We are just home having spent an enjoyable week cruising the Med on MSC Divina. It certainly is a Divine ship, so beautiful and it would be very hard to find any fault with the ship itself. However the issues we did have were a disappointment but we didn't let them spoil our holiday. These issues were with the seating in the Dining room and the attitude of the staff. We must have been one of the first to book up for this date of the cruise and my husband had requested a table for two. When arriving we found ourselves put on a table for 6 but on our own. We felt this wasn't what we had asked for and on speaking to the Head Waiter were then put on a table for two, squashed in between two big tables and also right at the end of the staff servery, facing a black wall and we were definitely imposing on both of the tables to our sides. It was also obvious that they were annoyed at our request. What annoyed us even further was the fact that in the window behind us were two tables for two which remained empty the whole of our stay. On asking the Head Waiter if we could move to one of these we were very abruptly told "NO". Our chambermaid was wonderful and looked after our room well and the waitresses in the coffee bar with the cakes and ice creams were lovely too. Our waiters in the restaurant Villa Rossa were good (apart from Head Waiter and Maitre De who had a big, bad attitude). One or two of the bar men were really funny, however a large number of staff need a lesson in customer satisfaction and friendly approach. We also went for the Allegressimo Premium package which was quite a large extra cost only to be told they were running out of Beer and wine on the last couple of days of the cruise. As we were not huge drinkers thought this was pretty poor too as they stopped at ports most days. Read Less

My husband and I were offered this cruise at a very good price, of which we were a bit sceptical, but we need not have worried. We also took out the Allegressimo package for our drinks, a must if you like a drink or two. We booked a balcony cabin but on receiving our tickets were pleasantly surprised to have been given a suite! Our cabin steward I Made Awan (Madie) was excellent. Only disappointment no animal towels. We were on Deck 10 and had some of the best views of being in port and were able to watch the pilot leave the ship on a few occasions. Having been upgraded to the suite also meant we were upgraded on our restaurant and were given La Pergola restaurant with anytime dining. This I am sure contributed to our overall expierience. The food here was excellent. The wine on the package that is offered here in the restaurant is also very palatable. I particularly liked the sparkling and the Merlot. The service from the waiters was of a high standard with some being nicer than others. Entertainment comes in various locations on the ship and I would say caters for most tastes, with a continental leaning. We did not visit the theatre but understood from fellow passengers that the booking system left a lot to be desired together with the variety of the shows and that they were short in duration. Deck 11 and 12 are the outside areas and the pool deck I felt was one of the best I have seen. Sunbeds were always available even on days when you had been ashore. Shore excursions rarely entice us in, but given we were docking at Salerno we did do the Amalfi coast tour by sea. Otherwise we just did our own thing, but felt that the shuttle bus charges were on the high side. I would certainly cruise with MSC again . Read Less

Seasoned travellers the check-in was efficient and hassle free, ship's staff at the terminal desks were friendly, cheerful and helpful. MSC ARMONIA. SAFETY: The vessel was spotless throughout, an ex seafarer it is reassuring to note the wonderful condition of emergency equipment and lifeboats all carefully greased and ready for operation. On arrival life boat station muster point was on the boat deck where one would board the emergency boats, instead of being shown to a lounge four decks below. CABIN: Spotless tidy and efficient. DINING: Meals in the restaurant were enjoyable, nice variety and well presented. ENTERTAINMENT: Very good a lot of effort and planning to ensure we had a performance every evening. SIGNAGE: Clear and very well sign-posted. Very Good. SUMMARY: Notes to be considered. a) Travel to embarkation Port/Disembarkation Arrived at Genoa airport the distance to La Spezia was quite considerable, sadly no offer was made regarding transportation on joining or leaving the vessel. b) Shuttle Bus, after queuing to purchase tickets on board the vessel, it was necessary to Queue once again on the quay which was delayed as many passengers chose to buy their Ticket thus delaying boarding of buses, as the lady had to write details. Make two queues On the quay so that those with tickets could board the bus more promptly. c) LIFTS: it is noted each stairwell is listed 1 to 7, it would be wonderful if you would consider numbering your lifts 1 to 4, although I feel it would be wonderful to name each Elevator signboard from forward to aft, ALPHA - BETA - CHARLIE - DELTA. Thank you for An excellent experience, we look forward to our next two cruises, the latter of which we have successfully managed to book a suite on deck 12. Hoping for an upgrade on our October Cruise to South Africa. No one has reason to complain. Our sincere thanks to Staff for a job well done. Thank you. With Kind Regards, Andrew & Linda Read Less

