on which piece of furniture is being used and the duration.

 

Candlepin Bowling Alley (Deck 7)

 

$7 per person per game (Only accepts coins)

 

Formula 1 Simulator (Deck 16)

 

$9 per person

 

4D Cinema (Deck 16)

 

$7 per person

 

Aqua Cycle

 

$12 per person/per class

 

Eataly Steakhouse

 

Eataly features a la carte pricing, with pastas starting at $8.50 and entrees ranging from $15 for lamb or salmon to $25 for an 8.5-ounce tenderloin. Veggie sides are $3. Attached to the steakhouse is Ristorante Italia, which serves a different prix fixe menu each night for $34 per person. There, menu options represent the various regions of Italy; they include Tuscan selections like Citrus-infused seafood passatelli or lasagna and Sicilian favorites like spiced braised veal cheeks and stuffed sardines. Both are open only for dinner from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

 

Galaxy Nightclub

 

Serves a daily luxury brunch for $28, which includes breakfast items such as omelets and waffles and options like oysters and foie gras, as well as one glass of Prosecco per person. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., dinner is served there, with several different Mediterranean fusion menus. Passengers can choose a la carte options (with appetizers starting at $7.50, pasta and rice starting at $7.50, main courses starting at $12 and desserts for $5) or choose from one of three price fixe options. The Saturno menu offers courses for $24 per person; the Venere menu is five courses for $35; and the Galaxy menu is seven courses and includes a glass of wine with each dish for $59 per person.

 

La Cantina di Bacco (open 6 p.m. to midnight)

 

A small but charming spot on Deck 7. There, wine- and beer-lovers can chat over a glass of wine and a tapas plate (olives and bruschetta, for example), included when you purchase drinks. This is also the best place on the ship for pizza. It's delicious, with flakey, thin crust, and the ingredients taste fresh. The spicy pizza, with its hot Ventricina salami, was a favorite, as was the vegetarian. Pizza pricing starts at $8.50 per pie, and one pizza serves two comfortably.

 

Sports Bar (Deck 7)

 

It's clear Divina is aimed at American passengers. (The menu even reads "American Food Experience.") Dining options are strictly of the bar/finger food variety and include Buffalo wings, chicken tenders, burgers and wraps. Prices are a la carte. For $7, the burger is the best onboard -- juicy and melty.

 

Room Service

 

A small room service menu is available all day, but a small service charge

($3.50) applies to orders placed after 11 p.m. Pizza delivery service is also available for an extra charge starts at $8.50 per pie.

 

Nutella Crepes (By the pool)

 

Starts at $4 per crepe and price increases depending on fillings chosen.

 

Gelato

 

Starts at $2.50 for a cup and increases from there.

 

Pastries

 

Start at $1.50 and increase from there.

 

Specialty Coffees

 

Start at $2.25 and increase from there.

Edited March 28, 2014 by chanowski

[cruisetrail]

Thank you for this compilation.

[chanowski]

Thank you for this compilation.

 

No problem :)

[Boytjie]

Princess don't charge for sun deck.

 

 

Divina charges only for one section of sun deck. It comes with extras. HAL does this too.

 

It also has another section of sun deck reserved for the Yacht Club. Not a unique concept since cruise lines like Cunard and NCL has the same concept.

[sue7045]

Here is a list I compiled for my group about extra charges onboard the Divina:

 

Gratuity:

 

The onboard currency is in U.S. dollars. A $12 per adult, per day, gratuity is automatically to your shipboard account; and $6 per person, per day, for those ages 3 to 17. Gratuity is not applied for children younger than 3.

 

A 15% service gratuity is automatically added to each drink or food purchased onboard.

 

Wi-Fi

 

$29.90 for 60 minutes

 

$44.90 for 100 minutes

 

$99.90 for 300 minutes

 

$149.90 for 480 minutes

 

$299.90 for 1,440 minutes

 

Internet Cafe

$6 for 10 minutes

 

$0.60 each additional minute

 

The Top 18 Solarium (Deck 18)

 

Adults-only sunning spot that features two hot tubs and a bar. Furniture includes standard loungers and covered rattan sun beds.

