Divina Feb 22 to March 8th B2b Review

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Embarkation

Smoothest and quickest we have ever experienced, port staff were efficient and pleasant. Arrived at port at 11:30 and on the ship by 12:15.

 

What hit us first was the absolute beauty of the ship. Stunning atrium, and beautiful decor, rich sleek materials, and stylish furniture everywhere.

 

Buffet Calumet

No cookie cutter decor here, original, tasteful area. Food stations were functional, and allowed for quick flow at all stations.

 

Food at the buffet was very good, wide variety and selections available from pizza to pastas, salads, breads, meats and great little desserts. The coffee was better than other lines, full roasted flavour. Drink stations offer a variety of water, juice mixes, tea, hot water and coffee.

 

Our first quick tour of the ship assured us this was a stunning ship. Stopped by the pool area, as we waited for our room to be ready. Pool is salt water and kept at 26 degrees, very comfortable. Plenty of seating areas all over the decks. The solarium top was open and offers a nice area to sit and relax. Soft self serve ice cream just outside that area.

 

Reception staff were very efficient, quick and knowledgeable.

 

Room, first time with a balcony suite, and I think I can get used to it. Size of room was adequate, even for four, pull out sofa is large and comfortable, but not as large as the king size main bed. Four empty suitcase fit snugly underneath.

 

Bathroom, a little tight, but functional, liked the full glass shower door, some may not like that there is no bars of soap, or shampoo just dispensers. No creams or lotions either. MSC tries in many areas to be Eco friendly and they do not favor waste.

 

Muster drill was organized well with staff present and directing as expected.

 

Late dining at the Black Crab dining room. First week Unanimous confirmation that all our dishes were good to very good, started with the shrimp cocktail, large portion well prepared. Soups and salads all good. Steaks surprisingly tender and generous size. After cruising with Celebrity on our last two cruises we see the difference in general areas, lacking on MSC are a level of refinement, and presentation. At dinner the table setting seemed lacking in appeal, no full set of utensils, they are only brought out when needed, as the dish order dictates. Head waiter, although pleasant, did not seem to be up to the needs of his tables, lacking in attention to basic details such as, ensuring that dishes and utensils are clean before placing, refilling water often, having milk, spoons and utensils for dessert. These in my opinion, are not items one should have to ask for, but should be present at time of need. This improved as the first days advanced... But only slightly.

 

Late dining at the Villa Rossa dining room. Week two, better service and more experienced staff. Although I understand the European standard of service is more reserved, a certain level of basic interaction would have been appreciated. We tried several times to engage in conversation with staff, but did not seem necessary to them.

 

Breakfast, buffet was well stocked with a good variety of choices. I personally do miss the made to order omelet station. Plenty of fruit also available.

 

Although our two other MSC cruises were considered impeccably clean, the Divina, seems to be lacking in some areas of cleanliness, public restrooms are one area that need improvement, having noticed on several occasions, especially at dinner time, no attendants or upkeep being done.

 

What is up with elevators? Although plenty are present, it seemed to take forever for them to arrive, and many times limited levels could be reached. Many areas of Divina do not allow for an easy flow, we ended up in many dead ends, having to go up or down levels just to continue on the same floor.

 

Shows

Wow! This was one area where MSC obviously spends a lot of money, the production shows are a spectacle, with true artists, singers, dancers and entertainers. No amateur hour here, enjoyed all the show, did not miss one. If you only catch one show, make sure it is the Michael Jackson tribute show. The dancer does a fantastic homage to the king of pop. On our last night, they presented or premiered a new show, "Love me" La Traviata with Tenor Manuel , and Soprano, Irina, if you like opera, it was a nice production, and the audience really enjoyed it.

 

Animation team. This young troop kept everyone smiling, laughing, singing, dancing and sometimes making fools of themselves. Especially enjoyed the white night party, great atmosphere next to the open pool deck.

 

Disco, well attended, mainly due to the fact that a good portion of the ship was young and looking to have a good time, lots of fun!

 

Pool deck, gets crowded early, get out early if you plan on spending a good portion of your time near the pool.

