Great time on the MSC Divina!

[wetwash]

Back from the cruise and just wanted to share a few impressions while we wait for our flight to NY!

1) food - plentiful and varied. The buffet did get crowded at peak times (like this morning before embarkation) but like a mall food court during holiday shopping you just need to be patient and wait for a table to open up (did find seating towards the back and most days it was not a problem because we went towards the end of the meal times and avoided the rush.

Ate dinner every night in the restaurant - we had assigned late dinner and found the staff friendly and although we sometimes had to wait for drinks from the bar the water glasses were always full. And the service was fine - sometimes it took longer than other times so if you are in a rush maybe go to the buffet. As we were traveling with 4 teens who we never saw except at dinner (and when we went off the ship) we did enjoy this time to catch up.

The food in the MDR was good - not a tremendous selection but enough to satisfy everyone. We had a gluten free guest with us and she ate from a separate menu (but anyone at our table could order from as well) and the head waiter brought out her food separately.

The staff worked very hard and so no complaints.

 

2) entertainment - saw many of the shows in the pantheon theater and really enjoyed them. It was a beautiful theater and it was nice to have shows that you didn't have to reserve in advance. (Officially don't want drinks in there but nobody stopped us - I can see that they don't want to have to clean up spills so we we're careful)! Enjoyed the variety of music in the different lounges and ventured to the disco once. The white party on deck was fun also as was the karaoke they had at different venues several of the nights.

 

3) stateroom - we were in a balcony on deck 11. Have no idea what level (i.e. B1 or B2 etc) but it was spacious. The girls had a balcony on the same floor - their's had a metal balcony which wasn't as nice but since we were able

To get them the balcony for the same price as an inside on another cruiseline we were considering they didn't complain - nice to have the opportunity to step outside and I enjoyed the view

 

4) drink vouchers - we had fantastica package with 12 included vouchers. Non alcoholic for the girls. We prepaid for a few extra packages thus saving the service charge. Enjoyed many yummy drinks while onboard - seems different bars had different menus (i.e. Pool bar and buffet bar different then lounges which were different from dining room but there was always something to chose from. The vouchers were a good value for cocktails and wine - not much savings for beer or soda but it was convenient to have it prepaid. Also purchased water packages and coffee cuddler - had some left so I don't know how much we saved but again it was convenient to not have to sign for anything (just give cruise card and voucher) and they gave back a "Zero" receipt!

A little confusion when we went to pick up the vouchers at the casino the first day but it was sorted out eventually!

 

5) wifi - my husband and I had the social package which was convenient because we could I-message each other (especially since I didn't have a key to our room as I was registered in the other room with 3 of the girls). Not really a problem as we could easily communicate. WhatsApp also worked the social package as well as Facebook (and ok sure lots of other social networking sights I don't use). This plan was unlimited and at $20 for the cruise well worth it.

The girls had the surfer package but (my

Fault for allowing them to charge) they ran out midway and so I saw several $11 charges for daily use not a big deal - they were happy to be able To keep in touch and it was still less expensive then the streamer package. The wifi was not perfect and was sporadic at times and cuts you off after 2 hours but it was a nice benefit for us!

 

6) staff and fellow passengers - found everyone to be friendly and no problem with communicating with the staff. We took advantage of the cruise critic meet and mingle and actually spoke to the captain, cruise

Director and head purser and found them all

To be very interested in our opinions. (Plus the

Champagne and finger food/cake was a nice treat - even at 10:30am)!

The ship was crowded and lots of different languages could be heard but it made it more interesting for us!

 

7) sea days - spent a good deal of time at the garden area pool on those days but it (as well

as the other pools) were packed. As with the buffet it took a bit of searching/flexibility to find a space but that was our experience on many of the carnival and RCCL ships we sailed on in the past as well. FLEXIBILITY was the key!

 

 

8) embarkation and disembarkation -

EASY and quick - on/off within an hour!

 

Overall a great trip - not perfect but nothing terrible! It was nice to see so many families from all over enjoying their vacation! Will definitely consider MSC for future cruises!

 

Any questions post away and I will be happy to answer!

 

 

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[havanadaydreaming]

it was nice to read such a positive recap. we're on Divina next weekend, a 12th floor balcony. I'm afraid I went balcony on my first cruise and I was spoiled for life.

