Welcome aboard the journey of a lifetime! Picture yourself on the stunning MSC Divina, a floating paradise where luxury meets adventure. As we chart a course to the enchanting city of Cartagena, prepare to be swept away by a whirlwind of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the cruising world, this voyage promises to awaken your sense of wonder and ignite your passion for exploration. Let’s set sail and dive into the magic that awaits us in Cartagena!
Embark on an unforgettable voyage aboard the luxurious MSC Divina as we set sail for the vibrant city of Cartagena. Join me as we explore sun-kissed beaches, historic fortresses, and colorful streets. From savoring local delicacies to dancing to Caribbean rhythms, this cruise promises adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Let’s uncover the hidden gems of Cartagena together.
Tropical Escapade To Cartagena: 11 Nights On The MSC Divina. How I Spent 11 Nights Cruising the Caribbean and Central America on MSC Divina by Duchess DJ Love, Author, Blogger, Digital Creator, Influencer, & Show Host of Gallivanting Like A Royal. Read on for my tips and review.
I’m back from my amazing cruise vacation and I can’t wait to share it with you. I’ve always wanted to visit the Caribbean and Central America, and this cruise was the perfect opportunity to do so. I booked the MSC Divina 11 Night Caribbean & Central America cruise, which departed from Miami. The cruise visited six ports of call: Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Orangjestad, Aruba: Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Roatan, Honduras. The cruise also included four days at sea, which gave me plenty of time to enjoy the ship and its amenities.
I prefer a cruise with the first and last days at sea. On the first day at sea, it gives you plenty of time to become acquainted with the ship and amenities. The last day is great time to reflect on the journey and pack to return home.
Getting to know MSC Divina
The MSC Divina is a beautiful and elegant ship, inspired by the actress Sophia Loren. It has a capacity of 4,345 passengers and 1,388 crew members. It features 13 restaurants and bars, four swimming pools, a casino, a theater, a spa, a gym, a library, a kids club, and more. The ship also has a unique feature called the MSC Yacht Club, which is an exclusive area for guests who want more privacy, luxury, and personalized service. I stayed in a balcony stateroom, which was spacious, comfortable, and had a stunning view of the ocean.
Cruise details:
Departure: The cruise departs from Miami, Florida.
Itinerary: The journey includes various Caribbean destinations, with Cartagena being one of the highlights.
Ship: MSC Divina is known for its elegance and modern amenities, offering a variety of entertainment, dining, and relaxation options on board.
Cruise Line: The cruise is operated by MSC Cruises, which is known for its Mediterranean-style hospitality and diverse cruise offerings.
Unique features of the MSC Divina 11-night Caribbean Cruise to Cartagena include:
- Large pool deck
- Huge spa
- Live music
- Fun daily quizzes
- Casino
- The Formula One Simulator
- 4D Cinema
MSC Divina Overview
MSC Divina is a cruise ship that combines the elegance and glamour of the golden age of ocean travel with modern, eco-friendly features. Here are some detailed aspects of the ship:
Inspiration: The ship is inspired by the legendary actress Sophia Loren and aims to bring the glamour of the golden age of cruise lines to life.
Size and Capacity: MSC Divina has a gross tonnage of 139,072 tons and can accommodate up to 4,345 passengers. The ship measures 333.30 meters in length, 37.92 meters in beam (width), and 67.69 meters in height.
Staterooms: There are 1,751 staterooms, including 45 for guests with disabilities or reduced mobility. The options range from interior and ocean-view rooms to balcony staterooms and spacious suites.
Speed: The ship can reach a maximum speed of 23.75 knots.
Amenities: The ship boasts a real stone piazza, a Casino Veneziano, and a Broadway-size Pantheon Theater. For relaxation, there’s the MSC Aurea Spa and the Top 18 sun-deck with stunning sea views.
MSC Divina is designed to give a luxurious and comfortable cruising experience with a touch of historical glamour and modern technology. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, entertainment, or adventure, MSC Divina has something for everyone.
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My MSC Divina Review
In this blog, I’ll tell you more about my cruise experience, the ports of call, the activities, and the highlights. I’ll also share some tips and recommendations for anyone who’s planning to take this cruise or a similar one. So, let’s get started!
