Do you have any MSC Divina questions?

[js]

Thank you so much for your detailed report. I greatly appreciate it.

 

So, Yacht Club is/can be a ship within a ship, such as NCL Haven?

I want the Haven experience. Does the Divina have it's own pool (One Pool?) and

I am guessing that Top Sail is the YC Restaurant?

 

Can we wake up and spend the day in the Yacht Club area, so we have food, drinks and pool/loungers?

 

I thought the Yacht Club had unlimited alcohol package but now after reading your review and other comments it looks as if I can only get the "included" alcohol at the YC? I thought I read on the website it was all included but perhaps I am mistaken.

 

I'm usually at the gym on vacation by 7 am but not getting a treadmill to run at that time would made me crazy after purposely getting up to work out. Yikes. Did you happen to notice if there were rowing machines too?

 

If you say that Divina is more "beer budget", what other ship should I be looking at for more upscale service on MSC? I want to stay in the Caribbean in February but have my own "ship within a ship".

 

Thank you very much.

[Mikesa1721]

So, Yacht Club is/can be a ship within a ship, such as NCL Haven?

I want the Haven experience. Does the Divina have it's own pool (One Pool?) and

I am guessing that Top Sail is the YC Restaurant?

A: Yes,,The Yacht Club One Pool And Bar Has it's own pool and 2 jacuzzi's. The Top Sail is a Yacht Club Lounge on deck 15 of the Yacht Club, not to be confused with Le'Muse which is the Yacht Club dedicated restaurant.

Can we wake up and spend the day in the Yacht Club area, so we have food, drinks and pool/loungers?

A: Yes,,if we are not in port, we primarily spend most of our day relaxing on the pool deck.

I thought the Yacht Club had unlimited alcohol package but now after reading your review and other comments it looks as if I can only get the "included" alcohol at the YC? I thought I read on the website it was all included but perhaps I am mistaken.

A: All alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages are included within the confines of the Yacht Club,,even the mini-bar in your stateroom. Rumor has it that this will change to include the entire ship in 2017 but nothing set in stone as of yet.

[js]

So, Yacht Club is/can be a ship within a ship, such as NCL Haven?

I want the Haven experience. Does the Divina have it's own pool (One Pool?) and

I am guessing that Top Sail is the YC Restaurant?

A: Yes,,The Yacht Club One Pool And Bar Has it's own pool and 2 jacuzzi's. The Top Sail is a Yacht Club Lounge on deck 15 of the Yacht Club, not to be confused with Le'Muse which is the Yacht Club dedicated restaurant.

Can we wake up and spend the day in the Yacht Club area, so we have food, drinks and pool/loungers?

A: Yes,,if we are not in port, we primarily spend most of our day relaxing on the pool deck.

I thought the Yacht Club had unlimited alcohol package but now after reading your review and other comments it looks as if I can only get the "included" alcohol at the YC? I thought I read on the website it was all included but perhaps I am mistaken.

A: All alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages are included within the confines of the Yacht Club,,even the mini-bar in your stateroom. Rumor has it that this will change to include the entire ship in 2017 but nothing set in stone as of yet.

 

Thank you very much, your answers are VERY helpful. I'm going to go back onto the website and read about the alcohol again. I'll do later today or tomorrow. Leaving work now LOL

[BermudaBound2014]

gRAnNY- i have zero clue about refrigerator units :(... Maybe Cheng can help out? There was a complaint about air on port side of YC not working. For us, room cooled just fine and didn't feel sticky. Same can't be true for my aft in April as that was quite humid on the inside. I think when other passengers sleep

With the doorwalls open you can get that humid feeling in the entire surrounding block of cabins.

 

JS- Mike has answered your questions quite nicely. I'll be a bit more critical in my response - not because I don't love the divina, but because I think accurate expectations are important. Obviously I can only speak for my two divina cruises both in the last few months.

 

1- yes, yc is a copy of the ship Within a ship concept so popular (and overpriced) by ncl.

 

2. Yes, it's own small pool. It is smAller than havens pool. Most of the time it was wonderful and uncrowded however in the last sea dAy there were 23 people In the pool (with an 18 Person max), so it was VERY tight. Most of the time it wasn't crowded but like the main pool area, expect major crowding during high peak times.

