Live from MSC Divina YC 01/13/23-01/16:/23

[Seas2mountains]

We booked this cruise one week ago when we saw the projected weather for our land based weekend vacation did not look great. 
 

We arrived last night on a flight that was on schedule from the western US.  We left our hotel at about 10Am. We arrived at the YC white tent about 10:40am. The porter grabbed our bags and the escort/butler quickly got us on board the ship by 11am. 

[JAGR]

Good start!  Have a great time!

[HoosierCruzer19]

Have an enjoyable trip! We're boarding Divina next Friday for a 7 nighter and reading the recent reports from onboard are making the days pass a bit quicker.

[morpheusofthesea]

3 hours ago, Seas2mountains said:

We booked this cruise one week ago when we saw the projected weather for our land based weekend vacation did not look great.

It appears you hit the lottery. So far your story 'warms the cockles of my heart'. Please continue and tell us more good news.

  The next best thing to taking a nice cruise is reading about someones nice cruise.

Edited January 14, 2023 by morpheusofthesea

[Seas2mountains]

Here are some photos of the YC check-in and YC One Pool area. 

[Seas2mountains]

We had a fabulous experience boarding the ship, enjoying hot tub time, getting some snacks at the One Pool, and lunch in Le Muse was great.  We enjoyed sitting in One Pool while it rained for a short period of time. After the muster drill, we needed a nap as with the late flight and getting up early making sure we had as much time on the ship as possible,  We woke up from the nap to find the ship was moving and it was close to our dinner.time of 8pm. 
 

Dinner in Le. muse was excellent. That tomato soup is amazing. We both had the filet mignon which is on the available daiLy menu. It was cooked perfectly.along with the veggie and potatoe sides. 
 

After dinner, we checked out floods 6 and 7 of the ship looking for entertainment. We decided to go back to Top Sail lounge where they have a talented piano player.  We sat down at a table and waited and waited. After seeing a butler go to other tables for drink service, we expected to be eventually served. After being ignored for 20 minutes, my husband went to the bar to get us a glass of wine. 

For the next two hours, the butler who was getting drinks for the 4 other couples in YC ignored us even though we had dirty dishes from snacks. He asked the couple next to us and then walked past us to take an order from someone who was a past guest. The only way we could get San Peligrino or wine refills  was to go to the bar. Thus was while we watched everyone around us get served.  I finally complained to the concierge. This meant the butler on duty did finally refill our wine glass and bring us more San Pelegríno but that was it. 

Edited January 14, 2023 by Seas2mountains

[St Pete Cruiser]

We disembarked Divina 1/13 in Miami after a short 4 day cruise.  Knowing  a cold front was passing thru Florida, we checked this morning to see if the ship was back at Ocean Cay, MSC's private island.  It appears Divina has proceded south without going to the island.  Please post if and when you know where the ship is going.  We found communication absent both onboard and before boarding.

[Seas2mountains]

I’m sorry for all the typos in my last update from late last night.  
 

The butler in Top Sail who didn’t see us or missed serving us apologized several times and we know he is human and we are not sure what happened. He provided us with excellent service after this was pointed out.  He even brought us each a glass of wine to our room so we could enjoy it before going to bed.  
 

@St Pete Cruiser an announcement was made at 8:30am from the captain and cruise director to report that the winds and current were too strong to dock at Ocean Cay.  This was not a surprise to us either as we were aware of the front.  We are expected to be able to dock at Ocean Cay tomorrow from 9am-6pm.  
 

I’ll try to post some dailies and photos.  My iPhone which was used for the update last night can’t seem to upload the Cruise Critic webpage.  I’m using a different device now. 

[Seas2mountains]

We have received excellent service for all meals at Le Muse and the food has been delicious.  We are enjoying a relaxing day at sea and we are not disappointed about missing a stop at Ocean Cay as we took advantage of the time by getting time to relax and sleep. While it’s a little cold out low 60’s, it’s not stopping people from using the pools, outdoor bars and hot tubs. The indoor pool area is especially crowded. 
 

[Seas2mountains]

[BoundForSea]

Divina YC is really a great product. Although the YC isn’t as advanced or large as a Sea**** or Mera class the service and experience is really great and we have found it more personal and the quality to be better. Maybe it’s just how we hit it, not sure. We’ve been on her twice. 
 

we will be sailing 7ni in YC on Mera again next month. It will be interesting to see the difference. 
 

Enjoy. I like Le Muse. It may be a bit of a walk but that’s ok, after dinner it’s good to get a few steps in!! 
 

