When we stepped onto the MSC Divina for our honeymoon, we had no idea we were about to spark a love for cruises that’s only grown stronger ever since. It was the very first cruise ship we sailed on and it completely won us over. We loved it!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about MSC Divina. Whether it’s your first cruise or are already a cruise addict wanting to try the Divina, you’ll find plenty of tips, hints and highlights to help you get the most out of your experience. We made a video guide that you can check out too (and don’t forget to Subscribe to our YouTube!)
The MSC Divina is a Fantasia class ship that launched in 2012 and it has room for 4,345 passengers. The ship was designed with Italian elegance in mind and was inspired by the legendary actress Sophia Loren (and if you don’t know who that is, you need to go look her up immediately). It has lots of glamorous touches throughout like the sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases that instantly set the tone when you step on board. It’s really gorgeous!
Cabins
One thing that makes MSC a little different from some other cruise lines is their Experience Packages. Instead of just choosing your cabin type, you also pick an experience level. Each one comes with different perks.
Bella – The basic package, perfect if you want a budget-friendly cruise. You get the essentials: your cabin, access to all ship activities, entertainment and standard dining.
Fantastica – Adds extra flexibility such as choosing your preferred dining time and free room service for breakfast. Great if you want a little more comfort without splurging on luxury.
Aurea – Includes all Fantastica perks plus priority boarding, a drinks package, access to a private sun deck and spa discounts. Ideal for travellers who want a more pampered experience.
Yacht Club – MSC’s luxury offering with private lounges, a dedicated restaurant, butler service and the best cabins onboard.
The MSC Divina has 13 passenger decks, with cabins on about half of Deck 5 and then all of Decks 8 to 13. There’s a cabin to suit nearly every type of traveller and budget.
Interior cabins – Cozy and budget-friendly, perfect if you don’t need a window or balcony.
Ocean view cabins – Include a porthole or window so you can enjoy natural light and sea views.
Balcony cabins – Offer private outdoor space, ideal for sipping a coffee in the morning or for watching the sunset.
Suites – The most spacious and luxurious option with extra perks like larger balconies, priority boarding and access to special areas onboard.
No matter which cabin you choose, MSC Divina has the perfect mix of comfort, style and convenience making it easy to find a room that fits your cruise plans perfectly.
Central Area
Right in the middle of the ship is the central atrium and it’s hard to miss. The sparkling Swarovski crystal staircases and glass elevators catch your eye the moment you step on board. The space feels bright and open thanks to the glass ceiling above. There’s bars, cafés and shops here so it’s really a hub of activity all the time. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee, meet up with friends or family or just sit and watch the ship come to life. There’s entertainment here at night time too with the grand piano in the middle often the focal point. You obviously need to get the obligatory photo on the crystal staircase!
Services
Most of the ship’s guest services are located around the atrium area, making it easy to find what you need. Reception, or Guest Services, is on Deck 5 at the bottom of the central atrium. It can get a little busy at times, especially on the first and last days of the cruise. The Next Cruise Desk is also on Deck 5 if you’re considering future travels or want a bit of advice. There’s great deals or discounts if you book your next cruise on board. The Excursion Desk is on Deck 6 and is your one-stop spot to book shore trips or get information about upcoming ports. You’ll find the Photo Shop on Deck 7 where you can view or buy professional photos taken throughout the cruise.
Complimentary Dining
The main dining rooms on MSC Divina are the Villa Rossa, located at the back of the ship on Deck 6 and The Black Crab, which spans Decks 5 and 6 near the atrium. Both serve a mix of Mediterranean classics and international dishes with menus that change daily, so there’s always something new to try. You can enjoy breakfast and lunch here too. While the setting is elegant, the vibe is still relaxed so you don’t need to stress about being overly formal, except maybe on gala night! Food tends to lean more towards European tastes and portion sizes. It’s traditional cruise dining, with set times or flexible options depending on your experience package. Guests staying in Aurea cabins have their own dedicated dining area with more flexible hours, while those in the Yacht Club can dine in a private, exclusive restaurant at the back of Deck 15 called Le Muse.
For something more casual, the Calumet & Manitou Buffet on Deck 14 is open almost all day and into the late evening. You’ll find a huge variety of choices here, from fresh salads and international dishes to pizza, pasta and desserts. It’s the go-to spot if you want a quick bite between activities or don’t feel like a sit-down meal in the main dining room. Seating can get busy at peak times but it’s an easy option for breakfast, lunch or a late-night snack. And don’t miss the pizza — MSC is famous for it and it’s one of the best things you can grab from the buffet. We love MSC pizza! The Top Sail Lounge on Deck 15 is the buffet restaurant for Yacht Club guests.
