My "Finally getting around to it" Divina Review!

[SteelCruisin]

As I am sitting here thinking about our cruise I tried to come up with some complaints and I did think of 2 things that I would ask MSC to do better... the first would be cleaning....more specifically the timing of the cleaning of the bathrooms...the mens and ladies rooms outside the dining are were always being cleaned immediately after the 1st dinner seating, it was posted on the wall charts on the door that it was the proper time, but I think if they made it a 1/2 hour earlier, they would have less issues....the 2nd issue would be debarking....we thought It was silly but we had to go back to the reception area to sign that we knew that my daughter left $1 on her prepaid card.... Now both of these things aren't really complaints but I just wanted to say that not everything was perfect....but it came close...now if I was one of those irrational reviewers I suppose I could say that you could never use the public bathrooms and they made you go all the way back to your cabin or they wouldn't even let me get off the ship (not a bad thing)..... take things in stride people in the words of Bob Marley....I say don't worry ...bout a thing...cuz evry little ting .is gonna be allright!

[AmoMondo]

As I am sitting here thinking about our cruise I tried to come up with some complaints and I did think of 2 things that I would ask MSC to do better... the first would be cleaning....more specifically the timing of the cleaning of the bathrooms...the mens and ladies rooms outside the dining are were always being cleaned immediately after the 1st dinner seating, it was posted on the wall charts on the door that it was the proper time, but I think if they made it a 1/2 hour earlier, they would have less issues....the 2nd issue would be debarking....we thought It was silly but we had to go back to the reception area to sign that we knew that my daughter left $1 on her prepaid card.... Now both of these things aren't really complaints but I just wanted to say that not everything was perfect....but it came close...now if I was one of those irrational reviewers I suppose I could say that you could never use the public bathrooms and they made you go all the way back to your cabin or they wouldn't even let me get off the ship (not a bad thing)..... take things in stride people in the words of Bob Marley....I say don't worry ...bout a thing...cuz evry little ting .is gonna be allright!

That timong of toilet cleaning seems to be fleet wide. I've lost count of the number of times when I've gone to go to the ladies just before heading into second sitting from one of the main atrium bars! only to see that closed sign and then have to trail away to another deck.

 

Would make far more sense to do it a bit earlier as you say, before the change over times for dinner.

[tigger89]

Tigger,

I cut and pasted this from the boards...I think we did tour 1 and 2 and I want to say we spent about 4.5 hours doing it with most of the time spent ... the walking is very easy ...most of the time we spent was at the fort, and where the old jail is....have fun!

 

Here are some walking tours to get you started. Use Google maps of San Juan to follow the route. A printed map can be picked up from the tourist information office once you are in Old San Juan, opposite the piers.

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-1/

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-2/

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/old-san-juan-walking-tour-3/

 

http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/oldsanjuan/ss/WalkingTour.htm

 

 

 

The following link has aerial views of streets: http://faculty.salisbury.edu/~msscott/Walking%20Tour%20of%20Old%20San%20Juan.pdf

 

This one includes some routes to download including maps: http://www.gpsmycity.com/apps/san-juan-walking-tours-178.html

 

The streets are not particularly stroller friendly due to steep hills and cobblestones. I am visiting in early December with a toddler and will be better able to answer from experience then. I asked this question recently http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1905217

 

Thank you this looks ideal for us. I enjoy doing things at our own pace.

 

Judith

[kevsue]

As I am sitting here thinking about our cruise I tried to come up with some complaints and I did think of 2 things that I would ask MSC to do better... the first would be cleaning....more specifically the timing of the cleaning of the bathrooms...the mens and ladies rooms outside the dining are were always being cleaned immediately after the 1st dinner seating, it was posted on the wall charts on the door that it was the proper time, but I think if they made it a 1/2 hour earlier, they would have less issues....the 2nd issue would be debarking....we thought It was silly but we had to go back to the reception area to sign that we knew that my daughter left $1 on her prepaid card.... Now both of these things aren't really complaints but I just wanted to say that not everything was perfect....but it came close...now if I was one of those irrational reviewers I suppose I could say that you could never use the public bathrooms and they made you go all the way back to your cabin or they wouldn't even let me get off the ship (not a bad thing)..... take things in stride people in the words of Bob Marley....I say don't worry ...bout a thing...cuz evry little ting .is gonna be allright!

