LONG LONG Divina Review - March 15-22nd 2014

[resstation]

I found these youtube video of the MJ performance. I agree, cant see how anyone could be blown away by this. He can't even moonwalk!!!!

 

 

MSC Divina Michael Jackson 03/15/2014 Part 2: http://youtu.be/QSPwI_BVD98

 

MSC Divina Cruise - Michael Jackson Show 03/15/20…: http://youtu.be/j6NFZ5077Qc

 

MSC Divina - Michael Jackson Show - 03152014 part…: http://youtu.be/0xHHyuZ-2WI

 

Wow, this is from OUR cruise- there ya go. Judge for yourselves. It is not that the dancing was awful (the performers are talented) but couple the lip syncing by a guy who's first language is clearly not English (I don't know what he's mouthing, but it certainly isn't the words to the songs), and the disjointed production...ick. Not my cup 'o tea.

Oh and the ultra long, drawn out, 5 language "thank you" and "good bye" and "have a great cruise" thing at the end, with the over the top standing ovations...I swear, I thought I was on candid camera (if you're old enough to know what that is).

[Danbee46]

Oh and the ultra long, drawn out, 5 language "thank you" and "good bye" and "have a great cruise" thing at the end, with the over the top standing ovations...I swear, I thought I was on candid camera (if you're old enough to know what that is).

 

Those cheering, standing ovations really puzzled us. We have enjoyed dozens of shows on other ships, many of which were better than these, and never saw such wild reactions as we saw with these shows.

[resstation]

Those cheering, standing ovations really puzzled us. We have enjoyed dozens of shows on other ships, many of which were better than these, and never saw such wild reactions as we saw with these shows.

 

Oh thank you for that. I really thought I was missing something!

[GOLDENBONNY]

Thank you ,good review. I am agree about PHOTOGRAPHS. We were surprised by poor quality compare to Poesia ,and don’t think it’s a personnel ,they have same people on Poesia it’s probably more of equipment or person who develop photos. Surprised to hear about MJ show :confused:

[sidari]

Wouldn't that make common sense?!

 

resstation .... I know! i thought about it but hey you never know maybe one day ... :D

 

We saw the MJ thing but were not impressed, on the previous years TA sailing some of the other shows like the Sinatra tribute were very good, the people they used on Poesia were far better. Over an 18 day sailing there were 3 shows that you could say were Excellent the rest were so so and some we never bothered with having seen them previously.

 

A shame that they did not have the Dueling Pianos on our sailing.

[resstation]

Wouldn't that make common sense?!

 

resstation .... I know! i thought about it but hey you never know maybe one day ... :D

 

We saw the MJ thing but were not impressed, on the previous years TA sailing some of the other shows like the Sinatra tribute were very good, the people they used on Poesia were far better. Over an 18 day sailing there were 3 shows that you could say were Excellent the rest were so so and some we never bothered with having seen them previously.

 

A shame that they did not have the Dueling Pianos on our sailing.

 

To be honest, I wasn't a fan of the Dueling Pianos either. They were excellent piano players and definitely entertained, for sure. However, their singing ability was not so good. Every time we would walk through the venue while they were singing I would think it would be good if they could just sing in tune.

They had a good audience though. It was a fun venue.

[sidari]

It was a fun venue.

 

Sadly let down by people having to walk through to get elsewhere, more poor design qualities.

[legion3]

Can you not simply walk the length of deck 15 from the YC to LeMuse?

 

I understand that you have to wade through sun loungers and sun worshipers and the "power walking track" ;) but can't you go the whole deck?

[resstation]

Can you not simply walk the length of deck 15 from the YC to LeMuse?

 

I understand that you have to wade through sun loungers and sun worshipers and the "power walking track" ;) but can't you go the whole deck?

 

"Simply" would not be a word I would choose for that.

[bigfig63]

I was on the same cruise in "steerage" lol, and can add a few comments.

First off, the crew was great and they tried hard so a big kudos to them. Many did not know understand conversational English so that was a minor hurdle. But a good morning or good evening, how are you, worked fine.

The shows were very good and theatre was impressive.

 

 

To everyone who is "worried", "apprehensive", "confused" about whether to book a cruise on the Divina, snap out of it. It is not a tightrope walk over an alligator pit. It is a cruise vacation. You WILL have fun.

