What can we expect on MSC Divina?

[fflashh]

Two +/- 60 y.o. (a married couple) with about one dozen Caribbean cruises, wondering what to expect on our 20 Jan. 2019 sailing on the Divina for 11 days. We have done Carnival, Princess, HAL, NCL, Disney and Celebrity. Probably Celebrity was our fav. We have a "drinks on us" package, with a "fantastica" balcony. Sailing to the Southern and Western Caribbean this time. We enjoy relaxing, music shows, sea days (as we've been to most ports) partying and beach/pool time. What is the Divina like? She looks big and gorgeous to see in port, but what kinda "flavor " should we expect? Do tell. Thanks, so much for any input, fflashh

[Boschmann]

fflashh, my first cruise with MSC was on Divina in a Fantastica balcony.  As mentioned here frequently MSC does things a bit different than other mainstream cruise lines and there is a bit of a learning curve.  There is definitely a more international vibe and on our Divina cruise it was about 40% from the US.  You should come join us over at the Cruise Critic Roll Call linked below, unfortunately it has been a bit slow.  I can link you to my fairly detailed review of that first cruise if you're interested.

 

[ready2cruzagain]

1 hour ago, fflashh said:

Two +/- 60 y.o. (a married couple) with about one dozen Caribbean cruises, wondering what to expect on our 20 Jan. 2019 sailing on the Divina for 11 days. We have done Carnival, Princess, HAL, NCL, Disney and Celebrity. Probably Celebrity was our fav. We have a "drinks on us" package, with a "fantastica" balcony. Sailing to the Southern and Western Caribbean this time. We enjoy relaxing, music shows, sea days (as we've been to most ports) partying and beach/pool time. What is the Divina like? She looks big and gorgeous to see in port, but what kinda "flavor " should we expect? Do tell. Thanks, so much for any input, fflashh

Cannot answer your questions yet since we have not been on MSC but we do leave on Nov. 18th on the Divina and are on a b2b2b so will be on the Divina for 32 days.  Can answer any questions when we get back. 

[travlinduo]

MSC Divina. Oct  7, 2018

 

Total disorganization.  Started first day entering terminal. So many things wrong that we don’t know where to start 

From embarkation, to disembarkation  Many health code violations —
No entertainment, TV disconnected 1/4 way through cruise, liquor package suspended due to taxes NYC., Food was lousy -‘hot was cold, cold was warm, horrible communication, unprofessional and untrained staff, service desk didn’t know answers or gave different answers,   Immigration chaos
 Take MSC in USA, or Caribbean at own risk

Edited October 24, 2018 by travlinduo
Additions

[ready2cruzagain]

51 minutes ago, travlinduo said:

MSC Divina. Oct  7, 2018

 

Total disorganization.  Started first day entering terminal. So many things wrong that we don’t know where to start 

From embarkation, to disembarkation  Many health code violations —
No entertainment, TV disconnected 1/4 way through cruise, liquor package suspended due to taxes NYC., Food was lousy -‘hot was cold, cold was warm, horrible communication, unprofessional and untrained staff, service desk didn’t know answers or gave different answers,   Immigration chaos
 Take MSC in USA, or Caribbean at own risk

hmmmmmmm first post and that bad? 

[Até]

4 minutes ago, ready2cruzagain said:

hmmmmmmm first post and that bad? 

They waited over eight years to make that comment. 

There are some bad Divina reviews from the recent Med sailings.  This is the first TA review I've seen.

Edited October 24, 2018 by Até

[ready2cruzagain]

15 minutes ago, Até said:

They waited over eight years to make that comment. 

There are some bad Divina reviews from the recent Med sailings.  This is the first TA review I've seen.

I missed the 8 years lol.  Good thing I take reviews with a grain of salt.

[Até]

My post may be misinterpreted, I should have clarified travlinduo has been a member for over eight years and this recent TA inspired them to make their first comment.

Edited October 24, 2018 by Até

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Consider that 3500 people embark on Divina every week or so...and very few complaints.  Divina is a gorgeous ship and you will enjoy her I am sure.  You will be impressed with the design and decor everywhere you go.  The Divina exudes a luxurious atmosphere.  I find it more relaxing to go where the crowds are not.  Be sure to look in on the smoking lounge next to the casino.  The room is one of the best looking rooms onboard the ship and it is usually empty...well worth a peek even if you can’t stand smoke.  You can actually win in the casino...unlike some of the other mass market lines.