This was our first cruise ever. We are seniors and were on a month long vacation of Europe. The excursions were the reason that we booked this cruise. The excursions were wonderful and what we expected. The excursion person that we went to was Mahmoud Ewes and he was great and always set us up on the correct excursion for what we were looking for. The food was OK but nothing great. Service in the main dinning room was great. Our waiter Michael Janner was great. The ship was clean. Our room was very nice and clean. Our housekeeping person Gladwys was great. Always right there to take care of the room. We as Americans learned that we are too kind and passive. We were trampled, shoved, elbowed, stepped in front of while in lines. The ship had the rudest people we have ever encountered. Entertainment on board was not good. Shows were short and not much to them. There was a band on one level that played 60 and 70's music that was very good. Read Less

Just back from Divina, not sure why there seem to be so many negative reviews. From the start things seem to go incredibly well, we flew from Gatwick; bit of a long drive from home but the BA flight took off on time. Bit of a tip, take your own food for the flight; the in-flight meal doesn't get much worse. We landed early at Genoa and as if a miracle our bags came off together within the first ten bags. The transfer to La Spezzia is quite long about 1 hour 20 min, but when at the port were onboard in under 15 mins. The cabin (12169) was large with a large balcony and good size shower room, it was kept clean throughout the trip but a bit of a negative was that the steward never introduced him/herself; and never appeared during the cruise. The ship itself was to the usual high standard of decor and cleanliness, though some attention needs to be given to the toilets in the busy areas; though this can be a little down to the misuse by passengers. Everyone is interested in the food, it is of a good standard in the MDR, and I wonder what some of the complainers eat at home. The buffet is busy at breakfast and lunch but we never had any problems finding a seat, it may seem strange to some people but you can share a table with others; you may meet some nice people. We found if you went to the back of the ship there was always plenty of tables, and some nice Asian food at that end. Our waiting team in the MDR "Radimin and Richard" were first class and I couldn't praise them higher. I did pass this on to the head waiter and hope they will get some recognition. Please, please, please use the hand gel for everyone's health. We found the entertainment to be of a very high standard. We spent most evenings in the Piazza del Doge, just aft of the casino. The act there was "Carey and Daniel" don't miss them if you go on the ship before October. The bar waiting staff in there were very attentive, remembering your preferences and giving advice. Get the allegrisimo package it is well worth it. We didn't see all the shows but the ones we did see were first class, in particular the Michael Jackson tribute and the Witches of Paris. Ports of call were Cannes, it does not advertise tenders but this is the way you get ashore; once there you are in the centre of town. We only landed at Palma around 2pm though it stays late, the afternoon can be a bit of a rush and the port is a way from the city. Next was Barcelona, the shuttle is 8:50 euro, it is walkable about 30 mins but the city is large and you may not have the impetus to walk back. We then had a day at sea before reaching Naples in the morning. The port is in the centre of the city and the ferry for Capri or Sorrento is next to the ship. You can get the train to Pompeii but the station is at the other end of town. You can get a taxi or the tram to the station but make sure you go to the lower level for the local train to Sorrento. The station for Pompeii stops at the entrance gate. Next port was Civitavecchia for Rome, there is not a lot at the port but there is a free shuttle bus to the port gate. Rome is about 1 hour 20 mins, though you can get the train in about half that time. We landed back in La Spezzia and disembarkation was very smooth, cases were in a room at the side of the ship and the transfer bus was at the side of this. We arrived at the airport in good time and used the MSC free lounge and roof terrace. Boarding went well and we took off about 10 mins early, we made good time back to Gatwick and yet another miracle; our cases came off together within the first 10 bags. Try not to make too much of negative reviews and don't knock it till you have tried it. Read Less

