Tip and secrets about Divina

[33Minnie33]

Does anyone have any tips or secrets to share about the Divina? Food? Pools? Shows? Cabins? Whatever you would like to share. Thanks

[Katgoesonholiday]

I have a tip - its not an american cruise line and anyone comparing it to American lines will be disappointed and possibly even appalled.

 

:D

[Katgoesonholiday]

On a more practical note....

 

I haven't sailed on the Divina but from reading these forums it seems that heading towards the back of the buffet provides better views, more empty tables and some interesting ethnic food stations.

[American Bear]

I have a tip - its not an american cruise line and anyone comparing it to American lines will be disappointed and possibly even appalled.

 

:D

 

 

Kat, we would disagree!

We found the Divina a very acceptable, enjoyable cruise, and we are Americans with a long cruise history(20 plus years) of traveling on American cruise lines!

We think a lot of the negative is angry people venting who live inside a black cloud!:D

The Divina is a very beautiful ship with better entertainment then most ships(we still like the RCL Broadway series the best), great drink packages(they free pour), and the Divina's buffet (not perfect) is one of the best at sea!

And we got all this in a Divina balcony for 2 weeks for $2000. total when we bought!

I'll compare that to any American cruise, we did before we bought, and even with our benefits from other cruise lines like RCL as Diamond+/casino club members, the Divina came out on top!

But if someone thinks 'American' service is rude behavior by employees who constantly ask you to buy, buy, buy, buy, or think you need to hear the loud speaker announcements every 3 minutes about everything you care less about, they are sadly mistaken! The Divina doesn't have this rude behavior!

There will be many Americans who will appreciate the Adult Style of Classy cruising on the Divina!:D

Edited June 17, 2014 by American Bear

[Mikesa1721]

Kat, we would disagree!

We found the Divina a very acceptable, enjoyable cruise, and we are Americans with a long cruise history(20 plus years) of traveling on American cruise lines!

We think a lot of the negative is angry people venting who live inside a black cloud!:D

The Divina is a very beautiful ship with better entertainment then most ships(we still like the RCL Broadway series the best), great drink packages(they free pour), and the Divina's buffet (not perfect) is one of the best at sea!

And we got all this in a Divina balcony for 2 weeks for $2000. total when we bought!

I'll compare that to any American cruise, we did before we bought, and even with our benefits from other cruise lines like RCL as Diamond+/casino club members, the Divina came out on top!

But if someone thinks 'American' service is rude behavior by employees who constantly ask you to buy, buy, buy, buy, or think you need to hear the loud speaker announcements every 3 minutes about everything you care less about, they are sadly mistaken! The Divina doesn't have this rude behavior!

There will be many Americans who will appreciate the Adult Style of Classy cruising on the Divina!:D

 

[joybaby]

I have also done many cruise, about 30 and found MSC to be wonderful. I am looking forward to sailing on the Divina. I loved the Opera and the Poesia.

[Rotterdam]

Kategoesonholiday is just another complainer in these boards. I have been on cruise ships since 1975(I loved the Italian Line & Home Lines the best). When MSC came a round we tried it...sure it was different but in good ways also.

 

We first tried the OPERA -I loved the size of the ship & as far as food - there is so much to choose from everyone will be happy. I had a balcony cabin which was a good size. I try to avoid the crowds so ate dinner late.

 

The second MSC cruise was on Poesia...another lovely ship....

 

MSC has the advantage of having new ships as opposed to NCL RCCL HAL & Carnivore that mix the old & new ships.

 

The shopping onboard was fun - lots of imports from Italy.... The entertainment has something for everyone - from the kids to the seniors. And the large percentage of Italian passengers & crew really make a festive atmosphere.

 

I have not been on NCL & RCCL for several years now & won't go back....recently gave up on HAL,,,,looking to Oceania and Silversea...but we'll go back to MSC....friends just booked Divina and I'll sail here sometime this winter....

 

GO enjoy!!!

 

.

I have a tip - its not an american cruise line and anyone comparing it to American lines will be disappointed and possibly even appalled.

 

:D

[Danbee46]

The Yacht Club is an amazing experience and, if you can afford it, is a no-brainer. Great great service, no lines, no crowds, just about everything included, private pool and sun deck, private dining room, private lounge, etc, etc, etc. We loved it so much we have booked two more YC cruises on the Divina.

[FLAMOM24]

The Yacht Club is an amazing experience and, if you can afford it, is a no-brainer. Great great service, no lines, no crowds, just about everything included, private pool and sun deck, private dining room, private lounge, etc, etc, etc. We loved it so much we have booked two more YC cruises on the Divina.