 

One of the best things on Divina is the nightly music in most of the lounges.  The lively international mix is a welcomed change.  If you are a people person you will be sure to meet some interesting people from all over the world.  If you enjoy your wine and cocktails then upgrade your drinks package.  And don’t forget the pizza and the gelato!  Remember the pizza place offers better pizza than the cafe.  

 

Enjoy...and don’t pay any attention to the nay sayers.  Every cruise is a great cruise.  It’s up to you to make it so.

 

[Cruisergal1208]

You have to remember OPs cruise started in Europe and ends in Miami. Lots of his statements are not true for the US boarding experience. Looking forward to being back on Divina soon. 

[Até]

It wasn't the OP, it was poster travlinduo that did the TA.

[Cruisergal1208]

Thanks for that correction. 

[riclop]

You will be in a beautiful ship with great entertainment and an adults only pool on deck 16 aft. It's also much better than the Seaside. ENJOY

[Aurelija]

I respectfully disagree with the majority of the above opinions - we are not loyal to any particular cruise line and so we have sailed on NCL, Carnival, Celebrity and MSC Divina (2015 Mediterranean itinerary). We absolutely loved the Ship and did not find it any different from the other cruise lines (except people embarking/disembarking at every port, which you won't  even notice:)

We actually preferred the food on the Divina over the other cruise lines - a great selection of European cheeses, Prosciutto, olives, breads, etc. - I could happily live on those alone. The ship is an elegant beauty, service was great and everyone seemed to be  enjoying themselves therefore we  can't wait for our January 2019 sailing in the Caribbean!

[sidari]

11 hours ago, travlinduo said:

MSC Divina. Oct  7, 2018

 

Total disorganization.  Started first day entering terminal. So many things wrong that we don’t know where to start 

From embarkation, to disembarkation  Many health code violations —
No entertainment, TV disconnected 1/4 way through cruise, liquor package suspended due to taxes NYC., Food was lousy -‘hot was cold, cold was warm, horrible communication, unprofessional and untrained staff, service desk didn’t know answers or gave different answers,   Immigration chaos
 Take MSC in USA, or Caribbean at own risk

where have we heard all this before ? ah I remember, Seaside, from almost all the first time posters! another post with no meat on the bones.

 

Ate ... We did a review of the first TA sailing on Divina way back in 2013. Five years and six other ships onwards we will be sailing Divina again at Xmas.

[ready2cruzagain]

7 hours ago, Aurelija said:

I respectfully disagree with the majority of the above opinions - we are not loyal to any particular cruise line and so we have sailed on NCL, Carnival, Celebrity and MSC Divina (2015 Mediterranean itinerary). We absolutely loved the Ship and did not find it any different from the other cruise lines (except people embarking/disembarking at every port, which you won't  even notice:)

We actually preferred the food on the Divina over the other cruise lines - a great selection of European cheeses, Prosciutto, olives, breads, etc. - I could happily live on those alone. The ship is an elegant beauty, service was great and everyone seemed to be  enjoying themselves therefore we  can't wait for our January 2019 sailing in the Caribbean!

UT OH! I am in so much trouble!  These are my favorites and I also could easily live off of them!  That will be 32 days of pure delight but I fear my waist will say different!

[deliver42]

Going on our 2nd Divina cruise in November. Had a wonderful time on her in 2015, and fully expect the same this year. Beautiful ship with great entertainment in shows and the lounges. The adult only pool is beautiful.

[lovetoholiday]

Loved the Divina.  Sailed on her last year out of Miami. Did a week on Celebrity Reflection, then off along the dock and boarded the Divina, on my own. Dined every night with 3 American couples and had a lot of fun.  Absolutely no problems with the ship, the staff or the food.  Like all the MSC ships it is beautiful.

Enjoy and make your own decisions.

