MSC Divina Review
First Cruise with MSC and the Last; Not Family Friendly at All
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise line based on price point and the length of the cruise. Our travel agent had not cruised this line before, but the price and destination were perfect. There are pros, which I will cover first. I am widowed and sailed as a single adult with my two children, aged 19 and 12. We were on deck 9 (Minerva) in cabin 9045. The cabin was beautiful and well appointed. A few more outlets would have been nice, as there were two. The one in the bathroom never worked.
My first pro is embarkation. Very organized and quick. People completing the embarkation process were polite but firm in their instructions. For a first timer, this can be confusing, but within about one hour, we were on the ship. Once you arrive on the ship, you will be amazed at how beautiful it is. The ship is also VERY clean. Staff work incredibly hard to ensure that the entire ship is constantly being kept up. Their dedication and hard work amazed us from the moment we arrived until we left. So, there are a few more pros.
First con for my situation would be the "kid's club". My daughter was 11 at booking, 12 upon sailing. She has autism (very mild but a bit less mature than others her age) and I was assured she would be able to stay with the 11 year old children in the younger group. I signed papers and assured it was all set. When we arrived, I go to the group meet up for the first evening. The lady told me that my daughter was 12 and could not go. I had my letters and email copies, but she told me there was nothing she could do. The 12-14 and 15-17 year old groups were together all the time and there was no supervision. The older teens were using open, strong profanity and the lady in charge told me she was powerless over their behavior, unless it became physical. I tried to talk to someone at the concierge and was told that she was 12 and would not be able to stay with the 11 year old children, despite the emails and other assurances I had in writing. Disgusted, I took her with us and she missed out on all the activities. I am still angry that she missed out on all the fun she looked forward to all those months.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom
The cabin is of a very decent size. Traveling with two children, we made it work after getting the large bed broken into two twins and the sofa bed turned out for my daughter. They need more than two outlets as today's traveler has items that need to be charged. Someone was always left out. The pillows need to be BURNED! Worst pillow I have ever experienced. I used a sofa cushion after waking up with a terrible headache and pain after the first night. The afternoon before you leave, they send a note telling you they are going to lock your mini-bar and to call room service if you have an issue. I had medical supplies that needed to be kept cool and I spent two hours trying to get help so my meds wouldn't get locked. I was very upset and angry about this. They are very disorganized with this part of the cabin. Otherwise, clean and well taken care of. The beds are hard, but adequate. Lots of storage space and plenty of hangers and drawers. The safe is a nice touch.
Port Reviews
Miami
We did not take an excursion. We stayed in a hotel for the day and evening before the cruise. There was a shooting below during the fireworks that night and we were terrified to leave the hotel. Lovely way to start a vacation!