Has anyone tried a solo cruise on MSC Divina?

I am considering going on MSC Divina to the Caribbean in December. Just wanted hear your experience if you traveled solo on it.

I found some really good rates but the reviews were so awful I said no way. These were from couples and families so if they were unhappy I know it it is harder for a solo traveler.

I would be interested in your review if you went.

You know I was considering but after reading reviews today, I said no thanks. And you are right its harder for a solo to deal with things that go badly on vacation. I am mostly seeing that costumer service is absolutely horrible.

To me that's the worst part, when a cruise lines could not care less about their passengers. I can understand things can go wrong, but at least if the costumer care is caring enough and try to help you out if there is a problem then its no so bad and you can deal with things.

I had a great time on Divina and going back in a few months. My (unfinished) review is in my signature.

Reviewers gave it 3 stars. Never seen that few stars. Its an Italian budget line designed for Italians.Belongs in same class as Costa.

I actually sailed on Divina in the Caribbean for my first solo cruise. I did not write a complete review of the ship, but posted how I got along as a solo. At the time, the prices were ridiculous cheap and the roll call got very active in the month preceding the cruise, so that flavored my overall personal experience.

Here is what I wrote upon my return:

I have been lurking around the Solo Forum for some months, considering some indefinite, future opportunity when I would choose to cruise solo. I appreciate all the information, tips and experiences from other contributors. Now I can officially join the group.

A little about myself. I have cruised many times, but always with at least one other person (especially my husband). When we are cruising, we are not joined at the hip for the entire cruise. He is more of a night owl, and I am up with the sun. We eat most (but not all) meals as a couple (flexible dining at a two-topper) and choose excursions together, but enjoy shipboard activities which suit us separately and together. I am perfectly comfortable with my own company and not a party animal, but I can converse with strangers.

I went into my first solo cruise with an upbeat attitude, fully prepared to enjoy myself. The MSC Divina offered such an attractive March solo rate that I just did not want to resist. The cabin choice was another plus, my first aft balcony. It afforded me a place to be alone, away from the throngs.

Unpacking brought a perk not pondered. I realized every storage space and option was available to me alone. I could use every drawer and every hanger, no sharing. Such a luxury. I could spread out as much as I wanted and nothing would be moved from where I placed it. (No asking “Where did you put the camera?”)

Our roll call ramped up quite a bit as CruiseCritic members booked cabins and joined. Turned out several of us (CantSwim63 and FortWorthGal) booked neighboring cabins and corresponded some by e-mail before the cruise, so friendly faces would be on hand. A good thing in my opinion, rather than being in a sea of strangers.

FortWorthGal (and sister) coincidentally flew on the same flight to Miami, and we shared a taxi to the port on embarkation day. So no making my way alone to the port.

I have only a little prior experience with traditional dining, so that could have gone either way. Got off to a little rocky start. The first night, I was seated at a table for eight. Me and seven empty chairs. That stretched on for fifteen minutes. Then a couple were seated. A little thereafter, a mother and daughter joined us. The conversation did not flow naturally at first (understand that I am not the most outgoing). However during our first meal together, the couple were very friendly and gracious to draw me into the conversation. The five of us were the core dinner attendees (with three others who joined just for a night or two). We talked and laughed our way through the week. It turned out to be a highlight of the cruise.

The roll call meeting gave me the opportunity to put faces to screen names and share experiences. Even ate a few lunches with fellow members, whether by purposeful arrangement or happenstance. Ran across fellow members around the ship during the week and enjoyed spontaneous conversations.

I attended theater performances alone so I was able to choose whatever vantage point suited me, rather than compromising to please others. Always easier to find a single seat just about anywhere, rather than seats together at an agreed upon location.

Two tablemates turned out to have some similar entertainment tastes, and we turned up at the same venue several times which also was a plus. We sat together enjoying the dueling piano performances, people watching and laughing.

I spent time alone and with others as I chose. Things which may have seemed a little intimidating before, were not hard in reality.

I can honestly say the experience was positive.

Thanks for sharing.

I did a B2B on the Divina last September as a solo.

Had a wonderful time and met many other solos through the roll call and trivia. They also did Arts and Crafts.

The shows were great and I do not normally attend shows on cruise ships.

If the price were right would travel with them again.

Been on this ship twice. Solo cabin but with friends in other cabins. First trip no complaints. 2nd trip was just before they were returning to Europe and they changed their crew. This caused some language barriers but they were always nice. Don't be scared by the reviews. I'm very particular and have done 50 cruises on all the Premium lines also Disney. I loved the Divina, prettiest ship I have ever been on. No one was ever rude. Food good not great, pizza is great. Also I think one of the best lines for solo cruisers. They have a separate entertainment staff just to make sure everyone gets involved and they are always having parties. I'm booked on their New Years Eve cruise this year because I know I won't feel alone.