Just back from Divina, not sure why there seem to be so many negative reviews. From the start things seem to go incredibly well, we flew from Gatwick; bit of a long drive from home but the BA flight took off on time. Bit of a tip, take your own food for the flight; the in-flight meal doesn't get much worse. We landed early at Genoa and as if a miracle our bags came off together within the first ten bags. The transfer to La Spezzia is quite long about 1 hour 20 min, but when at the port were onboard in under 15 mins. The cabin (12169) was large with a large balcony and good size shower room, it was kept clean throughout the trip but a bit of a negative was that the steward never introduced him/herself; and never appeared during the cruise. The ship itself was to the usual high standard of decor and cleanliness, though some attention needs to be given to the toilets in the busy areas; though this can be a little down to the misuse by passengers. Everyone is interested in the food, it is of a good standard in the MDR, and I wonder what some of the complainers eat at home. The buffet is busy at breakfast and lunch but we never had any problems finding a seat, it may seem strange to some people but you can share a table with others; you may meet some nice people. We found if you went to the back of the ship there was always plenty of tables, and some nice Asian food at that end. Our waiting team in the MDR "Radimin and Richard" were first class and I couldn't praise them higher. I did pass this on to the head waiter and hope they will get some recognition. Please, please, please use the hand gel for everyone's health. We found the entertainment to be of a very high standard. We spent most evenings in the Piazza del Doge, just aft of the casino. The act there was "Carey and Daniel" don't miss them if you go on the ship before October. The bar waiting staff in there were very attentive, remembering your preferences and giving advice. Get the allegrisimo package it is well worth it. We didn't see all the shows but the ones we did see were first class, in particular the Michael Jackson tribute and the Witches of Paris. Ports of call were Cannes, it does not advertise tenders but this is the way you get ashore; once there you are in the centre of town. We only landed at Palma around 2pm though it stays late, the afternoon can be a bit of a rush and the port is a way from the city. Next was Barcelona, the shuttle is 8:50 euro, it is walkable about 30 mins but the city is large and you may not have the impetus to walkback. We then had a day at sea before reaching Naples in the morning. The port is in the centre of the city and the ferry for Capri or Sorrento is next to the ship. You can get the train to Pompeii but the station is at the other end of town. You can get a taxi or the tram to the station but make sure you go to the lower level for the local train to Sorrento. The station for Pompeii stops at the entrance gate. Next port was Civitavecchia for Rome, there is not a lot at the port but there is a free shuttle bus to the port gate. Rome is about 1 hour 20 mins, though you can get the train in about half that time. We landed back in La Spezzia and disembarkation was very smooth, cases were in a room at the side of the ship and the transfer bus was at the side of this. We arrived at the airport in good time and used the MSC free lounge and roof terrace. Boarding went well and we took off about 10 mins early, we made good time back to Gatwick and yet another miracle; our cases came off together within the first 10 bags. Try not to make too much of negative reviews and don't knock it till you have tried it. Read Less

