lIVE from Divina :)

[BermudaBound2014]

As mentioned in the live part of my review I was pretty tame in San Juan. I did what I always do, the path along the water from the ship to the fort, reverse to the Gated entrance. Visit Coach outlet (I am kicking myself for not picking up a gorgeous little bad on clearance for $79.00), and head back to the ship stopping in random art stores and admiring the old architecture.

 

I was even more lame in Nassau as I never left the ship. Instead, I enjoyed an entire afternoon in the main pool by myself. Literally, not one other person in the pool. Cirque De Sole' started at noon and I was able to view the whole show on the big screen while floating aimlessly. It was heavenly.

 

We arrived back in Miami around 5:00 a.m. and I had the easiest disembarkation ever. I left my room at 6:48 and was in a taxi heading to the airport by 7:18. By 7:50 I was through customs and sitting at my gate in MIA. Had there been an earlier non-stop flight, I would have went stand-by, but there was only connection flights and I didn't want to connect.

 

Here are the embarkation times. MSC is pretty serious about wanting you OUT of the cabin by 7:00 a.m. It's fine with an early flight, but last August our Steward (NCL) told us to go ahead and stay in the cabin until 10:00 a.m. which was all-call to exit the ship. We were in no hurry, so that was a nice touch. I'm not sure why MSC needs everyone out quite so early (it seems most lines are around 8:00-8:30) since the cabins aren't ready until later in 2:30 and most other lines have the cabins ready at 1:00. But it is what it is and apparently the cabin attendants need the extra few hours for a smooth change over.

 

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[BermudaBound2014]

This brings me to the end of my review. In short, I would GLADLY sail MSC again at the right price point. .

 

Truth be told, if the pricing were identical to more 'Americanized lines" like RCL, Celebrity, HAL, etc.. I'd probably choose a more main-stream line. But in reality the prices aren't the same. Right now, MSC is pricing significantly less than traditional Main Stream lines which makes it, IMO, a very good value for the dollar.

 

For those looking for something a bit different, who can roll with the punches, deal with some serious website issues, and understand that MSC is a Italian line with European based food and service; I believe MSC is worthy of serious consideration. Make that Very serious consideration.

 

One love~

[plucasana]

thank you for taking the time to write this extensive r views and for sharing your wondful pictures!

[vicocala]

Thank you again for your review. It was very helpful.

[nikkiw60]

Loves reading this!

 

 

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[lakelorain]

Great review. Now we have a good picture of what our first MSC cruise in February will be like. Based on your review, we are looking forward to it.

Thanks.

[Kruizin'Kath]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences! The website is indeed horrific, hoping the cruise will make up for it!

[Rossco01]

Just to say a big thank you for posting review. Really enjoyed the detail and your style of writing which made it very interesting. Thanks again.

[mikesteg]

The Entertainment on Divina was extremely good. I wasn't overly fond of the Opera or just the only singing shows (personal taste), but the aerobatic shows were exceptional. If you find a plot in any of the story lines you are a far better viewer than I, but a plot isn't what it's about. The shows are geared to a much more international clientele.

 

 

Agreed. I thought I had read on the boards that the new shows were on Divina, but these are mostly NOT new shows. These are slightly retooled versions of what we'd seen that last 2 years. However, these are the best versions we've seen over the last 3 years. The group of singers is they best they've had in the 3 cruises on Divina (plus one on Peosia).

 

The lack of a plot is something we noticed also. The Mask (which is a new show) was particularly bad about this, given that it's based on a character in a single movie. And the Witches of Paris... very funny to see a witch in the middle of the randomly placed neon-gloves-typing act. I agree with you that it's not necessary... but then don't give the show a title that implies a story. ;)

 

LOVED Enrico(?) singing You Raise Me Up in the guise of the pirate captain in Treasure Island ("Billy Bones").

[BermudaBound2014]

OMG, the 'you raise me up' was incredible, and the neon typers were a hoot! I actually cried with the Neon "thank you" at the end of MJ show. Weird.

