When the MSC Divina set sail on a three-day debut voyage from Miami to the Bahamas a couple of months ago, most passengers were getting their first introduction to not only the Divina, but MSC Cruises as well.
The Divina is the first of the Italian cruise line’s 12 ships to be based in North America. Initially named the Fantastica, the ship was renamed in honor of the fleet’s godmother — Italian actress and diva Sophia Loren.
When a ship positions itself as a diva — along the caliber of Loren, no less — there are certain expectations that come with it: luxury accommodations and amenities, impeccable hospitality (and pampering) and a dining experience that exceeds typical cruise fare. For the most part, the Divina doesn’t disappoint. Even more so if you’re a guest staying on one of the decks of the MSC Yacht Club.
But even if you aren’t staying in the exclusive Yacht Club with its spacious designer suites, 24-hour butler service, private restaurants, lounge and pool, life aboard the Divina is still pretty good.
With eight restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, a casino, a teen club, 4-D cinema and bowling alley, there’s plenty to do on board when you’re at sea or even at port.
The MSC Divina offers seven-night cruises almost year-round to the eastern and western Caribbean, with stops at ports such as St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. In mid-April, the ship will embark on an 18-night voyage from Miami to Venice, Italy.
Here are some of the highlights of MSC’s newest ship:
Accommodations
The MSC Divina offers a grand entrance to its beautiful vessel with crystal staircases and elegant decor. With 1,751 staterooms, guests can choose from the interior stateroom (138 to 159 square feet) to one of the Yacht Club suites that range from 295 to 547 square feet — not including the balcony, some of which are bigger than an interior stateroom. Most people will find themselves booking either the balcony stateroom (182 to 317 square feet) or the oceanview stateroom (130-215 square feet). For those who are able to splurge, the Sophia Loren royal suite is self-explanatory, with its deep red sofas and pillows. Designed by Loren herself, the suite features iconic black-and-white portraits of the film star who reportedly replicated elements of her studio dressing room.
Entertainment
The Divina has 18 bars and lounges and, of course, a casino. So what’s your fancy? The gluten-free Divina Bar, the Cigar Lounge or one of the jazz or sports bars? If none of those suits you, put on your dancing shoes and head to the panoramic Galaxy club or simply take it easy at the La Luna piano bar or enjoy wine tastings at La Cantina di Bacco. From 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., there’s some bar or lounge open even if all you want to do is grab cappuccino at Caffe Italia or a fruit smoothie at the bar at the Aurea Spa.
For those who want to just relax at the pool, there are five to choose from, including the Garden Infinity pool on Deck 15. There’s also the world-class Aurea Spa, which offers everything from the Bali holistic massage to a basic manicure and pedicure.
Staying active
For fitness-minded passengers, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center — and for the truly daring, aqua cycling. MSC boasts that it’s the first cruise line to offer this 45-minute spin class that takes place in an outdoor pool where participants straddle an exercise bike called the Hydrorider. The class features two instructors: one in the water, and the other on the pool deck, showing bikers what their form should look like outside the water. Pretty intense. Luckily, there are other fun places to stay fit, including the ship’s two-lane bowling alley. The Divina also offers various dance lessons, shuffleboard and basketball hoop tournaments.
For kids and teens
It’s not always easy keeping the kids entertained — particularly when they reach the teenage years. Like most ships, the Divina offers specific areas for kids where they can do crafts or play sports and video games. For the older kids, the Divina offers a teen activity program that allows access to the Graffiti teen nightclub, and the impressive teen Taboga water slide, which goes slightly over the ocean. There’s also a 4-D cinema and movie nights at Aqua Park pool.
Restaurants
Food is typically the center of most cruises — from the seemingly endless buffets to some of the fancier dining options. While the Divina boasts eight restaurants, two of those are accessible only if you’re a Yacht Club guest. For those with general access, there is the Buffet Calumet & Manitou, which serves food from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. Depending on the time of day, you can get everything from pizza, salad, steak, pasta, burgers, sushi, to the late-night sandwich buffet. Regardless of the time you go, there’s nothing overly special about the food other than the abundance of it.
If you can, opt for one of three specialty restaurants (the Eataly Steakhouse, Ristorante Italia and the wine and pizza bar La Cantina di Bacco) at least once or twice during your cruise. The Eataly is a particularly hip spot that includes a tiny authentic Italian grocer inside. There is an additional charge for specialty restaurants.
For those in the Yacht Club, the Top Sail Lounge offers light food throughout the day, including high tea every day at 4 p.m. and desserts until 3 a.m. Le Muse offers a private panoramic view to complement a spectacular five-course dinner. At the One Pool, guests can enjoy a light breakfast or healthy lunch buffet poolside.
If you go
The Divina offers seven-night cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean from Miami, as well as an 18-night cruise from Miami to Venice, Italy. Now through Jan. 31, guests can book a seven-night Caribbean sailing in April or May 2014 at the employee rate starting at $399.50 per person. (Be sure to ask for the "employee pricing" offer.) For other early bookings, prices range from $649 per person for interior stateroom to $1,579 for balcony suite. Reduced rates available for third and fourth guests as well as children 12-17. Kids ages 11 and under sail free with double occupancy booking. For more details, visit www.msccruisesdivina.com.
