My "Finally getting around to it" Divina Review!

[jessabella]

I dont post on this forum very much..just lurk around and read mostly...but I had to stop and say that this is by far the best review ever. After moving to Italy we have seriously considered taking a few cruises on MSC and you have answered alot of questions. We did try out one MSC and while we loved it it was very very different than our usual RCI ships..but I will say that from what you are saying in your review (and a few others Ive read) that the newer ships with MSC are very different than the older ones. Anyway thanks so much for the detail and photos..love love love it all and now Im off to find myself a sailing! :D

[Bosjoe]

I just booked The Divina yesterday and we are leaving next Saturday. I already love this line.... booked an inside guarantee and were upgraded to a superior balcony!!! \

 

 

I'm so jealous, I booked this past weekend for Jan 18th cruise inside guarantee and only got Cat 2 inside. sighhh :) congrats on your upgrade.

[SteelCruisin]

overall, did you like the cabin? Balcony a bit small, or OK?

 

Big Al

The cabin seemed to be just right in size for us Big Al.....now I did take the time to get the actual measurements of the cabin....I used a piece of paper that measures 8.5 x 11 inches...and these are the measurements I came up with....The length is 16.91 ft and the width is 8.75 ft. the balcony runs 8.75 x 3.88 So the balcony was almost 4 feet deep.... I said earlier and I will say again, being on deck 13 was awesome as the overhang shielded us from the rain and we could continue to use our balcony while others had to retreat to their cabins...we also had our room steward open the door between our balconies to make one long one http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131125_151008_798_zpsceb6ec3b.jpg

The large mirror made the cabin look larger than it really was, but there was plenty of room.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131128_125252_313_zps58450eb0.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/Room_13149_zpsf8e59660.jpg

I have more cabin pictures coming ....but my arch nemesis Photobucket is killing me tonight....

[SteelCruisin]

So now that my review has lost all direction ....I guess I will talk again about the entertainment....as the week went on we decided to sit in the upstairs seating along the sides....the animation team does a great job of making your waiting time before the show go quickly and what they do can be best seen from above.... if you've ever been to SeaWorld in Orlando you will kinda be prepared for the antics of this talented troupe but they take it to another level.....lotsa laughs. Here are some photos from what I think is the best entertainment at sea...

First my favorite show of all... http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0778_zps06c18429.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0790_zps85c729be.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0808_zps81b66849.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0786_zpsa4f5fe3b.jpg

Simply Italian:

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131125_204928_770_zps9d0720d1.jpg

So here is where another MYTH gets kinda busted..."All Shows are the same" ...while some of the shows have similar feats, they all have a different flair. this is how the shows

went for the week 1st&2nd night Production shows, 3rd night Vocal and Magic/comedy show 4th night Comedy impressionist, 5th night Production,6th production/ singing

The comedian/magician Levent was a really funny family oriented show. Most of the music based shows play to the American audience at the end.

[SteelCruisin]

NJCate, I have a feeling you will love MSC...I do have a funny story regarding HAL cruise lines...when we were docked in Puerto Rico a HAL ship docked next to us ...well it seems that one of their ropes that secure the ships either broke or slipped its mooring...the port authority had to stop any boarding or unboarding of passengers on either ship until the HAL ship was secured...it took them about 1.5 hours to do this, now when everything was all opened up again our ship ...the one with the improper promenade deck opened 3 or 4 gangways to accommodate passengers while the HAL ship, which if I'm not mistaken had our favorite MSC hater on it, had only 1 gangway open.

[SteelCruisin]

Random photo......a very cool PaPa Smurf!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/e2f2da86-0ff3-4516-9860-01329ba28616_zps0c6a5e27.jpg?t=1389239375

*****OBSERVATION*******

There are times when the ship feels crowded, and areas that never felt crowded (casino) that being said there are plenty of places to get away in the quiet...Café Italia, Piazza Del Doge and Cantina de Bacco are just a few...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131125_092942_800_zps47318b4f.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSCF1995_zps51ade6e4.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSCF1980_zpsb86d385a.jpg

Café Italia is also the chocolate bar it is on deck 7 mid ship here is one of my daughters favorite drinks...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131128_145307_041_zpsf98f8a86.jpg

She was behind on some homework so we would go up here to have some coffee/whatever that thing is and work on catching her up on homework.