 

$5 to $30 depending on which piece of furniture is being used and the duration.

 

Candlepin Bowling Alley (Deck 7)

 

$7 per person per game (Only accepts coins)

 

Formula 1 Simulator (Deck 16)

 

$9 per person

 

4D Cinema (Deck 16)

 

$7 per person

 

Aqua Cycle

 

$12 per person/per class

 

Eataly Steakhouse

 

Eataly features a la carte pricing, with pastas starting at $8.50 and entrees ranging from $15 for lamb or salmon to $25 for an 8.5-ounce tenderloin. Veggie sides are $3. Attached to the steakhouse is Ristorante Italia, which serves a different prix fixe menu each night for $34 per person. There, menu options represent the various regions of Italy; they include Tuscan selections like Citrus-infused seafood passatelli or lasagna and Sicilian favorites like spiced braised veal cheeks and stuffed sardines. Both are open only for dinner from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

 

Galaxy Nightclub

 

Serves a daily luxury brunch for $28, which includes breakfast items such as omelets and waffles and options like oysters and foie gras, as well as one glass of Prosecco per person. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., dinner is served there, with several different Mediterranean fusion menus. Passengers can choose a la carte options (with appetizers starting at $7.50, pasta and rice starting at $7.50, main courses starting at $12 and desserts for $5) or choose from one of three price fixe options. The Saturno menu offers courses for $24 per person; the Venere menu is five courses for $35; and the Galaxy menu is seven courses and includes a glass of wine with each dish for $59 per person.

 

La Cantina di Bacco (open 6 p.m. to midnight)

 

A small but charming spot on Deck 7. There, wine- and beer-lovers can chat over a glass of wine and a tapas plate (olives and bruschetta, for example), included when you purchase drinks. This is also the best place on the ship for pizza. It's delicious, with flakey, thin crust, and the ingredients taste fresh. The spicy pizza, with its hot Ventricina salami, was a favorite, as was the vegetarian. Pizza pricing starts at $8.50 per pie, and one pizza serves two comfortably.

 

Sports Bar (Deck 7)

 

It's clear Divina is aimed at American passengers. (The menu even reads "American Food Experience.") Dining options are strictly of the bar/finger food variety and include Buffalo wings, chicken tenders, burgers and wraps. Prices are a la carte. For $7, the burger is the best onboard -- juicy and melty.

 

Room Service

 

A small room service menu is available all day, but a small service charge

($3.50) applies to orders placed after 11 p.m. Pizza delivery service is also available for an extra charge starts at $8.50 per pie.

 

Nutella Crepes (By the pool)

 

Starts at $4 per crepe and price increases depending on fillings chosen.

 

Gelato

 

Starts at $2.50 for a cup and increases from there.

 

Pastries

 

Start at $1.50 and increase from there.

 

Specialty Coffees

 

Start at $2.25 and increase from there.

 

Thanks! This s exactly what I was looking for. It must have taken a lot of research to compile. I hope others find this as useful as I did.

 

But I will say, This is a extensive list. But when you start to look at it, there is a lot that I wouldn't take part in.

[American Bear]

HAL does not charge for sun deck.

 

What you know pretty well is that people are coming on the paid sun deck on the Divina not for "extras" that equal to nothing.

They are trying to escape crowds. They are forced to come and pay due to inadequate overall sun deck space.

This is a kind of nickel-and-diming.

I don't see any sense in pretending not to understand this.

 

Regarding "ship within a ship" - NCL has the same "third world luxury" concept as MSC. No news.

 

Cunard concept is different from NCL and MSC. I really don't have to explain the difference because you know it and just trolling.

 

 

HAL charges for the Cabana club FACT

 

Neither cruise line charges for their sundeck! FACT

 

inadequate overall sun deck space=subjective

nickel-and-diming=subjective

extras" that equal to nothing=subjective

Edited March 29, 2014 by Russian Bear

[JoLoca2208]

Is this extra charge for adult area only on Divina?

 

Last year on Fantasia it was free, no matter what piece of furniture you were using.

[riclop]

Thanks! This s exactly what I was looking for. It must have taken a lot of research to compile. I hope others find this as useful as I did.

