Cruises were never on my radar as a vacation option. I pictured them as floating resorts catering to indulgence and packed with mandatory, unappealing activities. The thought of taking my adventurous family on one seemed unlikely. However, my preconceptions were completely overturned during a recent week-long voyage aboard an MSC cruise ship.
The news of our booked cruise ignited pure excitement in my children. They had been dreaming of a cruise vacation for months. My husband and I, seasoned travelers, were more reserved, even skeptical. Yet, within a day or two of setting sail, we were both completely won over. We discovered the unique escapism that cruises offer, a truly invaluable aspect of a family getaway.
MSC Divina: A Family-Friendly Cruise Review Worth Reading
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Embracing the Escapism on a Family Cruise
Our first family cruise experience on the MSC Divina was genuinely special, and in many ways, a stroke of luck. The Divina is visually stunning and modern, boasting cutting-edge technology while evoking the charm of classic sea travel’s golden age, which is subtly referenced throughout the ship with photographs. It also offered a diverse and engaging itinerary, perfect for a family looking for variety.
MSC Cruises has a rich history rooted in Sorrento, Italy, dating back 300 years. This heritage is palpable in their philosophy. They believe in the Italian way of life, where good food and following your heart are paramount. Life, according to MSC, should be measured in moments, not minutes. This ethos resonated with our family, and the genuinely warm and welcoming staff further enhanced our quest for an authentic and memorable family cruise.
One of the distinct advantages of choosing MSC for a family friendly cruise is its European, specifically Italian, character. The Italian influence is evident throughout the ship, from the staff to the cuisine and entertainment. From enjoying Italian opera to learning basic Italian phrases, savoring espressos, indulging in gelato, to partaking in wine tastings, the ship immerses you in Italian culture and heritage. This European flair adds a unique dimension to the family cruise experience.
Interestingly, despite the strong Italian influence, the crew hails from all corners of the globe. This international crew contributed to a relaxed and non-pushy atmosphere. We never felt pressured to book onboard excursions or make purchases in the shops. The service was consistently attentive and courteous. Moreover, there was a noticeable emphasis on safety and hygiene, which is always a comfort when traveling with family.
The sheer variety of entertainment and daily activities available on the MSC Divina was another highlight for our family. The nightly performances were exceptional, becoming a cherished family ritual after dinner. Each evening brought a spectacle of acrobatics, music, and dance. During the day, we each pursued our own interests, whether lounging by the pool or participating in lively dance classes. The activity options were imaginative and plentiful. Often, multiple appealing activities occurred simultaneously, but we made a conscious decision to forgo rigid schedules and embrace spontaneity throughout our seven-day family cruise.
Our Family Stateroom: Comfort at Sea
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Our stateroom, designed to comfortably accommodate four, featured a balcony overlooking the mesmerizing sea. The layout included a double bed, a convenient pull-out sofa, a TV, and a bathroom. While maintaining perfect order with two children proved to be a minor challenge, our diligent room attendant provided twice-daily cleaning service. They efficiently replaced towels, made beds, and tidied up our belongings. The mini-bar was also replenished each day. After sun-filled days of activities, the balcony became our haven. Relaxing there, watching the ocean views, was the perfect way to unwind as a family.
Family-Friendly Onboard Dining Experiences
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Before embarking on the Divina, I admit I held some preconceived notions about cruise food, picturing endless buffets as the primary dining option. I was delighted to discover a far more diverse culinary landscape. Beyond the buffets, there were restaurants offering sit-down lunch and dinner service included in our cruise package. Additionally, specialty restaurants provided a welcome change of pace from the standard cruise fare, though these incurred an extra charge.
Buffet breakfast, served from 6:30 to 10 am, offered an extensive array of choices to satisfy every family member’s preferences. Understandably, breakfast was the busiest meal, being the only morning dining option available. However, the buffet area was vast, and we consistently found seating with ocean views by the windows. Alternatively, we often took our coffee and breakfast out to the deck to enjoy the fresh sea air, a lovely way to start the day as a family.
Lunchtime presented more dining flexibility. For buffet enthusiasts, the Buffet Calumet and Manituris remained open throughout the afternoon. We were pleased to find diverse food stations, including ethnic options and classic dishes, alongside a comprehensive salad bar. For a more refined and portion-controlled sit-down lunch, we opted for Villa Rossa. While seating times were more restricted (12-2 pm), when time allowed, it was a worthwhile choice, offering a more relaxed and elegant dining experience.