 

Here are pictures from the YC lunch. This is the entire bufet in One Pool. If this looks like what you would enjoy for lunch you are in luck. I wasn't too keen on cold rice and meatloaf, but the salad bar was decent- just wish they had more choices for dressing

 

 

As far as laying on the Lougers in yc all day, that's not going to happen if you need shade as the entire one pool area is full sun with the exception of a few tables near the buffet (pictured above), 1/2 the pool, and 4 tables with an umbrella In smoking. However no need to check towels in and out and you should never ever have to wait for a lounger :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited July 7, 2016 by BermudaBound2014

[BermudaBound2014]

3) didn't notice rowers, sorry.

 

4) Beer budget sounds harsher than what I mean. I PAID beer budget prices @ 989 pp (including all taxes) for YC- if I wanted Exceptional service and real butlers (not glorified cabin stewards) like one would find with land vacations, I would have to look at luxury lines or luxury hotels (certainly not main stream cruise ships) and thus pay exponentially more. I noticed you have Haven planned in the future- my guess is that trip wasn't what I would consider a beer budget cruise. However when you compare Haven and YC I bet your experiences have more in common than they do different, making YC a better value.

 

Unlike the Away ships, Divina is lacking awesome watermarks, rope courses, slides, separate pools for kids (no adult only pools), comedy clubs, promenade dining giving feel of more open space indoors, outgoing bartenders willing to approach you first, etc... I think you will find that MSC is simply a better value. At least that is my assessment ~ MSC is a better value. ;)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited July 7, 2016 by BermudaBound2014

[GRANNYOFSIX]

Thank you so much for easing my mind!!! I don't understand all the ins and outs of the system but just knowing it won't be humid on the ship is a relief!! Thank you so very much!

 

 

 

 

MSC Divina has 115 stainless steel air conditioning units onboard all supplied by Novenco Marine And Offshore. They most definitely use a refrigerant,,,

http://www.novenco-marine.com/en/Downloads/Documentation/~/media/Downloads/Brochures/HMO/SCU%20C%20mu14062%200608.ashx

 

http://www.bolidt.com/downloads/en/pdf/nieuws/msc_divina_brings_more_capacity_and_advanced_technology.pdf

 

[TX Catty Cruiser]

I've been reading all the reviews and most don't mention any on board activities - Is this because the reviewers are seasoned cruises who have been there done that or because there are none? I'm a solo cruiser and love my "me time" but also enjoy watching/participating in activities especially in the pm.

[BermudaBound2014]

I've been reading all the reviews and most don't mention any on board activities - Is this because the reviewers are seasoned cruises who have been there done that or because there are none? I'm a solo cruiser and love my "me time" but also enjoy watching/participating in activities especially in the pm.

 

There are far fewer daily activities than the mainstream lines, but they do exist. Language is a challenge. Trivia in 5 languages leads to misinterpretations and it's just not as smooth.

 

Example: MSC is attempting to do quest on the Divina. However, the computer prompts have to translate what the CD is saying verbally by flashing the translation in 4 languages on various TV screens. As you can imagine, since this is a timed activity those that spoke english were the most successful (they didn't need to wait to read the directions from a tela-prompter). Fun, but different.

 

As you also read in some of the review, the activities are not well attended and do not always start on time. I was excited to attend the Italian language class. It consisted of a hand-out with maybe 20 words translated and as the leader pronounced them, audience choral responded, and that was it. 15-20 minutes TOPS.

 

With that being said, the entertainment team is super nice and very visible but not in your face. I really like how the entertainment team actually participated in a little slap stick comedy before each of the shows to keep audience entertained while they wait and the attempt at American 'belly-flop' contests were pretty typical.

 

It's not that the activities are bad, its just that MSC is different. Subdued might be the word. I traveled my first round on Divina as a solo-traveler and my advice would be to be prepared to enjoy your 'me' time and if it works out different on your particular cruise that will be a bonus :).

[TX Catty Cruiser]

Thanks for replying - I had forgotten the multi language issue.

[cruiseguyinorl]

It's not that the activities are bad, its just that MSC is different. Subdued might be the word.

 

That's the best summation I have heard in awhile. :) My thoughts exactly.

 

Bret

[suzyed]

Yes they do, 2.

 

How formal is formal night? Tuxedos and gowns or Dark suits and cocktail dresses?

If we dine in one of the specialty restaurants on formal night, do we have to dress formally there too? Do we have to stay in formal clothes all night or change after dinner?

 

I heard there are some "theme" nights...60's/70's and "white" night? Is this on Divina?

 

Thanks in advance!

[BermudaBound2014]

Some dress super formal, others not-so-much. Men have to wear pants in all the restaurants, other than that, pretty much anything decent goes. Not many participated in theme nights other than the white night (since most have white clothes on a Caribbean cruise anyway). Don't concern yourself with dress too much on MSC. The passengers are very diverse, as are their choice of attire :).