Let’s explore the likes and dislikes based on my reviews and opinions from passengers who have sailed on the MSC Divina during an 11-night Caribbean cruise with stops in Jamaica, Aruba, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Keep in mind that experiences can vary, but here are some common points:
MSC Divina Likes:
Beautiful Ship: Passengers often praise the MSC Divina for its elegant design and overall beauty. The ship features stunning public areas and well-maintained facilities.
All-Inclusive Digital Photo Package: Price was reasonable and many photo sessions with different backdrops. The most photogenic scene was on the grand staircase.
Costa Rica Excursion: The sloth tour in Costa Rica is highly recommended by cruisers. It’s a unique opportunity to see these adorable creatures up close.
Laundry Service: I like that you could send your clothes to be washed and dried. There was a dry cleaning option too. You could prepare prior to sailing at a discount.
Casino: I enjoyed the slot machines. There were table games and the casino offered tournaments.
Excursions Times of Port of Calls:
- Ocho Rios, Jamaica (April 9, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
- Oranjestad, Aruba ( April 11, 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Cartagena, Colombia (April 12, 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Colon, Panama (April 13, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Puerto Limon, Costa Rica (April 14, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Roatan, Honduras (April 15, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
MSC app: I found it very useful especially with the time zone changes that we crisscrossed often. The app served as an UpToDate clock.
Wi-Fi: I had no issues with the speed of Wi-Fi. As a travel blogger this is an important asset.
AFT (Rear of ship) Cabin: Roomy and balcony came with a lounge chair, table and two chairs. However, there were times when the fumes from the funnel (smokestack) smelled strong. My cabin was 12264. The overhang from the 14th floor was a plus.
MSC Divina Dislikes:
Embarkation Delays: Some passengers reported waiting in line for hours during embarkation. Clear communication and provisions like water and food could have improved this experience.
Food Quality & Selection: While some dishes are delicious, others are bland. Food preferences are subjective, but this is a common point of contention among cruisers.
Evening Activities Gap: Between 8-10 pm, there seems to be a lack of scheduled activities. Guests would appreciate more options during this time.
Hard Beds: Some passengers found the beds in the balcony staterooms too firm. Bringing extra hangers is also recommended.
Limited TV Channels and Movies: CNN, TMC, HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, Discovery, Cartoon Network, Nick Jr, ESPN, ESPN2 and Italian channel. The ESPN was mostly Latin American versions.
Refrigerator: It served as a mini bar limiting the amount of room for usage
Ship Photo Options: There were no photo opportunities with the port of call scenery.
Check in Cruise Ready: It can be challenging. I had to do some things on line and some on the app.
Stateroom Shower: It was an awkward design but roomy enough. You had to push the door in to get inside and push out to close.
No option to Preorder Water for cabin: I was accustomed to this option on Norwegian and Princess.
Scan Credit Card on ship: In the check in process on most cruises, you the card to use for charges which you do with MSC. However, once onboard, you must physically scan the card to pay gratuities, make any purchases, room services, casino play, etc.
Buffet: At lunch extremely crowded. At dinner, not much of a selection.
Remember that individual experiences may vary, but these insights should give you an idea of what to expect on an MSC Divina Caribbean cruise. Bon voyage! 🚢🌴.
MSC Divina 6 Ports of Call
The MSC Divina 11-night Caribbean cruise from Miami includes the following ports of call:
Ocho Rios, Jamaica: A beautiful destination known for its stunning waterfalls and beaches.
Port of Oranjestad, Aruba: Offers a mix of Dutch colonial architecture and a vibrant beach scene.
Cartagena, Colombia: A historic city with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful colonial architecture.
Colon, Panama: The gateway to the Panama Canal, offering a chance to explore this engineering marvel.
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica: Known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife.
Roatan, Honduras: A paradise for snorkelers and divers with its beautiful coral reefs.
These stops provide a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Each destination has its own unique attractions and activities that you can look forward.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Our first port of call was Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where we arrived on the second day of the cruise. We docked at the Reynold’s Pier. Ocho Rios, located on Jamaica’s north coast, has transformed from a quaint fishing village into a bustling resort town. It boasts a vibrant cruise ship harbor and a lively bay beach lined with hotels. The nearby Saint Ann parish is a natural paradise, offering lush rainforests, serene rivers, and stunning waterfalls.
