SETTLING IN ON THE DIVINA, PARTY TIME!

MSC Divina /At Sea

Friday and Saturday

72F, sunny

Whenever we board a new ship, it is with much anticipation—how will our room look, how will be like the food, passengers and crew be friendly? TK pays special attention to the pool areas, I wonder how much shade there will be and so on.

After two days on the ship we have acclimated ourselves. We found space in our state room for everything we packed, the passengers and crew are friendly, the food is tasty, and the entertainment quite good.

Friday’s highlight was a Queen concert after dinner. The talented Divina singers and dancers did a fine job of performing the songs of Queen, my new favorite group, or at least one of my favorites. The acoustics were great and our seats were perfect.

Today we had two party invitations. First was a Meet and Greet with people on the Cruise Critic website. MSC hosts the event and serves hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and pineapple juice for those who do not drink (or do not drink so early in the morning-10 a.m.).  They also offered a huge multi-layered lemon cake with whipped cream frosting.

Since the weather was warmer today (we passed Puerto Rico today), TK headed for the pool after that party while I sat and read on our sunny balcony. Our second party was later in the afternoon for those holding a black cruise card/Priority Guests. Again, guests were offered champagne, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. A saxophone soloist provided the music and he was very good.

Another perk for priority guests a complimentary dinner at Eataly, an Italian restaurant. The décor is not exactly elegant, with Lucite chairs and tiled floors. I chose burrata for my “starter,” which was a lot like caprese salad-tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. BUT, burrata is a different kind of cheese that looks like mozzarella but is softer and absolutely luscious. When I have access to better internet, I am going to google this cheese. I wonder if it is available in Erie. Honestly, the amount of burrata was about the size of half a tennis ball—and probably had a 1000 calories. TK had pasta carbonara for his starter. Our main entrée was sirloin steak, followed by gelati. (wonder what the difference is between gelato and gelati.)

Eataly, a specialty restaurant on board, serving Italian cuisine

Burrata cheese

Janie and TK with gelati

 Donna and Lawrence had a couple’s spa date during our dinner—we will catch up with them tomorrow in St. John’s as we are doing a tour together.

When TK booked this cruise, we got a complimentary drink package—all the soda, bottled water, and regular beer and wine we wanted. We only drink Coke Zero and water (Diet Pepsi not available), but this is quite a perk. There is no hassle when we ask for Coke Zero or water. We are given cans of pop, and ice when we want it. We can also get more than one can at a time. On every other line we have been on, our “coke card” only entitled us to fountain soda. Glasses would be filled with ice and the soda was minimal, unless we asked for no ice.

On the other hand, the “basic” package sold on board the ship includes the cans of soda, bottled water, a better wine and more beer choices, coffee, lattes, and other fancy coffees, and “foo foo” drinks. And, that costs $35/day per person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 TK would like the coffee choices, but believe it or not, that would add up to $700, plus 15% gratuity. We are very happy with what we have!!

Staircases made with Swarovski crystals on the steps.

TK’s Takes: The weather is getting better. He could not find a seat poolside at any pool. The ship is too big for his taste.  He spoke to a crew member at the aft pool for adults from Ukraine who said that when the Divina is in Europe the whole ship is open to smoking. In the U.S. only one area is designated as a smoking area and the smokers sort of encroach toward the non-smoking area. TK says that pool area (aft) is the nicest area on the ship, except for the smoking.

Janie’s Take: MSC stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company. We often see rail cars in Erie labeled MSC.

Another one bites the dust..

This was an especially engaging thriller with CIA, FBI, Homeland Security and more!