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BermudaBound2014

By BermudaBound2014,
in MSC Cruises

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maureencruiser

maureencruiser

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The drink package shouldn't be a problem, but I could not get my steward to get a lounge chair for me for my aft balcony. What a waste of a huge balcony! I hope you have better luck. Bob

 

When I was on in December, my steward said he couldn't get me one, but, no one would stop me if I took one. I didn't try....

 

Bermuda,,,,,would love to know if MSC has introduced a comedy show onboard,,,Andre ,,the cruise director,,,who happens to be on vacation until May 21st,,tweeted a pic of a new show so I wasn't sure if it was only for one sailing,,or if it will run on every sailing,,,,have a great trip,,,soooooo jealous!!!

 

Oh no, Andre is on vacation? Who is taking his place?

 

Bermuda, which cabin are you in? I'm in 12252 in a few weeks, 10252 had a huge balcony.

 

Bob, (Clarea), come on over to the Italian side, you know you want to! ;)

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Fighterone

Fighterone

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Bermuda, which cabin are you in? I'm in 12252 in a few weeks, 10252 had a huge balcony.

 

I have the same question if you don't mind sharing. Enjoyed a 7 day on the Divina in March and looking forward to sailing her again in July in an aft on deck 11. Thanks for the tips on getting a lounger.

Great review!

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sidari

sidari

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Of the four MSC cruises we have been on so far including Divina the screens were never used for films, want a lounger for a large balcony? go out early and get one from the staircases where they are stored.

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Fighterone

Fighterone

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Of the four MSC cruises we have been on so far including Divina the screens were never used for films, want a lounger for a large balcony? go out early and get one from the staircases where they are stored.

 

Thanks Sidari ! Where are they stored near deck 11 all the way aft? I will be out there at 0500 if I need to.

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Fighterone

Fighterone

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Great review so far? What cabin are you in? We are in 12558 in June and would love to see pictures of a cabin like ours. Thinking about trying to get myself a lounge chair for our balcony.

 

Looking at the deck plans, I could not find a cabin #12558. Could it perhaps be 12258 a nice aft cabin?

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BermudaBound2014 Great Review Rare

BermudaBound2014

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After that glorious sunset last night i freshened up and headed to the show "Swing." The cruise director (didn't catch his name) did the typical 15 minute song and dance introducing everyone on the ship ready and eager to sell you something- anything. Does anyone really buy the art?

 

The show was good. Four talented singers, and dance team back up. Great costumes. I prefer a play type (rock of ages, legally blonde, grease, etc...). It was a short show, I appreciated that as sometimes they can drag on a bit.

 

Tried a fancy-smancy Floridian martini from the martini bar while listening to a couple preform on acoustic guitar. Liked both. There was a violinist with piano in the main atrium if you're into that sort of thing. They were also talented and this reminded me of celebrity cruises. It seems like Msc does a good job recruiting talent.

 

Bar service in the lounges has been very good. No wait times and attentive. Drink service in the buffet is non-existent (except for that sweet little Anna who sold me the vouchers). Considering I can get my own coffee, good bar service is far more important.

 

Speaking of buffet, I did a walk through on my way to the show (main dinner hours) and wasn't impressed. The entire starboard row was closed, as was the whole aft section, kiddie corner, and two stations on the aft-port side. The selection was fair at best. Again, no one was going to starve, but lacking a bit in appeal for my taste. I ended up with a slice of pizza and small salad for dinner. Tasty and hit the spot so absolutely no complaints. Helps with the mirror "issue".

 

I fell asleep on my lounge chair under the stars. Strange I know, but it's like all-inclusive camping and something I really enjoy. A ritual I started about 10 years ago on those massive aft zuiderdam balconies (pre-retrofit). I typically wake up in the wee hours and move to the bed, but not last night. I woke at 5:30 am feeling totally refreshed and at-sea.

 

Did my obligatory 3 miles on the treadmill. Worked out great as this is the only (non-yacht) place to see over the bow which is where the sun rose today. The did breakfast at the buffet which was excellent! Probably helped that I was there at 7 am before the crowds and where everything was really fresh. I only saw one conveyer belt toaster- something tells me that there will be long lines for toast at busy periods. I had oatmeal with all the trimmings and a fried egg. Patted myself on the back for passing on the pastries, but I am positively going to try that fresh berry/whip cream concoction they have going one day. They even had a breakfast pizZa (go figure) along with orange, grapefruit, and pineapple juice which is unusual. I took my oatmeal all the way aft which wasn't at all crowded and helped myself to coffee (much better than princess coffee). I was able to take lots of breakfast buffet pictures since it wasn't yet crowded; which I will post upon return.

