MSC Divina 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review (Itinerary A)
MSC Divina is a large cruise ship that was built by STX France at their Saint-Nazaire shipyard and entered service in May 2012. The ship has a length of 333.3 meters, a beam of 37.92 meters, and a maximum draft of 8.5 meters. It has a gross tonnage of 139,400 and can accommodate up to 4,345 passengers and 1,388 crew members.
The ship has 18 decks, with 13 passenger decks, and features a wide range of facilities for its guests, including restaurants, bars, lounges, a theater, a casino, a disco, a spa, a fitness center, swimming pools, water slides, and a sports deck. The ship also has a variety of cabin types, ranging from inside cabins to luxurious suites with private balconies.
MSC Divina is powered by four diesel engines and has a top speed of 23 knots. It features advanced technology and safety systems, including an advanced fire detection and suppression system, a state-of-the-art navigation system, and a stability control system.
The ship is operated by MSC Cruises, an Italian cruise line that is part of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) group. MSC Divina is part of the company’s Fantasia class of ships, which are known for their modern design, luxurious amenities, and advanced technology. It is a popular choice for Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises and offers a range of itineraries to destinations around the world.
MSC Divina 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review
Date: December 13 – 20, 2014
Itinerary:
Miami, (PortMiami): PortMiami is a major seaport located in Miami, Florida, United States, and it is one of the busiest ports in the world. MSC Cruises is one of the many cruise lines that operate out of PortMiami. MSC Divina, which is one of MSC Cruises’ largest and most popular ships, regularly operates out of PortMiami.
The port is located in Biscayne Bay and features seven cruise terminals that are designed to handle large volumes of passengers and cargo. PortMiami’s facilities include parking garages, ground transportation options, and a variety of services for cruise passengers, such as baggage handling, check-in services, and customs and immigration facilities.
MSC Divina typically operates a range of itineraries from PortMiami, including Caribbean cruises to destinations such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. The ship generally departs from Terminal F, which is a modern facility that offers easy access to parking and ground transportation.
Philipsburg, Netherland-Antilles: Philipsburg is the capital city of the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The city is located on the southern coast of the island, and it is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Caribbean.
Philipsburg has a rich history, with a mix of Dutch and Caribbean culture. The city features colorful colonial-style buildings, narrow streets, and a beautiful beachfront. The city’s main commercial area is Front Street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
The city is also home to several historical sites and landmarks, including Fort Amsterdam, which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century to protect the island from invasion. The fort is located on a hill overlooking the city, and it provides a stunning view of the surrounding area.
Philipsburg is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Great Bay Beach, which is located in the heart of the city and features crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Other popular beaches in the area include Little Bay Beach and Mullet Bay Beach.
The city is a popular stop for cruise ships, and its port is one of the largest in the Caribbean. Many cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, offer itineraries that include a stop in Philipsburg, allowing passengers to explore the city and enjoy its beaches, restaurants, and other attractions.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The city is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, and it is also a frequent stop on Caribbean cruises, including those offered by MSC Cruises.
San Juan is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The city was founded in 1521 by Spanish colonizers and has since been shaped by a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous cultures. The city’s historic center, known as Old San Juan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features colorful colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks such as the San Juan Cathedral and the El Morro Fortress.
In addition to its historic sites, San Juan is also known for its beaches, including the popular Condado Beach and Isla Verde Beach. The city is also a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife, with a range of restaurants, bars, and clubs that offer a mix of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and international fare.
San Juan’s port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean, and it is a popular departure point for cruises to other destinations in the region. MSC Cruises offers itineraries that include a stop in San Juan, allowing passengers to explore the city’s attractions and enjoy its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and is used as a port of call for several cruise lines, including MSC Cruises. The island is located in the Bahamas, in the Berry Islands chain, and is exclusively available for passengers of the cruise line to enjoy.
Great Stirrup Cay is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a range of water sports and activities. The island is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, with a variety of coral reefs and marine life to explore. The island also features a water park, a straw market, and a range of beachside activities such as volleyball, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
MSC Cruises offers several shore excursions and activities for passengers to enjoy during their visit to Great Stirrup Cay, including snorkeling tours, beachside barbecues, and water park access. The island is a popular destination for families and couples, with a range of activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Great Stirrup Cay is a key highlight of many MSC Cruises itineraries that include the Caribbean, and it provides passengers with a relaxing and picturesque island experience, complete with beautiful beaches and a range of fun activities to enjoy.
MSC Divina Accommodations:
For this 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the MSC Divina, I booked a balcony stateroom, 12116, on deck 12. MSC Divina offers several types of balcony staterooms for passengers, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience during their cruise. The balcony staterooms on the MSC Divina are known for their spacious layouts, stylish decor, and range of amenities.
The balcony staterooms on MSC Divina range in size from 172 to 236 square feet and can accommodate up to four guests. They feature a private balcony with two chairs and a small table, providing a private outdoor space for passengers to enjoy the sea views and fresh air. The staterooms also have a comfortable king-size bed, which can be converted into two single beds if preferred, as well as a sofa that can be converted into an additional bed.
Other amenities in the balcony staterooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe, and air conditioning. The staterooms also have a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Passengers staying in the balcony staterooms also have access to room service and a 24-hour cabin steward, who can assist with any requests or needs during the cruise.
In addition to the standard balcony staterooms, MSC Divina also offers several upgraded balcony stateroom options, such as the Aurea Balcony Stateroom and the Fantastica Balcony Stateroom, which offer additional amenities and benefits, such as priority boarding, spa access, and more.
Personal Day-By-Day MSC Divina Cruise Review:
Photo Tour of the MSC Divina:
Photography is a key aspect of preserving vacation memories, and my recent voyage aboard the MSC Divina was no exception. From the ship’s striking interior design and inviting swimming pools to my own cozy cabin, I captured numerous photos that showcase the highlights of my journey. If you’d like to take a look at my snapshots, feel free to check out the MSC Divina Photo Tour or browse the daily cruise review by clicking on the links provided above.