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Just Booked Our First MSC Cruise.


KeywestK
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After being long time RCI cruisers, I booked us on the Divina for next December. I'm in the process of supplying MSC with the documentation that will give us the Voyager's Club Black Card level. We are all set for early dinner seating (I knew to book the Fantastica Experience so there'd be no issue with wait listing, plus we liked the perks of that level.)

 

I've been reading reviews, and while most are favorable, some reviews are all over the place. What advice, information, or comments can you experienced MSC cruisers offer us to ensure a great first cruise on the Divina. We really are excited about trying something different.

 

Just as a side note, we know this is an Italian cruise line and the experience is more European-slanted. We have traveled quite a bit through Europe, so I think we will actually enjoy that.

 

Looking forward to your feedback!

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Hi Karen.......we are cruising for the first time on Divina in January. Looking forward to a new experience as well. She looks like a beautiful ship. I love reading the positive reviews and I'm trying not to worry about the negative ones. This thread has tons of info and great tips. Jimmy and Amanda (forgot their screen name) do an awesome job, in my opinion, of posting honest reviews and they have very, very informative videos on youtube...... "chubby and away...... my husband and I look forward to watching their videos - looking forward to watching their day 5 video.

 

I think we will all really enjoy our Divina cruise!!!:)

 

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Hi Karen.......we are cruising for the first time on Divina in January. Looking forward to a new experience as well. She looks like a beautiful ship. I love reading the positive reviews and I'm trying not to worry about the negative ones. This thread has tons of info and great tips. Jimmy and Amanda (forgot their screen name) do an awesome job, in my opinion, of posting honest reviews and they have very, very informative videos on youtube...... "chubby and away...... my husband and I look forward to watching their videos - looking forward to watching their day 5 video.

 

I think we will all really enjoy our Divina cruise!!!:)

 

 

Hi, and thanks for posting. I have read some of Jimmy's posts, and plan to watch their youtube videos as well. I hope you have an awesome cruise in January, and I hope you will post a review when you get back:):cool: I'd love to hear your impressions of the Divina.

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Hi Karen.....oh good.....glad you have found Jimmy's posts. Their videos are fun to watch! I will check back in after our cruise with some sort of review or just to answer questions. Looking so forward to a new experience. Enjoy your cruise next December as well:)

 

 

 

Hi, and thanks for posting. I have read some of Jimmy's posts, and plan to watch their youtube videos as well. I hope you have an awesome cruise in January, and I hope you will post a review when you get back:):cool: I'd love to hear your impressions of the Divina.
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Be aware that MSC processes your onboard account through a bank in Paris, you will see a foreign transaction charge on your credit card statement, unless you use a credit card with no foreign transaction charges. EM

 

We always use a credit card that doesn't charge for foreign transactions, but I appreciate the head's up.

 

We use different credit cards and have never had a foreign fee.

 

Good to know.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Just returned from first MSC cruise (we are D+ RCI); attracted to MSC by competitive prices and itinerary. Big plus for; completely excellent coffee, the most amazing pizza at sea ever (in the buffet) and relaxed, elegant dining. Be prepared for; unnecessary complex check in procedure, occasional laid back service, less information than you might expect regarding shore excursion timing (including disembarkation). Overall, though, we loved the itinerary an had a very enjoyable experience.

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Just returned from first MSC cruise (we are D+ RCI); attracted to MSC by competitive prices and itinerary. Big plus for; completely excellent coffee, the most amazing pizza at sea ever (in the buffet) and relaxed, elegant dining. Be prepared for; unnecessary complex check in procedure, occasional laid back service, less information than you might expect regarding shore excursion timing (including disembarkation). Overall, though, we loved the itinerary an had a very enjoyable experience.

 

I can't wait to try their pizza! Growing up in Philly, we have been spoiled by really outstanding Philly/NY style pizza, and consider ourselves pizza-philes! And thanks for your take on the other issues that we may encounter.

 

We're looking forward to cruising on MSC, and especially the more European-slant on cruising. So glad you enjoyed your cruise!

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I can't wait to try their pizza! Growing up in Philly, we have been spoiled by really outstanding Philly/NY style pizza, and consider ourselves pizza-philes! And thanks for your take on the other issues that we may encounter.

 

We're looking forward to cruising on MSC, and especially the more European-slant on cruising. So glad you enjoyed your cruise!

 

Usually breakfast pizza is the cold leftover stuff from the night before. But on the Divina they do an incredible breakfast pizza with prosciutto and a soft cooked egg. Look for it, it's yummy!!

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Be aware that MSC processes your onboard account through a bank in Paris, you will see a foreign transaction charge on your credit card statement, unless you use a credit card with no foreign transaction charges. EM

 

Very interesting on our prior MSC sailing the charge showed up as Miami on my statement and had no transaction fees billed.

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Hi Karen

We also just got back from our first MSC cruise. We had a great time. Agree with Panger's comments. I'm 5 minutes from Star Pizza in Jersey but the pizza was pretty good on the ship!!enjoy your trip !!!

