The casino wasn't too smoky, which was good. Not enough to get any future discount though. I don't have answers, but I did play some blackjack for the first time on MSC over the NYE sailing on Virtuosa. I'm on the fence regarding the Yacht Club, but that nearly triples the cost. You got a great rate! Ours is just under $1,000 for the two of us in a balcony (upgraded to some different tier. I watched a youtube video walk-through of the Divina casino and was relieved to see they have Head-Up Hold'em. Even after reading all the negative trip reports (or possibly because I'm mentally preparing for my cruise) I have a feeling I'll enjoy MSC as a 'budget' line like I enjoy Carnival. Lots of people saying it's not a 'fun' experience, no comedy shows, Italian style service, etc. I just hope the Italian food is better than Carnival. I'm glad to have been reading so many threads about recent MSC cruisers being disappointed, especially with the Divina which I'll be sailing on - so I know to temper my expectations.
I'm doing a S2S with a Carnival four-day cruise. Tom, when is your first MSC cruise again? Mine is first week of April, a three-day to Ocean Cay that was $225 and includes the 'plus' drink package, internet and $25obc.