 

Just one question - when is your next cruise - we want to come with you!!!great review, great outlook on life and quoting the great bob marley too. Best review ever!

[SteelCruisin]

Here's some St. Maarten photos....

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0600_zps6230f341.jpg?t=1389796865

Great Bay with 6 ships in port....it never felt overly crowded I guess everyone went to the other side of the island...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0577_zps271f968e.jpg?t=1389796653

Canyon of ships...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0571_zpsd890835e.jpg?t=1389796625

Love ,love, love this picture of the Divina!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0574_zps717b8226.jpg?t=1389796602

One of the many side streets for shopping...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0585_zpscb5f3cad.jpg?t=1389796579

and another...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0580_zpsf123b139.jpg?t=1389796463

The famous Guavaberry Emporium...hand painted bottles are beautiful...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0583_zps94191cc3.jpg?t=1389796505

Random statue ...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0579_zps644a3894.jpg?t=1389796523

We were so happy to just walk around do some shopping then come back to hit the beach...a very relaxing day.

[moomoocow]

some food porn....Spaghetti and meatballs....probably the best I have ever had!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131128_135205_072_zpsb37abf16.jpg

A mushroom pasta dish....MSC does the best pastas...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131126_184137_755_zpsd300606f.jpg

Smoked salmon and shrimp appetizer...SOOOoooooo Good...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131126_182142_606_zps6c922e4f.jpg

Osso Bucco over risotto.....

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131125_174216_993_zps7633ca8c.jpg

Scallop and quail egg appetizer.....

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131124_181328_318_zps9828fb55.jpg

Brownie with chocolate gelato....didn't know the difference between gelato and ice cream before this cruise....gelato wins hands down...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131123_195240_200_zps43f63785.jpg

 

Lovely. I could read this review and look at the pictures all day long.

[njcate]

Well with your help we choose to Sail on the Divina . We sail this Saturday jan 18th !

Just wanted to thank you for all your tips! It's been great reading about everything we will be doing!!

I am anxiously awaiting my first MSC cruise!

I will post as soon as I get back!

[papcx]

Well with your help we choose to Sail on the Divina . We sail this Saturday jan 18th !

Just wanted to thank you for all your tips! It's been great reading about everything we will be doing!!

I am anxiously awaiting my first MSC cruise!

I will post as soon as I get back!

 

Enjoy!

 

Any chance of a live blog?

[SteelCruisin]

Well with your help we choose to Sail on the Divina . We sail this Saturday jan 18th !

Just wanted to thank you for all your tips! It's been great reading about everything we will be doing!!

I am anxiously awaiting my first MSC cruise!

I will post as soon as I get back!

 

NJcate.... I assume you're from N.J. by your signature...I am originally from N.J. as well, central N.J. to be more specific, so if this Jersey boy has an opinion it's that MSC rocks!

[judyzoo]

NJcate.... I assume you're from N.J. by your signature...I am originally from N.J. as well, central N.J. to be more specific, so if this Jersey boy has an opinion it's that MSC rocks!

 

I'm originally from northern N.J. We'll see what this Jersey girl thinks of MSC after next month's cruise.

[cruise pup]

Love ,love, love this picture of the Divina!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0574_zps717b8226.jpg?t=1389796602

 

That's because the improper promenade is concealed. :D

 

By the way, I enjoyed your review immensely. I sail on Divina March 15 and you got me psyched!

Edited January 16, 2014 by cruise pup

[festivalfrau]

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131130_182425_577_zpsfe24b569.jpg

A mixed Seafood plate.