Edited July 15, 2016 by BermudaBound2014

[aubreyc1988]

I have *loads* of questions, and I am being lazy and not using the CC search function, so feel free to berate me if desired. I have never sailed MSC, just NCL, RCI, and CCL and MSC is just SO different I have no idea where to start.

 

1) Public deck areas on the Divina - Is this like the NCL "Away" ships where there's not a deck chair to be had? Is there a RCI equivalent of their "Solarium"?

 

2) Drink Packages - I would want a drink package, equal to the one NCL offers as a perk. What package should I choose? I am very confused with all the different levels of packages and the coupon books, etc. Also, with the actual drinks, is bar service and drink quality as good as NCL?

 

3) Casino - How is the selection of slots? Newer ones, like they have in Vegas or on the newer RCI/NCL ships? Is it truly non smoking?

 

4) I like cruises where there's a lot of activities, like on RCI Allure/NCL Escape/Getaway. I also like nightlife and a ship that doesn't go to sleep at midnight. Will Divina hold up to my expectations?

 

thanks for answering these

[suzyed]

Some dress super formal, others not-so-much. Men have to wear pants in all the restaurants, other than that, pretty much anything decent goes. Not many participated in theme nights other than the white night (since most have white clothes on a Caribbean cruise anyway). Don't concern yourself with dress too much on MSC. The passengers are very diverse, as are their choice of attire :).

 

Thanks for the info!! :D

[BermudaBound2014]

I have *loads* of questions, and I am being lazy and not using the CC search function, so feel free to berate me if desired. I have never sailed MSC, just NCL, RCI, and CCL and MSC is just SO different I have no idea where to start.

 

1) Public deck areas on the Divina - Is this like the NCL "Away" ships where there's not a deck chair to be had? Is there a RCI equivalent of their "Solarium"?

 

2) Drink Packages - I would want a drink package, equal to the one NCL offers as a perk. What package should I choose? I am very confused with all the different levels of packages and the coupon books, etc. Also, with the actual drinks, is bar service and drink quality as good as NCL?

 

3) Casino - How is the selection of slots? Newer ones, like they have in Vegas or on the newer RCI/NCL ships? Is it truly non smoking?

 

4) I like cruises where there's a lot of activities, like on RCI Allure/NCL Escape/Getaway. I also like nightlife and a ship that doesn't go to sleep at midnight. Will Divina hold up to my expectations?

 

thanks for answering these

 

Hi Aubrey, I think we sailed on the Getaway last year around the same time :).

1) Unfortunately, It's worse than the Away ships. I've sailed Breakaway and Getaway around the same time as Divina and while I thought those two ships had folks packed in, Divina takes it to a whole new level. Partially due to kids sail free. Partially due to the amount of smoking tables reserved around the pool (entire port side), and partially due to the fact that they block off the starboard side with tables selling trinkets on sea days. There is no solarium equivalent to RCL. Divina solarium isn't even close to vibe or sanctuary. There is a deck 18 solarium for very inexpensive ($30 per day for clam shell), but there isn't anything on the deck but a hot tub so it is not all that inviting. Still, it's peace and quiet and you can find a chair.

 

2) I'm not entirely sure about what package to offer you, but I did the 18 coupon book for $84.00 and I was able to order anything I wanted including pomegranate margaritas (yumm). In some ways the bar service is better than NCL, but you shouldn't be disappointed with the bars at all. I found them better than average for sure, but you won't have anyone like Carlos at the Sunset bar on the waterfront :).

 

3) New slots. Totally non-smoking.

 

4) In my opinion, Divina isn't for the super active cruiser. There are activities, but they are much less attended, and Divina has to deal with the language barrier. Think quest with multiple languages flashing on the TV screens. No comedy shows like Away class. Definitely nothing even remotely close to O'Sheeans for pub atmosphere. The evening shows are good because they change each night and you don't need reservations, but they cater to a more international audience.

 

Both times I sailed the Away ships I was with DH who is very active. They were a great fit for us because food is more important to him than me (we did specialty restaurants on the waterfront each night which blew away any dining offered on MSC). He is also a late night guy and we'd often be up until 2 am and then slide into the pub for late night bar food snack of BBQ wings (on Divina, the only food available after 11 is make your own sandwich station). I would not choose Divina when sailing with him as it's just not a good fit for what he and I look for in a vacation.

