Cruise Ship Reviews : MSC Cruises Reviews
Freespir8 saw things this way:
Excellent experience in the Yacht Club!, May 11, 2017
Reviewer: Freespir8
Pros: The Yacht Club is an experience not to be missed!
Cons: Nothing!
Departure port: Miami
Region visited: Caribbean - Eastern
Cabin category: Suite
Cabin number: 12004
We just got back from our cruise and had an amazing time! Everyone has been so helpful on the boards and reading everyone elses experience was instrumental in our choosing MSC. We are in our 40s and 50s and we usually cruise NCL and have enjoyed their laid back, casual style. We looked at NCL for our cruise as our first option and were shocked by the prices. The prices for suites had increased so much that it was now out of our price range. We needed to find another more affordable option. We were looking for a relaxing cruise with a lot of pampering and so we began our research here. We stumbled on MSC Yacht Club as a comparable option to the NCL Haven and decided to give it a try. Miami: We stayed at the Hampton Inn Brickell. It was a perfect location with plenty of shops and areas to eat right there at the hotel. Beds were comfortable and the free breakfast in the morning was extensive. We were really happy with our choice. It was a quick 10-minute Uber ride from the hotel to the Port. Embarkation: We pulled up to the port of Miami and looked for the white Yacht Club awning. Our bags were quickly tagged by the stevedore. A butler (who stays at Port, not on the ship) helped us with our first portion of check-in and whisked us into the terminal where we were then checked in and received our key cards. They had beverages and snacks in the terminal while we were waiting. The whole process took about 30 minutes from the time we arrived until we got onto the ship. Ship: The most beautiful ship I have been on. I had read that online and it is true. It was absolutely, spotless, EVERYWHERE. The one thing that really stood out was the quality of the carpet, the art work and the flooring etc. The Swarovski staircases were stunning. You really have to see it in person to get the true effect. It was interesting that I didnt see a garbage can anywhere on the ship and that being said there were never any garbage, plates or glasses on the floor or left around. They also pipe the MSC scent throughout the ship. It makes everything smell clean and fresh. Of course, I came home with two of the diffusers. Cabin: We booked the Executive Family Suite for the two rooms that it offered. The space was perfect for the three of us and provided tons of room for storage and sleeping. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the view from the front of the ship were incredible. The two drawbacks were that it did not have a balcony and it wasnt in the Yacht Club area. I did miss the balcony but would not have given up the extra space that we had in order to have one. We had great service but noticed that not being in the actual Yacht Club area meant that we had to call when we wanted our room made up. It wasnt a big deal but we are planning on being in the Yacht Club area on our next cruise. Food: We only ate at Le Muse (the restaurant specific for YC members), the One Pool Bar area and the Top Sail Lounge mainly because it had everything we needed. Normally we would have explored more of the ship and eaten at the buffet at least once but one of my sisters had injured her leg before the cruise so mobility was a little bit of an issue. The good news is that the food was so amazing at Le Muse that we didnt have a need to go anywhere else. We did receive a free dinner for two (Black Card status match) but after speaking with the matre d', he said the food we receive at Le Muse is the same if not better. So we decided to just stick with Le Muse. We had escargot and lobster one night..all cooked beautifully and free of charge. Their cheese plate was to die for and we must have had that at least 3 or 4 times. The specialty pasta that the matre d' cooks is not to be missed. We ordered pizza for room service twice and each time it was fantastic. GREAT authentic homemade pizzaI am still dreaming about it and I am not a pizza person. We had the BEST cheeseburgers at the One Pool. Oh, and dont miss the gelato. We ordered it at the One Pool but also were able to get it on deck 6. There were a lot more options on deck 6 and although it shows as a charge item, the amount was zeroed out because we were in the YC. All drinks were included across the ship as well. Service: We had amazing service throughout the entire cruise. People were friendly, personable and were genuinely trying to ensure we had a special vacation. We had to call the room steward a few times to have him clean our room but I think that was a result of being outside of the YC and it was easy to forget about us since we were on a different floor. Once we called, however, the response was immediate. We ordered lattes and chocolate croissants every morning and they arrived within 10 minutes of being ordered. We tried to tip our butler and he wanted to refuse the tip. here was just an overall feeling that we were being served and there were no other expectations to tip. This is different from how I have felt on NCL. Overall Impression: We loved MSC. We had the opportunity to meet with the captain for lunch. We still arent sure how or why we were asked. I asked about the pricing with the concern that they would do what NCL has done and he said that they will continue to stay below the market pricing. They are privately held so they have more flexibility when it comes to pricing. He also stated that they arent trying to cut corners or dilute their product to save money. They want to offer a quality vacation, at a good price, where they have customers that want to return. I felt that quality throughout and have already booked our next cruise for 2018 on the Seaside.