 

I was a little worried about the entertainment (more so my tastes than the quality of the productions) but I'm encouraged by the consistent positive feedback I've read about the shows.

 

the buffet crowd seems a consistent message...we try to eat off hours for a little more serenity. I hope to eat in the sports bar for several lunches.

[Beamafar]

Thanks, WW. Hoping you'll post some pics, too!

[Cap'n Ron]

Nice review, thank you for sharing. It's good to hear MSC seems to be making some improvements, at least on the ship side with Divina.

 

 

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[wetwash]

it was nice to read such a positive recap. we're on Divina next weekend, a 12th floor balcony. I'm afraid I went balcony on my first cruise and I was spoiled for life.

 

I was a little worried about the entertainment (more so my tastes than the quality of the productions) but I'm encouraged by the consistent positive feedback I've read about the shows.

 

the buffet crowd seems a consistent message...we try to eat off hours for a little more serenity. I hope to eat in the sports bar for several lunches.

 

 

 

Sounds like good ideas - have a great cruise!

 

 

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[wetwash]

Nice review' date=' thank you for sharing. It's good to hear MSC seems to be making some improvements, at least on the ship side with Divina.

 

 

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Yes thanks - there are people who will still complain I'm sure - wait time at the bar, selection of food/drink/entertainment etc but for us it was a good value and if the itinerary and price work for us in the future we'll definitely do MSC again (and in 5 yrs or so after both girls are done with college maybe hubby and I will try a yacht club experience!)!

 

 

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[wetwash]

Nice review' date=' thank you for sharing. It's good to hear MSC seems to be making some improvements, at least on the ship side with Divina.

 

 

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[emoji1303]

 

Evidently I am replying twice… Sorry about that… I don't know how to delete posts but anyway I am happy to have found the cruise critic boards and hopefully others will get the benefit as I did!

 

 

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[wetwash]

Thanks, WW. Hoping you'll post some pics, too!

 

 

 

I have drink pictures lol! In menu pictures… Keeping the people pictures private but I'm happy to share our experiences [emoji12]

Ps - cordon pool area was lovely… To get crowded but no little kids… I had little kids once, and cruised with them but I enjoy the adult only section as well (and the view was fabulous -

A bit like an infinity pool… and at sea days it was like a wave pool if you sat on the tiled pool deck [emoji12]

 

 

 

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[Cherries Jubilee]

Hi, thanks so my for your review 🙂. Can you tell me if they had any kind of sail away party? Did you eat dinner in the MDR or did you prefer the buffet? Lastly was any part of the ship cold to you?

 

I'm trying to decide if I should skip watching sail away to go to early dinner in the MDR or just eat in the buffet the first night.

[wetwash]

Hi, thanks so my for your review [emoji846]. Can you tell me if they had any kind of sail away party? Did you eat dinner in the MDR or did you prefer the buffet? Lastly was any part of the ship cold to you?

 

 

 

I'm trying to decide if I should skip watching sail away to go to early dinner in the MDR or just eat in the buffet the first night.

 

 

 

It's fun to watch as the ship sails from Miami… on other cruises we've been on we've always loved before dinner so there was no conflict… Here it occurs right during/after the first dinner and had music and lots of people on deck so if you haven't done it before I would recommend being up on deck and watching the scenery as you sail away - that being said… If you've done it before and/or are not interested in 30 minutes or so of scenery (and music/enthusiasm) then go have the dinner but if not the buffet would be fine!

 

We ate dinner every night in the main dining room. It was the only way I could know that I would see the four teenage girls we had traveling with us since I told him dinner was nonnegotiable (and they liked the opportunity to get all dolled up [emoji12])… However we had other meals in the buffet and they were fine. Did room service breakfast one morning, it was nice to be able to eat on the balcony but the choice is limited. The girls ordered room service a couple of times and it's nice to have the option. The dining room is kept cold and so a sweater,/ light wrap is good for dinner. The rooms had thermostats so it was nice to be able to control the temp!

 

 

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[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[wetwash]

Thanks for the review.

