We just finished our first cruise on the MSC Divina and we have mixed thoughts about the experience. First of all, we chose this ship because of its favorable pricing and good reviews. We selected a booking in the premium area of the ship, the Yacht club. Because of our levels achieved on other cruise lines, we were upgraded to the Voyager Club Black Card, the top level of special perks for MSC cruisers. That being said, we found it somewhat difficult to communicate with MSC prior to embarkation as their instructions for embarkation were vague and did not give us priorities as promised for Yacht Club and Black Card members. We printed tags for our bags that gave out room number and Black member, but the porter at the Miami port did not give us any priority. Later we discovered there was a special check in for Yacht Club, and fortunately, we were able to retreat to the original baggage area, retrieve our bags, and then go to the Yacht Club check in. Things did get better after that experience.

We were escorted by three different persons onto the ship and ultimately to our cabin. One thing I thought was missing was a tour of the Yacht Club as is standard protocol in the Haven on Norwegian. We then went for lunch at the Muse, a private restaurant for Yacht Club Members, strangely enough located completely at the rear of the ship. (the Yacht Club is in the front of the ship). The good thing about this was it gave us plenty of exercise walking back and forth to this special restaurant..

Before I go any further, I want to recognize the superb service we received in the Yacht Club. There were three outstanding staff in the Muse, Ronald, Faye Dianne and Anna. They were among the best we have encountered on any cruise ship. Yacht Club Bar Tender, Charlie, was outstanding as were all of the servers in the Top Sail Lounge. I would also like to compliment the Concierge in the Yacht Club, as well as out private butler, Eric. In truth, the service provided by these people and other staff members was the highlight of our cruise experience. Read more