MSC Divina Vs Meraviglia: Which One Is Best?

So,  MSC Divina vs Meraviglia: Which one to choose?

MSC Meraviglia offers a lot more enjoyable experience than MSC Divina. The Meraviglia is a more modern class of ship compared to the MSC Divina. You’ll get a more contemporary and vibrant experience in MSC Meraviglia, focusing on entertainment and onboard activities. In contrast, MSC Divina provides a more elegant and refined experience, offering a mix of European-international influences.

There are a lot of aspects to compare  MSC Divina with Meraviglia. To have a better idea about these two cruises go through the whole article.

MSC Divina Vs Meraviglia: Detailed Comparison!

Given that both MSC Divina and Meraviglia have several features. let’s consider a concise comparison between the two.

	MSC Divina	MSC Meraviglia
Dining Options	Afternoon buffet,  Italian dishes, Steakhouse, Continental, Mediterranean Fusion	Continental, Steakhouse, Kaito Teppanyaki, Marketplace Buffet, Italian, Mediterranean cuisines.
Entertainment Options	Several pools, Aurea Spa, whirlpools, bar, kids zone, library, movie theater.	Carousel Lounge and the multi-purpose karaoke bar, comedy club, TV studio & Bar, Outdoor Aqua Park
Swimming Pools	Aqua Park. Jacuzzis. La Sirene Covered Pool, Sliding Sun Roof, hot tubs, Solarium and Le Prue, The Garden Pool	Yacht Club pool, hot tub, Bamboo pool, Atmosphere pool, Horizon pool.
Sports Facilities	Basketball, Tennis court, Mini Golf, Jogging Track	Basketball, Soccer, Bowling, F1 Simulator
Notable Features	Swarovski Crystal Staircase, Infinity Pool	LED-lit roof, ropes course, and full-size bowling alley
Passenger Accomodation	3502	5714
Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins	45	55

Source: CruiseMapper

Itineraries, Fares, and Duration

Before we dive into the ships themselves, let’s talk about where they’ll take you and how much it’ll cost.

MSC Divina:

• Itineraries: Focused on Caribbean cruises, with some longer transatlantic voyages.
  • Example: 7-night Caribbean cruise to Jamaica, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
• Shore Excursions:
  • Montego Bay, Jamaica: River tubing adventure ($89 per person, 3 hours).
  • Cozumel, Mexico: Snorkeling tour at Palancar Reef ($65 per person, 4 hours).
  • Nassau, Bahamas: Cultural walking tour ($45 per person, 2 hours).
• Fares: Typically starts at $399 per person for a 7-night cruise (inside cabin).
• Duration: 7-14 nights, with occasional longer transatlantic options.

User Reviews:

• “The itineraries on Divina are relaxing and perfect for unwinding. I loved the serene vibe in the Caribbean!” – Cruise Critic User.
• “Shore excursions were enjoyable, but I wish there were more adventurous options.” – Reddit User.

MSC Meraviglia:

• Itineraries: A mix of Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Mediterranean cruises.
  • Example: 7-night Mediterranean cruise to Italy, France, and Spain.
• Shore Excursions:
  • Rome, Italy: Colosseum and Vatican City tour ($120 per person, 8 hours).
  • Barcelona, Spain: Tapas and Flamenco experience ($99 per person, 4 hours).
  • Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Eco-friendly kayak adventure ($55 per person, 2 hours).
• Fares: Starts at $499 per person for a 7-night cruise (inside cabin).
• Duration: 3-14 nights, offering more flexibility for shorter trips.

User Reviews:

• “Meraviglia’s itineraries are fantastic for exploring Europe. The Rome excursion was worth every penny!” – TripAdvisor User.
• “I found the shore excursion prices a bit high, but the experiences were unique and well-organized.” – Cruise Critic User.

Aspect	MSC Divina	MSC Meraviglia	Winner
Itineraries	Caribbean, transatlantic	Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean	Meraviglia
Shore Excursions	Cultural and relaxed	Family-friendly and varied	Meraviglia
Starting Fare	$399	$499	Divina (budget-friendly)

Winner: MSC Meraviglia for itinerary variety, but Divina wins if you’re on a tighter budget.

You can purchase their dining facilities from web check-in. But if there’s any problem with MSC web Chek-In then it’s better to contact them directly.

Ship Overview

Let’s start with the basics—size, style, and vibe.

Feature	MSC Divina	MSC Meraviglia	Winner
Year Launched	2012	2017	Meraviglia
Passenger Capacity	3,502	4,500	Divina (less crowded)
Gross Tonnage	139,072	171,598	Meraviglia
Style	Elegant, refined	Modern, innovative	Depends on preference

User Reviews:

• “I adored the elegance of Divina—it feels like stepping into a luxury hotel.” – Cruise Critic User.
• “Meraviglia’s modern design blew me away, especially the LED dome promenade.” – Reddit User.