The Sports Bar is another fun option, serving up classic bar food like wings, nachos and sliders along with a wide selection of beers and cocktails. It’s a great spot to catch a game on the big screens or just hang out in a more relaxed, pub-style setting. Most of the food here is included with your cruise, though speciality drinks and some snacks may cost extra.
Speciality Dining
If you’re looking to treat yourself beyond the included options, MSC Divina has some great speciality restaurants. Butcher’s Cut is perfect for steak lovers, with premium cuts cooked just the way you like them. Galaxy Kaito has sushi, teppanyaki and other Asian-inspired dishes for something a little different. Speciality dining comes at an extra cost but it’s a fun way to try something special during your cruise. MSC also has dining packages if you want to sample multiple restaurants without paying separately each time. There’s also La Cantina di Bacco, a wine bar that also serves traditional Italian pizza.
Cafés
MSC Divina has a few cafés scattered around the ship, perfect for a coffee, tea or a light snack. The main one is the Piazza del Doge near the central atrium where you can grab pastries, gelato, cakes and espresso drinks in a really nice Italian-style setting. We really enjoyed relaxing afternoons here. There’s also Le Bistro nearby for a quieter spot to enjoy coffee and sweet treats. Some of the snacks and drinks at the cafés are included with your cruise so it can be an easy way to grab something quick without heading to the main dining areas. The Caffe Italia on Deck 7 in the atrium serves Segafredo coffee and it’s really delicious.
Bars & Lounges
MSC Divina has lots of great bars and lounges to suit every mood. The Divina Bar on Deck 5 serves as the ship’s social hub with a relaxed atmosphere with live music and a selection of cocktails. It’s at the bottom of the central atrium. The Silver Lounge Bar is also in the central atrium with great views on Deck 6. On Deck 7, the Golden Jazz Bar has an elegant setting for enjoying live jazz performances. You’ll find a lot of the trivia and games on here too. For a more intimate experience, the La Luna Piano Bar has a cozy ambiance with soft piano tunes. It’s VERY relaxing. There’s a staircase directly down to the casino. The Black and White Lounge is at the back of Deck 7 and is a great spot that always has lots going on. You’ll find the entertainment staff here most nights playing games or hosting theme nights. There’s three bars around the pools on Deck 14. They’re the Tritone Bar, the Poseidon Bar and the Le Sirene Bar. There’s also the Garden Bar at the back of Deck 15 with amazing views. Guests can have a cigarette in a relaxed atmosphere in the Cigar Lounge on Deck 6. The One Bar on Deck 18 is a private retreat for Yacht Club guests. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a quiet drink or enjoy live entertainment, MSC Divina has a venue we’re sure you’re going to love.
Nightclub
The Galaxy Lounge is the nightclub on MSC Divina, located on Deck 16. By day it’s a speciality restaurant but at night it transforms into a vibrant club with a spacious dance floor, DJ sets and themed parties. The lounge also has a full bar and panoramic ocean views, making it a hotspot for evening entertainment. Whether you’re looking to dance or just soak up the lively atmosphere, Galaxy Lounge is the place to be. The music tends to sway on the Latin side quite a bit and goes on until the early hours!
Casino
If you’re feeling lucky, MSC Divina has the Casino Veneziano on Deck 7 near the central atrium. It’s open in the evenings while at sea and has a mix of slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and other table games. The casino has a lively atmosphere with flashing lights, upbeat music and plenty of chances to try your luck. Even if you’re not a serious gambler, it’s a fun place to soak up the excitement, enjoy a drink, and watch the action. It always seemed to be buzzing!
Shopping
MSC Divina has a great range of shops, mostly around the central atrium. On Deck 7, you’ll find the MSC Logo Shop for cruise-themed souvenirs and clothing. Make sure to pick up a Med by MSC reed diffuser. We can’t get enough of them! You’ll also find La Perfumeria for all your favourite scents and cosmetics. There’s even more shops on Deck 6 where you’ll find a fashion boutique, an accessories shop, a jewellery store, a watch shop and a duty-free shop for cigarettes and alcohol. The stores are open throughout the day and into the evening when at sea, making it easy to pick up gifts, mementos or just enjoy a bit of browsing. We liked that they were around the central atrium, meaning that they always felt buzzing.
Entertainment
The centrepiece of MSC Divina’s entertainment is the Pantheon Theatre on Decks 5, 6 and 7. This large, modern theatre hosts a range of Broadway-style shows, live music performances, dance acts and family-friendly productions throughout the cruise. With comfortable seating, excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art lighting and sound, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Shows typically run at two timeslots in the evenings so you can plan around your dining time. It’s worth noting that the shows are more dance and visual based to cater to the diverse range of languages spoken by MSC guests. The theatre also has bingo, trivia and the fun gameshow Masterchef at Sea during the day too.
