bblasko

Ok, boarding tomorrow without my own pillow; purely on the advice of total strangers. For some reason, totally have faith in the last three posts (plugs nose and dives in)!

We did 2 weeks in Puerto Rico in Sept. The rain forest and beach are not too far apart.

Do get the toll pass on your rental. The road going to the rain forest is horrible. If you see someone in front of you just hit their brake a be prepared to do the same thing in the same spot.

 

Once you get to the rainforest there is a visitor center if it closed drive on up the the ranger office.

 

Steers may not be marked and everything is in Kilometers except the speed limit.

 

There are a couple of options for food. Bebo's is on the way down to they sell by the pound. There are a couple local places as you drive up the rainforest

Some really good info there, rvrocker. Thanks!

Since the definition of a "good" pillow is inherently subjective, I just want to beat this horse a little more (because I really don't want to have to pack a pillow). Were the pillows anything like what is

Thanks for taking the time to convey your experience.

A good night's rest can make or break a trip. I've heard nothing but bad things about the pillows on the Divina. Thinking about bringing our own, but they will take up sooo much luggage space! How were your pillows?

We're renting a car and driving to El Yunque as well. I prefer the freedom to stay as long as we want at any one place. Hoping to also have time to check out Luquillo Beach and try some local food at the kiosks.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2446254

 

Max, look at post#3 of this thread. A pic of the beer list is there.

Blech! Fellow beer snob here. This list is seriously lacking.

Our first ever cruise will be the April 1st sailing of the Divina. I've done a ton of research and am almost ready, but have some questions about the best time to purchase the enhancements offered by MSC.

+++Drink Package+++

I have this figured out. We're definitely using the voucher system and I plan to purchase these prior to boarding to save the 15% service charge. There's just no way we'll drink enough of the all inclusive to make it worth how much we'd have to pay for a family of 4 ($960)!

+++Spa Package+++

Definitely waiting until onboard to buy this. I read that they run daily discounts throughout the course of the sailing; sometimes as much as half off!

+++Internet+++

I know they're offering an increase in allowed data if prepaid. Does anyone know if they offer better deals once onboard or should I just prepay?

+++Teen Pass+++

This is a card with a limited amount of spending money added for your teen to make his or her own onboard purchases. I was told that if you wait until you're onboard, they offer a deal that includes free arcade games. Can anyone confirm this?

We only had one instance where language seemed to be a barrier.

 

A breakfast one morning, my father asked for eggs with ham steak on the side (as listed on the menu). The server responded "no steak." My dad said something like, "no, I want HAM steak." The server responded back, "I bring you cold cuts." This went on back and forth for another minute, even after my dad pointed to the menu where it said "ham steak."

 

My son ordered waffles with stewed bananas, again as listed on the menu. He got waffles, no banana. We inquired to the server, and he brought us a whole fresh banana.

 

I like to drink a soda with breakfast. Knowing it would be difficult to get in the dining room, I had purchased one elsewhere and needed a glass of ice for it. I asked for a glass of ice, and got a bowl of ice.

 

The whole meal was frustrating.

I'm sure it was frustrating at the time; but you gotta admit, it makes for a pretty entertaining story in hindsight. I was chuckling as I read it!

Someone please answer this definitively. IS there a difference, in any way, between the kid and adult vouchers?

Think I answered my own question. Since this program doesn't start until April 1st, nobody could really know the answer. I'm sure they'll be color coded or something though.

The Fantastica experience includes 12 vouchers per person. Our family is comprised of 2 adults and 2 kids. Does anybody know if the kids' vouchers can be used for adult beverages? Not that my kid is lush, but I would rather use the vouchers for the more costly alcoholic drinks and pay out of pocket for sodas and juices!

Think I answered my own question. Since this program doesn't start until April 1st, nobody could really know the answer. I'm sure they'll be color coded or something though.

The Fantastica experience includes 12 vouchers per person. Our family is comprised of 2 adults and 2 kids. Does anybody know if the kids vouchers can be used for adult beverages? Not that my kid is a big drinker, but, if so, I would rather use the vouchers for the more costly alcoholic drinks and pay out of pocket for sodas and juices!

Think I answered my own question. Since this program doesn't start until April 1st, nobody could really know the answer. I'm sure they'll be color coded or something though.

The Fantastica experience includes 12 vouchers per person. Our family is comprised of 2 adults and 2 kids. Does anybody know if the kids' vouchers can be used for adult beverages? Not that my kid is lush, but I would rather use the vouchers for the more costly alcoholic drinks and pay out of pocket for sodas and juices!

The Fantastica experience includes 12 vouchers per person. Our family is comprised of 2 adults and 2 kids. Does anybody know if the kids vouchers can be used for adult beverages? Not that my kid is a big drinker, but, if so, I would rather use the vouchers for the more costly alcoholic drinks and pay out of pocket for sodas and juices!

Someone please answer this definitively. IS there a difference, in any way, between the kid and adult vouchers?

