Worried about MSC Divina's Marketing Position

[neptuno]

I will be sailing our fifth MSC cruise out of Florida, and I can assure everyone that shorts, jeans, whatever, are OK in the breezy tropical evenings above deck, stargazing, jogging, dancing, romancing. However, for dinner in the MDR, or caminando en la promenade, dancing or just listening to the music, or 'casinoing', Americans would be well advised to dress a bit in the evenings, forget the Tshirts, cutoffs, tanktops, etc. Enjoy the classy Mediteranean experience.

[Bosjoe]

I can tell you on my cruise. In the casino it was very mixed dressed, jeans and sport shirts, dress pants for the older crowd, I did wear shorts one or 2 nights and not cutoffs, I have nice classy white shorts or a blue pair khakis type, and polo shirts. Not once did I feel out of place. We were all having a good time. I met wonderful people playing blackjack and not one was giving an evil eye. Most of the dealers, except one were fantastic. again Jeans are allowed after 6 in any venue according to the daily.

 

I will gladly except anyone wearing their suit and tie or dressy pants to my table. :D

Edited March 13, 2014 by Bosjoe

[cjknox]

I don't need any suggestions. I asked a question that I knew could bring out the self righteous, and it did. But being prepared for that ahead of time, I'll just focus on the people who actually answered the question and not those who'd prefer to tell me what they think of me personally.

 

 

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It's not a suggestion but rather more of a rudimentary human courtesy. Money does not make the person, it's the person who makes the money.

 

You talk about self righteousness, I think you should research the definition of the word.

Edited March 13, 2014 by cjknox

[resstation]

It's not a suggestion but rather more of a rudimentary human courtesy. Money does not make the person, it's the person who makes the money.

 

You talk about self righteousness, I think you should research the definition of the word.

 

 

Cruise Critic - People judging others for judging others.

[andrewjb1]

Cruise Critic - People judging others for judging others.

 

 

Well personally I think your out of order for judging other for judging others, judging others.

 

How rude...

 

 

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[American Bear]

Saw on a travel agency site yesterday March Divina Balcony's at $299.!:eek:

And what really sucks is MSC won't do anything if you bought at a higher price earlier! Not even on board credit that even Carnival offers!

So you could be screwed (excuse my language) for hundreds per person!:mad: How would that make you feel?

Thankfully I'm not cruising on those dates!

[jchipgcs]

It's not a suggestion but rather more of a rudimentary human courtesy. Money does not make the person, it's the person who makes the money.

 

You talk about self righteousness, I think you should research the definition of the word.

 

Research this one: Sanctimonious

[AmoMondo]

Saw on a travel agency site yesterday March Divina Balcony's at $299.!:eek:

And what really sucks is MSC won't do anything if you bought at a higher price earlier! Not even on board credit that even Carnival offers!

So you could be screwed (excuse my language) for hundreds per person!:mad: How would that make you feel?

Thankfully I'm not cruising on those dates!

 

It's a fact of life for any European booking a cruise or land holiday. Price is the price at time of booking. You take your chances. Book early to get the cabin you want and risk the price falling or wait in the hope price may drop at last minute and there is still availability for what you want.

[dogchopper]

Saw on a travel agency site yesterday March Divina Balcony's at $299.!:eek:

And what really sucks is MSC won't do anything if you bought at a higher price earlier! Not even on board credit that even Carnival offers!

So you could be screwed (excuse my language) for hundreds per person!:mad: How would that make you feel?

Thankfully I'm not cruising on those dates!

That does stink!! I was wondering if they did anything like upgrading you or something. Carnival is the best for that. Royal Caribbean does but you have to really argue with them to get them to give you an upgrade.

[Daniela32]

Cardiac surgeons in my country earn as much as your manual workers. But sometimes they are in a position when they can book a cruise... you don't want to meet them, they are not your income al pari. And we are in a European Union.

[stormynow]

Cardiac surgeons in my country earn as much as your manual workers. But sometimes they are in a position when they can book a cruise... you don't want to meet them, they are not your income al pari. And we are in a European Union.