My take: If you love the charm of an elegant, smaller ship, Divina’s your pick. But if cutting-edge design and the latest tech excite you, Meraviglia is the way to go.

Cabins and Accommodations

This is where you’ll spend a lot of your time, so let’s talk cabins.

MSC Divina:

• The cabins feel classy and cozy, with a focus on timeless Italian design.
• Balcony cabins are spacious—perfect for sipping coffee while watching the waves.
• Yacht Club: It’s lovely but note that the private restaurant is located on a lower deck, so you’ll have to venture out a bit.

User Reviews:

• “The balcony cabin on Divina was spacious and beautifully designed. It felt like a private retreat.” – Cruise Critic User.
• “Yacht Club service was excellent, but having the restaurant on a different deck was inconvenient.” – TripAdvisor User.

MSC Meraviglia:

• The cabins scream modern convenience—think USB ports by the bed and interactive TVs.
• Yacht Club: Everything you need (lounge, restaurant, and pool) is right within the Yacht Club area. No extra steps!

User Reviews:

• “I loved the modern touches in Meraviglia’s cabins, especially the interactive TV system.” – Reddit User.
• “The Yacht Club layout is perfect—everything is in one place!” – Cruise Critic User.

Winner: MSC Meraviglia for its updated, user-friendly layout—especially for Yacht Club guests.

Dining Options

Let’s be honest—food can make or break a vacation. So, here’s the scoop.

MSC Divina Dining Highlights:

• Eataly Steakhouse: It’s a classic—think juicy steaks paired with authentic Italian flavors.
• Galaxy Disco Restaurant: A fun spot for dinner with a side of disco vibes.
• The buffet has decent variety and tends to be less crowded than Meraviglia’s.

User Reviews:

• “The Eataly Steakhouse was my favorite—delicious food and impeccable service.” – TripAdvisor User.
• “The buffet was manageable, and I appreciated the quieter atmosphere.” – Cruise Critic User.

MSC Meraviglia Dining Highlights:

• Butcher’s Cut: A steak lover’s dream! I could eat here every night.
• HOLA! Tapas Bar by Ramón Freixa: Perfect for sharing bites with friends—it’s casual, fun, and oh-so-delicious.
• There’s more variety overall, but it can get busy.

User Reviews:

• “Butcher’s Cut was a highlight for me—everything from the steak to the sides was phenomenal.” – Reddit User.
• “The dining options were great, but the buffet felt crowded at peak times.” – Cruise Critic User.

Aspect	MSC Divina	MSC Meraviglia	Winner
Best Specialty Restaurant	Eataly Steakhouse	Butcher’s Cut	Depends on taste
Buffet Crowds	Less crowded	Busier	Divina
Variety of Options	Moderate	Extensive	Meraviglia

Winner: It’s a tie! Divina wins for quieter dining; Meraviglia wins for its variety.

Entertainment and Amenities

Both MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia pack in plenty of entertainment options, but they each offer a different vibe when it comes to onboard fun. Let’s break it down.

MSC Divina:

• Shows and Performances:
  • Expect traditional-style cruise entertainment with Broadway-inspired shows at the Pantheon Theater. The performances are classy, and the singers are top-notch.
  • User Review: “The shows were entertaining, but I felt like they could’ve used a little more variety.” – Cruise Critic User.
• Pools and Aqua Park:
  • Divina boasts a luxurious infinity pool at the aft of the ship, perfect for quiet relaxation.
  • There’s also a large pool area in the middle of the ship, but it can get crowded on sea days.
  • User Review: “I loved the infinity pool on Divina—it was peaceful and offered amazing sunset views.” – TripAdvisor User.
• Nightlife:
  • With a quieter vibe, Divina’s nightlife focuses on elegant lounges and live piano music.
  • The onboard casino is smaller but charming for casual gamblers.
  • User Review: “The lounges had a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, but I wish there had been more nightlife options.” – Reddit User.

MSC Meraviglia:

• Shows and Performances:
  • The highlight here is the Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances (exclusive to Meraviglia). These shows are jaw-dropping and set a new standard for cruise entertainment.
  • User Review: “Cirque du Soleil was the highlight of the trip—it’s unlike anything I’ve seen on a cruise!” – Cruise Critic User.
• Pools and Aqua Park:
  • Meraviglia features a sprawling main pool area with plenty of loungers, plus a large indoor pool for cooler days.
  • The Polar Aquapark is a hit with families, offering water slides and interactive play areas.
  • User Review: “The Polar Aquapark kept my kids entertained for hours—it’s perfect for families!” – TripAdvisor User.
• Nightlife:
  • Meraviglia is livelier, with a vibrant promenade under a massive LED dome. Think evening parties, live music, and spontaneous dance-offs.
  • The onboard casino is modern and has a wider selection of games compared to Divina.
  • User Review: “The LED dome promenade was stunning—I spent hours just walking around and enjoying the vibe!” – Reddit User.

