Less than impressed

Item: MSC Divina
Rating: 3.6
Author: taotkd

MSC Divina Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

taotkd

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 18

Overall rating:

3.6 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 01, 2024

Ship: MSC Divina

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: GUA

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

If you get a great deal, this is OK. Don't choose this one if you have a better cruise line at the same price, however. The ship is OK, the food is OK, and the service is extremely poor.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

A good thing was embarkation; the use of a QR code per passenger, and direct boarding onto the ship was great - especially if you carry your own luggage (we do).

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food in the buffet was good, fresh, and tasty...but without variety. Each day...the same thing. The logistics are very poor. There will always be crowds on a cruise ship - it's a given. But the traffic flow must be And service - well, it doesn't exist in the buffet. You'll face more traffic jams, collisions, etc. than in other cruise lines. And don't ask for coffee, beverages, etc. from the table staff that's cleaning tables; unlike other cruise lines, you're on your own. Weak vegetarian options other than lots of pasta and bread.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Excellent shows in the Pantheon Theatre; kudos to Bennie the Cruise Director and the entertainment staff. Also, good musicians scattered throughout the ship in the smaller bar venues.

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Our room steward was very nice...and provided the lowest level of service, and was the least engaged, of any cruise we've been on (> 10). You can't contact your steward directly (versus other cruise lines) - you have to call the reception desk. And you should NEVER have to be the one to tell your room steward that there's no toilet paper in your bathroom. - Service in the buffet = non-existent. - Service in the bars = basic. - Service from the staff around the staff = minimal. Basically, the move to 'prepaid tips' seems to have left the staff feeling "I'll show up, do my job, and that's enough." But it's not enough compared to other cruise lines.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Design is acceptable, but not great. Difficult logistics and traffic flows. The good news is that it's not too big. Cleanliness was fine, but not great.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Good sized balcony cabin, good sized balcony. Not kept too clean. Needed more outlets.