 

Tender port were surprisingly smooth, no chaos, calm seas, and quick to and from process.

 

Ports

Jamaica, took taxi to Jacob Taylor Beach, found it too quiet and not much to do, so driver took us to Burwood beach, more lively, calm waters, clean beach, only negative was lots of vendors trying to sell you stuff.

 

Grand Cayman, took bus to Surf side beach, 15 min from port, nice, clean beach, practically no vendors.

 

Cozumel, we opted to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. Do no suggest this as we had very little time there, 45 minute ferry each way, and depending on departure time, does not give you time to explore at leisure.

 

Great stirrup cay, unfortunately weather was cloudy and rainy, and island was all wet, took a while before the decision was made to proceed with tendering. Once on the island, food was served and weather cleared up a little. Nice island. Missed this port on our 2nd week, bad weather.

 

Miami. Mid cruise return to Miami, we rented an Chevy Captiva from the downtown hertz location, for under .$20 for the day. Need to get there early, the lines can get long, even with a reservation.

 

St Martin. We did a circle island tour, offered in port area, 3 hour tour, including Marigot, Maho, and orient beach $25

 

San Juan. Did the sights on our own, easy city to navigate, pick up a map, at the info office near the port. Lots of boutiques for all tastes, lots of photo ops everywhere you look, castles, colourful houses and green areas.

 

I am now in a more informed position to confirm that Celebrity is more of a fit for us. MSC shines and outperformed in some areas including price, shows, performances, decor, animation team, no bar staff screaming to sell drinks.

 

It did not hit the mark on service levels, particularly in the main dining room. Some dirty public bathrooms, non enforcement of their own rules, like no bathing suits in buffet area, in fact some men waltzed around the food with no tops, kids in the hot tubs. A little too much smoking in areas that smoking was not permitted.

 

If you are an experienced cruiser, you will be constantly comparing the differences or shortcomings in areas that may be important to you. I would however encourage first time cruisers, and families with young children wanting to maximize their travel dollars.

 

Next for us is to try Royal Caribbean, Quantum of the Seas, more precisely, hopefully we will find a product that scores on all areas that are important to us, good food, good service, cleanliness, entertainment that continues past 9 pm (which MSC does very well )

So overall a good offering with room for improvement.

Edited March 11, 2014 by MTL=CRUISEFAMILY

[AdrenalineRush]

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[tigger89]

Thanks for your review we are on the b2b in October can't wait.

 

Judith

[kj_connections]

Thanks for the review

[marcoigna]

was waiting for a review from you - as a fellow canadian -

 

Glad overall you had a wonderful time -

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

was waiting for a review from you - as a fellow canadian -

 

Glad overall you had a wonderful time -

 

Absolutely! Had lots of fun, the animation team really pulls you into the activities, and they are a fun bunch of youngsters.

 

The different lounges always offered some activities. Saw lots of people learning to dance:D

[SteelCruisin]

Glad to hear you had a good time, and decided that MSC is not for you....it's nice when someone can fairly review a cruise line and state that while they had a good time, this product isn't for them without bashing the cruiseline. Like I said in my review, I have never been on a bad cruise, just some that weren't as good as others...I hope you enjoy RCCL as we enjoyed them on the 4 cruises we took with them, they have a great product.

[DENIE]

Good review! Looking forward to our November sailing on Divina. Like another poster said....we've never been on a bad cruise! A day at sea is better than a day on land anytime! :o

[moomoocow]

I really enjoyed this fair and balanced review. Thanks very much for posting it.

[Nicole_W]

Hiya;

 

On your middle day spent on Miami; how did you go about disembarking the ship. Is it different if you are on a b2b and how early did you manage to get off?

 

Thanks

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile app

[American Bear]

Embarkation

Smoothest and quickest we have ever experienced, port staff were efficient and pleasant. Arrived at port at 11:30 and on the ship by 12:15.

 

What hit us first was the absolute beauty of the ship. Stunning atrium, and beautiful decor, rich sleek materials, and stylish furniture everywhere.

