MSC Divina Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose MSC since we didn't want to witness more camouflaged-trunks-wearing dudes drinking bud lite and getting in drunken fights over college football. You know the line I'm talking about...There was none of that, thankfully.
Anyway, the ship itself is freaking immaculate, stem to stern. Unlike the vegas-themed cruise or the mouse-themed cruise, the Divina is old-world elegance and simplicity. The staff was great, but bear in mind this is a VERY international crew (and passengers too), so be prepared for misunderstandings. I'd say 70% spoke little English, but with a little patience you will get along just fine.
Shows. OMG the shows were great, didn't miss a single one. There must be about 30 full-time entertainers, everything from circus acrobats to classically trained ballerinas and opera singers. Every night is something completely different, and the auditorium is gorgeous. You will see them after the shows too, in the Black and White Lounge, dancing until 3 am. The entertainment director, Candice, is a human hurricane. As a strong adherent of the "white man shuffle" style of dance, Candice actually improved my moves. Somewhat.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom
Very clean, impressively so.
TV available, with some really odd channels late at night. Make sure you watch the cruise director's TV show every morning, he will scold you if you don't.
Roomy enough for two adults and a child to sleep comfortably, and not bump into each other (much).
Do yourself a favor and bring a few clothes hangars, some paracord for drying your suit on the balcony, and a few over-the-door plastic clothes hooks.
Port Reviews
St. Maarten
Went to Maho Beach on our own. Swimming was fine, beach was great, big tiki bar right next to the water. Oh, and giant airplanes every 5 minutes or so. Bring a camera.
San Juan
Took a rambling, self-guided walking tour of the city and old Castillo. The dock is right downtown, and the fort is about a 10 minute walk through the old city. The fort costs a few dollars, but definitely worth it.