 

Totally agree

 

EMBARKATION – FIRST IMPRESSIONS

 

A bit unorganized as we came by bus as a group. Dropped bags with porter and there was not good signs to indicate the entrance to the terminal. Some entrances were for baggage and workers, others for the YC. No biggie unless you end up going the wrong way. Check in was a breeze but the room was much smaller then I was used to so it seemed at bit more crowded.

 

 

We have cruised many times before and this time was the first time I felt like the ceilings were very low.

 

I noticed the same too and I think it was due to the dark paneling and dark marble.

 

SHIP DESIGN -

For new cruisers, I don't imagine it will be a problem. For those who are used to other ships, oh boy. It is impossible to get from one end of the ship to another on many floors, especially THE MAIN FLOOR, deck 6. SOME elevators go to every floor, others don't go all the way up.

 

I agree on the elevators. Our cabin was at the aft elevators and in order to get to the MDR you have to go to the mid elevators to get to deck 5. And to get to deck 15 Formula F! and video arcade and lounge you go to 14 and take the stairs.

Also one thing that was lacking was public restrooms. On other ships there seemed to be restrooms both end of the pool and buffets and general areas as well as by the Gym. We looked hard and could not find them. There were two by the theatre but that was something different.

VENUES -

There are many areas on the ship with different themes. They are laid out one after another. There are no big expansive rooms other than the theater and the atrium.

 

Agree

 

PHOTOGRAPHS-

If the website “Awkward Family Photos” could only get the pictures from this ship! The photography was horrible. Just because someone has a good expensive camera, it does not make them a photographer.

 

Agree. The photog in the MDR was even a bit pushy and was definetly not a pro. He was too obvious. Better photogs blend in and don't try to rearrange the dining room trying to get a crappy picture.

 

ST THOMAS-

Megans Bay is always nice. Take the private (bus) taxi and your own snorkel gear and you will have a nice day. No glass bottles.

 

FORMAL NIGHTS –

 

Everyone looked good. Can do without the "Baked Alaska". That tradition can go away.

 

SAN JUAN –

Be aware that if you get off the ship in the morning you will NOT be able to board again until after 1pm. That would have been a good thing to mention in the daily newsletter. It was not.

 

They did make announcements the night before. It was because Holland America was docking at that time and for safety could not have people on the dock.

Go to La Ocho or Escampion Beach. $8 by taxi nice public beach. You can walk back to ship if you want and visit the Fort. Prolly an hours walk though.

.

 

COFFEE –

Very flavorful but strong. Try adding hot milk and water. Needed 4 creamers to cut it down. Better then RCCL's though.

 

GREAT STIRRUP CAY-

My favorite stop of all. The weather was absolutely picture perfect. The water color looked like a fake blue because it was so amazing. The island is reached by tender. Unfortunately, because of this, if the weather is poor, the tenders do not operate and you will miss this stop. The two prior cruises had to miss it due to terrible weather according to one of the crew. That would be such a shame. The tenders each fit up to 495 people. No need to rush for the first one.

 

They do have you wait in the theater with a ticket till your group is called. My brother and SIL had to wait about an hour at peak time..

 

MAIN POOL –

You couldn’t pay me enough to get me to swim in the main pool. It is a nice open space, many loungers – all taken first thing in the morning. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a line the length of the pool deck the first day of people waiting TO CHECK OUT TOWELS. Where on earth do they think everyone is going to go with these bright orange towels?

 

The towel situation was a joke. You have to check them out and sometimes they write your name on a list, other times they put it in computer. When coming back from tours they collect them at the gang plank and tell you not to worry about getting charged the $50. So you never know if you are going to get dinged or not. Just do away with checking them out. With airline luggage restrictions no one needs the excess weight in their bags.

 

 

BUFFET

If the only thing you will eat are hamburgers/fries and omelets made to order, pick another cruise line. They have hamburgers and fries already set out (my son said they were fine but nothing to write home about).

 

At one point I was expecting to see Ronald McDonald. They wrap the burgers (like fast food) and have the hot dogs and cardboard sleeves and the fried are in cardboard (bowls). In addition to wasting paper this looks tacky. Like here you go you bourgeois passengers, this is the limit of your taste buds.

