With enhanced entertainment, tweaked menus designed to appeal more to the American palate and a crew hand-picked to offer a higher level of service, MSC Divina offers a Caribbean cruise experience that would feel right at home in the Mediterranean. Switzerland-based MSC Cruises doubled-down in the Caribbean in late 2013 with the MSC Divina, their largest and most cutting edge ship at the time. The Divina continues to sail a variety of Caribbean itineraries from Miami (including extended 14- and 21-night voyages), though it will be offering some Mediterranean itineraries in 2018. With rates that are often absurdly low compared to similar ships, the Divina a great value for cruisers who are open to new experiences and have the proper mindset and expectations. Plus, kids 11 and under sail free on MSC (and tweens and teens 12 to 17 sail at reduced rates), so Divina tends to attract plenty of families.
Stepping aboard MSC Divina feels akin to a luxury hotel in Italy, and there’s no other large cruise ship sailing from the US that looks quite like it. Throughout the ship, Italian sculpture and art lend an air of elegance, as do the photos of godmother Sophia Loren and other "divas" that inspired the name and décor. The most extravagant pieces of decor are the sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases that circle the lobby and atrium, creating a feel of class and luxury you rarely see on mainstream cruise ships.
But Divina isn’t all about looks, and there are plenty of activities to keep cruisers engaged throughout their sailing. Arts and Crafts, trivia, bingo, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, and Italian lessons are regularly on the schedule. A unique offering is the Wine Maker Experience, where each participant receives a bottle of their custom-created wine with personalized label. The kids programs feature I Puffi (the Italian name for The Smurfs) and a partnership with Lego. Grafitti’s teen club is a perfect hideaway for tweens and teens. Adults Virtual World, home to a Formula 1 racecar simulator and a 4D cinema, offering about 6 different movie rides.
The MSC Divina’s entertainment is some of the best and most diverse at sea. There’s a new show every night, each one a high-quality production featuring variety acts like acrobats, magicians, and even vaudeville-type artists. The larger-than-life Michael Jackson Starwalker caps off the cruise in style on the final night.
Of the four specialty dining venues on Divina, Eataly Steakhouse is by far the buzzed about. Other restaurants of note include The Eataly Pizzeria, which serves handmade-to-order thin-crust pizzas, and the Calumet and Manitou Buffets, where for 20 hours out of the day, passengers can order yet more superb pizza, plus burgers and a wide assortment of international cuisine. Freshly-made Venchi gelato is available both on the pool deck and in the Piazza del Doge lounge for small price.
Staterooms on MSC Divina are typical in size and amenities. Bathrooms are relatively spacious and offer a slightly larger than normal shower with swinging plastic doors rather than a curtain. Two outlets are provided by the desk, and an (a la carte) mini bar is stocked regularly. The MSC Yacht Club is a dedicated, key-card access space exclusively for suite passengers located at the front of the ship. Yacht Club guests enjoy access to a private lounge, restaurant and pool courtyard and have the services of a concierge and private butler available.