 

Buffet Calumet

No cookie cutter decor here, original, tasteful area. Food stations were functional, and allowed for quick flow at all stations.

 

Food at the buffet was very good, wide variety and selections available from pizza to pastas, salads, breads, meats and great little desserts. The coffee was better than other lines, full roasted flavour. Drink stations offer a variety of water, juice mixes, tea, hot water and coffee.

 

Our first quick tour of the ship assured us this was a stunning ship. Stopped by the pool area, as we waited for our room to be ready. Pool is salt water and kept at 26 degrees, very comfortable. Plenty of seating areas all over the decks. The solarium top was open and offers a nice area to sit and relax. Soft self serve ice cream just outside that area.

 

Reception staff were very efficient, quick and knowledgeable.

 

Room, first time with a balcony suite, and I think I can get used to it. Size of room was adequate, even for four, pull out sofa is large and comfortable, but not as large as the king size main bed. Four empty suitcase fit snugly underneath.

 

Bathroom, a little tight, but functional, liked the full glass shower door, some may not like that there is no bars of soap, or shampoo just dispensers. No creams or lotions either. MSC tries in many areas to be Eco friendly and they do not favor waste.

 

Muster drill was organized well with staff present and directing as expected.

 

Late dining at the Black Crab dining room. First week Unanimous confirmation that all our dishes were good to very good, started with the shrimp cocktail, large portion well prepared. Soups and salads all good. Steaks surprisingly tender and generous size. After cruising with Celebrity on our last two cruises we see the difference in general areas, lacking on MSC are a level of refinement, and presentation. At dinner the table setting seemed lacking in appeal, no full set of utensils, they are only brought out when needed, as the dish order dictates. Head waiter, although pleasant, did not seem to be up to the needs of his tables, lacking in attention to basic details such as, ensuring that dishes and utensils are clean before placing, refilling water often, having milk, spoons and utensils for dessert. These in my opinion, are not items one should have to ask for, but should be present at time of need. This improved as the first days advanced... But only slightly.

 

Late dining at the Villa Rossa dining room. Week two, better service and more experienced staff. Although I understand the European standard of service is more reserved, a certain level of basic interaction would have been appreciated. We tried several times to engage in conversation with staff, but did not seem necessary to them.

 

Breakfast, buffet was well stocked with a good variety of choices. I personally do miss the made to order omelet station. Plenty of fruit also available.

 

Although our two other MSC cruises were considered impeccably clean, the Divina, seems to be lacking in some areas of cleanliness, public restrooms are one area that need improvement, having noticed on several occasions, especially at dinner time, no attendants or upkeep being done.

 

What is up with elevators? Although plenty are present, it seemed to take forever for them to arrive, and many times limited levels could be reached. Many areas of Divina do not allow for an easy flow, we ended up in many dead ends, having to go up or down levels just to continue on the same floor.

 

Shows

Wow! This was one area where MSC obviously spends a lot of money, the production shows are a spectacle, with true artists, singers, dancers and entertainers. No amateur hour here, enjoyed all the show, did not miss one. If you only catch one show, make sure it is the Michael Jackson tribute show. The dancer does a fantastic homage to the king of pop. On our last night, they presented or premiered a new show, "Love me" La Traviata with Tenor Manuel , and Soprano, Irina, if you like opera, it was a nice production, and the audience really enjoyed it.

 

Animation team. This young troop kept everyone smiling, laughing, singing, dancing and sometimes making fools of themselves. Especially enjoyed the white night party, great atmosphere next to the open pool deck.

 

Disco, well attended, mainly due to the fact that a good portion of the ship was young and looking to have a good time, lots of fun!

 

Pool deck, gets crowded early, get out early if you plan on spending a good portion of your time near the pool.

 

Tender port were surprisingly smooth, no chaos, calm seas, and quick to and from process.

 

Ports

Jamaica, took taxi to Jacob Taylor Beach, found it too quiet and not much to do, so driver took us to Burwood beach, more lively, calm waters, clean beach, only negative was lots of vendors trying to sell you stuff.

