Carnival/MSC live S2S

[IntrepidFromDC]

This morning I caught a flight from DCA to MIA for my first ever S2S and first ever non-Carnival cruise. I have 3 days on MSC Divina, disembark and walk to Carnival Conquest's terminal for a 4 day cruise.  I have cruised 25 times,  all Carnival.  I will be trying to focus on differences in the brand experiences, but food and ridiculousness will find it's way home I imagine as long as I don't trip over the bathroom threshold and crack my skull like last cruise.  My lives tend to be photo- and food-heavy. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Embarkation was a dream. Due to my flight arrival in MIA at 10am but my boarding time at 1pm I was prepared to be turned away when I approached check in at 1050am. Instead I hit the embarkation expressway,  no line at all and they didn't even ask for the health questionnaire or ask questions,  I showed my passport and was handed my room key/charge card in 2 minutes. Service was great and terminal was beautiful. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

The cabin is a bit classier than Carnival cabins, but the beach towels are a joke.

[IntrepidFromDC]

Casino is small.

[IntrepidFromDC]

Although the ship's name, Divina, is named after Sofia Loren,  the names (restaurants,  theaters,  bars, etc) are named after my favorite city in the world,  Venice,  Italy. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Main atrium is classy, not "fun". I miss the fun a little bit already.  No Seuss on the loose on Divina.

[IntrepidFromDC]

No USB port in the cabin.

[IntrepidFromDC]

Note to self, don't fall for it...

[IntrepidFromDC]

No 15 drink limit and alcohol is included in the (cheap) price,  as is internet.  Hmmmm... 

[IntrepidFromDC]

The theater is huge, upholstery like new (contrast to the chairs in the casino on Mardi Gras) 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Tonight's menu. Since it's an Italian line,  I'm expecting better pasta than Carnival MDR.

[Jamman54]

Hey Jeff! Great start to your S2S review. We'll be following along and interested in your comparisons of both lines. Wrap yourself in bubble wrap and have a great time! 😁

[IntrepidFromDC]

Buffet is just like Carnival. Everything is hit or miss. Surprisingly,  Carnival's pizza is much better than MSCs, which is buffet served rather than fresh baked to order.  Carved roast beef is alot like Carnival... two pretty good tasting bites followed by a bite  of well disguised gristly mystery meat. Couscous was disappointing but green lentils were yummy. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

Pools are deeper than Carnival pools for anyone who likes to swim, 6ft+.

Edited April 7, 2023 by IntrepidFromDC

[IntrepidFromDC]

Internet is working well so far.  Very international crowd, including some Italians.  Tomorrow is Ocean Cay, MSCs marine reserve private island.  I'm a huge Half Moon Cay fan but I have a feeling Ocean Cay is going to steal top spot on my best beach list.  I have a kayak adventure,  hoping to see turtles and other non-finned creatures. 

[mkcurran]

Yay a non-yatch club review! Looking forward to following along!

[IntrepidFromDC]

Sailaway,  South Beach

[IntrepidFromDC]

Sports bar has some activities, but Carnival has the edge in big screens.

[IntrepidFromDC]

A few random pics from exploring the Divina. I love all the Venetian artwork,  reminds me a little bit of Carnival Pride. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

MDR has tablecloths! 

 

The caesar salad was eh, Carnival's MDR caesar salad is consistently good imo. The Carnival MDR prime rib is inconsistent in my experience,  sometimes good, sometimes too fatty or gristly. This prime rib was really good for MDR food. I asked the server for a margarita and her response was a shocker "are you sure,  it'll take 20 minutes". Hydration break it is, then.

[Saint Greg]

6 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

No 15 drink limit and alcohol is included in the (cheap) price,  as is internet.  Hmmmm... 

 

Alcohol and internet included in the regular price? It’s not a casino deal or anything?

[Saint Greg]

51 minutes ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

 

Either that guy is a giant or those are the smallest bowling balls I’ve ever seen….or both.

[lazydayz]

Thanks for doing this.  Glad you are branching out and taking us along.  

[LatinaInTexas]

Tried MSC last year on the new Seashore and other than a few very minor issues I loved it. Food, entertainment, drink package all great. Twice daily room service also!

The vibe and passengers were quite different, more refined lol. We sailed close to capacity and I'm sure there were kids but I never really saw or heard them.

Misses were no dedicated comedy, the fun factor was missing and the  limited US itineraries.

It was a nice visit but I didn't feel at home like on Carnival. Enjoy your visit.🙂

 

 

[IntrepidFromDC]

12 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

Alcohol and internet included in the regular price? It’s not a casino deal or anything?

Unless they somehow know I like to gamble,  its just an offer to try to poach frequent loyal cruisers of other lines. The offer was in the list of offers on their website.  Although I did the status match and am Gold status my first cruise,  I never mentioned gambling at any time.  That said,  I did manage to drop $285 last night.