GYM/SPA

Very nice area with great treatment rooms and a long spa menu that has more than what is shown online. I did not utilize the spa, but my husband went to the sauna and steam room (free for YC). He said they were great.

 

Did not have stationary bikes other then for spinning

 

CASINO –

We have always enjoyed a good casino. This one was larger than some of the ships we’ve been on. Table games started at $5 a hand with “happy hour” some nights with minimums of only $3 a hand. The usual suspects – black jack, poker, craps, roulette, slots. The slots were virtually all penny slots. Big turn off for me. On the second sea day ALL the slots were out of order for the entire day and night. People were not happy and neither was the casino. They were losing a bundle. It was said to be a firmware problem and had to be fixed when we got to St. Thomas. Once we left St. Thomas, they were working again.

 

Best part of the ship. They have a free slot tourney on sea days. I won 2nd place, $100 credit. Be sure to sign up early. Also the hot seat is fun. I won that for $20 credit. The video poker seemed to be a little loose-er then other ships..

 

DRINKS –

 

Did not like the fact you could not go to most bars and order. The bartender would make your order but have to have a server ring you up.

 

In the “why didn’t you just tell me” category: There were no limes on the ship. Limes are expensive so MSC and evidently RCCL as well, did not get their supply of limes. I can understand, but what I can not understand is when I order a mojito, please don’t bring me one that has substituted lemons for the limes. JUST TELL ME you have no limes and I’ll choose another drink.

 

Yup, had Corona and lemon!. When in Rome! But then saw limes after San Juan.

 

OVERALL SERVICE –

I really need to end this review or I could go on and on with the tiniest details. Overall the service teams in both the YC and the rest of the ship DID THEIR BEST. They all had a smile, a hello, a “how can I help you” attitude. I did not encounter any grumpy employees at all. They really did their best. Unfortunately, management has done them a great disservice in not training them for the best customer service. Everything was just a bit lacking, but still adequate.

 

Totally Agree. And hats off to the male coffee server in the buffet. He was always there with his cart with a hot cup of coffee in the am.

 

All in all, I would sail MSC again – No. Vacation dollars and time are too valuable to me. The ship felt more like a passenger ferry then a cruise ship. MSC needs to make the steerage passengers feel like a king and be able to do it on a shoestring budget.

Remember – There’s a hat for every head. And most importantly…Your opinion of me is none of my business.

Edited March 29, 2014 by bigfig63

[CantSwim63]

Deleted.

Edited March 29, 2014 by CantSwim63
Someone already replied.

[IowaChuck]

There are bikes in the fitness center. They are next to the treadmills. They are on the other side of the treadmills.

 

There also is an aqua class where you can exercise in the pool. They have those on the days where the ship isn't in port.

[legion3]

Great review and pics. You helped me feel better about choosing a YC1 on deck 15 rather than a YC2 on 12 which were open for a long time. (they are now booked so its moot)

 

I have a question, in your pics you show the pizza menu and mention $8-12 a pie. Are they not free and delivered to the YC?

[Cruisergal1208]

Great review and pics. You helped me feel better about choosing a YC1 on deck 15 rather than a YC2 on 12 which were open for a long time. (they are now booked so its moot)

 

I have a question, in your pics you show the pizza menu and mention $8-12 a pie. Are they not free and delivered to the YC?

 

Yes, pizza will be free from room service in the YC. Didn't do this and instead went to the special pizza eatly for fresh made in front of your eyes. YUMMY

[resstation]

I came back to the forum because we just booked MSC again and noticed several threads asking for pictures. This is my review from our March cruise with a link to my photos.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[FLAMOM24]

Is it true the Butlers walk you to dinner? Do they escort you anywhere else? Also, I heard that they will reserve a seat in the theater for the shows and escort you there...is this true?

TIA :)

Edited August 10, 2014 by FLAMOM24

[resstation]

I suppose they would if you asked them to. We rarely saw our butler. I'm thinking he was also our room steward because I never saw anyone else cleaning our cabin but him. One call to the concierge and they could assist you with whatever you need.

