My husband and I have been on over 30 ocean cruises and 3 river cruises, so we consider ourselves somewhat experts on large and small vessels and what to expect. We loved the MSC Divina. Ignore the whiners - they will never be happy on any vacation, because a vacation is what you make it and if you dwell on the occasional negative experience, you will never have fun anywhere.

When on a huge ship, except crowds at certain times, like buffets and leaving a theatre. You are part of the crowd, so don't get anxious. If you want less people, cruise on a smaller ship. If you can't find something delectable to eat at every meal, you will never be pleased and there is no hope for you. I wonder what's in your fridge?

The Divina is a gorgeous, modern ship, incredibly clean with very attentive and friendly staff. Embarkation was quick and we were on the ship by noon and had our cabin by 2:30. We always pick a cabin with a balcony as we love to relax when the ship is sailing and enjoy the fresh air and lapping of the waves. We were on the 12th deck, so had a wonderful unencumbered view of the ocean. Read more