 

Have you sailed MSC to Europe by chance? If so, can you share the major differences between Divina and Musica Class (Orchestra)? Are the drink packages different? Internet packages different? Just trying to nail down our August trip. TY in advance :)

[mikesteg]

 

No Salmon, but there was herring for those that like seafood at breakfast. And the usual cold cut section for breakfast that seems more prevalent in European culture.

 

I haven't read the entire thread, so don't know if you're responding to a specific question. We did see salmon a couple times at breakfast. Mid-week I saw lox, and towards the end of the week they had salmon mousse. Both times it was towards the back end of the starboard side buffet. Not the rear section that faces aft, but the side-facing section attached to it.

 

They also had an asian salmon fillet on the carving station one day towards the end of the week, and it was excellent. Also, salmon is one of the always available option in the MDR, at least the days we went. I think you were talking about breakfast, but FYI.

 

The herring was a good bit too fishy for me, and it had bones. That might be common in Europe, but I am used to boneless with a more subtle savory flavor which I'd guess is more common in the states. But, to be honest, I don't know anyone else who eats herring so take my comments for what it's worth. :D

[pr1vatepiles]

Thank you for the excellent review, appreciate all the fab pics.

[mikesteg]

OMG, the 'you raise me up' was incredible, and the neon typers were a hoot! I actually cried with the Neon "thank you" at the end of MJ show. Weird.

 

Have you sailed MSC to Europe by chance? If so, can you share the major differences between Divina and Musica Class (Orchestra)? Are the drink packages different? Internet packages different? Just trying to nail down our August trip. TY in advance :)

 

Sorry, we have not. Lots of European passengers around here though, so they should be able to answer any questions. Enjoy!

[kikki21]

Thank you for your review!

 

We have an MSC cruise booked for summer 2017 & for us, hands down, the price was SOOOOO much lower than the other more main stream cruise lines that we decided to take a punt & book it esp as we were able to get what is classed as a suite (Not Yacht Club) but we are right at the front of the ship..... I think we need to have a true aft experience one day too.

 

We like Italian food so I don't think we will have a problem with food on the cruise! :)

[BermudaBound2014]

Thank you for your review!

 

We have an MSC cruise booked for summer 2017 & for us, hands down, the price was SOOOOO much lower than the other more main stream cruise lines that we decided to take a punt & book it esp as we were able to get what is classed as a suite (Not Yacht Club) but we are right at the front of the ship..... I think we need to have a true aft experience one day too.

 

We like Italian food so I don't think we will have a problem with food on the cruise! :)

 

I think that as long as you keep in mind that you booked because the price was much lower, you are bound to have a terrific time! I think it's those that compare MSC to other 'main stream' lines without consideration of the price difference that really struggle to enjoy the different experience on-board MSC. And yes, try an aft at least once. They aren't for everyone, but for some of us they are truly a delight. Enjoy :).

[BermudaBound2014]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences! The website is indeed horrific' date=' hoping the cruise will make up for it![/quote']

 

I still feel so bad for you guys experiencing the breach of security (especially with your passport information being compromised). I truly hope they fix this soon.

 

There is a European itinerary I like on MSC this August, but I'm not willing to sail with them again until the breach of security issues have been resolved. The other website issues are annoying, but a breach of passport security is a whole different level of turmoil.

 

MSC if you are listening, PLEASE FIX THE ONLINE EXPERIENCE so I can very seriously consider sailing with you again.

[RC Dancers]

Thank you for the great review and wonderful pictures. It is much appreciated.

[valancy1]

Speaking of changing policy, MSC if you are listening (and I don't suspect you are), you are missing an entire segment of the population by not making (and marketing) an adults only pool. You have 2 perfect venues. The solarium pool is located forward and the only thing farther forward are adult only spaces (the gym and the spa). If not the solarium, the infinity pool is also a prime adults only spot as it is one deck up, all the way aft, and comes with its very own bar :).

 

Of course, all ship pools are busy. But when you take into account the kids sale free (therefore doubling the amount of kids on board,) the entire Portside devoted to smoking leaving half of deck space available for non-smokers, and much of the non-smoking deck turned into the Mall of America with no lounge chair space at all- you have a recipe for quite a few disappointed people. Me- I had my lounger on my balcony, but without that this cruise would have been an entirely different experience.