I decided to spend my day at nearby beach within walking distance from the ship. On the way, I bought some souvenirs, such as rum, a Love dress, and jerk seasoning, and tried some local delicacies, such as jerk chicken, sweet potato pudding, and coconut water at the Jangalee Seafood Joint & Bar waterside restaurant. I also enjoyed the music and the vibe of the port, which was very lively and colorful.
Oranjestad, Aruba
Aruba was our second port of call on day four, Once at port at the One Happy Island of Aruba your adventure begins. Within walking distance of the cruise port in Oranjestad, Aruba, there are plenty of activities and sights to enjoy:
Explore Oranjestad: The capital city is a neat and well-organized place that offers a relaxed and safe atmosphere. Just stepping out of the cruise ship, you can start exploring. You will find the I love Aruba sign. You can see it from the Cruise Terminal located at Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 19, Oranjestad, Aruba near the Paardenbaai Plaza.
Shopping: You can visit designer shops, glamorous boutiques, jewelry stores, and local arts and crafts markets. The Renaissance Mall is a famous spot, just a 5-10 minute walk from the cruise ship.
Dining: There’s a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. The Renaissance Marketplace is known for its selection of eateries and live entertainment.
Beaches: While a bit further out, the famous beaches of Aruba are accessible by a short bus or taxi ride. The bus terminal is conveniently located right in front of the port exit.
Cartagena, Colombia
Our third port of call was Cartagena, Colombia, where we arrived on the fifth day of the cruise. Cartagena is a colonial city that was founded in 1533 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its walled old town, its fortresses, its churches, and its museums.
I decided to join a shore excursion that took me to the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, a massive fortress that was built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirates and invaders. The castle is one of the largest and most impressive fortifications in the Americas. It has a complex network of tunnels, bastions, and cannons. The tour guide explained the history and the architecture of the castle and showed us the different parts of the structure. The castle also had a panoramic view of the city and the bay. I enjoyed the CitySightseeing Cartagena tour.
After the tour, I had some free time to explore the old town and do some shopping. I walked along the cobblestone streets and admired the colorful buildings, the balconies, and the flowers. We visited some of the landmarks, such as the Clock Tower, the Cathedral, and the Palace of the Inquisition. I also bought some souvenirs, such as emeralds, coffee, and handicrafts, and tried some local delicacies, such as arepas, ceviche, and fruit juice. We enjoyed the culture and the atmosphere of the city, which was very charming and romantic.
Colon, Panama
Our fourth port of call was Colon, Panama, where we arrived on the sixth day of the cruise. Colon is the second-largest city in Panama and the gateway to the Panama Canal. It’s known for its duty-free zone, its Afro-Caribbean heritage, and its natural attractions.
A popular tour is to join a shore excursion that takes you to the Panama Canal, one of the most amazing engineering feats in the world. The canal is a 48-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and allows ships to save time and money by avoiding the long and dangerous route around South America. The canal has three sets of locks, which are like giant elevators that raise and lower the ships to the different levels of the canal. The tour guide explained the history, the operation of the canal, and showed us the different parts of the structure. Cruising into port, we had the opportunity to see some of the ships that were passing through the canal and lining up for their turn.
After the tours, there’s usually free time to explore the city and do some shopping. I visited the Colon Free Zone, which is the largest duty-free zone in the Americas and offers a variety of products at low prices. Then it was shopping time. I bought some souvenirs, such as jewelry, clothing, and trinkets, and bargained with the vendors. In addition , I tried some local delicacies, such as sancocho, a chicken soup with vegetables, and raspados, a shaved ice with syrup. I also enjoyed the music and the vibe of the city, which was very lively and diverse. You will find colorful murals and the Colon sign monument to strike a pose.
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
Our fifth port of call was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, where we arrived on the seventh day of the cruise. Puerto Limon is the largest city and the main port of Costa Rica. It’s known for its tropical rainforest, its wildlife, and its culture.
I decided to join a shore excursion that took me to the Veragua Rainforest, a private reserve that covers 3,400 acres of pristine jungle. The reserve has a research station, a butterfly garden, a frog habitat, a reptile exhibit, and a canopy tram. The tour guide explained the ecology and the conservation of the rainforest and showed us the different species of plants and animals that live there. We also had the chance to see some of the wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, toucans, and hummingbirds.
