MSC Divina 10.8.2016 (Another perspective)

I see that funship freddy has already started a review of his experience on the 10/8/2016 MSC Divina cruise, but I wanted to share my perspective on the same sailing.

I have sailed many times before, mostly on Carnival. This was my first cruise on MSC, and I was enticed by the competitive pricing and loyalty matching (Google: MSC Loyalty Matching).

The start. Hurricane Matthew caused several problems for my inbound flight, and I was forced to change my flights twice thru American Airlines. A terrible airline experience, but I will keep to the cruise. We spent one night in Miami and were scheduled to board at 2:00 PM on October 8th. We utilized the late check out at our hotel to enjoy some beach time before heading to the ship. I believe that we arrived at the port around 12:30 PM, yet there were tons of people at the port ready to board. We dropped our bags at the curb and headed inside. Security lines were pretty standard, and they were sufficiently staffed to move us thru to the check in stands.

Near the front of the check-in line, I had to ask about our priority check-in, gifted to us for being a Black member (loyalty matching from Carnival). Had I not asked, I would have wound up in the line of ~100 people, as there were no signs indicating a Black card priority line. We were directed to an empty line, which was just alongside the clearly labeled "Aurea Experience" line. They may have been 10-15 people in the Aurea line. For those of you who are not familiar, MSC allows you to pay for different "experience" levels, which have tiered pricing and somewhat proportionate benefits (Google: MSC Experiences). The check-in process was very painless, and we were quickly whisked away to a private escalator that took us to the ship. We witnessed some employees exiting the ship and utilizing the same card scanner as us, which disrupted the flow of embarkation. I want to contribute this to the fact that we were the first sailing out of a 3-week dry dock, and there were lots of staff members moving around the first day. Regardless, we were onboard no later than 1:00 PM. The 'priority boarding' experience seemed quicker and smoother than it does with Carnival.

I had already read about the kiosks that are used to link a credit card to your Sail & Sign card, so we were able to quickly find one with no line. I had some initial difficulty, but a member of the staff was nearby and I asked for help (I was sliding my card too quickly). Throughout the first day, I did see multiple people having difficulty understanding the kiosks. I think that MSC has incorporated these kiosks in order to speed up the check-in process, but I feel that it is more confusing for ill-prepared first-timers (the current majority of guests).

Next, we asked for directions to the casino to pick up our drink package. We had preordered an 18-drink package for $84 ($4.67 per drink!). There was a line of approximately 15 people, which was a bit frustrating at the time - I was ready to explore. We still had vouchers in hand within 10 minutes. Hours later there was no line, so I probably just hit rush hour. You are required to sign for your drink package, and they slide your card every time you use a voucher. I think this is in place to avoid a "I never got mine" situation, and I understand the necessity to sign for the voucher booklet. In the future, it would be nice if MSC could somehow incorporate the "vouchers" onto your card, so that no visit to the casino is required.

... to be continued ...

Points from this post:

1. There did not seem to be a dedicated debark/embark point for crew members, which interrupted the flow of the passenger embarkation line.

2. Priority check-in and embarkation was quick; overall good experience.

3. Credit Card Kiosks are confusing to first-timers who are not prepared.

4. If you can wait, get your drink vouchers when there is no line.

Thanks. Looking forward to more. Great information and always nice to get a second opinion.:D

~Brian

Thanks for your perspective so far shukapaw, Hope you continue to have a good time. Happy cruising. :)

can't wait to read more ....:)

Thank you for posting another review. My family has read the low rating review by Freddy and are questioning why I booked Divina. I realize the cruise experience is subjective and I have an open mind when reading reviews. I look forward to your complete review. Thank you again...

I can never get enough reviews! Hahaha! Always fun to read other people experiences! Thanks for taking the time!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking forward to your review and hope it includes information on entertainment!

Great start. Looking forward to your posts.

Part 2.

I feel like I've been on Carnival enough times that I know the deckplans like the back of my hand. The occasional new ship comes to Galveston, and I get to experience a new decor that brings back that "first time walking into a cruise atrium" feeling. I was hoping to share this experience again on the MSC Divina, as I knew it was going to be a beautiful ship.