The newly rennovated ship was done very well - superb. We did find however that the staff weren't quite so accommodating and helpful / friendly as on previous ship (MSC Lirica 7 days prior to this one). Food was great. Entertainment - we didn't experience a lot of it due to the huge time gap between finishing dinner (early sitting) and the shows which didn't start until 10pm. We feel that is way too late as we were out from dinner by 8.30pm, hence booking on the early dinner so we could go to shows!! We have been on 7 other cruises and have to say our biggest complaint was the fact that there was no 'adult only' pool for swimming or even a time scheduled for adults only. All other cruise lines we've been on have had specific areas for adults only for swimming. Due to the fact it was high season (only time we could go) there were a huge number of families on board. Due to the heat we were swimming daily but it certainly wasn't a pleasurable experience. All we encountered were children jumping into the pool all over the top of you grrrrrrr!!!!!! There should definitely be designated areas / times for adults only. All in all we enjoyed the cruise, however we did anticipate there being more English speaking guests on board but in saying that it may have been due to the area we were cruising in and not the cruise line for the reason that there were such a small percent of English speaking people on board. Cruises are a great way of meeting people when travelling just as a couple but not in this case due to language barriers. Read Less

This was my first cruise and I have to say, I'm off to a good start! The cruise route sailed around the Med calling in La Spezia, Mallorca, Ibiza, Olbia and Slareno, and lasted 7 nights. First things first, we were welcomed onto the ship and pointed in the right direction towards our cabins which were kept very well clean and tidy, with plenty of room. We headed out to explore the ship and there was a floor plan of every floor in every stairwell, making it essentially impossible to get lost and easy to navigate. We were booked into the restaurant Marco Polo, which served a decent range of high end, very good food. The waiters were incredibly pleasant and attentive. The shows in the theatre Fenice were of good quality, and just seemed to get better each night! There was a different themed party each night, either in the Bar del Duomo or by the pool, and the events were fun and creative, although it would have been ideal to know the themes before we left as we could have packed appropriately, eg all white for the 'white party'. The entertainment staff were great and always kept a smile on your face. Most of the bar staff were good at their job, however a few had there favourites, and weren't very subtle about it either, and would serve their mates before the bar-long queue, one fellow repeatedly did this in the disco, and would serve all the pretty young girls who had just walked up (this was quite irksome as I waited around half an hour at the bar at one point). The disembarkation was relatively smooth, however there was only one attendant jumping between 2 coaches trying to load up which made things take a lot longer than necessary. The last fault I found was not necessarily the staff's fault, but some of the customers were incredibly rude and seemed a bit dull, an example of which was when I was reading a map a couple just walked in front of me to read it themselves, blocking my view. Kids were talking in the theatre and their parents seemed to just leave them to it. Again, there isn't much staff can do in all of these situations, it just seems to be a European thing. The excursions would be on every day except Wednesday when we were sailing, and gave you the option of coach journeys to landmarks. They seemed a bit pricey for what they were, and in Ibiza found a boat taxi next to the port which took us straight to the town for a much lower price. I wasn't too sure as to whether the drinks package would be worth it, however after counting up all my receipts I'm definitely glad I bought it! It made the holiday a lot less stressful as I never had to worry about forking out extra for drinks, and saved just under half the price of the package as a result. The best part I would say was the animation team, who had events and competitions running a lot of the time, and were great at crowd pleasing. Overall, it was one of my favourite holidays to date, and I would very well consider it again! Read Less

I will start by saying this was our 57th cruise and the first time on MSC. Never again. Definitely not the kind of cruise we are acustomized to. Although we did pay a really fair price for the cruise please beware. They will nickle and dime you to death. They did not even give you free coffee or water with your dinner. You had to pay extra for both. The excursions were quite pricey and they really didnt give you much time at port. They fail to tell you that in the 4 hour tour 2 hours of it is spent on the bus. The food was of poor quality. Tough beef, runny eggs, watered down juice, mud coffee , same menu in the restaurant at lunch everyday and not too many choices on the dinner menu. Very boring.... The shows were lame and very short. Very amateur singers and dancers. Our room steward did a great job and was friendly however the rest of the staff was not. They just were not helpful. I was very disappointed. My husband and I go on approx. 3 cruises a year and unfortunately MSC will not get any more of our money. Do yourself a favor spend a few extra bucks and sail Royal Caribbean or Princess they dont disappoint. Read Less