vicious743 saw things this way:
Italian crew should learn about service. They are cut and dried., August 7, 2014
Reviewer: vicious743
Pros: The Yacht Club
Cons: The Italian waiters at EATALY
Date of cruise: July 14, 2014
Departure port: Rio de Janeiro
Region visited: Caribbean - Eastern
Cabin category: Balcony
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
It lacks service and organization. Written policies don't really matter. Everything is permitted without any supervision....such as eating at the buffet without shirt and shoes, smoking where you are not supposed too, not wearing proper attire at the gym, barefoot is fine. Their webpage indicates that after 6 p.m. no shorts or flip flops are allowed in any bar and restaurant. The truth is that they don't care....shorts, jeans....whatever If the ship is overbooked, be prepared for masses in small pools, loud, loud, loud all day long...those animators seems never to get tired....I'd say, "Leave us alone for awhile...please no more music or screaming in five different languages.... I wanted to relax outside and it seems the only time was at night when it was quiet without screaming. Perhaps this cruise was too popular for my liking. The food was good, internet $300 for 24 hours....and it was a slow connection. There is nothing for free, aside from iced tea, lemonade, orange juice and passion fruit juice.
Jacqueline saw things this way:
When I become rich, I'm going to book the Sophia Loren suite on the MSC Divina., January 26, 2014
Reviewer: Jacqueline
Pros: Classy ship, yummy food, loved seeing old photos of long ago movie stars.
Cons: Dining room noise was very loud. Need more insulation or something in there.
Date of cruise: December 1, 2013
Departure port: Miami, Florida
Region visited: Bahamas
Cabin category: Balcony
Good for children: No
Good for teenagers: No
Nope, it wasnt my stateroom on my MSC Divina cruise. But I can dream, cant I? I did get to see the Sophia Loren Suite (Room 16007) and it is terrific. Just as I would have expected since it was designed by the legendary actress who is also the MSC fleets godmother. Located within the Divinas famous ship within a ship the MSC Yacht Club the suite has a rich luxurious red sofa and chairs, plus a lush red carpet topped by a swirly figured carpet in the living room. Situated far forward on the ship, the suite has balcony openings from both the bedroom and the living room. A bottle of champagne was cooling in a bucket when I was there, with two glasses ready for a toast. The bed has a plush red headboard, white bedcovers with a red fabric throw on the bottom of the bed and red pillows for accents. A replica of the special dressing table used in Sophia Lorens own dressing room has been fitted for an extra touch of glamour. My favorite dcor items are the stunning black-and-white photographs of Lorens most memorable movie roles decorating the walls. Movie buffs will love that, especially the one of Loren hoisting her honorary Oscar in 1991. She also won a 1962 Academy Award for best actress in Two Women. In the Yacht Club Library, you can browse through a selection of Sophia Lorens favorite novels. I think it would be fun to read the same 20 classics that sparked her imagination. Books often reveal something about the person who cherishes them so it might be possible to discover a little more about one of the greatest cinematic legends of all time. Seems hard to believe Italys own Loren will turn 80 this Sept. 20. Maybe she will want to celebrate with a cruise aboard the MSC Divina. My birthday is in September as well and a cruise sounds divine to me.
Jackieblog saw things this way:
The new MSC Divina is a welcome star for cruisers, January 9, 2014
Reviewer: Jackieblog
Pros: Decor of ship is beautiful and crew is excellent
Cons: I took a three-day cruise, really too short to get to know the ship in depth.