 

Danbee46

We are booked in the yacht club in August. Any tips you can share on this particular part of the ship would be most appreciated :)

[riclop]

I have a tip - its not an american cruise line and anyone comparing it to American lines will be disappointed and possibly even appalled.

 

:D

What a wrong statement to make from someone who has not been on the ship.

[neptuno]

What a wrong statement to make from someone who has not been on the ship.

 

Right, we all love Kat, and she really wants to justify her upcoming cruise.

[moomoocow]

Obviously Kat's sarcasm doesn't come across on these boards.

 

It's great that you've all responded explaining that a) you're American and b) you love the vibe of MSC but you are in the minority. There are lots and lots of people that have visited these boards since Divina landed in Miami who have been disappointed about their MSC cruise experience.

 

We have had countless discussion about service differences, water availability, tipping, announcements and even bacon. And virtually everyone asks "Never been on MSC before, is it like (insert name of American cruise line here)"

 

Behind her sarcastic reply there is more than a grain of truth. I understand it was a flippant remark and was probably a shock to some people.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Katgoesonholiday]

Obviously Kat's sarcasm doesn't come across on these boards.

 

It's great that you've all responded explaining that a) you're American and b) you love the vibe of MSC but you are in the minority. There are lots and lots of people that have visited these boards since Divina landed in Miami who have been disappointed about their MSC cruise experience.

 

We have had countless discussion about service differences, water availability, tipping, announcements and even bacon. And virtually everyone asks "Never been on MSC before, is it like (insert name of American cruise line here)"

 

Behind her sarcastic reply there is more than a grain of truth. I understand it was a flippant remark and was probably a shock to some people.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Moomoocow gets me. The rest.... :eek: :(

 

I was being flippant and as Moomoocow points out, I was referring to countless discussions about how people are so disappointed because MSC doesn't do A the way B does it etc etc.

 

I personally don't have an issue with American cruise lines nor do I need to justify my upcoming cruise to anyone except my husband (who was remarkably easy to convince) any more than I need to justify the cruise after that - which will be on Carnival out of Long Beach in December.

[Katgoesonholiday]

And though my comment was intended to be completely tongue in cheek and not in any way disparaging, there is a kernel of truth there that MSC is not offering an identical and interchangeable product that competes apples for apples with all the other cruise lines sailing this route and catering to a predominately North American market. This is a point of difference that they are proud of - judging by their marketing material.

 

I think we have all read enough complaints from those who expect it to be just the same in all aspects and are upset when its not. Which in no way detracts from the many North Americans etc who sail it and love it - presumably because they appreciate it for what it is and aren't bogged down in what its not.

 

Disagree with me by all means, and point out that I haven't sailed on the Divina (which I was completely up front about anyway), but I'm not claiming to speak from experience - only from what I have observed over the last nine months of reading this board.

 

So to rephrase my original flippant statement differently, my tip or secret is to simply enjoy the Divina as it is and to not compare it to other cruise lines.

 

But hey! What would I know, right? :rolleyes:

Edited June 18, 2014 by Katgoesonholiday

[Mikesa1721]

The Yacht Club is an amazing experience and, if you can afford it, is a no-brainer. Great great service, no lines, no crowds, just about everything included, private pool and sun deck, private dining room, private lounge, etc, etc, etc. We loved it so much we have booked two more YC cruises on the Divina.

 

Agree 100% with you Danbee. After our first sailing on Divina in the Yacht Club back in May, we booked 4 more sailings once we returned. If you have the means, the Yacht Club is definitely an amazing experience.

But to stay true to this thread, we hope MSC doesn't Americanize Divina or the new builds should they send one to Miami, to much. We love the "Med Way", we love Divina, that's what makes her different from everyone else.:D

Edited June 18, 2014 by Mikesa1721

[Aussiegrlfl]

Maybe it's because of my Australian heritage....but I totally got what Kat was saying in her message.........we have all been reading the many posts both positive and negative over the past many months...and she was just making a "smart arse comment"....well.........I guess to all the Americans that I have read countless comments on this board.........you should just have chilled a little and realized that she was kidding as in a joke............but maybe you haven't been following the boards and havent' read what we all have.........Aussies and Kiwis.....have a special relationship...:)....but we understand our humour at least.............Kat I GOT IT...

[Katgoesonholiday]

Thanks Aussiegrlfl! :)

[riclop]

Agree 100% with you Danbee. After our first sailing on Divina in the Yacht Club back in May, we booked 4 more sailings once we returned. If you have the means, the Yacht Club is definitely an amazing experience.