 

Grand Cayman, took bus to Surf side beach, 15 min from port, nice, clean beach, practically no vendors.

 

Cozumel, we opted to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. Do no suggest this as we had very little time there, 45 minute ferry each way, and depending on departure time, does not give you time to explore at leisure.

 

Great stirrup cay, unfortunately weather was cloudy and rainy, and island was all wet, took a while before the decision was made to proceed with tendering. Once on the island, food was served and weather cleared up a little. Nice island. Missed this port on our 2nd week, bad weather.

 

Miami. Mid cruise return to Miami, we rented an Chevy Captiva from the downtown hertz location, for under .$20 for the day. Need to get there early, the lines can get long, even with a reservation.

 

St Martin. We did a circle island tour, offered in port area, 3 hour tour, including Marigot, Maho, and orient beach $25

 

San Juan. Did the sights on our own, easy city to navigate, pick up a map, at the info office near the port. Lots of boutiques for all tastes, lots of photo ops everywhere you look, castles, colourful houses and green areas.

 

I am now in a more informed position to confirm that Celebrity is more of a fit for us. MSC shines and outperformed in some areas including price, shows, performances, decor, animation team, no bar staff screaming to sell drinks.

 

It did not hit the mark on service levels, particularly in the main dining room. Some dirty public bathrooms, non enforcement of their own rules, like no bathing suits in buffet area, in fact some men waltzed around the food with no tops, kids in the hot tubs. A little too much smoking in areas that smoking was not permitted.

 

If you are an experienced cruiser, you will be constantly comparing the differences or shortcomings in areas that may be important to you. I would however encourage first time cruisers, and families with young children wanting to maximize their travel dollars.

 

Next for us is to try Royal Caribbean, Quantum of the Seas, more precisely, hopefully we will find a product that scores on all areas that are important to us, good food, good service, cleanliness, entertainment that continues past 9 pm (which MSC does very well )

So overall a good offering with room for improvement.

 

Did you leave the ship in Miami in between your back to back?

[Danbee46]

Thanks for the review. We will be in the Yacht Club next week and I wonder if the issues you raised are better there.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Nicole W, Russian Bear, yes we got off the ship in Miami, easy and early out by 7:30-8 am

 

You will receive BACK TO BACK passes in your room, and you walk off the ship, thru customs...took 5 mins.

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[judyzoo]

I was on the first week of this cruise, and agree with much of the review, especially that the ship is absolutely beautiful and the entertainment amazing! But I had a different experience with late dining in the Blue Crab -- our head waiter was very attentive, friendly, and efficient. I'd be happy to sail again on Divina; no major complaints.

[Cruisergal1208]

Thanks for the review. We will be in the Yacht Club next week and I wonder if the issues you raised are better there.

 

Any specific issues you are concerned about? We didn't have any real big issues at all. Sometimes in Le Muse, I, personally, didn't want to choose any of the main items on the menu but there is the "always available" choices or just order 2 appetizers.

 

Which cabin will you be in on the 15th? Ours is port side. See you soon.

[judyzoo]

One more observation about the review -- I didn't see any problem with the elevators. They were usually quite fast and not full. Except, of course, when everyone was trying to get off at the same time in port.

[risotoman]

One more observation about the review -- I didn't see any problem with the elevators. They were usually quite fast and not full. Except, of course, when everyone was trying to get off at the same time in port.

 

Was also in the same cruise din't have any problems ... Yes it annoing that not all elevedor when to the top floor but it's easy whakaround

[rothjer]

Excellent Review!

 

Thank you!

 

We have cruised (and prefer) Celebrity over our other cruises (RCL, Norwegian and Costa)- A lot of people compare Costa to MSC- and although it does not come close to our "favorite" line- its still a vacation, yes, perhaps not as refined as Celebrity but still an opportunity to experience a cruise to beautiful places- how bad can is possibly be- glad to hear theres lot of great feedback comming out of Divina recently!~

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Excellent Review!

 

Thank you!

