MSC Divina Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our first cruise with MSC. We were initially attracted by their loyalty club matching program ( make arrangements on-line before boarding), and also, the length of the cruise.
Things got off to a rocky start, with boarding taking almost three hours. The passenger line snaked through two entire terminals, with no announcement as to what was causing the delay. Preferred loyalty status (Black Card) only helped when you got within about 50' from the check-in area, but then, only one computer terminal was in operation there. Given the situation, however, most people were very patient except for a few "line jumpers".
Once on board, my first impression was that the Divina was a lovely ship. It has modern decor, predominantly in shades of rust, greys and browns. There are mirrors and glass everywhere (these are throughout the ship and spotless!). The glass fronted elevators gave a stunning view of the reception area which was tastefully decorated for the holidays. The Swarovski staircase is the focal point in the atrium and seemed, throughout the cruise, to be the favored destination for photos.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom
very small with no seating other than bed, tiny balcony, limited clothes storage, comfortable bed, quiet, clean, attractively decorated, well controlled temperature, convenient to elevator
Port Reviews
Cartagena (Colombia)
I think there is still a lingering fear about this port. We do enjoy the bird exhibition at the port greeting area but have no desire to explore further.
Aruba
a lovely downtown area within easy walk of the ship
Curacao
A very pretty town with pastel buildings and a European flair. Boats with fruit and vegetable vendors line some of the canal sidewalks.The swinging bridge is one of the most interesting highlights as are some of the incredible private yachts which are docked there.
Grand Turk
This is a tiny port with a very welcoming greeting complex fronted with a clean, free, beach area where swimmers can take advantage of the beautifully clear water and sunbathers can just enjoy the sun. There is also a swimming pool. All the usual shopping stores can be found here as well as a some unique shops (flip-flop repair),bars, and eateries. You can see across the entire island so there is really not much to explore on an excursion. It seems more like a ship's private island.
Nassau
Once is enough! We did not even get off the ship here. I saw, for the first time, there are warnings of crime against tourists at this port. The straw market, however, is a good place for souvenirs.
Miami
Crazy traffic. Expensive port parking.