 

I chose Divina when sailing solo for total rest and relaxation, and for sailing with a girlfriend for another 'spa' like trip in YC. I enjoyed both of my trips immensely. Divina delivered a much better value for the dollar than the Away class ships for what I was looking for. To me, Divina is much more refined than the away class ships. There is something about her that is reminiscent of cruising days gone past. She's a beautiful ship indeed, but I don't want to mislead you into believing MSC is a good fit for everyone (as is evidenced by the 2nd lowest approval rating on Cruise Critic).

 

Hope that helps :)

[aubreyc1988]

Hi Aubrey, I think we sailed on the Getaway last year around the same time :).

1) Unfortunately, It's worse than the Away ships. I've sailed Breakaway and Getaway around the same time as Divina and while I thought those two ships had folks packed in, Divina takes it to a whole new level. Partially due to kids sail free. Partially due to the amount of smoking tables reserved around the pool (entire port side), and partially due to the fact that they block off the starboard side with tables selling trinkets on sea days. There is no solarium equivalent to RCL. Divina solarium isn't even close to vibe or sanctuary. There is a deck 18 solarium for very inexpensive ($30 per day for clam shell), but there isn't anything on the deck but a hot tub so it is not all that inviting. Still, it's peace and quiet and you can find a chair.

 

2) I'm not entirely sure about what package to offer you, but I did the 18 coupon book for $84.00 and I was able to order anything I wanted including pomegranate margaritas (yumm). In some ways the bar service is better than NCL, but you shouldn't be disappointed with the bars at all. I found them better than average for sure, but you won't have anyone like Carlos at the Sunset bar on the waterfront :).

 

3) New slots. Totally non-smoking.

 

4) In my opinion, Divina isn't for the super active cruiser. There are activities, but they are much less attended, and Divina has to deal with the language barrier. Think quest with multiple languages flashing on the TV screens. No comedy shows like Away class. Definitely nothing even remotely close to O'Sheeans for pub atmosphere. The evening shows are good because they change each night and you don't need reservations, but they cater to a more international audience.

 

Both times I sailed the Away ships I was with DH who is very active. They were a great fit for us because food is more important to him than me (we did specialty restaurants on the waterfront each night which blew away any dining offered on MSC). He is also a late night guy and we'd often be up until 2 am and then slide into the pub for late night bar food snack of BBQ wings (on Divina, the only food available after 11 is make your own sandwich station). I would not choose Divina when sailing with him as it's just not a good fit for what he and I look for in a vacation.

 

I chose Divina when sailing solo for total rest and relaxation, and for sailing with a girlfriend for another 'spa' like trip in YC. I enjoyed both of my trips immensely. Divina delivered a much better value for the dollar than the Away class ships for what I was looking for. To me, Divina is much more refined than the away class ships. There is something about her that is reminiscent of cruising days gone past. She's a beautiful ship indeed, but I don't want to mislead you into believing MSC is a good fit for everyone (as is evidenced by the 2nd lowest approval rating on Cruise Critic).

 

Hope that helps :)

 

Thank you! You pretty much confirmed all my suspicions. I don't know if I can forgo not having a lot of activities, I can only sunbathe for so long before I start burning and sweating and get tired of it lol.

 

I didn't know it has the second lowest approval rating on CC, WOW

 

Plus all the different languages, while cool, would be annoying after a while - plus, are the dinners in the MDR *really* long? Sometimes even on NCL, I feel like the drawn out dinners in MDR are just silly and a waste of valuable vacation time for food thats barely better than the buffet.

[BermudaBound2014]

Keep in mind the price. MSC should be significantly cheaper than NCL :). There are activities during the day, they are just different in nature than NCL. More subdued. I never found the languages a problem at all, but the dinners are much more European in nature and even slower paced than NCL. 2.5 hours on average and for me, the meals are just so-so. In fact, I think on MSC the buffet might actually be better than the MDR since they do offer a great salad bar and their pizza is amazing :).

 

PS: I should clarify my statement. 2nd lowest of the mainstream lines sailing in the US. Here are the overall approval ratings per line according to cruise critic reviews as of today. I left out lines like Cunard and Seabourn since they really don't apply.