[GOLDENBONNY]

16 hours ago, travlinduo said:

MSC Divina. Oct  7, 2018

 

Total disorganization.  Started first day entering terminal. So many things wrong that we don’t know where to start 

From embarkation, to disembarkation  Many health code violations —
No entertainment, TV disconnected 1/4 way through cruise, liquor package suspended due to taxes NYC., Food was lousy -‘hot was cold, cold was warm, horrible communication, unprofessional and untrained staff, service desk didn’t know answers or gave different answers,   Immigration chaos
 Take MSC in USA, or Caribbean at own risk

Heath code violations? Really? MSC has cleanest ships in sea and I don't recall any Noro outbreaks. I am not even gonna comment on other nonsens

[fflashh]

What can we expect for late-night? Such as 11PM onward? Are there bars/lounges open for dancing, drinking, mingling? Or does the Divina close up Early? fflashh

[marco]

We were on the Divina last Jan and will be on it again Jan coming.  The ship is aesthetically very, very nice. One of the prettiest ships we've sailed on. Cabins are comparable but comparing same category cabins with some other ships, balconies are larger.   Entertainment MUCH better than some others, Pool areas more spacious and comfortable than others. We never had a problem finding a lounger in a comfortable spot. One pool under a retractable  dome for inclement weather.   Buffet very go and best pizza (4 or 5 varieties every day) on any ship!,  MDR pretty comparable to other lines.    We cruise frequently and have been on just about every other line several times over  and some lines as many as 20 times and because of that, MSC matched our repeater level with their highest (black) and because of that embarkation was the quickest smoothest we've experienced.   I am impressed with MSC and the Divina.  However....I think there's a big difference between sailing MSC out for Fla and sailing MSC out of a European port. (We've done both)

[LABCHICK]

29 minutes ago, marco said:

We were on the Divina last Jan and will be on it again Jan coming.  The ship is aesthetically very, very nice. One of the prettiest ships we've sailed on. Cabins are comparable but comparing same category cabins with some other ships, balconies are larger.   Entertainment MUCH better than some others, Pool areas more spacious and comfortable than others. We never had a problem finding a lounger in a comfortable spot. One pool under a retractable  dome for inclement weather.   Buffet very go and best pizza (4 or 5 varieties every day) on any ship!,  MDR pretty comparable to other lines.    We cruise frequently and have been on just about every other line several times over  and some lines as many as 20 times and because of that, MSC matched our repeater level with their highest (black) and because of that embarkation was the quickest smoothest we've experienced.   I am impressed with MSC and the Divina.  However....I think there's a big difference between sailing MSC out for Fla and sailing MSC out of a European port. (We've done both)

We have never sailed MSC before.  We are Diamond Plus on RCL and Elite on Celebrity.  What differences are there on Divina between Fla. sailings and European cruises?   We will be on the Divina in June 2019 in the YC.

Thanks for your help.

 

 

Edited October 28, 2018 by LABCHICK

[karenlovesparis]

On 10/24/2018 at 3:33 PM, travlinduo said:

MSC Divina. Oct  7, 2018

 

Total disorganization.  Started first day entering terminal. So many things wrong that we don’t know where to start 

From embarkation, to disembarkation  Many health code violations —
No entertainment, TV disconnected 1/4 way through cruise, liquor package suspended due to taxes NYC., Food was lousy -‘hot was cold, cold was warm, horrible communication, unprofessional and untrained staff, service desk didn’t know answers or gave different answers,   Immigration chaos
 Take MSC in USA, or Caribbean at own risk

First of all, I will say that I love MSC and have sailed with them more than once, but I was on this same sailing and everything mentioned was true. We were in the Yacht Club which was a bit better but immigration in NYC was disastrous for many including us and we almost missed our flight home because of immigration in Miami.  Many many people were disgusted with the food on this sailing.  There were even people in YC that were disappointed in the food. We spoke with numerous people that said they would never sail with MSC again. 

 

There were many people that were receiving credits due to no TV, no liquor in NYC (2 days) and the immigration issues. 

 

It was disappointing since we love MSC so much. 

[mevs904]

Reading this thread with interest since we are considering a Divina Caribbean cruise.  Not sure what to think now.

[sidari]

MSC do not control Homeland Security or any other port immigration for that matter.