Say what?

[jchipgcs]

Say what?

 

 

U cracked me up. I was thinkin' it, but thanks for sayin' it!

 

 

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[resstation]

Onboard. YC is worth every penny and then some. You will see why when I post our pics.

The slots and video poker in the casino have been down a day and a half.

There are no limes onboard because of some issue in Miami. All cocktails made with limes are being made with lemons without any mention. Hilarious.

Extremely poor ship design. Easy for us because we researched and know what to look for. Otherwise, good luck.

Speaking of poor design. Our bathroom flooded first shower due to poor design. Will post pics upon return.

There are more good things than bad and we are having a great time. The service is excellent from everyone we've encountered, everywhere on the ship, not just YC. The food in YC dining room is excellent. Not many choices, but delicious and steaks were prepared as requested, mid rare.

More later...

 

 

 

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[jchipgcs]

Onboard. YC is worth every penny and then some. You will see why when I post our pics.

The slots and video poker in the casino have been down a day and a half.

There are no limes onboard because of some issue in Miami. All cocktails made with limes are being made with lemons without any mention. Hilarious.

Extremely poor ship design. Easy for us because we researched and know what to look for. Otherwise, good luck.

Speaking of poor design. Our bathroom flooded first shower due to poor design. Will post pics upon return.

There are more good things than bad and we are having a great time. The service is excellent from everyone we've encountered, everywhere on the ship, not just YC. The food in YC dining room is excellent. Not many choices, but delicious and steaks were prepared as requested, mid rare.

More later...

 

 

 

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How long are we going to have to wait for these photos? :-)

[AmoMondo]

U cracked me up. I was thinkin' it, but thanks for sayin' it!

 

 

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Really, you think Daniela's comment is amusing? I think she makes a very valid point about disparities in income between countries and the inference that low prices don't mean ignorant, uneducated fellow passengers. Or perhaps, you find it amusing that not everyone speaks englih as a first language and May word things slightly differently than you would? Personally, I have huge respect for anyone able to converse on a forum in another language.

 

P

Edited March 19, 2014 by AmoMondo

[jchipgcs]

Really, you think Daniela's comment is amusing? I think she makes a very valid point about disparities in income between countries and the inference that low prices don't mean ignorant, uneducated fellow passengers. Or perhaps, you find it amusing that not everyone speaks englih as a first language and May word things slightly differently than you would? Personally, I have huge respect for anyone able to converse on a forum in another language.

 

P

 

Really, I did. People using broken English is funny/cute. Just like when I go to Latin America and I butcher trying to say something and they get a kick out of it. Not everything has to be dramatic political commentary. Stop reading things into it that aren't there.

 

In my family we have vastly different incomes and completely different lifestyles...VASTLY. We all love each other and enjoy being together for family events......but we have different interests and hobbies. There is absolutely no way we would enjoy the same vacation.

[andrewjb1]

Really, you think Daniela's comment is amusing? I think she makes a very valid point about disparities in income between countries and the inference that low prices don't mean ignorant, uneducated fellow passengers. Or perhaps, you find it amusing that not everyone speaks englih as a first language and May word things slightly differently than you would? Personally, I have huge respect for anyone able to converse on a forum in another language.

 

P

 

Wind your neck in. I found it amusing as well. The poster obviously couldn't understand what the hell Daniella was talking about.

 

With respect to you Daniella, I get your point but your are irrelevant. If i was a betting man i'd say the odds of a Croatian Brain Surgeon being on a Divina cruise from Miami are slim.

 

The fact is that MSC are bucketing the cruises at stupid rates to AMERICANS. I have been on cruises where the same has happened and the original poster has a valid point.

 

I met a fantastic couple of American girls on a cruise a few years ago, the cruise had been sold off to Americans for next to nothing. They had no cash with them, couldn't even pay the service charge. They relied on giving the cabin steward sexual favours for him to smuggle booze into the cabin for free. He got fired half way through the cruise.