 

Internet was $29.95 for an hour. I think this is cheaper to pre-buy so those sailing soon may want to check it out. Speed is decent for a cruise ship, I've been able to check mail and answer some business questions. Much like the Breakaway, and nothing like the Getaway (which was painfully slow.) However it's not RCL zoom by any stretch. Why new-builds aren't equipping ships with latest technology is beyond me. It is the wave of the future and Internet prices keep decreasing (except NCL). I believe I read where carnival is going to launch $5.00 per day unlimited internet access. For lines trying to attract the digital native generation, better tech at reasonable pricing is a solid marketing strategy.

 

By 8 am I had already exercised, watched the sunrise, and ate breakfast so I headed back to my little slice of heaven because Janet Evanovich and I had a date with a lounge chair. Sailing southbound the aft balconies are in shade most of the day. I must have dosed in and out because next thing I knew it was noon.

 

I decided to go for a swim. I didn't think pools could get any more crowded than the Away class of NCL ships. Wrong. I headed up to the infinity pool which was filled infinity like but it was like entering an entirely different universe compared to my private balcony. It was jam packed. Kids squealing. Adults partying. Fun atmosphere, but packed. Not even a square foot to park my things around the entire wooden edge. Staying on deck 15, I wandered to the main pool, looked down, also packed. Solarium- packed. It wasn't until I went down a deck to 14 where I found the problem. I've said several times that NCL hAs a design flaw in their main pools leading to crowding. Divina is perhaps more crowded (all 3 pools) than the Away class; the good news is that it isn't a design flaw in the ship. The entire starboard perimeter of deck 14 is roped off in the hopes of selling perfume, watches, etc... This same amount of space holds not one, but two long rows of lounge chairs on NCL (guessing somewhere In the neighborhood of 150-200 chairs.) The Divina pools are crowded not for lack of space or deck chairs, but as a result of onboard marketing, a problem that could easily be rectified. In all fairness, this is Easter week and I expected crowding, but I didn't expect a shopping mall on the pool deck.

 

I found found a area of tile unoccupied in the solarium and ordered a drink. bBC. yum!! Bailee's, vodka, banana, in some creamy milkshake like consistency. I figure the healthy bananas cancel

Out the Bailies calories. Perfect drink at the moment and the service was not at all slow considering how busy they were. I did have to flag a nice young man, but all in all, ordering on such a busy day was above average.

 

After my drink I went to the buffet for lunch. It is entirely true, you must lap the buffet once before grabbing a plate. There was a special salad section that wasn't there last night and I wouldn't have seen it if I didn't take the time to totally walk the loop. The man was hand tossing Greek salad. I had a Greek salad (and slice if pizza) which were both very good.

 

By the time I finished lunch, it was nearly 2 so I went back up to the infinity pool and this time found a place on the edge to set my things and had a swim. It's a beautiful pool, swimming and looking aft at the wake. I bet this is something more ships will incorporate.

 

Speaking of beauty- this ship is great for a solo trip because there is lots of time to slow down and take in the craftsmanship. For example, little things like the light fixtures. The jazz club had clear crystal balls in a waterfall shape. The solarium has lights designed to resemble palm tree leaves and the mosaic tile motif around the pool carries that theme, complete with mermaids and Italian sculpture. The use of natural stone is prevalent, both river rock and slate are used extensively. I have not been in a single room that has been "normal" or "builders grade". They all call out to be admired. If you appreciate art like decor, Divina will not disappoint.

 

To answer some questions: I've asked two servers and one bartender about happy hour. Doesn't look like it's happening anymore :(. Im not done sniffing around, but I don't hold out much hope. They do have daily drink specials reasonably priced. Yesterday was purple rain and today is sex on the beach. $6.25. They also have non alcoholic drink specials daily. Yesterday was a dirty banana for $3.75 and today it is a Spider-Man. This is one area where Msc really shines. No price gouging on drinks!!! Some of the lines like rcl are simply getting out of hand with individual drink prices and NCL has gone insane with $79.00 pp daily plus 18%. Msc is half that for all-inclusive package. There comes a point where I refuse to pay outrageous prices out of pure principle. MSC is keeping it reasonable while still making a profit, and the 18 coupon package is down right consumer friendly.

 

There is no comedy on today's agenda but I will keep my eyes peeled for that too. I also enjoy a comedian or two while sailing so if they have a comedian I'll be attending.

 

They have had the big screen in full use so far. Concerts during the day (billy Joel, Katy perry, etc...) and two showing of movies at night. Last night was Hercules and tonight it is Jurassic world. Showings are at 8:30 and 11 pm. No fancy blankets like MUtS but they made popcorn last night :)

 

Formal night tonight with picture with the captain. I'll pass. There is also dancing with the officers, I'll probably pass on that too. I've got my very own Italian officer waiting for me at home :). Tonight's entertainment is the Mask- may pass on that too. The beauty of solo travel is you sort of end up exactly where you are supposed to be without any plans to get there.