But to stay true to this thread, we hope MSC doesn't Americanize Divina or the new builds should they send one to Miami, to much. We love the "Med Way", we love Divina, that's what makes her different from everyone else.:D

Mike i see your upcoming trips, wow i guess you loved the YACHT CLUB. Enjoy.

[Mikesa1721]

Mike i see your upcoming trips, wow i guess you loved the YACHT CLUB. Enjoy.

 

Riclop,,I hear a lot of people say that once you've had a balcony stateroom it's hard to go back to an interior,,well,,, that's kind of the same thing with us and the Yacht Club. Once we've experienced it, it would be hard for us to book anywhere else on the ship.:D

Edited June 19, 2014 by Mikesa1721

[Tatka]

I think Kat is just trying to scare Americans away :)

No way! We are coming to cruise on beautiful Divina soon!

 

I do not care about bad reviews, I read enough bad stuff about MSC Poesia... but we absolutely loved it! And slightly different flavor just added more fun.

[33Minnie33]

I really appreciate the feedback......I love things that are different and we are now booked for Aug. The ship looks amazing!!! I do like the Anytime Dinning that other lines have but that is ok. Keep the hits and tips coming. Thanks

[nevergrumpy]

Maybe it's because of my Australian heritage....but I totally got what Kat was saying in her message.........we have all been reading the many posts both positive and negative over the past many months...and she was just making a "smart arse comment"....well.........I guess to all the Americans that I have read countless comments on this board.........you should just have chilled a little and realized that she was kidding as in a joke............but maybe you haven't been following the boards and havent' read what we all have.........Aussies and Kiwis.....have a special relationship...:)....but we understand our humour at least.............Kat I GOT IT...

 

 

:) yip, I got it to Kat, maybe your sense of humour doesn't "cross over" well.

[tarheelmjfan]

Maybe it's because of my Australian heritage....but I totally got what Kat was saying in her message.........we have all been reading the many posts both positive and negative over the past many months...and she was just making a "smart arse comment"....well.........I guess to all the Americans that I have read countless comments on this board.........you should just have chilled a little and realized that she was kidding as in a joke............but maybe you haven't been following the boards and havent' read what we all have.........Aussies and Kiwis.....have a special relationship...:)....but we understand our humour at least.............Kat I GOT IT...

 

Or maybe they've been reading all the "my country is better than yours" posts on this board as of late. It's ridiculous! There's no reason a persons country of origin should affect posts, but it definitely does many times on this board. It has almost turned me off Divina, because researching cruises here isn't pleasant at times. There really should be an enforced sticky at the top stating posting negatively toward an entire country isn't permitted. It seems silly that this would be needed, but apparently it is. I can honestly say this is the only message board forum that I have ever seen this. It's been off-putting to say the least. Kat probably didn't mean her post the way some read it, but it's starting to hit a sore spot. Yes, those bashing Divina's bacon, etc. may show their ignorance toward other cultures, but they are individuals. They don't represent the country as a whole. My problem with this board is it the fact that people seem to believe that it can't be just one poster's opinion. It must be due to them being American. :confused: Believe it or not, but all Americans aren't the same & don't agree on everything. Until I started reading this board, I didn't realize there was so much distain for Americans, not in Europe & Australia at least. I certainly never felt that way about another country.

 

I just started reading here. It would be really sad to think this board has always been this way. Hopefully, this is a new phenomenon. Sorry for the soap box, but I think this board would be better served, if the word American came up much less. Judge members for their posts not their country of origin like all the other boards do. I almost deleted this a couple times, but I'm hoping something will get through & this board will become more pleasant for all.

 

FWIW, all the cruise lines have lovers & haters from all over the world. The "so called" American cruise lines receive as many complaints as MSC does. The only true American cruise ship is Pride Of America & there are Americans who say they didn't enjoy that ship. MSC obviously has a unique style that some will love & others not. The same is true for many cruise lines.

[moomoocow]

Or maybe they've been reading all the "my country is better than yours" posts on this board as of late. It's ridiculous! There's no reason a persons country of origin should affect posts, but it definitely does many times on this board. It has almost turned me off Divina, because researching cruises here isn't pleasant at times. There really should be an enforced sticky at the top stating posting negatively toward an entire country isn't permitted. It seems silly that this would be needed, but apparently it is. I can honestly say this is the only message board forum that I have ever seen this. It's been off-putting to say the least. Kat probably didn't mean her post the way some read it, but it's starting to hit a sore spot. Yes, those bashing Divina's bacon, etc. may show their ignorance toward other cultures, but they are individuals. They don't represent the country as a whole. My problem with this board is it the fact that people seem to believe that it can't be just one poster's opinion. It must be due to them being American. :confused: Believe it or not, but all Americans aren't the same & don't agree on everything. Until I started reading this board, I didn't realize there was so much distain for Americans, not in Europe & Australia at least. I certainly never felt that way about another country.