 

But I will say, This is a extensive list. But when you start to look at it, there is a lot that I wouldn't take part in.

Thanks for the list.

[wrdtrvllr]

Here is a list I compiled for my group about extra charges onboard the Divina:

 

Gratuity:

 

The onboard currency is in U.S. dollars. A $12 per adult, per day, gratuity is automatically to your shipboard account; and $6 per person, per day, for those ages 3 to 17. Gratuity is not applied for children younger than 3.

 

A 15% service gratuity is automatically added to each drink or food purchased onboard.

 

Wi-Fi

 

$29.90 for 60 minutes

 

$44.90 for 100 minutes

 

$99.90 for 300 minutes

 

$149.90 for 480 minutes

 

$299.90 for 1,440 minutes

 

Internet Cafe

$6 for 10 minutes

 

$0.60 each additional minute

 

The Top 18 Solarium (Deck 18)

 

Adults-only sunning spot that features two hot tubs and a bar. Furniture includes standard loungers and covered rattan sun beds.

 

$5 to $30 depending on which piece of furniture is being used and the duration.

 

Candlepin Bowling Alley (Deck 7)

 

$7 per person per game (Only accepts coins)

 

Formula 1 Simulator (Deck 16)

 

$9 per person

 

4D Cinema (Deck 16)

 

$7 per person

 

Aqua Cycle

 

$12 per person/per class

 

Eataly Steakhouse

 

Eataly features a la carte pricing, with pastas starting at $8.50 and entrees ranging from $15 for lamb or salmon to $25 for an 8.5-ounce tenderloin. Veggie sides are $3. Attached to the steakhouse is Ristorante Italia, which serves a different prix fixe menu each night for $34 per person. There, menu options represent the various regions of Italy; they include Tuscan selections like Citrus-infused seafood passatelli or lasagna and Sicilian favorites like spiced braised veal cheeks and stuffed sardines. Both are open only for dinner from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

 

Galaxy Nightclub

 

Serves a daily luxury brunch for $28, which includes breakfast items such as omelets and waffles and options like oysters and foie gras, as well as one glass of Prosecco per person. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., dinner is served there, with several different Mediterranean fusion menus. Passengers can choose a la carte options (with appetizers starting at $7.50, pasta and rice starting at $7.50, main courses starting at $12 and desserts for $5) or choose from one of three price fixe options. The Saturno menu offers courses for $24 per person; the Venere menu is five courses for $35; and the Galaxy menu is seven courses and includes a glass of wine with each dish for $59 per person.

 

La Cantina di Bacco (open 6 p.m. to midnight)

 

A small but charming spot on Deck 7. There, wine- and beer-lovers can chat over a glass of wine and a tapas plate (olives and bruschetta, for example), included when you purchase drinks. This is also the best place on the ship for pizza. It's delicious, with flakey, thin crust, and the ingredients taste fresh. The spicy pizza, with its hot Ventricina salami, was a favorite, as was the vegetarian. Pizza pricing starts at $8.50 per pie, and one pizza serves two comfortably.

 

Sports Bar (Deck 7)

 

It's clear Divina is aimed at American passengers. (The menu even reads "American Food Experience.") Dining options are strictly of the bar/finger food variety and include Buffalo wings, chicken tenders, burgers and wraps. Prices are a la carte. For $7, the burger is the best onboard -- juicy and melty.

 

Room Service

 

A small room service menu is available all day, but a small service charge

($3.50) applies to orders placed after 11 p.m. Pizza delivery service is also available for an extra charge starts at $8.50 per pie.

 

Nutella Crepes (By the pool)

 

Starts at $4 per crepe and price increases depending on fillings chosen.

 

Gelato

 

Starts at $2.50 for a cup and increases from there.

 

Pastries

 

Start at $1.50 and increase from there.

 

Specialty Coffees

 

Start at $2.25 and increase from there.

 

 

 

Good to know. Thanks for compiling this detailed list

[nickam]

We were on divina in the med in 2013,iced water at dinner was not provided, if you wanted water with dinner you had to pay for a bottle, do they still do this on the caribbean itenaries