1) Disney 84%

2) Celebrity 82%

3) Princess 76%

4) HAL 73%

5) Carnival 73%

6) RCCL 70%

7) NCL 69%

8) MSC 53% (Divina itself is 58%)

9) Costa 49%

Edited July 16, 2016 by BermudaBound2014

[aubreyc1988]

Keep in mind the price. MSC should be significantly cheaper than NCL :). There are activities during the day, they are just different in nature than NCL. More subdued. I never found the languages a problem at all, but the dinners are much more European in nature and even slower paced than NCL. 2.5 hours on average and for me, the meals are just so-so. In fact, I think on MSC the buffet might actually be better than the MDR since they do offer a great salad bar and their pizza is amazing :).

 

PS: I should clarify my statement. 2nd lowest of the mainstream lines sailing in the US. Here are the overall approval ratings per line according to cruise critic reviews as of today. I left out lines like Cunard and Seabourn since they really don't apply.

1) Disney 84%

2) Celebrity 82%

3) Princess 76%

4) HAL 73%

5) Carnival 73%

6) RCCL 70%

7) NCL 69%

8) MSC 53% (Divina itself is 58%)

9) Costa 49%

 

Yeah, and those ratings aren't everythin - for example I do not like Carnival, and I really can't believe NCL and RCCL are SO CLOSE! I showed this thread to my husband read about the pool deck and was like NOPE NOPE NOPE lol. It's hard to BELIEVE there could be something WORSE than the pool decks on "Away" ships - If I ever sail NCL again, it's Vibe passes, ALL the way!

 

Not to say we won't ever sail MSC, but we only have enough vacation for 2-3 cruises each year MAX and maybe MSC is something we try when we have more vacation and it won't matter so much if it isn't AMAZING.

 

Right now for the sailings I am looking at, with all taxes and gratuities included (Including any beverage gratuities)

 

its

 

RCI Oasis: 1831(for 2 people) Inside Cabin, No perks included (eastern itinerary, 1 new port we have never been)

NCL Escape (Already sailed once) : 2058 for 2 people) Inside Cabin, UBP included, (eastern itinerary, no new ports for us)

NCL Breakaway (Never sailed) : 2586 (for 2 people) Inside Cabin, UBP included, (Bermuda itinerary, never been)

Divina: 1,896.02 (for 2 people) Inside Cabin, basic beverage package, (eastern Itinerary with 1 new port we have never been)

 

So you can see, the divina is really only marginally cheaper than NCL, and more expensive than Oasis, but the Oasis no beverage package included :(

Edited July 16, 2016 by aubreyc1988

[BermudaBound2014]

Hell Woman, are these Christmas week prices? I see MSC Divina all the time for $399 pp inside. Those are the prices I'm talking about :).

 

Of the four you listed, I'd go with Oasis and drink a little less. Activities galore. You can spend some of the money you would need for Vibe on booze cause the Solarium looks dandy on Oasis class.

 

However; I did Breakaway to Bermuda and it's a fabulous trip so that would be my pick based on ports alone. I loved sailing out of Manhattan by the statue of liberty with the quintessential NY skyscraper landscape in the background. That sail-away was 2nd only to Venice. And docking in Bermuda for 3 days is like combining the best of land and sea vacation.

 

Based on your description of likes and your pricing, I'd positively save MSC for a future trip :).

[mafig]

BB, I have to tell you I LOVE your posts.

 

DH and I enjoy Bermuda and I was looking at the cruiselines that sail there and I didn't see much difference. Plus I thought, it's only for a few days....not even three full, we had that much on Costa from Florida a few years ago.

 

Then you brought up sailing from Manhattan. :D Of course. That's the difference. So I think you've made up my mind for next year's cruise.

 

Thank you! (You are quickly becoming my go-to Cruise Critic person;))

[aubreyc1988]

Hell Woman, are these Christmas week prices? I see MSC Divina all the time for $399 pp inside. Those are the prices I'm talking about :).

 

Of the four you listed, I'd go with Oasis and drink a little less. Activities galore. You can spend some of the money you would need for Vibe on booze cause the Solarium looks dandy on Oasis class.

 

However; I did Breakaway to Bermuda and it's a fabulous trip so that would be my pick based on ports alone. I loved sailing out of Manhattan by the statue of liberty with the quintessential NY skyscraper landscape in the background. That sail-away was 2nd only to Venice. And docking in Bermuda for 3 days is like combining the best of land and sea vacation.

 

Based on your description of likes and your pricing, I'd positively save MSC for a future trip :).

 

all those sailings are prices for 2 people, all port taxes and fees, room gratuities, and beverage gratuities (if any). All Sept/Oct sailings. So the Divina I think was 499 per person, but when I clicked through,added the beverage package and room gratuities, thats how i came up with that 1800.00 number for 2 people. I try to include any hidden costs so I can have a true apples to apples comparison. Plus idk if I can convince my husband to do NCL so soon after our last on the Escape. The casino smoke, coupled with the pool fiasco really put him off on the whole "away" class ships, but we shall see what the budget can afford - we normally book super last minute because I am near a international airport and can gets flight super cheap all the time.

