How A FREE MSC Cruise Allowed Me to Finally Make it Down to The ABC Islands …Well Two Out of the Three!
Most Recently Updated January 24, 2026
Originally Published January 23, 2026
From the beginning, the goal was always to see how far I could maximize my Casino Status Match Jackpot. To parlay the statuses, comp cruise and comp stays obtained in Atlantic City for as many comp cruises as possible.
I had no idea how far it would go and was pretty surprised and impressed that I was able to get a second MSC cruise from Ocean! Unfortunately this was one of the times when I should have acted faster and booked the Japan/Korea Cherry Blossoms cruise before MSC implemented a $1400 surcharge! But it all worked out in the end, as I was finally able to get down to two of the ABC islands!
Note that this post is still a work in progress as it serves as an anchor page for all other related posts and will be updated with notes and links as those are written! These will include posts on what I did in port, port guides and day recaps with detailed information on what’s offered on Princess in general and this sailing specifically.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links which means if you buy something following a link on this page, I may get a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is absolutely free for you/does not cost you anything extra! There’s no sponsored content nor do I run ads here so this helps so much in reducing the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active.Thanks! Rosemary
- book activities via GetYourGuide(GYG) or Viator & day/spa/pool passes with ResortPass
- combine that with using a shopping portal to earn cashback or miles
- Stay connected/informed with T-Mobile or Airalo
- Read this for info on GYG and this for why I use Viator and this for more on ResortPass
- Details on using Rakuten for cashback and here’s for AA eShopping
- Here’s why I love T-Mobile & the deets on using Airalo
Want to learn more about how to travel for cheaper, better and/or more often?: Intro to Travel Hacking and my 8 Top Tips For Travel Hacking
Before I dive in, here are the other related MSC Divina Southern Caribbean posts (besides those linked later in the post):
- Wanna learn more about how I got my comp cruises in the first place?
- Read about my casino status match jackpot here (which is how I got my Ocean status and this cruise) and here’s where you’ll find my haul.
- Since there’s always a debate about if this type of travel is really “free”, read about this free MSC comp cruise and what my true costs were.
- Trip Report deep dives into the cash, miles and points spending and all of the savings (and sources) – essentially how did I travel hack this cruise
- Here’s what I wish I knew about MSC comp cruises + MSC cruises in general before booking / sailing
- Curious what my stateroom was like – check out the tour/rating – upcoming post. And here’s what my other cabins have been like (ongoing series)
- And here’s my review on the ship: MSC Divina – upcoming post
Days 1 – 2: Miami, Florida, US
DEN – MIA
W South Beach
Day 2: Miami, FL, US: Embark MSC Divina
Peek inside my oceanview stateroom + see what the final rating was
Days 3: at Sea
Day 4: Falmouth, Jamaica
Day 5: at Sea
Day 6: Oranjestad, Aruba
Highly rated activities/ excursions/tours & info on logistics including cruise port, transportation options, & top attractions/points of interests & food + shopping recs & FAQ and so much more
Day 7: Willemstad, Curaçao
Day 8: at Sea
Day 10: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Day 10: at Sea
Day 11: Ocean Cay – MSC Private Marine Reserve
Day 12: Miami, FL, US: Disembark MSC Divina
About Author
Rosemary is a travel hacker, points nerd and female solo traveler who’s explored 70+ countries without a trust fund, sugar daddy, or sponsored content. Every mile, upgrade, and trip is completely self-funded using a mix of points, miles, and cash or earned with elite status. And she shows you the receipts along with a mildly concerning amount of spreadsheets. Through firsthand experience and plenty of trial and error, she teaches everyday travelers the art of travel hacking and how they too can travel for cheaper, better, and more often. While Rosemary doesn’t take herself too seriously, she does take award travel (and searching for the best ice cream) seriously – because seeing the world shouldn’t be reserved for the rich, the retired, or content creators with brand deals.
