Progressive travel report including msc divina 13 may

[CTBob]

There will be more soon. I almost emptied my internet package for the week. When we get to San Juan I'll will upload more daily programs and picture. Thanks for understanding.

Thanks for reminding me what a beautiful ship the Divina is. I hope the Seaside is as nice. Bob

[swemto]

16may

We went on the maho beach bum tour.

Our guide Otis was very friendly and informative. We went direct to orient beach, when we arrived at kontiki beach resort we had the option to rent sunbeds and an umbrella for 10$. We opted for the sunbeds. The beach and water is fantastic. The weather was also amazing, we really had a nice time at the beach. After two hours we had to leave the beach. ,☹️ When we returned to the bus, Otis had the icebox open and we had the option to choose from beer, water soda and rom punch. I had a ice cold Caribe beer it was so good. After the drinks, we all jumped back in and started the trip across this wonderful island, heading for maho beach. After a 40 minutes scenic ride we arrived at Maho. What can I say, it was like spring break.

We arrived at sunset bar and grill, the had a dj that was playing some nice 90 and newer beats. Here people really enjoying them self. Bar was crowded to to the max. And the beach was also hilarious crowded, with almost everyone looking to the horizon for planes. Here we stayed for about 1:30 hrs. Before it was time to leave the maho and go back to the port. I can say that I will not return here. This was not for us, I might getting to old. When we returned to the bus, Otis had opened the coolers again, and we got some more drinks, before we ended up at the port.

I will post some pictures and dailies later.

Edited May 17, 2017 by swemto

[Cruisergal1208]

16may

We went on the maho beach bum tour.

Our guide Otis was very friendly and informative. We went direct to orient beach, when we arrived at kontiki beach resort we had the option to rent sunbeds and an umbrella for 10$. We opted for the sunbeds. The beach and water is fantastic. The weather was also amazing, we really had a nice time at the beach. After two hours we had to leave the beach. ,☹️ When we returned to the bus, Otis had the icebox open and we had the option to choose from beer, water soda and rom punch. I had a ice cold Caribe beer it was so good. After the drinks, we all jumped back in and started the trip across this wonderful island, heading for maho beach. After a 40 minutesscenic ride we arrived at Maho. What can I say, it was like spring break.

 

 

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How was the meet and greet?

[swemto]

The meeting with other cruise critic mates was hold at the black and white lounge the second sea day. Msc provided us with drinks (mimosa's) and more, that also served us some hors d'oeuvres and cake and fruit. All the main officers was at the meeting. They all to time to present them self, and mingle with crowd. I self had wonderful chat with the Captain, how took responsibility and solved a problem, that Maître a d'hôtel did not solve for us. The Captain made one call, problem solved. I guess it was all about ,who's in charge. I say this was well organised and the staff was friendly and so was my cruise critic mates.

[sg1812]

Enjoying the posts, thank you. Looking forward to the same itinerary on June 24th!

[rich60]

Can you , please, explain what the problem was that the Captain solved?

Thank you,

The Colonel

[swemto]

Can you , please, explain what the problem was that the Captain solved?

Thank you,

The Colonel

We had a "problem" with some people that was seated at our table, they continue to ruin the experience for all at our table. The people responsible at the restaurant would not let us move table.

On the meet and greet, I had a chat with Captain about this, and problem solved. We got a new table with fantastic people.

[Beamafar]

We had a "problem" with some people that was seated at our table, they continue to ruin the experience for all at our table. The people responsible at the restaurant would not let us move table.

On the meet and greet, I had a chat with Captain about this, and problem solved. We got a new table with fantastic people.

 

Great to hear! How awful that some people behaved so badly and the restaurant staff wouldn't sort it.

 

I must admit, I'm curious as to what they did to spoil things for you. Were the others moved, too, do you know? About the only negative thing I have about cruising is table sharing with strangers. We haven't had bad experiences but we've rarely had wonderful ones either! For future bookings, I'm considering Aurea level for the 'MyChoice' dining facility.

 

For breakfast and lunch we insist on a 2-top. When we're told there isn't one available (we usually arrive soon after MDR opens) we tell them we'll wait 'til they open the next section of the restaurant - they don't like you hovering in the doorway so they tend to escort us to the next section to a table for 2!

[swemto]

We have originally planned for the rain forest tour. After thinking about the wife's severe allergic reactions she get from mosquito bites, we figured that it might not be best idea. We went down to the excursion office and changed the excursion to the Bacardi Excursion with some minor sightseeing. This tour was in my point, a very good excursion. The fantastic tour guide. We was taken​ on a bus and was given interesting information about Puerto Rico history, before we arrived at the site. At arrival we was given a Bacardi souvenir plastic cup, a token to exchange for a drink at the bar. We was also given a coaster that started making noise when tour was starting. During the tour we got information about the history of the company, how Bacardi is produced, and that the original method is still used to this day. The tour ended at the gift shop, big SURPRISE 😂

Here you have the option to buy some promotional items as some alcohol. The most expensive item was a 18year old master blended rom,that you get to fill your self and seal. We was tempted to get that one, but we choose not to get the most expensive item. We got a bottle that is only available in the factory. After the shopping at the factory we went to the bar and claimed that free drink. I took the plain Daiquiri and my wife had a tropical fruit punch. Let me say they know how to present and use these products, to generate the best results. After about 30 minutes we was back on the bus. We was given a small tour of San Juan and dropped of at the main shopping district. There was an option to get back on the bus after about 45 minutes or 5 minutes walk, we choose the later. At the port three ships where docked and the area around the port at 1:30pm was like a zoo. We had to stand in line from the Walgreens shop to main building the ship was docked at. The Queue moved on quick. And we was back on the ship in about 20 minutes. One thing that didn't happen was that they did not take my bottle of rum. I was allowed to take it to the room. Other people's bottles was confiscated. I don't if they missed our but I doubt that. I was highly visible in a Bacardi bag.

