Need2cruisefamily Cruise Review on MSC Divina on Oct 14, 2017

Item: MSC Divina
Rating: 3
Author: Need2cruisefamily

MSC Divina Cruise Review

Need2cruisefamily

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Reviews: 7

Helpful Votes: 69

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Sail date: October 14, 2017

Ship: MSC Divina

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

We just arrived home from our 7 day western carribean cruise on the Divina. It's a very glitzy ship, and seems to have been designed to catch your eye in every aspect of it. The ship itself while a little choppy in layout I would give a solid 5 stars. The reason for 3 stars, the crew. most we moderately nice, nothjing outstanding. Bar staff were very bland, just take your drink and move on type. I feel because of the promotions most had with this cruise on drinks. Our room steward was not good at all, no out out animals for the kids, couldn't remember their names, and we were always having to ask to have the kids bed put out. Then the rules and regulations with timing in the main dining room. With port days until 530, trying to squeeze enough time to do your shore excursions and make it to 1st seating with 2 children was tough as if you're 17 minutes late they have no issues sending you to the buffet to ingest 8 trillion mg of salt. This same issue is encountered with all meals in the main dining room, we always felt like we were rushed doing other things to get there to eat in fear of being turned away. I mean yes it's clearly posted of the serving times but traveling with kids it becomes a hassle of making the strict "curfews". Then lastly not enough communication from the cruise director or anyone for that matter. Any other cruises I've been on they were announcing activities and reminders throughout the day, on here make sure you have your daily guide readily available to find out what's going on or you will miss a lot of fun activities. I would cruise again with them, but just won't go in with high expectations. I always felt on edge and couldn't relax making sure I kept up with the activities and time. I like that about NCL, it's a freestyle cruise line and they don't have many holding you back stipulations.

7 Comments

Need2cruisefamily 6 years ago

I agree with the anytime dining option, when it's available. Value per dollar the cruise was fine. It was an inexpensive 7 night cruise in a balcony room for a family of 4 at 1/3 the cost of our regular cruise line. It's the dining room where we always experienced the nicest people on the ship and go figure they're the most worked, but on this ship that's not the case. It shows that they are exhausted and not happy.

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maryrunyon 6 years ago

I'm booked on Seaside. I've cruised with several other lines. I learned not to have assigned seating so I don't ever have to hurry. I'd rather eat at buffet on my time or order room service.

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Need2cruisefamily 7 years ago

GIL yes that is also the case with our cruise as well. Maybe it's the reason for fewer announcements.

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Need2cruisefamily 7 years ago

Harly as long as you're not on there I certainly will! It was just my opinion, just like yours. I certainly didn't think it was horrendous, it was just not like any other cruise we've been on. Just as reviews are, they may help others with the same situation with kids. So thank you for your tip of staying on NCL as that is my favorite cruise line I appreciate it.

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GIL155 7 years ago

One of the big MSC complaints I hear is TOO many messages in TOO many languages. Also, that is a LOT of salt to ingess in one meal. Can you say briny sea??

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harlyri11323146 7 years ago

Why come back if it’s that horrendous stay on NCL , we loved MSC ,

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

Just so you know all the lines except NCL are stricter now with dining Times. I know Carnival and Royal are that is why "anytime dining" gives you the flexibility. Down side to it is if there aren't tables available you have to wait. When traveling with our children I prefer the early dining as well; we just make sure we are back onboard around 4 which gives us 2 hours to get ready and arrive in our assigned dining room.

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