Leaving the casino, we made our way back into the atrium. WOW! Such a beautiful atrium, and the same can be said for the rest of the ship. The staircases, which I am sure you have heard about, have thousands of Swarovski diamonds embedded into the steps.

Looking down from the steps, the grand piano takes center stage, illuminated by a breathtaking chandelier hanging several stories above. The glowing glass elevators were actively moving passengers to their rooms, and I could not help but to smile in appreciation of how marvelous the atrium felt.

Mirrors seemed to line every unused surface - a common trend around the ship - which makes the spacious public areas feel even larger. As I've mentioned several times previously, I am a regular on Carnival, so the sophistication and class of the Divina decor was extremely refreshing. I'm sure you'll read me saying this again and again on this thread.

Passing back thru the atrium, I did take notice that there were lots of crew around trying to sell drink packages and other onboard services. I've been to many markets in Mexico, so the aggressive sales pitch doesn't phase me, but I know this may come off as offensive to some guests. We also experienced this during the Spa tour (more on this later).

We made our way to the first set of elevators and staircases. Strangely, even this area seemed very nice to me - from the elegant red carpet and black tiles, to the dark paneled walls and frosted glass pillars, this ship was beautiful. Wanting to do some early bird exploring, we made our way several stops: The sports bar with bowling lanes, the massive theatre, the golden jazz bar, the la luna piano bar (which we called the purple room), and caffe italia (the coffee place). Each of these locations was unique and well patterned. Most all of these places were empty, likely due to the time and the fact that most of the people had made their way to the buffet.

Next, we discovered a large number of the missing people in line at the concierge desk. I had a few questions about purchasing onbaord wifi, but to my surprise, there was no priority line for Black card members - or any type of priority for that matter. This is a feature I think MSC must add if it wants to have it's loyalty club be competitive with other cruise lines.

Onward to our room, 10179. An interior cabin! Although it wasn't mentioned on the benefits page, I assumed that being a Black member would mean that our room would be ready earlier than for other passengers. It may also have helped that the ship had been in dry dock for 3 weeks, so surely our room was ready to go. To our enjoyment, the room was ready! (1:23 PM) Staff had already delivered our "Complimentary Basket of Fresh Fruit" given to Silver, Gold, and Black members.

Sadly, the fruit went to waste, as we never ate any of it. On the next post, I hope to upload a video to YouTube of the room. I also have a few comments regarding the room, and will be happy to answer any interior room questions you may have.

... to be continued ...

Points from this post:

1. Overall ship decor is excellent. Beats any Carnival ship I've been on.

2. Lots of staff pitching onboard services as you embark. I recommend looking at pre-purchase packages online; you will get a better deal.

3. No priority line at the concierge desk. MSC must add this!!

4. Interior cabin ready by 1:23 PM. *May have been due to dry dock or Black status.

Enjoying your review. The pictures are beautiful. Going on her end of November. Do you what the cost is to use the bowling alley?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app

Part 2.

 

Next, we discovered a large number of the missing people in line at the concierge desk. I had a few questions about purchasing onbaord wifi, but to my surprise, there was no priority line for Black card members - or any type of priority for that matter. This is a feature I think MSC must add if it wants to have it's loyalty club be competitive with other cruise lines.

 

/QUOTE]

 

I disagree that there needs to be a priority line at Guest Services. I have been seriously annoyed on some cruise lines while waiting on line at Guest Services to watch "priority" guests strut up to the desk for whatever question they may have.

 

When we took our first MSC cruise this past March, we did first try to status match our high level status on another cruise line. We had trouble with the web site and I decided not to pursue it because I wanted to see how a first time passenger in a Bella interior room would be treated.

 

It made no difference in our treatment anywhere on the ship. As far as Guest Services went, the Divina has two large Guest Services counters in the atrium

and both had staff on duty when there could be expected to have numerous guest on line. At slack periods, only one counter was open, again with sufficient staff to handle the small amount of passengers waiting for assistance.

 

I loved the fact there was no "priority" line jumpers as everyone was given the same level of efficient service.

Thank you for your review! We will be going on the Divina next April. Where did the ship dock in San Juan? I have been getting conflicting info from MSC agents. One said Pan Am, the other one said guaranteed Old San Juan.

