Incredible Experience

Item: MSC Divina
Rating: 5
Author: gcmcintosh24

MSC Divina Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

gcmcintosh24

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

10 Night Western Caribbean & The Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 04, 2022

Ship: MSC Divina

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10228

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We cannot say enough good things about our experience. This was our first cruise, and doing so with five young kids was daunting. There were certainly hiccups throughout our 11 day experience, but MSC staff were always so incredible in helping rectify the issue in a manner that favored us as the customer. They took the stress away from traveling, and we were able to enjoy our experience unconditionally. Had an absolutely wonderful experience. Our agent Holly was absolutely amazing!! She helped us with countless questions and concerns prior to embarkation and she set the whole trip up for success.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Easier than expected. A misunderstanding regarding covid testing policy was alleviated quickly and MSC staff were very courteous.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Huge selection, great variety, wonderful quality. If you are American (as we are), expect some things to be different (aka the Mediterranean alternative to our Americanized expectations). We tried many things we never had before, and loved many of them instantly.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

We were unable to do everything we wanted despite having 10 days to try, but loved everything we were able to do. Sooo many shipboard activities and alternative options. Lots of emphasis on socializing and dancing. Good options for LGBTQ travelers (My wife and I met several who spoke highly of their experiences aboard), Safe and kid-focused environments located throughout the ship, Lots of singers and dancing opportunities! Encouraged my wife and I to take lessons.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

I took three of our daughters (ages 6-8) to one of the variety shows and they absolutely loved it. Lots of gymnastics, acrobatics, singing and slapstick humor. Very similar to an American Circus show. My wife and I attended the late night staff selection (another variety show with a slightly more adult theme), we thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely European in origin, they make a solid effort to Americanize. All the same, it was humorous and entertaining.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

We have five kids, ages 8, 7, 6, 2, and 1. The four older kids all begged to go every night. Good options on hours and schedules, the staff working with the kids were consistent and INCREDIBLE. Like, bring tears to your eyes watching your kids get involved. Can't say enough about how great an experience our kids had. Strong emphasis on opportunities to socialize with other children and create friendships.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

By the second day many of the environmental service and housekeeping staff had learned our routines, and started tailoring their service in our rooms. Beds would be arranged and made to our liking, room cleaned and arranged to our liking, # of towels provided, toiletries, all things the staff took time to customize. Very impressive processes, logistics and service. Not a single trashcan in sight onboard the ship! You just place your refuse on a table and a staff member will pick it up. My wife and I made a game of timing this in public spaces, and it never took longer than 30 seconds for a staff member to clear a table and wipe it down. Truly awesome.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

We learned the MSC Divina was the ship that launched MSC into the North American Market, and thus is among the oldest in its active Caribbean fleet. Despite this we found it to be in wonderful condition and of impressive scale and quality.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The seven of us shared two adjacent cabins, my wife and I with our two youngest, and our three older kids next door. There was a gate between the balconies that our housekeeping staff unlocked, so we were able to travel between rooms without going out in the hall, a huge benefit. This was my first cruise and I was deathly afraid of a child going overboard when we first embarked. Those fears alleviated quickly, the rails are high and sturdy on the balconies.

Ship tip

If you have kids, get a room in the lower decks (deck 8-10) in the mid or rear of the ship. Close to food and activities, and more quiet. The activities staff are insanely awesome (for all ages). Take the time to walk up to the 16th deck foreword of the Aqua Park, great view.

Thumbs up