 

Oh yeah, one of them was married to a prison inmate on death row she had never met. Classy chicks, good fun, they got a bargain!

 

I personally don't care how much money people earn, but cheap round trip cruises from Miami can be very, very, amusing.

[jchipgcs]

Wind your neck in. I found it amusing as well. The poster obviously couldn't understand what the hell Daniella was talking about.

 

With respect to you Daniella, I get your point but your are irrelevant. If i was a betting man i'd say the odds of a Croatian Brain Surgeon being on a Divina cruise from Miami are slim.

 

The fact is that MSC are bucketing the cruises at stupid rates to AMERICANS. I have been on cruises where the same has happened and the original poster has a valid point.

 

I met a fantastic couple of American girls on a cruise a few years ago, the cruise had been sold off to Americans for next to nothing. They had no cash with them, couldn't even pay the service charge. They relied on giving the cabin steward sexual favours for him to smuggle booze into the cabin for free. He got fired half way through the cruise.

 

Oh yeah, one of them was married to a prison inmate on death row she had never met. Classy chicks, good fun, they got a bargain!

 

I personally don't care how much money people earn, but cheap round trip cruises from Miami can be very, very, amusing.

 

I bet that was an absolute blast!

[andrewjb1]

I bet that was an absolute blast!

 

That was the cruise where I was asked if i'd driven from England and if i'd been to school with William or Harry.

[jchipgcs]

That was the cruise where I was asked if i'd driven from England and if i'd been to school with William or Harry.

 

I wanna cruise with you. LOL

 

I had a similar experience......traveling with a first time cruiser who thought the goal of the trip was to sleep with as many crew members as possible. Nice thing was, we got all sorts of extra perks thanks to her "good deeds".

 

And doesn't everyone know William and Harry? I was at a Polo match in Sarasota , FL last month and fully expected them to be there.

[Mel1707]

On my Costa cruise in Europe we were seated with a very "interesting" American man who was gobsmacked that Australia had its own dollar - he dead set thought we used the USD - so the "inquisitive idiots" def exist! Why on earth we'd use the USD I have no idea!

 

We're sailing on the same cruise as the original poster next month - so excited! And despite my being a senior lawyer in one of the biggest law firms in the country and my husband in a finance role with an international mining company (basically we are def not "bogans" - that's an Aussie word - not sure if you guys will get the meaning) - the single biggest thing that attracted me to the Divina cruise was the awesome price and I'm not ashamed to say it! And whilst I will dress nicely for MDR (I also do) I am so looking forward to not wearing high heels! I live in them for work - including long walks to and from court and I'm so looking forward to sandals!!! Our cruise is part of a 5 week US vacation for DH's birthday. Have to draw the line on price somewhere!

 

Despite the low price, I still think the Divina is marketed toward a different target market -I'm not concerned at all. I'm hoping we get sat at a table of really interesting people - we made friends with 2 couples from Miami on our last cruise out of Europe who we are meeting up with whilst in Miami - interesting people come from all walks of life.

 

OMG this time next month I'll be in the USA!! I just love your wonderful country! FOOD FOOD FOOD AND SHOPPING!!

[jchipgcs]

On my Costa cruise in Europe we were seated with a very "interesting" American man who was gobsmacked that Australia had its own dollar - he dead set thought we used the USD - so the "inquisitive idiots" def exist! Why on earth we'd use the USD I have no idea!

 

We're sailing on the same cruise as the original poster next month - so excited! And despite my being a senior lawyer in one of the biggest law firms in the country and my husband in a finance role with an international mining company (basically we are def not "bogans" - that's an Aussie word - not sure if you guys will get the meaning) - the single biggest thing that attracted me to the Divina cruise was the awesome price and I'm not ashamed to say it! And whilst I will dress nicely for MDR (I also do) I am so looking forward to not wearing high heels! I live in them for work - including long walks to and from court and I'm so looking forward to sandals!!! Our cruise is part of a 5 week US vacation for DH's birthday. Have to draw the line on price somewhere!