 

Keep firing questions- it's a bit like my very own big ship scavenger hunt trying to find out the answers.

 

Ps- I'm in 12289- all deck 12 aft cabins are identical. I'll take lots of pictures for you :)

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Fighterone

Fighterone

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Did my obligatory 3 miles on the treadmill.it wasn't yet crowded; which I will post upon return.

 

There was a special salad section that wasn't there last night and I wouldn't have seen it if I didn't take the time to totally walk the loop. The man was hand tossing Greek salad. I had a Greek salad (and slice if pizza) which were both very good.

Ps- I'm in 12289- all deck 12 aft cabins are identical. I'll take lots of pictures for you :)

 

Did the attendant in the gym ask you to sign a waiver? He did for me on the 2nd day I went to the gym. I have never been asked this in 22 sailings and wondered if it was just me since I took a bad fall on the slippery deck at the entrance to the solarium pool the first day. Yes, you are right, the floor was VERY slippery.

 

There were only 4 ellipticals, 1 of which was out of service. Was this the case on your sailing?

 

 

Did they have radicchio at the salad bar? They did on my sailing but only until about the 4th day out of a 7th day cruise?

 

Bermuda, we will be in 11305 on our sailing which another website lists as 96 instead of 42 square feet. It is immediately under your cabin. This is why I was asking where the loungers are located. We plan on taking 2 to our balcony. Will there be enough space for 2, do you think?

 

I am especially interested in the MDR food menu since I did not partake during our March cruise as I was part of a holistic vegan group and the MDR was entirely too disorganized for us to spend an hour waiting to be served. We opted for a rather mediocre buffet for lunch and dinner instead. I lived on pizza and salad most of the week but luckily only gained 2 pounds.

 

What are your port stops on this cruise?

 

Thank you so much for a great detailed account of your activities.

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riclop

riclop

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Did the attendant in the gym ask you to sign a waiver? He did for me on the 2nd day I went to the gym. I have never been asked this in 22 sailings and wondered if it was just me since I took a bad fall on the slippery deck at the entrance to the solarium pool the first day. Yes, you are right, the floor was VERY slippery.

 

There were only 4 ellipticals, 1 of which was out of service. Was this the case on your sailing?

 

 

Did they have radicchio at the salad bar? They did on my sailing but only until about the 4th day out of a 7th day cruise?

 

Bermuda, we will be in 11305 on our sailing which another website lists as 96 instead of 42 square feet. It is immediately under your cabin. This is why I was asking where the loungers are located. We plan on taking 2 to our balcony. Will there be enough space for 2, do you think?

 

I am especially interested in the MDR food menu since I did not partake during our March cruise as I was part of a holistic vegan group and the MDR was entirely too disorganized for us to spend an hour waiting to be served. We opted for a rather mediocre buffet for lunch and dinner instead. I lived on pizza and salad most of the week but luckily only gained 2 pounds.

 

What are your port stops on this cruise?

 

Thank you so much for a great detailed account of your activities.

11305 has a much bigger balcony then the ones on deck 12 aft. Yes you can fit more than 2 loungers in that balcony.
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Fighterone

Fighterone

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11305 has a much bigger balcony then the ones on deck 12 aft. Yes you can fit more than 2 loungers in that balcony.

 

Thanks, guess we'll be scrounging around for a couple as soon as we can acccess our stateroom. :D

Edited by Fighterone
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BermudaBound2014 Great Review Rare

BermudaBound2014

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I'm up for the sunrise- thought I'd post last nights thoughts before the internet gets slow and Monday work questions start rolling in.

 

The buffet in the evening for dinner was about the same as the first night. Pretty limited but I didn't starve. I decided to stray away from pizza and went for the "baked foul". Tasted like chicken and I'm sticking with that. The salad dressings were labeled which was a bonus. They have a very good honey mustard I would have never know about (looked like ranch). I passed entirely on the desserts (nothing looked calorie worthy) and went for fruit again which is very good. Much like the thin sliced cucumbers, Msc dices the fruit melody into small pieces which marinates nicely. The buffet is much less crowded in the evenings. So far, the best buffet has been breakfast by a mile.

 

Ana served me a decent resiling with dinner. She's a darling. No wait for me at all if I sit in her station. The rest of the servers are a bit more aloof. I don't mean that negatively, but don't be shy to flag one down nicely- it's probably the only way you will get served. I haven't come across one single rude worker- they just aren't all warm and fuzzy. Even the name tag wearing entertainment staff do not look up and say hello.