 

So this is just my opinion. Full disclosure, I am a travel agent (but am not trying to recruit anyone and the only reason I disclose this is to indicate where I got this information from). My home office which will go unnamed has a very influential person at the top of the food chain. We just had a regional event in which he spoke and he said that he wants to see MSC become a "major player" in the industry because it would then have 4 major players. He cited that NCL was at one time where MSC is currently, but NCL got their act together and is now very definitely a major player.

 

So I sent him an email to ask him about this. I told him I am sailing on Divina in the next few weeks, and he implored me to please provide MSC with feedback.

 

Saying this to say, perhaps you might consider actually writing them (you definitely have a way with words and could do so constructively rather than just whine and complain) to give them constructive feedback.

 

Food for thought...

[valancy1]

Thanks for the pizza menu. I guess the rest is still a state secret. :)

 

Vicocola, look what I did for you:

 

Eataly's Menu size was too big. I also have Yacht Club and children's menus which are the cutest menus for kids I've ever seen for a cruise line.

 

Enjoy... at least this will give you an idea of the food. I am going to try one more time in a separate post to attach Eataly, but it might not work.

Gala_1to3_USA.pdf

Gala_2to3_USA.pdf

Gala_3to3_USA.pdf

galaxy_menu.pdf

MSC Lunch 1.pdf

MSC Lunch 2.pdf

MSC Lunch 3.pdf

MSC Lunch 4.pdf

MSC Lunch 5.pdf

MSC RISTORANTE_ITALIA_MENU_ING_HR.pdf

[valancy1]

OK so here is Eataly for anyone interested. I hope this helps!

[vicocala]

Vicocola, look what I did for you:

 

Eataly's Menu size was too big. I also have Yacht Club and children's menus which are the cutest menus for kids I've ever seen for a cruise line.

 

Enjoy... at least this will give you an idea of the food. I am going to try one more time in a separate post to attach Eataly, but it might not work.

 

Thank you very much for your time and effort on those. I did see the specialty dining in the earlier post but it is great to get some of these others!

 

It was very much appreciated. :)

[plucasana]

valancy1 this is really great thank you so much. you said you had yc menus and kids menus. did I miss them ?

 

 

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[dodger1964]

Great Review!!! Thanks for taking the time!

 

We are taking our first MSC cruise in September from Southampton on Splendida.

 

You mentioned the status match. Did you do status match before sailing? I would be curious, if you did, why you don't think it was worth it? We got "black status", and know not much comes with it, but what supposedly does is free and sounds better than nothing to me...free meal, some sweets, etc?

 

I'll be curious how our disembarkation is handled. On our 1 week cruise there are actually "overlapping cruises"...I think there are 3 different ports that people start their own "7 day cruises" from. I have never encountered that before.

 

We have never eaten in the MDR on any cruise we have taken (and we have taken enough to be elite plus on celebrity), so thanks for your information on the buffet.

 

Thanks again for great information.

[Kruizin'Kath]

I still feel so bad for you guys experiencing the breach of security (especially with your passport information being compromised). I truly hope they fix this soon.

 

There is a European itinerary I like on MSC this August, but I'm not willing to sail with them again until the breach of security issues have been resolved. The other website issues are annoying, but a breach of passport security is a whole different level of turmoil.

 

MSC if you are listening, PLEASE FIX THE ONLINE EXPERIENCE so I can very seriously consider sailing with you again.

 

All info in "my booking" has been blank for a week (Thank goodness!) The only thing showing up right now is a foreign phone # and email address! I think they finally have a handle on this!:)

[ClassicalSax]

Maxwell: I am booked in the fantastica experience- aft facing balcony on deck 12.

Any chance you can report any noise factor on the aft port corner of deck 12 or 11, I am booked one deck below you in 11297 in a few months. Some folks have reported a slamming door - would love to see some pics of the end of the hall or stairway if you have a chance. Not sure if it's public or crew only and have been searching for pics of those hall corners on CC to no avail. Enjoying the review and info, many thanks.