MSC Divina Cruise Review- All About Beverages

Our recent voyage on the MSC Divina was lots of fun-and I have many things to share with you all! I decided to break up my review into sections so I could share more photos and specific information about each topic. Beginning with beverages seemed natural as a "cheerful" cruiser! We bought 2 drink voucher packs titled "More for Less Escape Pass", which was 18 coupons for $84.00. These were paper coupons that were valid for any alcoholic cocktail, beer, wine, soda, bottled water, milkshake or gelato up to $7.50. Now, although I was assured by my Personal Vacation Planner that there were very few cocktails priced above $7.50 on the menus that was actually not the case. The first day I only ordered drinks $7.50 or less as a female bartender at the Divina Bar told me cocktails like the famous Purple Rain were not able to be purchased with a voucher. When asked if I could pay .25 cents more (Purple Rain was priced at $7.75) she told me no, that I would need to pay the full amount. However, the second day there was a different bartender at the Divina Bar who said I could absolutely use my voucher for a Purple Rain (I had to have one in honor of Prince) and the vouchers were fine for all cocktails except the ones indicating premium specialties. Happily, this was the case at every bar thereafter, so I am still a bit unsure of their overall policy. Additionally, the elevators had signs saying the Purple Rain was $7.50, so this was confusing.  The drink menus are posted below so you can see the up to date prices and types of beverages offered. We did end up getting gelato with the vouchers as well- even sorbet is offered and the flavors are delicious! We also had the "All Inclusive" package (known as 104), which was available to us for $28.20 for my self and my husband (the combined tota- the individual cost was $14.10 each). We wanted a package for our son but since the "104" included wine and draft beer at dinner only he was not applicable. That being said, when we handed servers our card and ordered bottled water, sodas or cappuccino they brought enough for all three of us so it was not an issue. This package was by far the most worthy, as we drank tons of bottled water due to the heat. Only one or two servers were unsure of the "104" printed on our card and tried to charge us for water or soda. Once we told them they clarified it quickly with their managers and back out the charge (although we still have a $4.03 charge they need to back out from our final bill). The buffet had complimentary ice teas, lemonade and low calorie fruit flavored water from a self service machine. Coffee and a variety of tea were also at the buffet. In the main dining room tap water was offered, and juice and coffee or tea in the morning. I did see other guests get iced coffee or ice tea at dinner but they needed to ask their server for it. By far Sunoj and Randy were the best bartenders we encountered- Sunoj was at the Divina Bar and Randy was at the Pool Bar. Now, with the all inclusive package we were told we had a choice of house wines and draft beers at dinner only. My husband was disappointed as they had only had one beer on draft- Heineken. He was really looking forward to trying some different beers. The wine was explained as red or white to me, but when I asked for a rose' they said they could do that too. So, our server Savnell brought out a bottle each night of White Zinfandel, which was pink in color. This Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi wine was actually very tasty and refreshing. So, the verdict on house wine and draft beer is that if you like Heineken beer you will be happy, and if you are okay with a simple house red or white wine, and maybe another blush type wine option you would appreciate this drink package. The low price is worth it for the bottled water, soda and cappuccino though. The cocktails were all made well, with a bit of inconsistency from bar to bar for the drink of the day, like the Firecracker drink. There were definite times there was a back up at the bars as there would only be one or two bartenders making drinks for waiting guests as well as orders from servers. MSC needs to beef up their bartending staff during busy times, such as deck parties. They also need to clarify their policy on vouchers and what drinks are actually applicable to use them on, as at least 3/4 of the cocktails offered should really be in the price range for the vouchers. The purple rain was delicious, although it really turns into more of a gray-green-purple when mixed.

My husband was happy Johnny Walker Black was able to be gotten with a voucher, and my son like the Coke products offered- especially Dr. Pepper. Stay tuned for a separate review of the food, activities, ship layout and rooms, hints and tips, a hotel port review of the Embassy Suites Miami and a port review of Watlings Distillery in Nassau! Here are several of the drink menus, taken on July 3, 2016. I did not get to take a photo of the martini menu at the La Luna Piano Bar, but there was a nice array of martinis which were mostly priced at $7.50 per drink. I had a martini called The Floridian and it was great!