[SteelCruisin]

We never came across groups of kids running wild at any time during the day or night and never had to wait very long for an elevator....MYTH the elevator doors are recessed so you miss when they open....well that is 1/2 true...yes the doors are recessed, but, there are orange arrows that that can be clearly seen that light up just before the elevators arrive that are above the doors.... these are the international symbols for up and down ...for those complainers who didn't know.

[SteelCruisin]

Last post for today*****OBSERVATION*****

There is a mid cruise survey that is given out that asks you to rate things so far and if you are dissatisfied, if you would like whatever department you are unhappy with to call you to discuss....nice touch MSC!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131128_093737_741_zps87402a3b.jpg

[kevsue]

Last post for today*****OBSERVATION*****

There is a mid cruise survey that is given out that asks you to rate things so far and if you are dissatisfied, if you would like whatever department you are unhappy with to call you to discuss....nice touch MSC!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/stee lersn01/IMG_20131128_093737_741_zps87402a3b.jpg

 

StillCruisin, I eagerly await each instalment, you have completely restored my faith in these forums. We were starting to think we had made a big mistake booking a cruise (and I don't just mean a cruise with msc)you have now dispelled that concern. We want to go on holiday with you!!! Can I ask what category your balcony cabin was? We have got a free upgrade to a cat 6, I know our room doesn't have a sofa and it looks like yours didn't either?

[sidari]

There is a mid cruise survey that is given out that asks you to rate things so far and if you are dissatisfied, if you would like whatever department you are unhappy with to call you to discuss....nice touch MSC!

 

SC ... That was also done on the repo cruise to Miami.

[johnjulie]

Great review.... Extremely informative & very balanced! Quick question though - hopefully one of you helpful type chaps out there may be able to assist me on.... Am I right in thinking the drinks menus have two different colours of asterisk - red & brown? We're on the Divina in just over a week (woohoo!!) and have bought the Allegrissimo premium adult package - does this mean that the only booze we can't splurge on is the red asterisk & and the remainder is fair game...? Thanks John & Julie

[SteelCruisin]

Kevsue, we were in a cat 06 balcony on deck 13....there is also what we liked to call a secret elevator that is the 1st elevator you come to when headed to the elevator bank that most people do not use for some reason...it kinda just sits there on its own so most people just pass it by. I think because of where its at that it gets used mostly by people in cat 06 ....not sure if that made any sence at all...

[Mrs. Squirrel]

Our wait team was really good and very attentive, on the second night though, an incident happened that almost collapsed the economy of the far away country from which they came...how's that for a cliff hanger....the incident....my wife started to stack plates as we finished our dinners to make the wait staffs job easier....well, after doing this for a couple of minutes the assistant waiter came over and apologized profusely saying he would get right to it...now he wasn't behind and we didn't feel rushed but the Asst. Maitre D saw what my wife was doing and had him get to clearing the table. I told my wife that she may have just punched his ticket home... well a little later the AMD came by and we assured him that my wife has tourettes of the hands and she can't help herself, as a matter of fact she'd be happy to help clear tables later if he needed the help. The AMD assured us that no one was in any trouble and as much as they appreciate the help please let them do their jobs which is making sure we have the best dining experience possible. We joked with my wife the rest of the week that when she was done eating ,she had to sit on her hands.

 

Too funny! :D I was a waitress in high school. I also have a habit of stacking finished plates and silverware. I also have been gently chastised for it on a cruise, so thanks for the warning! We cruise Divinia for the first time in April. Loving your review and pics. Keep it coming!

[sidari]

SC ... It may be because there is a crew door that exits to the area on the Port side where the lift/elevator is and so people may not see the lift/elevator having seen the No Entry Crew only sign.