 

[Seas2mountains]

On 1/14/2023 at 5:02 PM, BoundForSea said:

Divina YC is really a great product. Although the YC isn’t as advanced or large as a Sea**** or Mera class the service and experience is really great and we have found it more personal and the quality to be better. Maybe it’s just how we hit it, not sure. We’ve been on her twice. 
 

we will be sailing 7ni in YC on Mera again next month. It will be interesting to see the difference. 
 

Enjoy. I like Le Muse. It may be a bit of a walk but that’s ok, after dinner it’s good to get a few steps in!! 
 

 

We had a great cruise on Divina in YC. The staff and  food at Le Muse were top notch for each meal.  The Wi-Fi connection did not like going to Cruise critic so I could not update the attempts to continue the live review. 

[Seas2mountains]

Lunch in Le Muse. 

[Seas2mountains]

We really liked Alta Duo in La Luna bar. We listened to them two of the three nights. We were spoiled by a duo and pianist who rotated on Seaside YC in Top Sail early 2019.  We wished Divina had more than the pianists who rotated inconsistently in 

Top Sail.
 

While the daily listed their performance times as being from 6:45pm-11:00pm, when we arrived about 7:30pm on Sunday night, we were told by the pianist that he had finished his first set. When we asked when he would be back for the second set, he said it would be at 9:15pm. On Saturday night the pianist never returned after the first set. When we asked the concierge, we were told the pianist had to fill in at another venue.  We would have appreciated a sign to indicate that he would not be returning as we waited, and waited, and waited until we finally thought to ask. 
 

We cruise frequently on NCL and appreciate how their dailies list the specific performance times for each musician, duo or group so we know when the performers are performing or on a break.  
 

[Seas2mountains]

While our Ocean Cay stop was reduced by a day, we made the most of the scheduled stay on Sunday which was extended from 1pm to 5:30pm.  
 

For us, the weather was perfect in the 60’s as that meant it wasn’t too hot or humid. We waved off the butlers who tried to get us to ride in one of the big golf carts to get to Ocean House.  We easily got 18,000 steps wandering around the beautiful island and the cruise ship when we returned. 
 

Lunch at Ocean House was really nice and makes the island very special for YC guests. 

[Seas2mountains]

Ocean House appetizer salads and a few more photos from the YC beach. We did bring water shoes and they are definitely needed on the YC beach. 

[Seas2mountains]

Sunday dailies when at Ocean Cay. 

[Seas2mountains]

Room service and drink menus. 

[Seas2mountains]

Final thoughts. 
 

Our most recent cruise before this one was on the Haven on NCL Getaway in September.  MSC has perfected the experience and special treatment for check-in and security for YC. It is so smooth and easy for MSC YC guests compared to the Haven security and check-in experience.  
 

The staff in YC really are fantastic and they all made us wish we could have stayed longer and we will definitely look at returning to MSC YC once or twice this year. Sorry NCL. 
 

As this was a holiday weekend cruise from Friday-Monday with 4000+ pax, it was absolutely crazy in some areas of the ship. I have never seen so many people crammed into a hot tub in my life.  

 

In the evening in the Jazz Club area, some parents who were distracted by their phones or life let their kids do whatever they wanted including jumping on sofas with other guests on them, climbing on top of tables and other furniture and jumping from furniture. We were relieved we could go back to the YC area where the kids were so well behaved. There were some really well dressed kids in YC, too. So adorable! 
 

On our last morning, we appreciated being able to hang out in Top Sail until just before 10am as we had an afternoon flight.  It was super easy and fast to do the facial recognition in customs and be at our Uber. 
 

If we were to do this cruise again, we would probably ask our butler for afternoon or evening cheese trays and some other special requests as we did not take advantage of the options available with room service. 
 

 

[styles27]

11 hours ago, Seas2mountains said:

  The Wi-Fi connection did not like going to Cruise critic so I could not update the attempts to continue the live review. 

I had the same problem trying to open Cruise Critic while at sea.  I don’t know why because I could get on any other website without an issue, including my local grocery store to place an order for when we got home. I don’t get it. 🤷🏻‍♀️
I really miss the Cruise Critic app. 
 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. We enjoyed that duo as well. Only problem was they played in the lounge above the casino and the smoke from the casino came up that opening behind where they played. I felt bad for them. It’s not easy to sing when there’s smoke in the air. That casino was a smoke house our entire cruise. 
 

When they told us you guys would have 4k+ on your sailing a said a little prayer for you all because I knew how bad 3800 was on our 12/30th sailing. 

“Technically” Divina may be able to accommodate up to 4300 pax but they can’t handle it and it’s not a good experience at all. 