 

I suppose this is as good as time as any to comment on my fellow passengers. Of course, it's early in the sailing and everyone might still be on an arrival high, but I have not found any passengers particularly rude. No pushing in the elevators as has been reported. I bit more cutting in line but I blame some of that on the way the buffet is arranged. I haven't had to gut punch anybody, so far so good.

 

The male in the cabin next to me has been smoking on his balcony. Nothing terrible like chain smoking, but I've smelled it three times. Of course, I live out there so the poor dude has little chance of catching a hit without me noticing. Since I'm an ex smoker who understands the need for a fix, and someone not known for rule following myself, I'll let him slide. Those sensitive to smoke would be more bothered, but that's simply because the wind was taking the smoke directly into my balcony- and it's those yucky brown thin cigarettes which smell far worse than a nice meaty Marlboro (which was my brand of choice back in the day). Who knew boys smoked those <shrug>.

 

Forgot to mention, saw a lady slip and fall in the solarium. I also found another slippery surface all on my own. Be aware of the 3x8 inch plank tile brown flooring scattered about. Those are slick suckers. I didn't biff it entirely, but if I had a drink in my hand I would have been wearing it proudly.

 

After dinner the piazza was hoping with people, entertainment, and caffeine. Ended up with a Bailies and coffee which was truly excellent. Gave me new energy to hit the casino. I won $20.00 on the goldfish game and promptly lost it on electronic roulette. Played for nearly 2 hours so I call that a smashing success. The casino is smoke free so that's a huge plus. Lots of penny slots too- double bonus. All in all- it's currently my favorite casino at sea.

 

Last minute decision - attended Mask. Show worth seeing! Just know ahead of time- there is no plot. Not a single thing that resembles a plot. I searched. Think of it as various skits tied together by two dudes with green faces. The three guys with the rump rope were amazing. Reminds me of an act in Central Park last year- serious street cred. The hoolahooper was tricked out and the two arial artists were quite good. Plus, who can fault a "play" that ends in a lip synced chorus of YMCA. I'm glad i attended and believe me, I don't always feel that way after cruise ship entertainment.

 

Lots of choices in the evening. I walked from the theatre on deck 8 and in a matter of minutes went from folk singer types in the first bar, through the jazz club with other entertainers, stopped for a moment to watch bartender acrobatics in the centrum (think Tom cruise- only Indonesian). Kept walking past a Solo guitarist in the wine bar and ended up with a froZen cranberry mojito in the black and white lounge Not sure how that happened- I don't really like cranberry..... Or mojitos but it sounded good and I have new found courage to try new things- aka vouchers). The entertainers in the black and white lounge are borrowed from Boston Berkley musician school (there was an asterisk saying so in the daily so it must be worth noting). Music was good and yes, I danced, all by myself. Gloria and the "I will survive" song gets me every time. It's a staple 80's girl-power theme song. So many venues, if you can't find something you enjoy in the evening on the Divina you better get checked for a pulse. Stat.

 

I decided to catch the 11pm showing of Jurassic world. I work insane hours at home and don't have time for movie watching so it's no surprise this was a new release for me. I got hooked on MUTS with princess and really enjoy a movie under the stars, and in this case a nearly full moon. Msc doesn't have the stadium seating with comfy blankets, but the rattan chairs were plenty comfy enough.

 

Movie ended at nearly 1:00 am and since I'm staying aft I had to walk right through the buffet on my way to the room. They had "make your own sandwiches" set up. Cold cuts (ham, turkey, salami, etc..), various breads, and several cold dish salads (cole slaw, chicken salad, seafood salad, etc...). Small fruit station, small dessert station, and of course pizza. I was surprised how many people were in the buffet that late. There wasn't a ton to choose from, but there was more than enough for a late night snack for the people who were hungry.

 

For the person asking about menus, is there one or two in particular you are interested in? I'll snap a photo but I don't plan on attending any dining venues. I am completely spoiled by NCL speciality dining on the waterfront. I can easily do 2 hour meals with DH, but a long drawn out meal solo just isn't going to happen.

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BermudaBound2014 Great Review Rare

BermudaBound2014

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About the gym, I always have to sign a waiver and did so this cruise on my spa tour at embarkation. Guess I must look clumsy :-). There are still only for ellipticals I'll check to see how many are working. The gym wasn't crowded yesterday but I was there early. Heading there early again today hoping for the same results.

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Fighterone

Fighterone

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About the gym, I always have to sign a waiver and did so this cruise on my spa tour at embarkation. Guess I must look clumsy :-). There are still only for ellipticals I'll check to see how many are working. The gym wasn't crowded yesterday but I was there early. Heading there early again today hoping for the same results.

 

Thanks! I just posted some questions on Stuart's review also. In your 23 cruises, have you ever been asked to sign a waiver for the gym on the other cruise lines?

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