[ykennedy35]

If you get a chance can you confirm or provide information about the pastry shop on the ship and the gelato. If there are menus, I would greatly appreciate you sharing and posting. Thank you in advance!

 

 

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[easyboy]

Enjoying your review. Nice photos!

[swemto]

If you get a chance can you confirm or provide information about the pastry shop on the ship and the gelato. If there are menus, I would greatly appreciate you sharing and posting. Thank you in advance!

 

 

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I will post some photos from the menu from pastry shop and gelato. Please wait 48 hrs before next post. Flying home to day at 4pm

[swemto]

Our last stop was in the Bahamas and the city of Nassau. We booked a tour with MSC to Balmoral island. This is a private island that is situated about 40 minutes ferry ride from the port. On this is island they have Stingray and dolphin that can be part of your activities while you are here. Please note that all of the Stingray and dolphin activities are an extra charge and video or photos are allowed, during the activity or of the animals.

 

We were told to meet at the theater at 08:45 for the excursion. When you arrive at the theater, you need to get a number from the staff. This number your group. They will call by number and follow the MSC staff off the vessel. I told about 18 minutes before our group was called. We all left ship en was off in about 5 minutes. After that, we were standing on the dock for another 12 minutes. When the MSC staff counted in all we, all headed for the transport to the island. I saw three types of boat's that docked on the island. One was the tender type in two levels, other was glass bottom boat, the last was like speed boat without the speed. Embarking the tender was a complete circus, they only had and place to embark and people where are your manners. The boat will not leave before everyone is on board, nor will you get to the island faster. The ship took us on a ride from the dock passing the commercial port and then out on the sea. Island was reached in about 35 minutes. On the island, there was plenty of chair and umbrellas. As we arrived we were told that there was two times slots 12:30 and 14:30. 12:30 giving about 1:45 on the island. The beach is wonderful. Water was clear and a bit cold. The whole island is in perfect condition and very clean. Due to the fact this is a private island, prices for beverages and food items is a bit ridicules. 8 USD for a bottle of beer and 3 USD for water. 14 USD for a hotdog with a side of fries. We did not try any of the food items. We had 2 beers and they were super chilled. We enjoyed the sea and the sun and went back on the first ferry to Nassau. This time the boat docked just next to senior frogs.

We took a stroll down straw market. looked in a few shops, then straight back to ship for lunch.

[KeywestK]

Enjoying your trip report very much! Thank you for everything you are sharing, as it is helping with my planning for our December cruise.

 

 

Hope your travels back to Sweden were easy and uneventful!

[thegraminator]

Loving this review . Just to clarify , were you permitted to take photos on the stingray /dolphin excursion ? It is my understanding that you are not allowed to use your own camera . And I have heard their photos and videos are very expensive !

 

Please keep up your great review . I am learning so much . Thanks .

[swemto]

Not allowed to take any kind of photos or video with the stingrays or dolphins \

[thecruisers6]

Great review and a big help thank you. We were torn between the balmoral island excursion and a relaxing day in the colonial Hilton. Have just booked the Hilton [emoji3]

 

 

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[swemto]

On the last night, our baggage tags were delivered to our stateroom, they do it according to was floor you are on

 

We was in group red 1 , to late for us. We would like get off early. So i went down to guest relations. The had a few spots left in the self embarkation. So we took the latest time slot for express disembarkation. As stated we was in the theatre 06:45, group called at 07:00. On the curve 20 minutes later. Border control was super quick and no problems with customs. We waited for 30 minutes for the Alamo bus to go back to the airport. During the time we waited no bus. So we to a shared ride back to airport by one of all punters operating at the port. The cost was 10 usd per person. The people carrier was loaded up quickly and we was at the airport at 08:00

 

 

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[jimbri]

Enjoying your review!

[TonyLondon]

Great review! What time did tour bus leave for Orient Beach, I've seen tours that begin at 9am but that's when the ship is due to dock? For some reason I cant get the Shorefox website to work here in the UK, just gets stuck and have to close it down.

 

Tony

[swemto]

Great review! What time did tour bus leave for Orient Beach, I've seen tours that begin at 9am but that's when the ship is due to dock? For some reason I cant get the Shorefox website to work here in the UK, just gets stuck and have to close it down.

 

 

 

Tony

 

 

The bus was due to leave at 09:00. I had a email conversation with shorefox, and they said that everyone onboard the ship will get onboard the bus. They will wait for you. You have to state that you are arriving with a cruise ship. Regarding the shorefox website has problems. Try using the shorefox app or the mobile site using a smartphone if you got one of those. I am sure that you will love orient beach

 

 

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[swemto]

More daily programs

[Mattnvick]

Some random pictures from the ship

Can someone help me out? Where on the Divina is the above staircase? I don't recognize it at all.:confused:

 

Thanks V.

[Beamafar]

Can someone help me out? Where on the Divina is the above staircase? I don't recognize it at all.:confused:

 

Thanks V.

 

That's the staircase that leads from the casino to the lounge above.

[Mattnvick]

That's the staircase that leads from the casino to the lounge above.

 

I didn't even know the casino HAD a staircase. I guess thinking back we only went through there on the way from the theatre after the show's. I will pay better attn when we are on in November.

 

Thanks Bea.:)