This was my first introduction to cruising and I am now a convert! Unfortunately all other cruises will be compared and found wanting :( The only let-downs were that both excursions I had booked were cancelled. Be aware too that you are usually required to pay for shuttles into the city unless the ship docks at a port where you are legally not allowed to wander around. These can be expensive, from 6 to 15 euros. Try and find a local free or cheap shuttle bus if you can.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Confusing. We turn up at the main cruise building, only to be directed down the road to a separate building. Would have been helpful to have signs at the main gate as there was building work being done and it was very inconvenient having to wheel suitcases up and down kerbs
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Bought a drinks package, well worth it. Be advised Divina lets you buy one package per cabin, rather than force all cabin occupants to buy one each. I believe this is a trial but should be done on all MSC ships.
Main dining rooms were great, especially our waiter. Buffet was usual cross between a prison riot and feeding time at the zoo, but the food was plentiful and always available. Big tick goes to Piazza del Doge, sandwiches and cakes always available and good to have a nightcap in after seeing the nightly show.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Pools were great, especially the adults-only Garden Bar - which was strictly enforced when some family with young kids came wandering in, completely ignoring the signs saying ADULTS ONLY. Unfortunately it is also home to smokers but them's the breaks. However the music could be a bit loud at times, and during busy periods there is a wait for drinks at the bar.
Reception Area
3 out of 5
There is always a scrum on embarkation day, not helped by there only being 1 cruise card activator and it being too close to reception area, causing crowding and queue-jumping. There should be more cruise activators on this level but not too close to reception.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Stage shows were amazing, 10/10. Especially the acrobatics, the gymnasts and the tumblers. Riz at the La Luna bar is a very talented guitarist.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Could not fault staff. Always friendly and helpful and ready to chat. Bombi the room steward did a great job with our room.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Sometimes hard to get to the main dining room as one entrance would be closed off and you would have to access it on another level.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Had not cruised before, but was impressed by the size and storage space. Had a porthole view. Room steward always kept it in tip-top shape.
Had booked an excursion, which was cancelled. Walked around the town instead, but being a Sunday it was mostly closed. Not a particularly exciting place. Extremely windy down by the sea.
We've been on the Divina three times and found it to be a pleasant cruising experience. We are glad to see that your experience was a good one as well. We thank you for sharing!
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