We were only able to get in a hot tub a couple of times in 14 days. Every other time we tried they were packed and I mean packed with arms touching arms, with people. How is that sanitary or enjoyable? Ugh 

[mnpurple]

It is so interesting to see the different experiences people have, even in YC. I will also find it interesting to see how MSC YC experiences are different from our Med trip to the Caribbean sailing next week.  We were also in the Haven on Getaway last March. My family and I really enjoyed YC so much more. I'm just happy to sail and experience new places too!

[MsTabbyKats]

Thank you for posting the pizza menu.  I was going to ask if pizza was available in the YC, or if it would require a trip to the buffet.  Seems like "the butler will bring it"!

Just another reason to book YC.....

[hiccups]

We were also on this sailing in Yacht Club as well—our first MSC cruise.

 

Our experience mirrored yours fairly closely.  I’m glad to see the YC room service menu, as we didn’t have one in our room so had no idea what was available.  We knew pizza was an option so did request that Sunday afternoon after we were back onboard.  Our neighbors mentioned the pizza they received on Friday must have been brought up immediately from the oven because it was so hot, but ours was lukewarm.

 

Agree that Le Muse was quite good, especially the filet!  I was disappointed to see that the dress code was not enforced, though—lots of shorts and T shirts at dinner.  But not enforcing rules seemed the norm—I saw people smoking/vaping all around the ship.  Someone was even vaping on Deck 6 outside the shops!  I also saw children in the adult pool area.  So many kids everywhere, as you said, with lots of them treating the hot tubs as their private pool.

 

My husband ventured to the buffet on Saturday at 2 PM for a slice of pizza, and I came later to find him.  We were both surprised at how absolutely packed the buffet was—long lines and no seats available.  Like you, we were glad to be able to retreat to the Top Sail lounge.

 

Our butler was MIA—we saw him Friday and then not again until he delivered our pizza on Sunday.  Friday he asked if we had any requests, and I asked for a couple cans of Coke Zero for the fridge, but never received them.  Not a big deal as I could walk to the lounge, but given what I’ve read here about the butler service, that surprised me.

 

Agree that embarkation and disembarkation were very nice!  We wouldn’t have minded leaving the ship a bit earlier, though.  At 9:55 I finally went to the concierge and asked if we had to wait to be escorted, or if we could leave.  She had just called our cabin steward and he escorted us out.  He did a great job with our room the entire time.

 

We’d sail on MSC again, but only in YC.

Edited January 19, 2023 by hiccups

[mnpurple]

@hiccups If you look at the other review someone is doing on her Celebrity experience vs MSC, she seems to be getting star treatment. Butler is bringing things before she makes a request. Our experience on Seaview was good, but I asked for a few things and they said they couldn't do it (one was a larger towel that they had in the spa). I was told I had to call every morning for my coffee. Not a big deal, but I hate making calls and would have just liked to have a time set up daily. We actually weren't escorted most places and I didn't mind that. However, when we go on the Divina, I think I'd like to have someone show us the restaurant the first night. Of course on and off the ship priority is something I appreciate the ease of.

 

We'll make the best and love the YC space. I will possibly venture into the buffet, but likely won't get anything unless there is a different type of yummy pizza!

[Seas2mountains]

10 hours ago, styles27 said:

I had the same problem trying to open Cruise Critic while at sea.  I don’t know why because I could get on any other website without an issue, including my local grocery store to place an order for when we got home. I don’t get it. 🤷🏻‍♀️
I really miss the Cruise Critic app. 
 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. We enjoyed that duo as well. Only problem was they played in the lounge above the casino and the smoke from the casino came up that opening behind where they played. I felt bad for them. It’s not easy to sing when there’s smoke in the air. That casino was a smoke house our entire cruise. 
 

When they told us you guys would have 4k+ on your sailing a said a little prayer for you all because I knew how bad 3800 was on our 12/30th sailing. 

“Technically” Divina may be able to accommodate up to 4300 pax but they can’t handle it and it’s not a good experience at all. 

We were only able to get in a hot tub a couple of times in 14 days. Every other time we tried they were packed and I mean packed with arms touching arms, with people. How is that sanitary or enjoyable? Ugh 

I can definitely understand how challenging it would be to get in a hot tub. I really appreciated that you were doing a live review before our cruise as it prepared me for what to expect.  I agree that they can't accommodate those high numbers without it seeming like things were crazy and it was why people couldn't help bumping into each other in the common spaces.

For the lounge above the casino, I think we were seated where we didn't notice the smoke when sitting but my husband definitely smelled it when we walked by that area. 

 

Yes, it did not make sense why Cruise Critic didn't work for me especially when trying to get to the MSC section. Hmmm.  I'm glad you also enjoyed your cruise. Thank you again for taking the time to do a live review.