After the tour, I had some free time to explore the city and do some shopping. A visit to the Central Market, which is a colorful and bustling place that sells fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts was next. Then, I bought some souvenirs, such as coffee, chocolate, and wood carvings, and tried some local delicacies: such as gallo pinto, a rice and beans dish, and casado, a mixed plate of meat, salad, plantains, and cheese. I also enjoyed the culture and the atmosphere of the city, which was very friendly and relaxed.
Roatan, Honduras
Our sixth port of call was Roatan, Honduras, where we arrived on the nineth day of the cruise. Roatan is the largest and most developed of the Bay Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for its coral reef, its beaches, and its water sports.
I decided to join a shore excursion that took me to the West Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Roatan. The beach has white sand, turquoise water, and a variety of restaurants and bars. It is also close to the reef, which is home to hundreds of species of fish, coral, and other marine life. The tour guide provided us with snorkeling equipment and guided us to the best spots to see the underwater wonders. We also had the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and relax on the beach.
After the tour, I had some free time to explore the island and do some shopping. I visited the West End Village, which is a lively and colorful area that offers a variety of shops, cafes, and nightlife. I bought some souvenirs.
Cruise Itinerary
- Miami, Florida (April 7, 6:00 p.m.)
- At Sea
- Montego Bay, Jamaica (April 9, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
- At Sea
- Oranjestad, Aruba ( April 11, 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Cartagena, Colombia (April 12, 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Colon, Panama (April 13, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Puerto Limon, Costa Rica (April 14, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- At Sea
- Roatan, Honduras (April 15, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- At Sea
- Miami, Florida (April 18, 7:00 a.m.)
Shore Excursions
MSC Cruises offers a wide variety of shore excursions that cater to different interests. Here are some recommended excursions for each port of call on the MSC Divina 11-night Caribbean cruise:
- Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Explore the famous Dunn’s River Falls, where you can climb the cascading waterfalls or relax on the beach.
- Oranjestad, Aruba: Take a submarine tour to discover the underwater world or enjoy a snorkeling adventure at one of the many pristine beaches.
- Cartagena, Colombia: A guided historical tour of the old city can provide insights into the rich history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Colon, Panama: Consider a Panama Canal tour to learn about the canal’s history and engineering or visit the Gatun Locks.
- Puerto Limon, Costa Rica: Join a rainforest excursion to witness the biodiversity or a canopy zip-line tour for an adrenaline rush.
- Roatan, Honduras: Experience the vibrant coral reefs with a scuba diving trip or a glass-bottom boat tour.
MSC Cruises also offers special packages like the Excursions Explorer Package, which includes up to three of their best excursions at a special price. Additionally, they have MSC Bike Adventours for cycling enthusiasts and MSC PROTECTOURS, which are sustainable excursions designed to have a minimal environmental impact.
Remember to book your excursions in advance to take advantage of pre-boarding rates and ensure availability.
Highlight Summary
The MSC Divina offers a plethora of exciting features and experiences:
Abundant Activities: Enjoy a large pool deck, a huge spa, live music, fun daily quizzes, a casino, and an arcade with Formula 1 simulators. There’s never a dull moment! 🎉🚢
Captivating Evening Shows: While Divina doesn’t have Broadway productions, passengers enthusiastically applaud the twice-nightly reviews filled with music and acrobatics. 🎭🎶
Luxurious Amenities: From Swarovski crystal staircases to the Infinity Pool extending seamlessly out to sea, the ship exudes elegance and style. 🌟🏊♂️
Unique Itinerary: The 12-day cruise featuring Cartagena, Colon, and Puerto Limon offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore these captivating ports with excitement! 🌴⚓
Feel free to immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey aboard the MSC Divina! Enjoy your adventures! 🌴 For more travel tips and other cruise reviews, enter topic in the search button. I share my TravelTude Essential Travel Tips in a separate post.
Conclusion
As I disembarked from the MSC Divina, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I had just experienced. From the breathtaking destinations to the impeccable service, every moment was a testament to the magic of cruising. Whether it was lounging by the pool, exploring vibrant ports, or savoring gourmet meals, this cruise offered something for everyone.
If you’re dreaming of a getaway that combines luxury, adventure, and unforgettable memories, the MSC Divina is your perfect choice. Until next time, bon voyage!
Call to Action!
Which port piqued your interest the most? Do you have any tips or experiences to share? Whether you’ve visited these destinations or sailed on the MSC Divina, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your insights and suggestions are always welcome!
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