First...a little about us....We have been on over 40 cruises...mostly with Carnival, Royal, NCL....I became a travel agent this past year...We LOVE cruising....everyone is a different experience. Like YOU, we check this page to "see" what folks are saying about the ship we are about to take...This MSC Cruise was our 2nd , our first being on the MSC Fantasia in Europe. We went all out with the european cruise and went Yacht club. Funds were still a little low so we took and inside and only paid about $80 for an inside cruise....great price for a seven day cruise. You have to know YOURSELF...and your EXPECTATIONS.....we are not picky folks, but since we have been on so many...its hard NOT to compare...so here goes.

I have to say that with all the negative comments about the Davina, we were a little worried. This cruise line is all about the EUROPEAN experience....they do things a little different...so LEARN about them before you go...this boat is a CLASSICAL BOAT....you will find folks singing operatic songs....in both the bars and the shows. The Michael Jackson show had two ballet dancers in it....again...a little different....but DIFFERENT is NOT BAD. Here are some of the Differences I found....Please note....I'm not complaining....they are just differences

Instead of ketchup bottles in the buffet...they have the packets....instead of Cream, half and half for coffee....they have hot milk and the small creamers that come in those small plastic containers....the elevators are spread apart...so you have to notice which one is coming up....and may have to run from one side to catch your elevator...Suggestion...Stand back so you can "see" all the elevators at one time....Most folks that go on this ship are European....so there will be lots of folks that speak in a different language...I would say on this sailing...80% European...20% american. The food....was very good....not every night...but overall....very good....menu's are varied...everything ITALIAN...was excellent...pasta, desserts and PIZZA. best Pizza ever on a ship..the buffet is kind of "chopped up"....into sections...salads, beverage, grill, etc...and run down both sides of the ship....sometimes it can get crowded in there....relax...your on a cruise...at tea time...around 3-4pm..they put out cookies...the kids...have their own buffet section which is really nice. They have added juice and Ice tea to make us americans happy in the buffet area....in Europe....water in the dinning room is by bottle only....still or bubbly...but you have to pay for it....here on the Davina...the waiters pour tap water into your glasses...see...they are trying to make us American happy! Read more