Thank you! Very happy to know you enjoyed your cruise. Any specific advice or comments that you think we should be aware of would be appreciated!

 

Sent from my SM-T713 using Forums mobile app

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I am from NY so I know great pizza. The pizza in the buffet was good on the Divina. Making large pizzas constantly like a pizza place. Everyday different kinds.

But the BEST pizza I had was the made to order pizza made on the 7th deck that you have to pay for! Delish! Twice I had it delivered to my Yacht Club suite this past week! Yum!! 😊

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Our family enjoyed the Divina. It's a beautiful ship. I agree, the pizza is great (try the one with blue cheese...yummy). As far as checking in, everything went smoothly. I think it was because we didn't check in until about 1:15pm. From start to finish we were on the ship within 10-15 minutes.

 

My only negative experience was with fellow Americans complaining about people not speaking English.

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I would suggest that you have some type of tour planned for Palermo and Marsielle. Those ports were not very good if you set just planning on walking around

Our cruise is going to the Eastern Caribbean. We've been to all the ports many times over the years 😉🌴

 

Sent from my SM-T713 using Forums mobile app

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Our family enjoyed the Divina. It's a beautiful ship. I agree, the pizza is great (try the one with blue cheese...yummy). As far as checking in, everything went smoothly. I think it was because we didn't check in until about 1:15pm. From start to finish we were on the ship within 10-15 minutes.

 

My only negative experience was with fellow Americans complaining about people not speaking English.

That would annoy me too......meaning the Americans complaining about the foreign speakers! It's a big world out there. What a wonderful experience to Mingle with people from other cultures[emoji3]

 

Sent from my SM-T713 using Forums mobile app

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After being long time RCI cruisers, I booked us on the Divina for next December. I'm in the process of supplying MSC with the documentation that will give us the Voyager's Club Black Card level.

 

You made a very good choice. The ship is spotless and beautiful. The service is very good, but NOT "in your face". If you need service just ask. The shows and food are both very good. The value is unbelievable. The buffet has hidden treasures, so do a full lap. Unlike RCI, you can get a fresh late night snack up there too. Once you have your Black Card be sure to call back and they will discount your invoice by 5%.

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You made a very good choice. The ship is spotless and beautiful. The service is very good, but NOT "in your face". If you need service just ask. The shows and food are both very good. The value is unbelievable. The buffet has hidden treasures, so do a full lap. Unlike RCI, you can get a fresh late night snack up there too. Once you have your Black Card be sure to call back and they will discount your invoice by 5%.

Thanks for your input. I provided our Black Card Voyagers number, and am awaiting notification of the additional discount 😊🌴

 

Sent from my SM-T713 using Forums mobile app

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As for checking in, if you have proof of your black card status, then you should be directed to specific check in line if MSC do the same in Miami as they did in Southampton for us. Although there were hardly any lines for check in for us at the time we arrived, but that was Southampton, UK.

 

I believe this is the same on all ships, but you do not provide your credit card at check in to be added as form of payment for your on board account, but once on board you 'validate' your card at a number of kiosks around the ship. Easy process, just probably different to what we're used to on other lines.

 

One other 'bonus' in the buffet if it is designed the same as Splendida is the provision of 2 full service bar areas, which includes obviously as it's an Italian line, full specialist coffee service.

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As for checking in, if you have proof of your black card status, then you should be directed to specific check in line if MSC do the same in Miami as they did in Southampton for us. Although there were hardly any lines for check in for us at the time we arrived, but that was Southampton, UK.

 

I believe this is the same on all ships, but you do not provide your credit card at check in to be added as form of payment for your on board account, but once on board you 'validate' your card at a number of kiosks around the ship. Easy process, just probably different to what we're used to on other lines.

 

One other 'bonus' in the buffet if it is designed the same as Splendida is the provision of 2 full service bar areas, which includes obviously as it's an Italian line, full specialist coffee service.

 

Peter....Thanks for this additional information. I'm trying to learn as much as possible about maneuvering MSC's system, in order to make things as seamless and smooth as possible. After years of cruising on RCI, and even a few cruises on other lines (Carnival and Celebrity,) being "American" companies, everything was all pretty routine in the way things happened. MSC will truly be a new experience, and we are looking forward to it!

 

Wishing you and Patrick a Happy and Healthy 2017!!

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Peter....Thanks for this additional information. I'm trying to learn as much as possible about maneuvering MSC's system, in order to make things as seamless and smooth as possible. After years of cruising on RCI, and even a few cruises on other lines (Carnival and Celebrity,) being "American" companies, everything was all pretty routine in the way things happened. MSC will truly be a new experience, and we are looking forward to it!

 

Wishing you and Patrick a Happy and Healthy 2017!!

Once we've been on our next MSC sailing from Dubai in March 2017 we'll probably have more pertinent info to pass on and if I think of anything else in the mean time I'll let you know.

 

All the best for you and David for 2017 too!

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