Experienced cruiser taking 1st MSC cruise--what to expect?

[KKB]

OK we have done Celebrity, Princess, RCCL, NCL & DCL (& will try our 1st Carnival in Jan), 20+ cruises under our belts.

I am sailing Divina in Feb. (solo; DH has guys golf trip)

Typical sea day for me is sun by pool in AM, afternoon & evenings enjoy trivia, "game shows", shows, etc., some poker or video poker in the casino.

I like to be busy but I have learned to enjoy some downtime (iPad is always loaded with books; a lounge on the balcony while reading is nice).

I have heard that perhaps the activities are a bit more limited/repetative on MSC?

Not a deal breaker, just managing expectations.

Does anyone know if they have a poker table? I particularly like TX Hold Em tournaments but have been known to play cash.

 

[JT1962]

You should be fine with the activities you listed. I was on Divina last month for 19 days and never got bored. Trivia games offered multiple times a day, Name That Tune was in one of the lounges several times during the cruise at 8:30 PM between singers. Multiple lounges / locations with music. Interesting shows in the theater. I saw Video Poker machines, but not sure about poker tables. 

[Nunagoras]

i also agree you'll be fine on the Divina. It's a classy ship that I can to describe as a X/Princess lite experience, say, classic ship with mainstream service like RCL, CCL or NCL.

 

Weather permitting, activities on MSC use to gravitate to the pool deck. Too loud for you? Plenty of unused lounges just to read a book while enjoying some soft ambiance music. By night those lounges will be full of pretty different music experiences to enjoy. Theater shows are enjoyable even though short on their 35-45 minutes long design.

 

Never been on Divina, just on Fantasia myself. Yes; they have poker machines on Fantasia class, but I don't remember them to have any poker tables.

[WoodyWindy]

I was on Divina with my wife last December, and we had a great time. Definitely not a "party barge" like CCL and some other lines on Caribbean itineraries, but there was plenty to do. We don't gamble, so I can't comment on the casino facilities. 

[jimdalva]

Make sure your CC is registered. People have reported Long lines disembarking due to people being sent back to settle their accounts.

One couple reported being sent back because of a $12 credit , that they offered to leave behind.

[ready2cruzagain]

Sailed on the Divina for 32 days in a row and never once got bored. Lots of great shows, singers, trivia, poolside entertainment and other things to do. Have fun!

[ChattTenn]

We were on Divina October 2021 (our first with MSC) and had only 1,900+ passenger.  We knew this cruise company is new to USA market, the food was not great (they claimed because after pandemic and supply) but we did not go home hungry, the entertainment was good, the ship was beautiful/clean and the service was excellent.  We are very low maintenance and did not expect too much just glad to get away after the pandemic.  It was nice enough we will again sail with MSC on Meraviglia later this year.  Their price is good for a week cruise and with a status match it is a win win situation for us.

Give it a try with open mind.