Divina to North America

MSC Divina was the first ship in the Italian company's fleet to be home ported year round in the USA, offering alternating, seven night eastern and western Caribbean sailings out of Miami. And, for those who might think that she is 'just another mega ship' sailing out of Miami, nothing could be further from the truth.

Though many of the passengers are American, Divina remains a quintessentially Italian styled product. The public rooms are possibly the most spectacular of any ship sailing from the USA. Especially so in the case of the grand staircase in the atrium, with each tread literally studded with Swarovski crystals. Those rooms are stunning almost to the point of overkill; rich marble, Murano glass sculptures, polished brass and strikingly modern art works punctuate the broad interior decks of this ship. Divina has a feel and style that makes her the most distinctive ship in the Caribbean.

Menus have been tweaked to accommodate more American staples, but the Italian influence is always there. Whether in the food served in the main dining rooms, to the cuisine offered in the upper deck Lido Buffet.The speciality restaurants attracted brisk business, and mixed reviews. It seemed to me that passengers and ship alike spent most of the cruise trying to get to know each other.

I loved the twin level central pool, with its sliding glass roof and mezzanine level sprinkled with tables and chairs. This area was hugely popular with families. In the warm weather, the roof was open all of the time. Had it been closed, I suspect the volume level would have been bedlam.

The strong point on Divina remains the cabins. Even the standard balcony rooms have bed bolsters and beautiful, rich colouring. Further up the scale, MSC Yacht Club is a kind of 'gated community', a ship within a ship. Many of the most opulent suites are here, together with a separate restaurant and bar.

There are still communication problems on board between passengers and staff; for example, drinks orders were frequently mixed up on board. Still, Divina is a great choice- something truly different in the Caribbean market.