[cruiseclues]

Thank you very much for your excellent, entertaining, forthright, straightforward, honest review and the good advice about a middle school volcano project...of course, those who shovel the food down rapidly won't have to worry about that tip...also thanks for your photos, and videos...especially of the menus and food. :):):):)

[Mikesa1721]

Is it true the Butlers walk you to dinner? Do they escort you anywhere else? Also, I heard that they will reserve a seat in the theater for the shows and escort you there...is this true?

TIA :)

 

FLAMOM24,,Yes,your butler will escort you to dinner, escort you to the shows in the theatre, and escort you off the ship for shore excursions. We have heard stories of others who have had their butler insist that he/she carry their drinks from the One Bar, back down to their stateroom, and still others who wanted to carry left overs from the dining room back to their stateroom, and their butler was called to carry the food for them.

[FLAMOM24]

FLAMOM24,,Yes,your butler will escort you to dinner, escort you to the shows in the theatre, and escort you off the ship for shore excursions. We have heard stories of others who have had their butler insist that he/she carry their drinks from the One Bar, back down to their stateroom, and still others who wanted to carry left overs from the dining room back to their stateroom, and their butler was called to carry the food for them.

 

Thanks so much! I'd heard some of this but was unsure. I'll know without a doubt in a little under 3 weeks :D

[Mikesa1721]

Thanks so much! I'd heard some of this but was unsure. I'll know without a doubt in a little under 3 weeks :D

 

A little under two for us FLAMOM. I watched the Facebook video of Divina at the the World Cup and saw our butler so we are relieved that he will still be on the ship. He was fantastic,,all of them actually are,,,just hope a few of the guys up at the One Bar and Pool are still onboard,,they were phenomenal as well!!:D

[FLAMOM24]

A little under two for us FLAMOM. I watched the Facebook video of Divina at the the World Cup and saw our butler so we are relieved that he will still be on the ship. He was fantastic,,all of them actually are,,,just hope a few of the guys up at the One Bar and Pool are still onboard,,they were phenomenal as well!!:D

 

I will be anxious to hear about your cruise. 2 of us are celebrating our 29th birthday with 21 years experience so we figured we'd pamper ourselves and book the YC. I lucked out and booked one of the square cabins before I knew there was a difference! Would love to know any tips/tricks/secrets you'd like to share upon your return!

TIA,

Michelle :)

[Mikesa1721]

I will be anxious to hear about your cruise. 2 of us are celebrating our 29th birthday with 21 years experience so we figured we'd pamper ourselves and book the YC. I lucked out and booked one of the square cabins before I knew there was a difference! Would love to know any tips/tricks/secrets you'd like to share upon your return!

TIA,

Michelle :)

 

 

I can give you a couple now,,,In the Yacht Club elevator lobby, there is a card reader,,,insert your card and press one of the two buttons on either side of the card reader,,the elevator will immediately come to your floor. There are card readers in these elevators as well,,,if you find yourself in hurry up mode:eek:, insert your card and then select your floor,,the elevator will bypass any floors before you and bypass them,,taking you straight to your deck.

If Giovanni is still there,,the Maitre'D of LeMuse,,he may come off a little brash. Don't let this bother you,,he is a little stressed on embarkation day,,he really is a fantastic guy!!

[FLAMOM24]

I can give you a couple now,,,In the Yacht Club elevator lobby, there is a card reader,,,insert your card and press one of the two buttons on either side of the card reader,,the elevator will immediately come to your floor. There are card readers in these elevators as well,,,if you find yourself in hurry up mode:eek:, insert your card and then select your floor,,the elevator will bypass any floors before you and bypass them,,taking you straight to your deck.

If Giovanni is still there,,the Maitre'D of LeMuse,,he may come off a little brash. Don't let this bother you,,he is a little stressed on embarkation day,,he really is a fantastic guy!!

 

Awesome! Thanks so much. I'll have to give Giovanni a great big hug ;)

[Mikesa1721]

Awesome! Thanks so much. I'll have to give Giovanni a great big hug ;)

 

Haaa,,,he'll actually hug you first,,Giovanni walked up to both my girlfriend and our cousin, and hugged both of them, apologizing for the delay in seating us,,,I just got a smile and a handshake,,what the hell??