Part 2.

 

 

 

Next, we discovered a large number of the missing people in line at the concierge desk. I had a few questions about purchasing onbaord wifi, but to my surprise, there was no priority line for Black card members - or any type of priority for that matter. This is a feature I think MSC must add if it wants to have it's loyalty club be competitive with other cruise lines.

 

 

 

/QUOTE]

 

 

 

I disagree that there needs to be a priority line at Guest Services. I have been seriously annoyed on some cruise lines while waiting on line at Guest Services to watch "priority" guests strut up to the desk for whatever question they may have.

 

 

 

When we took our first MSC cruise this past March, we did first try to status match our high level status on another cruise line. We had trouble with the web site and I decided not to pursue it because I wanted to see how a first time passenger in a Bella interior room would be treated.

 

 

 

It made no difference in our treatment anywhere on the ship. As far as Guest Services went, the Divina has two large Guest Services counters in the atrium

 

and both had staff on duty when there could be expected to have numerous guest on line. At slack periods, only one counter was open, again with sufficient staff to handle the small amount of passengers waiting for assistance.

 

 

 

I loved the fact there was no "priority" line jumpers as everyone was given the same level of efficient service.

 

 

 

That's how I feel about the status thing also! Every passenger should be treated the same and the status should be just about the nice extra perks! E.g. My favourite of having bathrobes in the cabin!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Could you please post picture of the sports bar food/menu.

Thank you

Thank you for your review! We will be going on the Divina next April. Where did the ship dock in San Juan? I have been getting conflicting info from MSC agents. One said Pan Am, the other one said guaranteed Old San Juan.

In june we docked at old San Juan.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

Thank you for your review! We will be going on the Divina next April. Where did the ship dock in San Juan? I have been getting conflicting info from MSC agents. One said Pan Am, the other one said guaranteed Old San Juan.

We docked in Old San Juan alongside the Carnival Magic.

Following with interest as I've done Divina in the past and going back on her in December 2017. Love your review so far

Thanks again

Sea ya

Eric

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Enjoying your review. The pictures are beautiful. Going on her end of November. Do you what the cost is to use the bowling alley?

 

Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app

While we didn't partake, I have read previously that it is around $7 for 5 frames of bowling. I had no interest in playing, and it was broken at least one day of our cruise.

I did see a sign in the F1 simulator area that was unlimited F1 Simulator, XD Theatre, and Bowling for $60. Unfortunately, the XD Theatre was closed/broken down most, if not all, of the cruise. This was pretty shocking considering it had been in dry dock the previous 3 weeks.

Could you please post picture of the sports bar food/menu.

 

Thank you

I vividly remember thinking "I need to take a picture of this", but I guess I didn't. The mental picture is there, but I don't have an actual one. Sorry! This is the best I can do...

More on the sports bar later.

Thanks for your review....looking forward to more! We sail on Nov. 12th...our first MSC cruise!

I had a friend recently say she would cruise on any line again except MSC! She said it was terrible! Don't remember specifics....I will ask her again about her experience, but it's nice to the good stuff too!

Thanks for your review....looking forward to more! We sail on Nov. 12th...our first MSC cruise!

 

I had a friend recently say she would cruise on any line again except MSC! She said it was terrible! Don't remember specifics....I will ask her again about her experience, but it's nice to the good stuff too!

I would absolutely cruise Divina again. It is different than other lines I have cruised but that doesn't mean bad. We are booked on Seaside in March 2018 and are looking forward to it. I don't know where Divina will go after the arrival of Seaside but my cruise schedule is full up to Seaside.

Thanks for the review.

I would absolutely cruise Divina again. It is different than other lines I have cruised but that doesn't mean bad. We are booked on Seaside in March 2018 and are looking forward to it. I don't know where Divina will go after the arrival of Seaside but my cruise schedule is full up to Seaside.

After April 2018 the Divina will be going back to the MED but it's supposed to come back later in 2018 for longer cruises like they are doing from Jan 2018 .

Thanks for your review....looking forward to more! We sail on Nov. 12th...our first MSC cruise!

 

I had a friend recently say she would cruise on any line again except MSC! She said it was terrible! Don't remember specifics....I will ask her again about her experience, but it's nice to the good stuff too!