Date of cruise: November 1, 2013
Departure port: Miami, Florida
Region visited: Bahamas
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 9136
Good for children: No
Good for teenagers: No
The divine MSC Divina left Miami for her first voyage from her new home port in a dazzling display of fireworks. For ship captain Francesco Veniero, its a dream come true. I say mamma mia, he said. I never imagined that my dream would come true like this. Coming from a family of seamen, Veniero said his heart was always about the sea. But being able to captain the 4,345-passenger ship is a blessing he still cant believe. Now on a three-day Bahamian celebration cruise, the MSC Divina is the first MSC cruise ship to be based year-round in North America. Known as a diva like no other, the MSC Divina will call Miami her home. The family-owned company has 12 ships and is a major player in the European market, drawing cruisers traditionally from Italy, Germany, France and Spain. We have never forgotten where we come from and are proud to remain a family company, Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, told passengers. Born in the Mediterranean, these roots continue to inspire every journey we make. The companys goal is to greet each passenger with traditional Mediterranean hospitality. You will experience the regions celebrated values of authenticity, warmth and humanity and feel the Mediterranean spirit which reminds us that good food is a way of life and that following your heart is just as important as following your head. The MSC philosophy, Vaga said, is that life should be measured in moments, not minutes and that each of these moments should be savored. To help guest savor the experience, MSC Divina has seven restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, a bowling alley, casino, infinity pool, internet caf, theater, gym, spa and one of the most unusual staircases at sea. The Swarovski spiral staircase in the three-deck atrium contains almost 50 genuine European Swarovski crystals on each step. It felt like walking on jewels. Each of the ships 13 public decks is named for a god of ancient Greece Zeus, Apollo, Minerva, Cupid, Mercury, Aurora and so on. My cabin deck is Minerva and it is one of the most spacious cabins Ive seen on a cruise ship. It has a nice sitting area, a work desk, flat screen TV, big bathroom with a walk-in shower, plenty of floor space and a lovely balcony to watch the sea. The line is quite proud of its Italian flair but has made adjustments to attract passengers from the U.S. market. Most crewmembers are fluent in English. Announcements as well as signs, menus and other written material are in English as well as several European languages. Sports bars offer top games on TV. And the smoking policy is more American than European. The ship is primarily nonsmoking, except for certain decks, parts of the casino and a cigar bar.
MSC Divina reviews
Average customer rating:
4.27 / 5
4.27 / 5Average Rating based on 4 Reviews:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
4.25
5.00
4.25
4.00
4.00
5.00
4.00
2.50
4.25
5.00
4.25
4.00
4.00
5.00
4.00
2.50
4.25
Freespir8 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
5
5
4
5
5
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5
5
4
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5
Excellent experience in the Yacht Club!, May 11, 2017
Reviewer: Freespir8
Pros: The Yacht Club is an experience not to be missed!
Cons: Nothing!
Departure port: Miami
Region visited: Caribbean - Eastern
Cabin category: Suite
Cabin number: 12004
We just got back from our cruise and had an amazing time! Everyone has been so helpful on the boards and reading everyone elses experience was instrumental in our choosing MSC. We are in our 40s and 50s and we usually cruise NCL and have enjoyed their laid back, casual style. We looked at NCL for our cruise as our first option and were shocked by the prices. The prices for suites had increased so much that it was now out of our price range. We needed to find another more affordable option. We were looking for a relaxing cruise with a lot of pampering and so we began our research here. We stumbled on MSC Yacht Club as a comparable option to the NCL Haven and decided to give it a try. Miami: We stayed at the Hampton Inn Brickell. It was a perfect location with plenty of shops and areas to eat right there at the hotel. Beds were comfortable and the free breakfast in the morning was extensive. We were really happy with our choice. It was a quick 10-minute Uber ride from the hotel to the Port. Embarkation: We pulled up to the port of Miami and looked for the white Yacht Club awning. Our bags were quickly tagged by the stevedore. A butler (who stays at Port, not on the ship) helped us with our first portion of check-in and whisked us into the terminal where we were then checked in and received our key cards. They had beverages and snacks in the terminal while we were waiting. The whole process took about 30 minutes from the time we arrived until we got onto the ship. Ship: The most beautiful ship I have been on. I had read that online and it is true. It was absolutely, spotless, EVERYWHERE. The one thing that really stood out was the quality of the carpet, the art work and the flooring etc. The Swarovski staircases were stunning. You really have to see it in person to get the true effect. It was interesting that I didnt see a garbage can anywhere on the ship and that being said there were never any garbage, plates or glasses on the floor or left around. They also pipe the MSC scent throughout the ship. It makes everything smell clean and fresh. Of course, I came home with two of the diffusers. Cabin: We booked the Executive Family Suite for the two rooms that it offered. The space was perfect for the three of us and provided tons of room for storage and sleeping. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the view from the front of the ship were incredible. The two drawbacks were that it did not have a balcony and it wasnt in the Yacht Club area. I did miss the balcony but would not have given up the extra space that we had in order to have one. We had great service but noticed that not being in the actual Yacht Club area meant that we had to call when we wanted our room made up. It wasnt a big deal but we are planning on being in the Yacht Club area on our next cruise. Food: We only ate at Le Muse (the restaurant specific for YC members), the One Pool Bar area and the Top Sail Lounge mainly because it had everything we needed. Normally we would have explored more of the ship and eaten at the buffet at least once but one of my sisters had injured her leg before the cruise so mobility was a little bit of an issue. The good news is that the food was so amazing at Le Muse that we didnt have a need to go anywhere else. We did receive a free dinner for two (Black Card status match) but after speaking with the matre d', he said the food we receive at Le Muse is the same if not better. So we decided to just stick with Le Muse. We had escargot and lobster one night..all cooked beautifully and free of charge. Their cheese plate was to die for and we must have had that at least 3 or 4 times. The specialty pasta that the matre d' cooks is not to be missed. We ordered pizza for room service twice and each time it was fantastic. GREAT authentic homemade pizzaI am still dreaming about it and I am not a pizza person. We had the BEST cheeseburgers at the One Pool. Oh, and dont miss the gelato. We ordered it at the One Pool but also were able to get it on deck 6. There were a lot more options on deck 6 and although it shows as a charge item, the amount was zeroed out because we were in the YC. All drinks were included across the ship as well. Service: We had amazing service throughout the entire cruise. People were friendly, personable and were genuinely trying to ensure we had a special vacation. We had to call the room steward a few times to have him clean our room but I think that was a result of being outside of the YC and it was easy to forget about us since we were on a different floor. Once we called, however, the response was immediate. We ordered lattes and chocolate croissants every morning and they arrived within 10 minutes of being ordered. We tried to tip our butler and he wanted to refuse the tip. here was just an overall feeling that we were being served and there were no other expectations to tip. This is different from how I have felt on NCL. Overall Impression: We loved MSC. We had the opportunity to meet with the captain for lunch. We still arent sure how or why we were asked. I asked about the pricing with the concern that they would do what NCL has done and he said that they will continue to stay below the market pricing. They are privately held so they have more flexibility when it comes to pricing. He also stated that they arent trying to cut corners or dilute their product to save money. They want to offer a quality vacation, at a good price, where they have customers that want to return. I felt that quality throughout and have already booked our next cruise for 2018 on the Seaside.
vicious743 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
4
5
4
4
3
5
1
2
5
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2
Italian crew should learn about service. They are cut and dried., August 7, 2014
Reviewer: vicious743
Pros: The Yacht Club
Cons: The Italian waiters at EATALY
Date of cruise: July 14, 2014
Departure port: Rio de Janeiro
Region visited: Caribbean - Eastern
Cabin category: Balcony
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
It lacks service and organization. Written policies don't really matter. Everything is permitted without any supervision....such as eating at the buffet without shirt and shoes, smoking where you are not supposed too, not wearing proper attire at the gym, barefoot is fine. Their webpage indicates that after 6 p.m. no shorts or flip flops are allowed in any bar and restaurant. The truth is that they don't care....shorts, jeans....whatever If the ship is overbooked, be prepared for masses in small pools, loud, loud, loud all day long...those animators seems never to get tired....I'd say, "Leave us alone for awhile...please no more music or screaming in five different languages.... I wanted to relax outside and it seems the only time was at night when it was quiet without screaming. Perhaps this cruise was too popular for my liking. The food was good, internet $300 for 24 hours....and it was a slow connection. There is nothing for free, aside from iced tea, lemonade, orange juice and passion fruit juice.
Jacqueline saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
4
5
5
4
4
5
4
5
5
5
4
4
5
4
5
When I become rich, I'm going to book the Sophia Loren suite on the MSC Divina., January 26, 2014
Reviewer: Jacqueline
Pros: Classy ship, yummy food, loved seeing old photos of long ago movie stars.
Cons: Dining room noise was very loud. Need more insulation or something in there.