 

I just started reading here. It would be really sad to think this board has always been this way. Hopefully, this is a new phenomenon. Sorry for the soap box, but I think this board would be better served, if the word American came up much less. Judge members for their posts not their country of origin like all the other boards do. I almost deleted this a couple times, but I'm hoping something will get through & this board will become more pleasant for all.

 

FWIW, all the cruise lines have lovers & haters from all over the world. The "so called" American cruise lines receive as many complaints as MSC does. The only true American cruise ship is Pride Of America & there are Americans who say they didn't enjoy that ship. MSC obviously has a unique style that some will love & others not. The same is true for many cruise lines.

 

I can't recall a post on here in the 9 months since the Divina crossed the Atlantic where an American citizen has been attacked for being American. Their opinions, views and reviews may have. But not their nationality.

 

However there have been countless posts where people have complained that "the ship does announcements in five languages". I recently read a post where someone stated it was "unnecessary" to make announcements in other languages. That's extremely xenophobic to anyone but native English speakers.

 

The incessant war of attrition over water at the table for free is tiresome for both "sides" but both reviews and posts demand that this be available. Recently posters and reviewers have added coffee to that demand and seem affronted when it's still not given.

 

Yet more posters question the level of service received. They compare it unfavourably with other lines. Some posters suggest the European way of doing things means MSC "won't last in the Carribean" unless they change and improve.

 

The diatribes about omelette stations abound. Search for it. They're there. There was an actual international incident on the maiden Miami voyage because they didn't have one.

 

Staff have been called rude, smelly, ignorant, unable to speak or understand English and not willing to adapt. Their only crime is being European. As for fellow passengers that are from Europe, well, they're arrogant, pushy, nasty rude and vindictive. And don't get me started on what we've been called because our culture doesn't usually tip AND MSC Cruises request that guests do not tip staff.

 

Like I said, I can't think of a post where anyone has been insulted for being American. But I've read plenty over the part year, almost on a daily basis, where there has been insidious and thinly veiled xenophobia about non-American citizens. I'm European. I'd like people to stop insulting my continental brothers and sisters.

 

So please ask for the sticky about posting negatively to stop. But, please, make sure it takes Europeans into account.

 

Thank you

[tarheelmjfan]

I can't recall a post on here in the 9 months since the Divina crossed the Atlantic where an American citizen has been attacked for being American. Their opinions, views and reviews may have. But not their nationality.

 

However there have been countless posts where people have complained that "the ship does announcements in five languages". I recently read a post where someone stated it was "unnecessary" to make announcements in other languages. That's extremely xenophobic to anyone but native English speakers.

 

The incessant war of attrition over water at the table for free is tiresome for both "sides" but both reviews and posts demand that this be available. Recently posters and reviewers have added coffee to that demand and seem affronted when it's still not given.

 

Yet more posters question the level of service received. They compare it unfavourably with other lines. Some posters suggest the European way of doing things means MSC "won't last in the Carribean" unless they change and improve.

 

The diatribes about omelette stations abound. Search for it. They're there. There was an actual international incident on the maiden Miami voyage because they didn't have one.

 

Staff have been called rude, smelly, ignorant, unable to speak or understand English and not willing to adapt. Their only crime is being European. As for fellow passengers that are from Europe, well, they're arrogant, pushy, nasty rude and vindictive. And don't get me started on what we've been called because our culture doesn't usually tip AND MSC Cruises request that guests do not tip staff.

 

Like I said, I can't think of a post where anyone has been insulted for being American. But I've read plenty over the part year, almost on a daily basis, where there has been insidious and thinly veiled xenophobia about non-American citizens. I'm European. I'd like people to stop insulting my continental brothers and sisters.

 

So please ask for the sticky about posting negatively to stop. But, please, make sure it takes Europeans into account.

 

Thank you

 

We all read things from our point of view. If the negative posts aren't directed toward you or your country of origin, you probably wouldn't pay attention to it. As I said, I've only been reading here a few weeks & have seen many anti-America posts. Most of them come from the same few members. The worst have been deleted, but the mods shouldn't have to worry about stuff like that. It shouldn't be here. We should all realize that no one wants others to put down their country. That's common sense & isn't unique to any one country. IMO, the sticky & rules should be for all countries. I wouldn't advocate European bashing anymore than American bashing. Then again, it wouldn't occur to me to bash another country in the first place.