Funny how perspectives are different. I'm on my third cruise on Divina this winter and have a fourth scheduled for next summer-a Christian music charter. Love Divina and looking forward to sailing on Seaside in the future!

Part 3.

Overall I was very happy with the room. The layout was pretty similar to other cruise line interior cabins. I have uploaded a brief video tour of the cabin, which you can find here:

In addition to the video above, here are quick lists of Dislikes, Likes, and observations about the room.

Dislikes:

1. The room steward wouldn't take or replace empty glassware when she cleaned the room. We ended up putting them in the hallway when she did not take them.

2. Bathroom power outlet was on the ceiling? (Not kidding...)

Likes:

1. The shower doors were great. No water on the floor! The shower still felt roomy, and I felt like I could take a more natural shower when I wasn't worrying about spilling water on the floor. I'm a tall guy, so this affects me more than it would some people.

2. The minibar price list allowed you to order additional items. I marked down five water bottles, signed the bottom, and the fridge was stocked the next time they cleaned the room. Very convenient!

3. Like the rest of the ship, there were plenty of mirrors which made the room feel larger.

4. The bathroom was nice looking - nicer than Carnival and Royal Caribbean, in my opinion.

5. PA system speakers in the room (in the bathroom), so you could hear the captain's announcements without opening the door. Fortunately, they never made any announcements while I was sleeping.

6. I love the cold. I kept the AC on the lowest setting, and the room was frigid! By my best guess, the room was under 70 degrees on the lowest setting. I love this, because I am often hot in Carnival cabins.

Observations:

1. The room steward would not take the old daily activities sheets. If anything, I appreciated this, because I was able to keep them all as a momento. If you'd like to see some of them, let me know!

2. Snacks in the minibar.

3. Beer bottles in minibar, not cans. Bottle opener?

4. The safe was very large; could have fit a full size iPad.

5. Phone was on a nightstand and not the desk.

6. Drawers on nightstands.

7. Cabinets under bathroom sink.

8. Hairdryer in desk drawer.

9. 2x outlets on desk, 1x on bathroom ceiling (dual US 110 VDC and European)

Here's a picture of the minibar offerings, with prices.

We dropped our bags in the room and headed out to see some more of the ship. But first, a stop at the buffet!

As expected, the buffet was packed. More people had made their way onboard, and everyone seemed to be starving. We circled around the entire buffet to get a sample of everything. The buffet was essentially identical on port and starboard side, with the exception of the front-most counter. On one side was the pizza station, and on the other was typically american-style burgers, hot dogs, and fries.

The burgers/hot dogs didn't do much for me, but I am certainly spoiled by Guy's Burgers on Carnival ships. The pizza, however, was easily the best pizza I've ever had at sea. I would frequent the pizza counter during lunch and often in the late hours before bed. One comment about the pizza though, is that they had some very unique concoctions. One example that I specifically remember is Sweet Corn, Ham, and Cheese. my guess is that they use the pizza station as a way to recycle their leftovers (corn, ham, asparagus, etc). Often, there were not many "normal" choices left - pepperoni, cheese, or margherita.

Different from other cruises I have been on, there always seemed to be a pasta station with 4-5 choices. The pastas were usually pretty good, as I would expect from an Italian cruise line. It was also common to see an "international" station with Indian-type food, which I stayed away from. The "Kids only" line was near the back of the ship, and they often had some of the best food - chicken fingers, cheese sticks, shrimp poppers, etc. The rest of the food was about what you would expect from a buffet - not terrible, but not great.

My biggest complaint, which you will hear from others, is that the food is COLD. Ok, maybe it's not cold, but it's not hot. By the time you put food on your plate and find a table, the food is lukewarm at best. The "MSC Breakfast Sandwich" that is served during breakfast was given 2 chances, and I only took 1 bite each time - it was just too cold to enjoy. MSC must fix the temperature of the buffet food, and I hope that they take our reviews to heart on this!

... to be continued ...

Points from this post:

1. Interior cabin was pretty standard. Enjoyed the shower doors. AC blows cold. (SEE VIDEO LINK ABOVE)

2. Buffet pizza is the best at sea!

3. Most of the buffet food is lukewarm at best.