Desserts anyone?

Baked Alaska....and the did the parade with the dessert flaming!

 

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131128_194215_212_zps09e48dac.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131128_140822_477_zps09fe547b.jpg

This was perhaps the 2nd best dessert behind the tiramisu...gateau opera.....so good!

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/IMG_20131125_183039_424_zps48508da8.jpg

Tiramisu again..... wish I had it again...Mmmmmmmm

 

The Baked Alaska on the Divina was the BEST! (Though on the Orchestra the next week we thought it was a little lacking!) We also loved the Tiramisu! I'm quite enjoying your review. I agree with everything!

[SteelCruisin]

We absolutely love Puerto Rico and the walking tour we did on our own it was nice to do the tour at our own pace, it didn't cost us anything, and we got to get a feel for Old San Juan without being mobbed by people....here are some pictures along the walking tour...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0654_zpse78b8562.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0672_zps4cb8e18e.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0660_zpsf406af76.jpg

Oh BTW there should be descriptions under the pictures of what each is...the next one should say bark....

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0720_zps73ab54a7.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0650_zps66efb7ed.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0722_zpse939189b.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0653_zpsb1f12c9a.jpg

see how crowded it is....this is my kind of tour...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0669_zpsccd84a80.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0679_zps2c2ac763.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0721_zps22c04a4b.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0686_zps5ad0ded0.jpg

[SteelCruisin]

And more....

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0673_zps2d21c2c9.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0678_zps414e3cee.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0652_zps8b996d33.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0657_zpse62ab8da.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0714_zps19634211.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0715_zpsbf741603.jpg

 

I believe this was an old church that wasn't open...

 

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0726_zps4d7bd8ed.jpg

 

A view from outside the old city walls

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0684_zps9d41d447.jpg

Loved the colors of the houses

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0723_zps04b84c1a.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0676_zpsb94be801.jpg

A view from The fort...

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0716_zps2a413c96.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0700_zpse48e1a7c.jpg

Cemetary below the fort

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad159/steelersn01/DSC_0711_zpsf7ab156c.jpg

[American Bear]

Great review.

Ship looks beautiful except for the plastic chairs in the steakhouse and Italian rest..

[Imani68]

Thanks for the review! I am thinking about booking this cruise for March.

[American Bear]

MSC is running a kids under 17 sail free promo.

I've read comments going both ways on how many kids were on board, and how they acted, so any thoughts would be appreciated!

[SteelCruisin]

MSC is running a kids under 17 sail free promo.

I've read comments going both ways on how many kids were on board, and how they acted, so any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

 

we traveled the Divina Thanksgiving week, so there were plenty of kids....that being said, we never saw mobs of children running wild, or teens being unruly , most of the kids were well behaved and kept to the areas of the ship that is more kid focused..the kids club , teen club, Aqua park and indoor pool. My 15 yr old daughter said the staff at the teen club was awesome and she made a few friends that she still stays in touch with.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

MSC is running a kids under 17 sail free promo.

I've read comments going both ways on how many kids were on board, and how they acted, so any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

 

Kids Free?

 

From MSC site...

 

At MSC Cruises Kids 11 and younger sail FREE* and Kids 12-17 sail at a reduced rate on MSC Cruises!

 

Kids between 12-17 roughly $160 plus port charges.

 

Kids, yes there will be, but not enough to discourage going on a beautiful ship...

[American Bear]

Yes you are right, but I think that is still much better then other cruise lines?

And sorry, I disagree slightly, out of control kids, or too many kids on a cruise is a 'no thanks' to me', that's why I asked!

Everyone has their desires, wants, and preferences, no ones wrong.

That's why I cruise when kids are in school, and on longer cruises. Just my preference.

