!!! DIVINA !!! Eastern Caribbean ^_^ The Ultimate Review and Complete Pictorial Guide

[gambee]

It's not a Gambee review until something gets spilled :)

 

Enjoying your review, as usual.

 

Thank you for joining. The odd thing is that we actually did not spill that many drinks this time around. You want to know a real funny thing that I never mentioned on the Allure review? I spilled an entire drink on the elevator! I can't seem to find the picture, I think I deleted it :(

[gambee]

Phew managed to get the end of day 1 - fab review so far as ever Gambee!

 

I have always been curious about MSC as their prices are often really great for UK cruisers but never been too sure about their product but we don't mind trying out different cruise lines ourselves!

 

Got to say a Miami sailaway is just the best - loved it each time I've sailed out of Miami! :D

 

If you like superyachts then you will love Europe - saw quite a few of them on my Azamara Quest cruise!

 

Thank you for joining in. Like I said, we are looking into Europe for next year, and that I know, I will have to keep my eyes open for super yachts. Thank you for the heads up!

[gambee]

Gorgeous photos! These truly are magazine quality.

 

Thank you :)

[gambee]

You missed a pair of boobs on that top one, Gambee.

 

And now i'm seeing them everywhere...is it me, or does that light fixture look like it's made of breast implants? They should've called this ship the MSC Mammaria!

 

MAmmaria :eek::eek::eek: Too Funny!!!! :D:D:D

[gambee]

Hey Gambee! You know us, we love to cruise!

 

A couple of reasons why The Divina is being pulled from the market. Ken Muscat, the Vice President of MSC USA explained to us on our sailing that The Divina was going to have further upgrades to entice the American Market, which included additional super technology upgrades and enhancing the entertainment venues to bring bigger shows in. Also, the secret building that is going on with their two new Technology Driven Ship builds, two new mega ships, are going to take their place in the American Market in 2016 and 2017. Much like the Quantum, they too will be very far reaching in the techno world. That being said, the Divina is still sailing full, the competition is worried, so much so that I know of a couple of Celebrity folks sailing on the September 6th sailing in disguise. Whoops, let that cat out of the bag.

 

One other point I wanted to make is that MSC is a private family owned company and do not have to answer to investors or share holders or hedge fund operators. Therefore, they can play with the pricing as much as they want. First and foremost, the company is a Shipping Company. On the downside, MSC is a European cruise line and in as much as they want to cater to Americans, it ain't gonna happen for most folks. The line is too entrenched in European standards. Which, being fans of the original Costa (Pre-Carnival) we loved The Divina for what it was offering.

 

We are going back on the Divina for the second time, to complete our "Adventures", very, very soon as well. Your review as always is priceless, informative and honest. Thank you so much!

 

 

Love your pics and your new website!

 

Thank you for the info. I still think that they might be pulling her for different reasons, you know companies are never tells us the truth about these things. But hey, as long as we get her back, or one of the new ones being built I am happy. I saw the design of the ones being built, I think they are the nicest looking ships ever! I love that aft pool hotel style looks. I can't wait to get on board one of them. It would be really fantastic if MSC had already figured out the American market by then.

[gambee]

I've devoured all your other reviews after booking a cruise on the Silhouette, and this is the first time I'm following one "live". It's very exciting :D

 

I love your pictures. They're so beautiful! Thanks for posting pictures of the accessible room. There aren't nearly enough out there.

 

Can't wait to read the rest!

 

I am happy that you get to be part of the running review, I find it much more fun when I join a review in progress. Thank you for your kind comment, it is truly appreciated :)

[gambee]

Your pictures are extremely good!

I don't think you're being negative at all!

You stated the ship is beautiful, extremely clean, you liked the cabins, and you mentioned you got a great deal which gave you the opportunity to pick a balcony instead of an inside cabin, all positive comments!

 

You were not impressed with the food, but reading your comments you also wrote you liked a lot of them also!

I would disagree with you about the quality of food on the Divina, but that's OK because food is subjective!

example: The buffet on our last Allure cruise, one night the only hot dishes were curry dishes, and we don't like curry:mad:, so off to the dining room we went, no big deal! Didn't ruin our cruise!:)

 

We drink most of our drinks on RCL for free because of our loyalty club status, but MSC has the best drink prices, and drink programs we've come across on any cruise line! :D

 

Why did we choose an MSC balcony over an RCL balcony? Because we saved over $1500. for our 2 week back to back cruise by choosing MSC!:eek:

 

I was not aware that you could free drinks if you reach ah high enough membership on RCCL. I guess I have to start working my way up the line. The problem is that I keep trying out new cruise lines and my loyalty is kind of all over the place :D

 

I hope you have a great cruise! For the price paid I think MSC is a great product, but with a few improvements it could be so much better. I hope they get a hold of it.

[gambee]

Just curious, did you reach the ship via the new tunnel at the port of Miami ?

 

Not on the way to the port, but I did when got off the ship. I have some pictures of the tunnel. By the way, it got flooded a couple of days ago :D. I think they cleared it out already.

[gambee]

Thank you, I would appreciate that. I love a good bargin :)

 

Ok, so I did ask mom. But neither my mom or my aunt could truly tell me where it was. I think they had too many drinks already :D. However, I found the specials, and I found it. It's on the last day at the casino bar. Here you go. It was only on the last day.

 

I will post all of the specials now, so you get an idea of the special throughout the cruise.

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 28, 2014 by gambee

[gambee]

 

 

And here is the one you asked for. Notice the 2 for 1 happy hour? It actually also came with a match and play deal. WOW!

