MSC Divina Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Looking for a quick get-away and wanting to try a new cruise line (our 11th different line), we jumped on a deal for a Bahama cruise on the MSC Divina. Coming off a Cunard Transatlantic two weeks before, this would be interesting to compare the two. Spoiler Alert: Divina outshone Cunard in service and entertainment. We has their Aurea experience package which got us early embarkation and debarkation plus any-time dining. Here's a synopsis:
Embarkation: Easy and fast. We had a 10am boarding time and were onboard by 10:20. Covid tests were checked, health questionnaire were collected. No lines, little wait. Beats the 3 hours embarkation on Cunard.
Ship: For our sailing we had approximately 900 passengers (up from the 600 of a week before) and far fewer than the expected 2100+ for the next sailing. The smaller crowds made the ship feel almost empty at times. No wait times in buffet, no lack of seating at the theater or any of the lounges. Easy on and off, no lines. The ship itself can be a bit confusing navigating and we were constantly having the consult the maps by the elevators (no paper map provided unfortunately). The corridors getting to the staterooms is a maze of turns. The decor was primarily Italian (duh) however the pictures of American Indians in the buffet were a bit baffling (we decided a tribute to Italian spaghetti westerns). Theater is open design with no pillars to block views. Very clean, well maintained.
Cabin Review
Grand Suite Aurea
Cabin was Grand Suite. Fantastic room (has a nice seating area (couch, two armed chairs, table, mini fridge, plenty of storage including side by side closet); Bathroom (outside the bedroom) was nicely and bright, the con being European style bathtub/shower combo with half glass. Not a fan of their choice of shower head but the water pressure was consistent and plenty of hot water. Shampoo and Body Wash is in the canister style. We had to ask for handsoap (little bars reminded me of motels) and no lotion provided (or any other amenity). There's a true walk in closet. The bedroom has two set of windows opening up to the front of the ship and the side balcony. Very private. Plenty of drawers and another TV. Balcony for this room is long but very narrow. There's a space for two chairs and a table/foot rest. Directly under the bridge fly-wing so very private area. Of course with some front facing space you'll get hammered by the wind. Rug was a bit worn and cushion on the couch (which doubles as a pullout bed) just didn't fit well and kept slipping off.
Port Reviews
Nassau
Not my favorite (never has been). Be prepared to be hounded by those wanting to sell you tours of course. Shopping is pretty much like any port. We did stumble onto a grocery store just left out of port and down about a mile or so. Good place to buy some water or soft drink.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Clean with some good beaches. Very walkable, some shade not much (consider a cabana rental). Some nice shops and good ice cream.