The dining experience at Villa Rossa was comparable to the evening meals in the main dining room. We had a reserved table for dinner each night at 6 pm. Two attentive and courteous waiters from Indonesia were assigned to our table, providing excellent service throughout our cruise. The ship maintains a dress code for dinner, prohibiting jeans and shorts, adding a touch of formality to the evening. As a busy parent, having full sit-down meals with attentive service was a real treat. While not every dish was exceptionally gourmet, the food was generally very good. There were always choices of fish, meat, or pasta, and a vegetarian option was always available, which I appreciated. Wine and beer were included with dinner, making family dinners even more enjoyable.
The Divina also boasts several specialty restaurants, including the Eataly Steakhouse, which we happily experienced during a child-free date night. This popular Turin-based chain, founded by Oscar Farinetti in 2007 and expanded to the U.S. in 2010 in partnership with celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, and Joe Bastianich, offers an upscale Italian culinary journey.
Eataly now has 16 locations globally. It delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience. We savored exquisite wine, perfectly cooked fish and steak, the freshest salads we had on the ship, and divine cannoli for dessert. The décor is understated yet elegant, featuring white tablecloths, white flowers, wooden floors, and exposed brick walls. Warm bread is served in paper bags with olive oil for dipping. Eataly’s homemade gourmet pizza, available with various individual toppings throughout the day, either in the restaurant or via room service, is a must-try. It is a step above the buffet pizza, truly sublime and worth the additional cost for a special family treat.
A Day Full of Family Fun: Onboard Activities
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Each evening, we received a detailed schedule for the following day, allowing us to plan our family activities. A dedicated entertainment team, visible throughout the ship day and night, orchestrated and led these activities. My daughter enthusiastically participated in arts and crafts sessions, spending hours creating a personalized t-shirt, decorating a box, and crafting paper flowers. My husband, a dance enthusiast, took daily dance classes, including tango, jive, and waltz. We even participated in Italian language lessons together as a family. We tried shuffleboard and joined in friendly ping pong tournaments.
I took advantage of daily yoga classes (for a small fee) in the well-equipped gym and enjoyed morning walks on the top deck, taking in the panoramic ocean views. The daily program was packed with options, from trivia games and aerobics classes to water balloon tosses and much more. We could be as active or relaxed as we desired. After dinner, the family fun continued. We danced (kids included!), enjoyed cocktails in the jazz bar, and attended the evening shows. One night featured an Elton John tribute, another karaoke. We savored tea in the lounge, listening to a Russian trio perform classical music. It truly was a break from everyday life and offered wonderful opportunities for the whole family to spend quality time together.
Family Excursions: Exploring Caribbean Gems
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Our cruise itinerary included three port stops. We spent a full day in St. Martin, half a day in the British Virgin Islands, and a full day at Great Stirrup Cay, a private island in the Bahamas. We opted to book our excursions independently of the ship, securing them for significantly less than the onboard prices (around $20-$25 per person) and allowing us to fully experience each island.
We explored local markets, basked in the sun on idyllic beaches, and interacted with the locals. Great Stirrup Cay was particularly memorable. This private island is shared by MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Our cruise line provided lunch, entertainment, bar service, and equipment for enjoying the sea. We spent the entire day snorkeling, marveling at the vibrant, colorful fish. It was an unforgettable experience and created lasting family memories.
Family Cruising Expectations: What to Know
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MSC Cruises, being a relatively newer cruise line, seems to be continually developing its kids’ activities. The positive aspect is their comprehensive kids’ club, open for most of the day. Initially, my children were hesitant to join, primarily fearing they would miss out on family time and also concerned about being on the older end of the age group (7-11 years). However, on our third day, they finally ventured into the kids’ club and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The ship features a thrilling water slide and several game rooms, adding to the family-friendly entertainment options. Upon boarding, we purchased a “Teen Card” to manage their spending in these areas, a very practical feature. We set a spending limit of $30 on each card, effectively controlling their expenses. I anticipate that MSC will continue to enhance their kids’ activity offerings, providing parents with more opportunities for relaxation, but they are already well on their way to creating exceptional Family Friendly Cruises.
Family Cruise Costs: Getting Down to Basics
Currently, visiting MSC’s website reveals incredibly attractive pricing for Caribbean cruises, starting from $299 per person for a 7-day cruise. This price is for an interior cabin without a balcony or ocean view. Staterooms with balconies are available from $599.
We even met fellow passengers who had booked their week-long cruise for as low as $199 per person, plus taxes. Cruise prices are currently exceptionally competitive, raising questions about the impact of MSC’s pricing strategy on the broader cruise industry.
Editor’s Note: Holly was provided with complimentary cruise fare and a special package to review the boat’s services with her family. However, all opinions are her own. Photos by Holly Rosen Fink
Relevant Links:
Cruising with kids
To cruise or not to cruise with kids