Date of cruise: December 1, 2013
Departure port: Miami, Florida
Region visited: Bahamas
Cabin category: Balcony
Good for children: No
Good for teenagers: No
Nope, it wasnt my stateroom on my MSC Divina cruise. But I can dream, cant I? I did get to see the Sophia Loren Suite (Room 16007) and it is terrific. Just as I would have expected since it was designed by the legendary actress who is also the MSC fleets godmother. Located within the Divinas famous ship within a ship the MSC Yacht Club the suite has a rich luxurious red sofa and chairs, plus a lush red carpet topped by a swirly figured carpet in the living room. Situated far forward on the ship, the suite has balcony openings from both the bedroom and the living room. A bottle of champagne was cooling in a bucket when I was there, with two glasses ready for a toast. The bed has a plush red headboard, white bedcovers with a red fabric throw on the bottom of the bed and red pillows for accents. A replica of the special dressing table used in Sophia Lorens own dressing room has been fitted for an extra touch of glamour. My favorite dcor items are the stunning black-and-white photographs of Lorens most memorable movie roles decorating the walls. Movie buffs will love that, especially the one of Loren hoisting her honorary Oscar in 1991. She also won a 1962 Academy Award for best actress in Two Women. In the Yacht Club Library, you can browse through a selection of Sophia Lorens favorite novels. I think it would be fun to read the same 20 classics that sparked her imagination. Books often reveal something about the person who cherishes them so it might be possible to discover a little more about one of the greatest cinematic legends of all time. Seems hard to believe Italys own Loren will turn 80 this Sept. 20. Maybe she will want to celebrate with a cruise aboard the MSC Divina. My birthday is in September as well and a cruise sounds divine to me.
Jackieblog saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
4
5
4
4
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
5
5
The new MSC Divina is a welcome star for cruisers, January 9, 2014
Reviewer: Jackieblog
Pros: Decor of ship is beautiful and crew is excellent
Cons: I took a three-day cruise, really too short to get to know the ship in depth.
Date of cruise: November 1, 2013
Departure port: Miami, Florida
Region visited: Bahamas
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 9136
Good for children: No
Good for teenagers: No
The divine MSC Divina left Miami for her first voyage from her new home port in a dazzling display of fireworks. For ship captain Francesco Veniero, its a dream come true. I say mamma mia, he said. I never imagined that my dream would come true like this. Coming from a family of seamen, Veniero said his heart was always about the sea. But being able to captain the 4,345-passenger ship is a blessing he still cant believe. Now on a three-day Bahamian celebration cruise, the MSC Divina is the first MSC cruise ship to be based year-round in North America. Known as a diva like no other, the MSC Divina will call Miami her home. The family-owned company has 12 ships and is a major player in the European market, drawing cruisers traditionally from Italy, Germany, France and Spain. We have never forgotten where we come from and are proud to remain a family company, Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, told passengers. Born in the Mediterranean, these roots continue to inspire every journey we make. The companys goal is to greet each passenger with traditional Mediterranean hospitality. You will experience the regions celebrated values of authenticity, warmth and humanity and feel the Mediterranean spirit which reminds us that good food is a way of life and that following your heart is just as important as following your head. The MSC philosophy, Vaga said, is that life should be measured in moments, not minutes and that each of these moments should be savored. To help guest savor the experience, MSC Divina has seven restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, a bowling alley, casino, infinity pool, internet caf, theater, gym, spa and one of the most unusual staircases at sea. The Swarovski spiral staircase in the three-deck atrium contains almost 50 genuine European Swarovski crystals on each step. It felt like walking on jewels. Each of the ships 13 public decks is named for a god of ancient Greece Zeus, Apollo, Minerva, Cupid, Mercury, Aurora and so on. My cabin deck is Minerva and it is one of the most spacious cabins Ive seen on a cruise ship. It has a nice sitting area, a work desk, flat screen TV, big bathroom with a walk-in shower, plenty of floor space and a lovely balcony to watch the sea. The line is quite proud of its Italian flair but has made adjustments to attract passengers from the U.S. market. Most crewmembers are fluent in English. Announcements as well as signs, menus and other written material are in English as well as several European languages. Sports bars offer top games on TV. And the smoking policy is more American than European. The ship is primarily nonsmoking, except for certain decks, parts of the casino and a cigar bar.