I'm REALLY hoping they make a good cafè latte. I mean, it IS an Italian ship, right?

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Wow! Found these scans of Kids Club flyers and schedules packed full of information. This really helps!

http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/msc-divina-cruises-kids-club/

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Here is a link on their website that tells you all the different activities for each age group: https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Cruise-Information/Family.aspx

Thanks, jchris1230. Unfortunately, getting the "404 Page Not Found" error.

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What time of year?

 

The biggest problem I saw for the pre-teens and teens last week was just the low number of them on board. This was a vacation week for our schools, but obviously not a vacation week for most. In the summer, I think you'd have a much better shot at them enjoying themselves.

 

Language probably isn't going to be a huge barrier. The European teens I saw tended toward being well traveled, well educated, and somewhat affluent. Many (most?) will have a solid grasp of English. I spoke to a few Italian teens in the elevator and a few Danish teens at the ice cream bar. Their English was very, very good.

Embark April 1st on Divina. It is spring break for my kids' school. Just wondering what types of organized entertainment the staff has for kids in this range. Can't picture him sitting there and finger painting with the youngsters, nor can I picture him standing around a teen club slipping on a virgin Piña Colada.

I know he'd be interested in the arcade and 4D theater, but would probably get bored after a couple hours of that. Plus they cost more and there's only so many quarters I'm willing to dish out!

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Have a 12 (almost 13) year old son too. Seems like they have teen programs that might be too mature for him and the kiddie stuff seems too immature for him. Such an awkward age. Will he have fun?

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Had the same problem too (still am). Opening the website in Internet Explorer instead of Chrome fixes the issue. Hope it's temporary and hope they get this debacle of a website under control already.

Thank you so much for the info.

We were given about 50 vouchers :eek: left from a friend who was on the Divina in december 2016!!! Can't wait to see if they will take them. Did you or someone you know tried to use old vouchers?

I will keep you posted.

We leave april 1st, for B2B cruises.

Marie :)

April 1st you say? What a coincidence! We're on the same ship. If you need help with all those coupons, feel free to slide some under my door! [emoji6]

Final Thoughts & Misc. Musings:

 

I did enjoy several benefits from the status match to “Gold”. I received a fruit bowl on embarkation-I really enjoyed having this handy snack! I also received a free 1 hour pass to the thermal spa. I gave it to my daughter-in-law and she really enjoyed it. I also received priority tender tickets in Grand Cayman, but since my hip was hurting post fall...I stayed on board and gave the tickets to my son and his girlfriend. They enjoyed not waiting for the tender. (By the way, they were still calling tender tickets at noon! We laughed that those getting off at the time will have to turn back around and ride back because they were out of time). I also received an invite to a party along with a gift certificate for a free photo. I didn't attend. (The photo department wasn't my favorite department by this point in the cruise:) These gifts were all appreciated.

 

I wonder why they don't sell drinks in the show lounge. No drink service at all. This was very odd to us and we always have a drink or two while watching the show. We usually get there early to have our first drink. Instead my poor husband had to trek out to find our beverages. Perhaps if alcohol had been involved, I may have enjoyed the shows more? Lol. Certainly this is a way MSC could increase revenue!

 

I wish they would lighten up on the Water slide rules. My grandson has been on water slides many times, much bigger and MUCH faster.....but to ride this slide you have to be 48 inches AND 8 years old? My grandson measured 47.5 and is age 6.5 and it was a no go. I would understand parents having to sign a waiver, but not letting them ride at all, seems a little too restrictive to me. Especially since the slide doesn't even end in a pool...so there is no need to know how to swim. Oh well.

My son is a tennis table fanatic and after receiving the advice on cruise critic, we did pack our own balls and paddles. A previous poster said getting these on board wasn't easy. I found out this is true. These are not kept near the tables. Instead, you need to go up to the formula one car station and sign them out. The sign said they charge a $30 deposit, however I can't verify if they actually charged or not since we had our own. (However, they probably do since they charged us $30 deposit for an electrical extension cord).

 

We had a wonderful family vacation. I would be happy to sail MSC again. My favorite line remains Carnival (only newer ships), followed by NCL. However, for the right itinerary and the right price, I will be back on board. For us, it was a nice vacation because we were traveling as a family and wanted family time. That is why even though the scheduled entertainment wasn't for me....it didn't matter that much. We brought a board game and had fun with that. Besides, there is always plenty to do when traveling with a 6 year old.

 

I hope this information helps someone else planning their trip on the Divina. Don't worry, the Divina is a beautiful ship (almost too big for me) and the staff are very kind and helpful (again, taking the photo department out of the equation lol ) and you will have a fabulous vacation!

 

Happy Sailings!

Kim

Thank you so much for the detailed review. I am very disappointed to learn that your grandson was unable to use the water slide. My son is also 6.5 and also 47.5". We sail in April and every night he tells me how excited he is to use the water slide. I am NOT looking forward to breaking his little heart!!