Activities
MSC Divina has plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout your cruise. You can join workshops, games, trivia and dance classes held throughout the day around the ship. There’s a lot of dance classes! There’s also cooking demos and wine tastings for a taste of onboard experiences. Plus they play lots of games at the pool throughout the day if that’s what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just enjoy some laid-back fun, there’s something for everyone. We won €300 at bingo on our first attempt!
There’s some other great activities on MSC Divina. There’s the Bowling Alley in the Sports Bar on Deck 7 and the Games Arcade on Deck 6. You’ll find a 4D Cinema and the F1 Simulator on Deck 15. Both are worth a go and are good fun!
Pool Areas
Deck 14 on MSC Divina is home to the Aqua Park with a large central pool, several whirlpools and plenty of sun loungers for relaxing. There’s also a water slide for some added fun, making it a hit with families. Poolside bars serve drinks and snacks and the surrounding deck has shaded areas if you want a break from the sun. It’s a great spot to cool off, soak up the views or just enjoy some laid-back time onboard. You’ll also find free soft serve ice cream most days which we loved!
There’s also the Le Sirene covered pool, although the roof is retractable and they open and close it depending on the weather. They tend to close the roof in the evening so Le Sirene can stay open later. It has 3 hot tubs and some nice seating areas, ideal for relaxing away from the sun.
There’s some quieter areas which are less busy than the central pool area like the Garden Bar on Deck 15 which has it’s own pool with a solarium and whirlpools above. We spent a lot of our time here.
Gym
If you like to stay active in an attempt to burn off the calories you put on at the buffet, MSC Divina has a well-equipped gym with cardio machines, weights and fitness classes. It’s on Deck 14 beside the Spa and the cardio area has great views over the ocean. You’ll find the MSC Sports Arena on Deck 16 where you can play basketball, football and other games. Whether you want a full workout or just a bit of casual fun, the ship has plenty of ways to keep moving while at sea.
Spa
For a more relaxing experience, the MSC Aurea Spa on MSC Divina has a full range of treatments including massages, facials, body wraps and beauty services. There’s also a sauna, Turkish bath and thermal area to unwind in, plus wellness programs like yoga and meditation. Whether you’re looking to recharge after a busy day or indulge in some pampering, the spa is the perfect place to relax and refresh. It’s worth noting that they do lots of great deals on port days.
Kids
MSC Divina is great for families with kids clubs divided by age to keep everyone entertained. The Baby Club is for infants 0 to 3, the Mini Club is perfect for 3 to 6-year-olds with games, crafts and themed activities, and the Junior Club caters to 7 to 11-year-olds with fun challenges and social events. The Young Club is for 12 to 14-year-olds and older teens get their own dedicated space in the Teen Club for 15 to 17-year-olds, where they can hang out, play video games, join sports tournaments or take part in group activities designed just for them. Staffed by trained entertainers and partnerships with brands including Chicco, The Smurfs and Lego, these clubs give younger passengers a chance to make friends and have a blast while parents enjoy some free time onboard. All of the kids club areas on MSC Divina are on Deck 14.
Elite
MSC Yacht Club guests get access to some exclusive venues designed for a more luxurious experience. The Top Sail Lounge is perfect for morning coffee, afternoon cocktails or evening drinks with panoramic views. The Le Muse Restaurant serves à la carte meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with gourmet dishes in an elegant setting. There’s also a private pool and sun deck just for Yacht Club guests, offering a peaceful spot to relax away from the main crowds and is home to The One Bar. The Top 18 Exclusive Solarium is the sun deck reserved specially for Yacht Club. Together, these venues create a premium, all-inclusive experience that’s a step above the standard cruise offerings.
Our Verdict on MSC Divina
Overall, we really loved MSC Divina! We sailed from the USA out of Miami on an 11 night cruise to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, Colón in Panama, Limón in Costa Rica, Costa Maya in Mexico and Nassau in the Bahamas. We loved the itinerary and the ports we visited. MSC Divina was a fantastic starting point for our first cruise. It’s easy to navigate and find your way around. The central atrium is a great anchor point and it’s also pretty stunning. The Swarovski staircases are such a great feature.
We absolutely loved the food on MSC Divina. It’s a very European menu with portion sizes and service to match and that was perfect for us. The pizza is easily among the best we’ve ever tasted although with it being free, you can get a little bit carried away. We enjoyed the entertainment. It appealed to a wide section across age groups and nationalities which we liked. The pool areas are lovely, especially the Garden Bar which gives the feeling of an infinity pool. The Le Sirene indoor pool opening late was great for a late night session in the hot tub.
The staff on MSC Divina were lovely. Very friendly and attentive but also not constantly fussing like we’ve experienced on some other cruise lines. Again, that’s probably a lot down to cultural differences on a European cruise line. It just made us feel relaxed.
Would we cruise on MSC Divina again? Absolutely. We had a great cruise, have some amazing memories and it gave us a real love of cruises. We would definitely recommend a cruise on MSC Divina.