 

Do you feel like Sept is too late to go to Bermuda, being Hurricane Season/end of summer? I love being in the water. And actually, my husband doesn't want to go to Bermuda because he feels like its too much like a land vacation lol.

Edited July 16, 2016 by aubreyc1988

[suzyed]

Yeah, and those ratings aren't everythin - for example I do not like Carnival, and I really can't believe NCL and RCCL are SO CLOSE! I showed this thread to my husband read about the pool deck and was like NOPE NOPE NOPE lol. It's hard to BELIEVE there could be something WORSE than the pool decks on "Away" ships - If I ever sail NCL again, it's Vibe passes, ALL the way!

 

Not to say we won't ever sail MSC, but we only have enough vacation for 2-3 cruises each year MAX and maybe MSC is something we try when we have more vacation and it won't matter so much if it isn't AMAZING.

 

Right now for the sailings I am looking at, with all taxes and gratuities included (Including any beverage gratuities)

 

its

 

RCI Oasis: 1831(for 2 people) Inside Cabin, No perks included (eastern itinerary, 1 new port we have never been)

NCL Escape (Already sailed once) : 2058 for 2 people) Inside Cabin, UBP included, (eastern itinerary, no new ports for us)

NCL Breakaway (Never sailed) : 2586 (for 2 people) Inside Cabin, UBP included, (Bermuda itinerary, never been)

Divina: 1,896.02 (for 2 people) Inside Cabin, basic beverage package, (eastern Itinerary with 1 new port we have never been)

 

So you can see, the divina is really only marginally cheaper than NCL, and more expensive than Oasis, but the Oasis no beverage package included :(

 

 

We're doing a Fantastica Balcony for 1350 for two people....why are yours so expensive? Even if you add the $168 gratuities...that's still only 1518, unless your cruises are longer than 7 days?

Edited July 17, 2016 by suzyed

[aubreyc1988]

We're doing a Fantastica Balcony for 1350 for two people....why are your's so expensive?

 

does that include the unlimited drinks with all port taxes/fees, service charges?

[BermudaBound2014]

BB, I have to tell you I LOVE your posts.

 

DH and I enjoy Bermuda and I was looking at the cruiselines that sail there and I didn't see much difference. Plus I thought, it's only for a few days....not even three full, we had that much on Costa from Florida a few years ago.

 

Then you brought up sailing from Manhattan. :D Of course. That's the difference. So I think you've made up my mind for next year's cruise.

 

Thank you! (You are quickly becoming my go-to Cruise Critic person;))

 

WOW, what a lovely complement. I assure you there are 1000's of posters who are far more knowledgeable and helpful than I am, but I am flattered :). Here's a NYC sail away shot for you...

 

Edited July 17, 2016 by BermudaBound2014

[BermudaBound2014]

 

Do you feel like Sept is too late to go to Bermuda, being Hurricane Season/end of summer? I love being in the water. And actually, my husband doesn't want to go to Bermuda because he feels like its too much like a land vacation lol.

 

I would think the water temperature in September would be just fine, especially early September (which would even be warmer than July probably). However; September/October is historically a bad time of year in terms of Hurricanes for Bermuda largely because the water is so warm that time of year. Not sure about water temps in October, would depend on how fast the water cools. I'd still think October could be warmer than early summer as the water has had months to warm. Then again, that gulf coast stream can be tricky that time of year.

 

I didn't think Bermuda felt too much like a land vacation at all. I really liked how the ship cleared out for three days. Dinners on the waterfront were spectacular from port and we rode the water slides for hours with zero line coming back from a catamaran tour one day. We also used the ropes course without a line, and you can get into just about any restaurant and/or show. It's like having an entire boat to yourself. Of course, this was an Away ship and you'd have to deal with crowds for your 3 sea days. Doesn't Celebrity and RCL both do a run into Bermuda? They both have great adults only solarium areas for the sea days. It's s tough call for that time of year.

 

Have you thought about a Fall Color run? I live in Michigan and we have a cabin on one of the great lakes. Fall in this area is SPECTACULAR! It's something I would recommend considering for Sept/Oct. You may be a bit too young for the Fall Color route just yet, but keep it in the back of your mind for the future :).

 

Hope that helps some,