 

We used them on both sides quite often because they were quiet and out of the way, though why there is a need for the large mirrors i have no idea.

[kevsue]

Kevsue, we were in a cat 06 balcony on deck 13....there is also what we liked to call a secret elevator that is the 1st elevator you come to when headed to the elevator bank that most people do not use for some reason...it kinda just sits there on its own so most people just pass it by. I think because of where its at that it gets used mostly by people in cat 06 ....not sure if that made any sence at all...

 

We will look out for the secret lifts!!!

[Bosjoe]

Great review.... Extremely informative & very balanced! Quick question though - hopefully one of you helpful type chaps out there may be able to assist me on.... Am I right in thinking the drinks menus have two different colours of asterisk - red & brown? We're on the Divina in just over a week (woohoo!!) and have bought the Allegrissimo premium adult package - does this mean that the only booze we can't splurge on is the red asterisk & and the remainder is fair game...? Thanks John & Julie

 

The drinks with the asterisk are not included with the classic package. They are include with the premium. I like Greg goose and red bull so I had to go with premium. I do not like absolute so much anymore, since I gotten older I like the premiums. :) plus the minibar in the room is included for my lazy times.

[SteelCruisin]

I am able to write a quick entry during my lunch so I thought I'd share this little story....

I was down in the casino and was having an issue with one of the machines...as I approached the casino cage where you cash out, I could see 2 tellers , 1 was helping somebody and the other was available , but she looked incredibly stressed. As I stepped to her window she turned and said " I will be right with you sir" ... I glanced at her name tag, Johana, and said "no problem Johana, take your time I'm in no hurry" almost immediately you could see the stress melt from her face, she smiled and asked if I just called her by name...I said yes , she smiled again and said it is rare for customers to call her by her name and she just needed to hear it at that moment..... I think too often people think that they are on vacation and it's not their job to treat people with kindness.....wrong.....Johana and I spoke for only a few minutes but in those few minutes I felt that if she somehow went from feeling like an object to feeling like a human being again. I hope everyone finds a Johana moment on their cruise....trust me you'll be a better person for it.

[SteelCruisin]

Random Desert....Blueberry Cheesecake w/ Orange Sherbert....

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131126_191753_839_zpsb096b2cd.jpg

[kevsue]

I am able to write a quick entry during my lunch so I thought I'd share this little story....

I was down in the casino and was having an issue with one of the machines...as I approached the casino cage where you cash out, I could see 2 tellers , 1 was helping somebody and the other was available , but she looked incredibly stressed. As I stepped to her window she turned and said " I will be right with you sir" ... I glanced at her name tag, Johana, and said "no problem Johana, take your time I'm in no hurry" almost immediately you could see the stress melt from her face, she smiled and asked if I just called her by name...I said yes , she smiled again and said it is rare for customers to call her by her name and she just needed to hear it at that moment..... I think too often people think that they are on vacation and it's not their job to treat people with kindness.....wrong.....Johana and I spoke for only a few minutes but in those few minutes I felt that if she somehow went from feeling like an object to feeling like a human being again. I hope everyone finds a Johana moment on their cruise....trust me you'll be a better person for it.

 

Karma will reward you for being a kind person :)

[TravelRocker]

I am able to write a quick entry during my lunch so I thought I'd share this little story....

I was down in the casino and was having an issue with one of the machines...as I approached the casino cage where you cash out, I could see 2 tellers , 1 was helping somebody and the other was available , but she looked incredibly stressed. As I stepped to her window she turned and said " I will be right with you sir" ... I glanced at her name tag, Johana, and said "no problem Johana, take your time I'm in no hurry" almost immediately you could see the stress melt from her face, she smiled and asked if I just called her by name...I said yes , she smiled again and said it is rare for customers to call her by her name and she just needed to hear it at that moment..... I think too often people think that they are on vacation and it's not their job to treat people with kindness.....wrong.....Johana and I spoke for only a few minutes but in those few minutes I felt that if she somehow went from feeling like an object to feeling like a human being again. I hope everyone finds a Johana moment on their cruise....trust me you'll be a better person for it.