Aspect	MSC Divina	MSC Meraviglia	Winner
Shows	Broadway-style	Cirque du Soleil at Sea	Meraviglia
Pools	Elegant infinity pool	Larger pools + family-friendly Aqua Park	Meraviglia
Nightlife	Relaxed lounges	Vibrant promenade with LED dome	Meraviglia

Winner: MSC Meraviglia for its innovative shows, family-friendly amenities, and lively atmosphere.

As Gen Z tourists are more attracted to this type of fun trip plan.

Pools at MSC Divina Vs Meraviglia

When it comes to swimming facilities, both MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia have a range of options. 

MSC Divina offers its passengers several swimming facilities as well. The Yacht Club Pool is an exclusive pool area reserved for guests from the luxurious Yacht section of the ship. 

In addition, there are hot tubs available for relaxation. The Bamboo Pool, Atmosphere Pool, and Horizon Pool provide further options for swimming and enjoying the water on MSC Divina.

MSC Meraviglia boasts an Aqua Park, which features exciting water slides and splash areas for both adults and children. Additionally, there are jacuzzis and hot tubs available on the ship for passengers to relax and unwind. Both MSC yacht club and NCL haven have several numbers of pools for their guests.

Sports Facilities

MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia both provide sports facilities to their guests. On MSC Divina, you’ll find amenities such as a basketball court, tennis court, mini golf, and a jogging track. 

These facilities cater to various sports enthusiasts, allowing them to engage in friendly matches. They can also practice swing, or enjoy a leisurely stroll or jog while taking in the beautiful views of the ship.

Similarly, MSC Meraviglia features a sports centre that includes a basketball court, mini-golf, and a gym. 

Passengers can enjoy a game of basketball, practice their putting skills, or maintain their fitness routine at the onboard gym. 

Notable Features

Both MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia offer distinct and impressive features that contribute to an unforgettable cruise experience. 

MSC Divina is known for its exquisite Swarovski Crystal Staircase, which adds a touch of elegance and glamour to the ship’s interior. This dazzling staircase is adorned with shimmering Swarovski crystals. Another notable feature of MSC Divina is its Infinity Pool, which offers a unique swimming experience with its endless horizon.

Source: Trip Advisor

On the other hand, MSC Meraviglia boasts several remarkable features as well. 

The ship’s LED-lit roof is a standout feature, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere throughout various areas of the ship. 

Additionally, MSC Meraviglia offers a thrilling ropes course for adventurous passengers. For those who enjoy classic entertainment, the full-size bowling alley on MSC Meraviglia provides a fun experience.

Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins

Both MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia offer wheelchair-accessible cabins to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. 

MSC Divina provides 45 wheelchair-accessible cabins while MSC Meraviglia offers 55 wheelchair-accessible cabins on board.

These cabins are available to ensure that individuals with disabilities have comfortable accommodations during their cruise.

MSC Divina Vs Meraviglia: What Will be Best for You?

the best choice between MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia depends on the preferences and priorities of the tourists. 

Those seeking elegance, stunning views, and modern features can find MSC Divina more appealing. 

However, tourists looking for vibrant entertainment, thrilling activities, and a variety of dining options can be drawn to MSC Meraviglia.

MSC Divina stands out with its elegant Swarovski Crystal Staircase and Infinity Pool, providing a touch of luxury and breathtaking views. 

With a variety of entertainment venues like the lavish theatre, casino, and water park, MSC Divina ensures a memorable and diverse experience for tourists.

MSC Meraviglia offers its own set of notable features such as the LED-lit roof, ropes course, and full-size bowling alley, creating a vibrant and thrilling atmosphere onboard. 

So, It’s recommended to consider the individual preferences of each ship to make an informed decision.

FAQs

Is the MSC Meraviglia the Largest Cruise Ship?

No, it is the fifth-largest cruise ship. MSC Meraviglia, spanning 1,036 feet in length, holds the distinction of being the fifth-largest cruise ship globally. and It holds the title of being the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet.

What is the Best Ship in MSC?

MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa are the best ships in the MSC line. Both belong to the Meraviglia Class category.  These two standout ships in the MSC lineup, are renowned for their exceptional quality and features.

What is MSC’s Newest Ship?

MSC Seashore is the MSC’c Newest ship. This ship made its debut in 2021, making it one of the most impressive additions to the entire MSC fleet. With its modern design and enhanced features, MSC Seashore stands out as the most remarkable ship in the lineup, 

Conclusion

Now you know which one is better in MSC Divina vs Meraviglia. When it comes to choosing between MSC Divina and MSC Meraviglia, both ships offer various amenities and features. These features easily cover different preferences and interests of the tourists. So it depends on you which ship will go with your test as a tourist.