[CalGal2]

We are expereinced cruisers who sailed the Poesia out of NYC in the Fall of 2010- a 14 night New England trip in a balcony for a ridiculously low price. It was when MSC was trying out that itinerary. My TA actually try to talk me out of it because she had never booked on MSC before. But the price was too good to pass up. The ship was beautiful and spotless. The cabin and public areas, dining room, stewards and activities staff, shows and music venues, pools, hot tubs, spa and the itinerary were all great. It was a very mixed group and everything was announced in five languages, which we found amusing and just tuned out after a while, but bugged some other (ugly) Americans to no end. One old geezer actually made a sweet Italian activities staff member cry, because he told her if she couldn't pronounce the trivia questions better (in English), she shouldn't be doing it! Ugh!

 

The one sticking point was the food, but we had read reviews beforehand and we lowered our expectations quite a bit. We always found something good to eat, but the beef and some other meats were fair to poor and vegetables and salads pretty sparse. The only thing I sent back was the Lobster which came on the plate as the split lengthwise half of a full lobster, green stuff and tenticles included. I loved all the pasta, being Italian anyway. We heard that they had changed their water service (from pushing bottled to offering tap) for this NA itinerary, so we had no problem getting tap water with dinner. We also had lively table mates, so that made the dining experience fun, and the mediocre food forgiveable and forgetable.

 

The drink prices were lower than they are now, I see, but they were good pours.

 

We met some wonderfull people on the cc board beforehand and we toured independently with several of them. Sadly they are not doing that itinerary any more.

 

I was glad to read your review and see the posting of your pics and expecially the menus. We saw the Divina when we were in the Caribbean with Celebrity this past November, and when we spoke to some passengers they said that the experience had been pleasant so far.

 

Based on your review, we might give them a try again.

 

Thanks for the complete, thorough review.

[reno3]

Thanks for the great review. As you can see we are Carnival people. My husband would like to try another line. We are thinking of crusing again for Christmas and thinking of the MSC Devina. I believe you said you cruised Carnival, couple of questions...

Which balcony cabin is bigger, Carnival or MSC

Is there a charge for roomservice on MSC

Bathroom bigger or same size on MSC

Closet and storage same on MSC

We do not go to the specialty restaurants, are there other things that you pay for that you do not on Carnival and vice versa

In the main dinning room, can you request a table for 4 (like you can on Carnival) or do you just have to take whatever table they give you.

We will have our 20 yr old son with us will he be bored on MSC?

Thanks in advance for any infor.

[crashdown]

Hey - first - super awesome review thanks for all the info. Second you probably covered this somewhere cause I don't think you left anything out but - are there robes in the room or do you need to bring your own. Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[vandercapellen]

I've been wondering thst myself....robes. ...and any other amenities in the bathroom?

 

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

[SteelCruisin]

Thanks for the great review. As you can see we are Carnival people. My husband would like to try another line. We are thinking of crusing again for Christmas and thinking of the MSC Devina. I believe you said you cruised Carnival, couple of questions...

Which balcony cabin is bigger, Carnival or MSC

Is there a charge for roomservice on MSC

Bathroom bigger or same size on MSC

Closet and storage same on MSC

We do not go to the specialty restaurants, are there other things that you pay for that you do not on Carnival and vice versa

In the main dinning room, can you request a table for 4 (like you can on Carnival) or do you just have to take whatever table they give you.

We will have our 20 yr old son with us will he be bored on MSC?

Thanks in advance for any infor.

1. it depends on which catagorie you get, we had a cat 6 and it was a little smaller but from cat 7 up they are larger I believe.

2.We didn't use room service as we were 1 deck below the buffet but I believ it's free for breakfast and there is a charge the rest of the day , but I could be wrong.

3. About the same

4.Soft serve ice cream is served only a couple of hours a day, this was the 1 thing my son did not like, the rest of the time you could buy gelatto at one of two locations.

5 My 19Y.O. had a good time , but it's hard to say if your son will as it depends so much on what he enjoys...my son is in the middle of his sophmore year in college as well as working 30+ hrs a week , so he was happy to just relax and do what he wanted to do.