 

Yeah, I'm with that other poster above, I want to cruise with you too, this is just awesome! :)

[judyzoo]

The cabin seemed to be just right in size for us Big Al.....now I did take the time to get the actual measurements of the cabin....I used a piece of paper that measures 8.5 x 11 inches...and these are the measurements I came up with....The length is 16.91 ft and the width is 8.75 ft. the balcony runs 8.75 x 3.88 So the balcony was almost 4 feet deep.... I said earlier and I will say again, being on deck 13 was awesome as the overhang shielded us from the rain and we could continue to use our balcony while others had to retreat to their cabins...we also had our room steward open the door between our balconies to make one long one http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131125_151008_798_zpsceb6ec3b.jpg

 

Is that a sliding glass door to the balcony?

[AmoMondo]

I am able to write a quick entry during my lunch so I thought I'd share this little story....

I was down in the casino and was having an issue with one of the machines...as I approached the casino cage where you cash out, I could see 2 tellers , 1 was helping somebody and the other was available , but she looked incredibly stressed. As I stepped to her window she turned and said " I will be right with you sir" ... I glanced at her name tag, Johana, and said "no problem Johana, take your time I'm in no hurry" almost immediately you could see the stress melt from her face, she smiled and asked if I just called her by name...I said yes , she smiled again and said it is rare for customers to call her by her name and she just needed to hear it at that moment..... I think too often people think that they are on vacation and it's not their job to treat people with kindness.....wrong.....Johana and I spoke for only a few minutes but in those few minutes I felt that if she somehow went from feeling like an object to feeling like a human being again. I hope everyone finds a Johana moment on their cruise....trust me you'll be a better person for it.

 

Couldn't agree more. What's a few minutes out of an entire cruise, to stop and see the person serving you as an actual person and not just their to meet your every need.

 

I spent 27 years in the front line of customer service and appreciate how difficult it can be, especially when things aren't going well. I've often thought it must be so much more difficult for crew on a cruise ship. When I was off duty! I was well away from work and demanding customers. Crew have us around them almost all the time. Even when they go ashore, they don't get a break from us. As for their down time In crew only areas, it's a pretty short time compared to their long working days. I really admire how so many of them stay so professional and pleasant. Not sure I would fare so well! especially with those passengers who think they have purchased the crew body and soul to meet their every need and ridiculous whims.

[citygirl62]

July 12th – Have found good reading in recent reviews, last 16 posted on Cruise Critic have all been positive. What I have termed a troll has recently made a presence on the MSC boards spouting off why MSC is garbage and even though they have never tried it they are an authority in cruising and promenade decks…. I don’t know what the purpose is telling someone how much they won’t like something they themselves haven’t tried, and even if they had tried MSC it would be presumptuous to think that the entire world should have the same tastes as you. It would be like me telling you that escargot is awful (I have tried, not impressed) and expecting you to agree without tasting. Better yet say every MSC, Carnival,NCL,RCCL, listened to you and left their favorite brand, for HAL and their proper promenade deck, do you think these people suddenly become the sophisticates that seem to find this line appealing? I think the complaint at that point would be why HAL doesn’t have a steerage class to rid these commoners to.

I think I know who you mean. The OP went on and on comparing things that they hadn't even tried and giving an opinion. They provided tons of pictures but did you notice that there were no people in the shots? I think the OP person compiled stock pictures and submitted them as their own. I wondered if they were ever on any ship at all.

[Bosjoe]

I think I know who you mean. The OP went on and on comparing things that they hadn't even tried and giving an opinion. They provided tons of pictures but did you notice that there were no people in the shots? I think the OP person compiled stock pictures and submitted them as their own. I wondered if they were ever on any ship at all.

 

Yes he works his was around the boards, I had my say with him on Celebrity side. He needs to keep his comments of dissatisfaction to himself till he cruises these ships.

[SteelCruisin]

Yes the balcony doors are sliders...