 

 

 

You're welcome… I got so much information before I sailed and it definitely helps so I want to pass on the favor [emoji2]

 

 

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[Cherries Jubilee]

It's fun to watch as the ship sails from Miami… on other cruises we've been on we've always loved before dinner so there was no conflict… Here it occurs right during/after the first dinner and had music and lots of people on deck so if you haven't done it before I would recommend being up on deck and watching the scenery as you sail away - that being said… If you've done it before and/or are not interested in 30 minutes or so of scenery (and music/enthusiasm) then go have the dinner but if not the buffet would be fine!

 

We ate dinner every night in the main dining room. It was the only way I could know that I would see the four teenage girls we had traveling with us since I told him dinner was nonnegotiable (and they liked the opportunity to get all dolled up [emoji12])… However we had other meals in the buffet and they were fine. Did room service breakfast one morning, it was nice to be able to eat on the balcony but the choice is limited. The girls ordered room service a couple of times and it's nice to have the option. The dining room is kept cold and so a sweater,/ light wrap is good for dinner. The rooms had thermostats so it was nice to be able to control the temp!

 

 

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:D Thank you so much for all your help. I have never seen the boat sail away so I think I will go with that option. I think the enthusiasm will invigorate me.

 

I was worried about being cold and few people mentioned it so I had to ask as cold air makes me sleepy 😌. I'm pretty sure that I won't have a problem finding something to eat but for some reason the MDR appeals to me more for dinner but skipping it once won't hurt me and a lot of the reviews I read said the first night was the slowest anyway.

 

I'm starting to get excited. :p

[wetwash]

:D Thank you so much for all your help. I have never seen the boat sail away so I think I will go with that option. I think the enthusiasm will invigorate me.

 

 

 

I was worried about being cold and few people mentioned it so I had to ask as cold air makes me sleepy [emoji18]. I'm pretty sure that I won't have a problem finding something to eat but for some reason the MDR appeals to me more for dinner but skipping it once won't hurt me and a lot of the reviews I read said the first night was the slowest anyway.

 

 

 

I'm starting to get excited. :p

 

 

 

Have a great time and I'm happy to answer any remaining questions/offer advice… Can you tell I want to live vicariously through others now that my trip is over LOL [emoji12]

 

 

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[LadyVol1]

Thanks for the review.

[Cherries Jubilee]

Have a great time and I'm happy to answer any remaining questions/offer advice… Can you tell I want to live vicariously through others now that my trip is over LOL [emoji12]

 

 

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:D I totally understand. I've been reading every review I can in an effort to avoid reality lol. I've even read reviews about ships I'm not going on.:o

 

I've read so much that I'm not sure if you mentioned this, but did you go to the CC meet and mingle?

 

Also was there a good mix of ages on the ship?

[easyboy]

Thank you for your review and the nice photos!

[Cherries Jubilee]

:D I totally understand. I've been reading every review I can in an effort to avoid reality lol. I've even read reviews about ships I'm not going on.:o

 

This is my attempt to EDIT my last post because reread your first one and saw your answer in there.:o

 

Also was there a good mix of ages on the ship?

 

Sorry I asked a question that your review answered.

[wetwash]

:D I totally understand. I've been reading every review I can in an effort to avoid reality lol. I've even read reviews about ships I'm not going on.:o

 

 

 

I've read so much that I'm not sure if you mentioned this, but did you go to the CC meet and mingle?

 

 

 

Also was there a good mix of ages on the ship?

 

 

 

Yes - there were babies to senior citizens on board [emoji2]

 

 

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[Beamafar]

:D I totally understand. I've been reading every review I can in an effort to avoid reality lol. I've even read reviews about ships I'm not going on.:o

 

That is sooo funny, CJ. I totally get you! :')

 

WW ................. thanks for the daily programs photos! ;)

[wetwash]

That is sooo funny, CJ. I totally get you! :')

 

 

 

WW ................. thanks for the daily programs photos! ;)

 

 

 

[emoji1303]

 

 

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[wetwash]

Thank you for your review and the nice photos!

👍🏻 Thanks… had a great time and reliving it with these posts 😜

[wetwash]

Thanks for the review.

You're welcome… And you can check out other posts for the daily programs if you're interested!

[dexddd]

Thanks WW for all the info and posts. We leave on the 19th but doing Western.

[wetwash]

Thanks WW for all the info and posts. We leave on the 19th but doing Western.

 

 

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

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