MSC Divina Cruise Review: Affordable Luxury, Dining Tips & Travel Hacks
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MSC Divina Cruise Review: What to Know Before You Sail
My review of the MSC Divina starts with I sailed on it in January 2025 and liked it so much I sailed again in March 2025. I adored her on both trips. I spent four days with her in an interior room, accompanied by a friend. Not once did I wish I had upgraded to a balcony room. However, I eyed the yacht club…maybe one day. The yacht club on the MSC is an exclusive area on the ship. It includes a personal butler, private dedicated areas, and a completely different level of service.
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Getting to the Port of Miami (Ft. Lauderdale Tips)
I flew into Ft Lauderdale airport the day before. I try to always fly the day before if at all possible. We stayed at the Hyatt Place Dania Beach. I was able to get this room free on points and miles. It is a very popular hotel for cruisers. In the lobby, they have an iPad you can use to request a shuttle to the Port Lauderdale cruise port or Port of Miami. The gentleman at the front desk recommended I use Uber or Lyft to Miami, it would be much cheaper. He was correct. We paid $43.36 for the 40-mile ride to the Cruise Port.
Bella vs Fantastica vs Aurea: Which MSC Experience Is Right for You?
For a four-day cruise, I was not picky about where my room was on the ship, so we booked Bella. Bella is the standard rate on MSC. They pick your room and your dining time. We ended up with 9:30 dining. This was super late for me, but we loved our tablemates and servers so much that we went every night. If your room location or dining time is important to you, definitely splurge for Fantastica. Fantastica offers the following: an upgrade with benefits like a cabin in a better location, more flexible booking terms, 24-hour room service, better located cabins, and a preferred set dining time. If you are looking for anytime dining, you will need to get a balcony or suite and choose the Aurea experience. Not only will you get more flexible dining the rooms are in a better location. This may or may not be important to you.
Last night with our table mates and our waiter Nelvin
The MSC Divina is an older ship but beautifully maintained. So many beautiful areas to hang out. Don’t miss the Swarovski stairs.
Dining on MSC Divina: Gluten-Free Options & Favorites
Before I sailed on MSC, I heard really bad things about the food. However, I did not experience anything bad. I liked everything I ordered. One of the most popular items on both cruises was Coconut Shrimp (pic below). They can even do these gluten-free. Speaking of food allergies, I was impressed the first time I was on the MSC with how they treated food allergies. The head waiter came over and went over the options each night. They made sure to make our gluten-free friends safe and happy.
In my opinion, MSC has the best marinara sauce. The lines originated in Italy after all. They are known for their pizza at sea (in the buffet). You have to grab a slice.
I forgot to let the camera eat first!
Entertainment & Atmosphere: What Surprised Me
I am not a “show” person. However, I really enjoyed the shows both times on MSC. I actually saw the same shows as the first time and still enjoyed them. The entertainers had talent and were so good I forgot I was on a cruise ship.
Even though we sailed during Spring Break and the ship was at capacity with over 1,000 kids on board. I never felt crowded. We did have to go up a few decks to find a chair to lounge. However, I enjoyed the peace up there. I think MSC is worth a try if you enjoy cruising. You definitely cannot beat the affordability of this cruise line.
One of the pools MSC Divina
Is MSC Worth It? My Honest Take After Two Cruises
I look forward to sailing MSC again in the future. I thought the staff was extremely nice and helpful. I enjoyed the food and the entertainment. You can not beat the prices of their cruises as they enter the North American market.
Need a Pre-Cruise Hotel? Check out where I stay
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