 

 

Hope that helps. :)

[gambee]

Hi Gambee.....so glad to see another of your fantastic reviews! We learned the Breakaway from your review(and it was spot on). We are going on her again in 2 weeks, but this time to Bermuda, were again all your tips and experiences will come in handy.

 

Leslie and Bill

 

I hope you have a great cruise and enjoy Bermuda, until today it is our favorite island!

 

Thank you for commenting and joining in :)

[gambee]

Thanks for the great review Gambee and looking forward to my 1st cruise with MSC. Have a question if you could answer - are the doors metal? Want to put a magnetic sign on the door.

 

Ummmmmmmm :confused::confused::confused:, I think so. I am not quite sure. I will tell you one thing, my door was pain! It never closed unless I slammed it! My mom's door was not as bad.

[gambee]

Gambee, my friend, these are some of the best night shots I have seen (with a nod to Little Miss Magic) and I agree that the cruise really gets started....the stress level dips to zero (if you have your luggage, that is) as you leave the port in your wake. Did you use Lightroom to enhance these shots? A tripod?

 

As usual-wonderful review and your passion for cruising and sharing is evident.

 

Thanks for sailing MSC who have more than a fair share of "never again" reviews.

 

I am currently happily married to Princess where I have never had my luggage show up more than an hour after I boarded.

 

The Duty Free liquor prices and the wine lists are excellent.

 

Glad to be aboard and in your company once again.

 

Best wishes,

Norris

 

 

Hello Norris, to answer your questions. Those shots were actually handheld and with no alteration by lightroom. All my day 1 pictures were not altered, I actually forgot to do so. Everything you have seen so far is straight out of the camera, well I did compress them. I think most of the credit goes to the sensor of the camera matched with the new processor. All of the pictures are at ISO 3200, and the noise is minimal. The other credit goes to the lens, those Zeiss lens really do a great job at contrast and color. I am very happy with my new setup, I know I say this now. But I think this will be the setup that I keep for a long time. Who knows, you all know how volatile I am with cameras :D.

 

The luggage event was not ideal, but at least they did not get lost :eek:

[maryann2]

Gambee I am loving your review. I love your style and honesty.

The sunset photos leaving Miami are beautiful.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

I am sailing on the Divina on Sept 6th.

[gambee]

Yay, another Gambee review! ^__^ I really enjoyed your Breeze one and this has already proved to be highly entertaining so far! I haven't heard of MSC so it's nice to learn about a new line, though it's troubling to hear about the website. I've heard about RCI's IT issues and that already makes me cautious about thinking of booking with them in the future (but I'm probably getting a little ahead of myself as I haven't even gone on my first cruise yet xD).

 

Also loving your pictures as always! I recently got a new camera for my upcoming trip (as my previous one is at least a decade old...) and seeing those illustration mode pictures from your Breeze review really pushed me towards a Sony, haha. I almost live in that mode now, haha, it's really beautiful.

 

Can't wait to read more!

 

Honestly, I think the website should deter you from booking a cruise with MSC. Yes, it is a pity and it can get annoying, but nothing that will change the experience on board.

 

Glad you're enjoying the illustration mode, it can be a lot of fun!

 

Thank you for commenting :)

[gambee]

Oh wow Gambee! I am extremely busy right now so I have only skimmed through a few pages but from what I can see so far, absolutely incredible! Of course I will eventually read through it all! :)

 

Hello there Mike, I can only imagine how busy you're with school starting again and your new role. Hope all is well, take care :)

[gambee]

Gambee I am loving your review. I love your style and honesty.

The sunset photos leaving Miami are beautiful.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.

I am sailing on the Divina on Sept 6th.

 

Glad you like the style of the review, I try my best to deliver the truth through my words. I have thousands of pictures to share, get ready :)

 

I hope you have a great cruise!

[sharonsorlie]

Thanks, that is awesome will be looking for it 2x we are doing a B2B. My husband is a quiet man,so dining at a table for two for him is a must. Any tips on how to secure a table for two. Are there many in the dining room

[marty1950]

Hey there my friend, Your pictures are magnificent. Love that new camera. Just a FYI you got your first spill out of the way, now it will be smooth sailing for the rest of the way. ( ha,ha.). Gary:rolleyes:

[gambee]

Thanks, that is awesome will be looking for it 2x we are doing a B2B. My husband is a quiet man,so dining at a table for two for him is a must. Any tips on how to secure a table for two. Are there many in the dining room

 

A lot? Not really, but I did see a few. My suggestion is to stop by the MDR as you board, get in as soon as possible to increase your chances. That is also a very important thing for us.

 

Hey there my friend, Your pictures are magnificent. Love that new camera. Just a FYI you got your first spill out of the way, now it will be smooth sailing for the rest of the way. ( ha,ha.). Gary:rolleyes:

 

Lol, thank you for posting. I am not truly sure if I spilled more drinks, I guess I have to go through the pictures again :)

[KristiandEvan]

Loving the review, but sad that Katie and I weren't there to randomly pop up in your photos this time! Haha

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

[Bosjoe]

Those spa prices got better as the week went on, the last day 50% off for a hot stone massage those are so nice, I wish I saw that on my cruise, somehow the drinking package came first. haha

 

 

 

And here is the one you asked for. Notice the 2 for 1 happy hour? It actually also came with a match and play deal. WOW!

 

 

Hope that helps. :)

[maureencruiser]

Wonderful photos, great info! Thanks!! :)

[gambee]

Loving the review, but sad that Katie and I weren't there to randomly pop up in your photos this time! Haha

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

 

Hahaha, very true.

 

Nice to see you here :)