 

Despite the low price, I still think the Divina is marketed toward a different target market -I'm not concerned at all. I'm hoping we get sat at a table of really interesting people - we made friends with 2 couples from Miami on our last cruise out of Europe who we are meeting up with whilst in Miami - interesting people come from all walks of life.

 

OMG this time next month I'll be in the USA!! I just love your wonderful country! FOOD FOOD FOOD AND SHOPPING!!

 

5 weeks! You lucky duck and your DH too.

 

We booked the Divina for the same reason you did too. Price. The price we paid for what we THINK we're going to get is outstanding. So it will be fun to try it out and see what we think for ourselves.

 

I have to admit, that between your post (coming from AUS) and many of the other posters on our Roll Call......the passenger mix is interesting already (in a good way). Cruisers from the US, several from Europe and AUS. It appears to be pulling in more of an international group than any other US based itinerary I've been on. Should be fun.

[mom2tcdx2]

Wow, now maybe I think I shouldn't have booked the Divina for a cruise in October. Our family has sailed Carnival, Princess, Disney and NCL. Truly we have never had a bad cruise experience, but I guess our expectations are on the low side.

 

We have tattoos, some have piercings, we don't mind wearing jeans and I shop at Walmart. It is a disappointment to read the comments of a few on these boards. I work hard at my full time job, my husband busts his tail off working long hours, we rescue cats, I work a part time job when I can. We are Disney Vacation club members and we also look for the best priced vacation we can get and we try to cruise a few times a year. We work hard for our money and don't have a lot of extra cash for vacations. But with good prices I have managed to be able to book us 3 cruises in the same year. Just because we aren't upper class doesn't make us bad people.

[andrewjb1]

Wow, now maybe I think I shouldn't have booked the Divina for a cruise in October. Our family has sailed Carnival, Princess, Disney and NCL. Truly we have never had a bad cruise experience, but I guess our expectations are on the low side.

 

 

 

We have tattoos, some have piercings, we don't mind wearing jeans and I shop at Walmart. It is a disappointment to read the comments of a few on these boards. I work hard at my full time job, my husband busts his tail off working long hours, we rescue cats, I work a part time job when I can. We are Disney Vacation club members and we also look for the best priced vacation we can get and we try to cruise a few times a year. We work hard for our money and don't have a lot of extra cash for vacations. But with good prices I have managed to be able to book us 3 cruises in the same year. Just because we aren't upper class doesn't make us bad people.

 

 

Well I'd love to cruise with you, my comments aren't judgements, merely honest observations. We all love a bargain. Enjoy MSC in the USA whilst it's value. These prices won't last.

 

 

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[resstation]

Wow, now maybe I think I shouldn't have booked the Divina for a cruise in October. Our family has sailed Carnival, Princess, Disney and NCL. Truly we have never had a bad cruise experience, but I guess our expectations are on the low side.

 

We have tattoos, some have piercings, we don't mind wearing jeans and I shop at Walmart. It is a disappointment to read the comments of a few on these boards. I work hard at my full time job, my husband busts his tail off working long hours, we rescue cats, I work a part time job when I can. We are Disney Vacation club members and we also look for the best priced vacation we can get and we try to cruise a few times a year. We work hard for our money and don't have a lot of extra cash for vacations. But with good prices I have managed to be able to book us 3 cruises in the same year. Just because we aren't upper class doesn't make us bad people.

 

Where does it say that if you're not upper class you're bad people?? What I think everyone is saying is that behavior counts. Everyone tries to justify who they are by listing things they do, souls they save, charities they donate to. Why? I don't get it.

 

My favorite quote is "Your opinion of me is none of my business".

 

Conversely, those of us who choose to take one cruise a year and splurge for a suite, when we can take 3 in an inside or outside cabin for the same cost are told we are snobs. Hilarious. I'd rather take the one. It was worth every penny and splurging for the cabana on the private beach topped it off!

 

Enjoy your cruises. Enjoy your beautiful family. You will have a great time!