 

We have cruised (and prefer) Celebrity over our other cruises (RCL, Norwegian and Costa)- A lot of people compare Costa to MSC- and although it does not come close to our "favorite" line- its still a vacation, yes, perhaps not as refined as Celebrity but still an opportunity to experience a cruise to beautiful places- how bad can is possibly be- glad to hear theres lot of great feedback comming out of Divina recently!~

 

Agreed, as stated in the review, some issues mentioned are really not major. We enjoyed this cruise as much as we do all our other cruises, but when I put my reviewer's hat on, there are areas of improvement.

 

For us cruising is a chance to relax, have some fun, spend time with the kids and friends, we did all of that on MSC.

 

..I have not discounted them altogether, just time to try something else.

[FLAMOM24]

Thanks for the review. We will be in the Yacht Club next week and I wonder if the issues you raised are better there.

 

I am cruising with a couple of other girls in the yacht club in August. Would love to hear your experience when you return. Also, Jamaica will be the only new port for me (assuming you are doing the w. carrib cruise). Would love to hear your take on excursions/things to do there if you don't mine :)

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Wanted to add that we pre ordered the 10 wines for $120, we thought this was a good value, wines were good table wines from Italy, you could choose white , red or rose, we alternated white and red.

[camofwilliamsburg]

MTL: I loved JAcob Taylor Beach for those reasons,... but my driver was a tour who stayed with us and provided chairs for those wanting them. I loved that secluded area. I am curious , how much were you charged for the cab to the beach? Is it pp or per car load.

 

It is great to hear that they put in a new show for the last night. Our show was a tribute to Frank Sinatra and it was the poorer of the shows since it takes a very different person to sing Sinatra than what they have on MSC. It just did not work. But I thought the costuming and the dancing as well as their singing on all the shows was fantastic. You read my review from Jan 18-Feb 1 thread, so you know my feelings about what I experienced.

 

Are you going again this year? We are. We could not resist the Oct sale! Doing another b2b on oct 11 and Oct 18 on our beloved Divina.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

MTL: I loved JAcob Taylor Beach for those reasons,... but my driver was a tour who stayed with us and provided chairs for those wanting them. I loved that secluded area. I am curious , how much were you charged for the cab to the beach? Is it pp or per car load.

 

It is great to hear that they put in a new show for the last night. Our show was a tribute to Frank Sinatra and it was the poorer of the shows since it takes a very different person to sing Sinatra than what they have on MSC. It just did not work. But I thought the costuming and the dancing as well as their singing on all the shows was fantastic. You read my review from Jan 18-Feb 1 thread, so you know my feelings about what I experienced.

 

Are you going again this year? We are. We could not resist the Oct sale! Doing another b2b on oct 11 and Oct 18 on our beloved Divina.

 

If I remember correctly it was $15 pp return. We were a group of 6.

The shows are amazing, although Opera is not my favorite, it seemed to hit the mark with the audience, loudest and longest standing ovation of all the shows, my favorite was the Michael Jackson, with The Witches of Paris a close second.

 

I am looking at Celebrity out of New York, to Bermuda for one week this summer (possibly)...and want to give Quantum or an RCI ship a try next.

 

Enjoy the Oct cruise...

[American Bear]

If you are an experienced cruiser, you will be constantly comparing the differences or shortcomings in areas that may be important to you. I would however encourage first time cruisers, and families with young children wanting to maximize their travel dollars.'

 

 

 

Thank you for your detailed review!

Right now MSC is pricing out at 'approx.' 50% of an equal cruise/equal cabin on Celebrity!

A question, might not your statement better read 'all cruisers', instead of just 'first time cruisers, and young families', because prices this low come around very rarely for an almost new ship on a 7 day cruise, and going on an expensive cruise is always there!:D

example: the Divina on one site is advertising $299. for a balcony in April, $399. in May, would you really rather spend more then double this amount for a similar Celebrity cruise? I respect your answer, I just find it interesting in seeing how people think! My wife and I are fortunate, we can choose our cruises on what we want, and not worry about the price, but again, 'we love a good deal'!:D

Have a good cruise on the Quantum!:)

Edited March 17, 2014 by Russian Bear