Some cruise lines deliver dreams—others fall short. Yep, some cruise ships offer unforgettable escapes. But others leave passengers wishing they’d missed the boat. Want to know which cruise lines spark the most complaints? From overcrowded decks to hidden fees and subpar dining, some ships seem better at sinking expectations than delivering dream vacations.
In this article, I’m dropping anchor on 12 cruise lines that routinely run aground, according to honest passenger reviews. Plotting your first cruise adventure, or are you trying to steer clear of a repeat disaster? I’ve plunged into the depths of online cruise reviews so you can avoid sailing straight into disappointment.
Let’s set sail through the worst lines in the cruise industry that may have you jumping ship before you even board.
Common Criteria for the Worst Cruise Lines
To curate data for the worst companies in the cruise industry, I’ve delved deep into thousands of reviews on Cruise Critic, Reddit, personal blogs, and Tripadvisor. With thousands of reviews available, it’s possible to gauge real passenger experiences. Cruisers frequently mention issues with overcrowding, poor food quality, and unhygienic conditions.
Rather than focus on a few disgruntled passengers—let’s face it, even the best cruise lines have those—I’ve considered the general opinions of many cruisers. At the heart of the issue is that many cruise companies want to sail with full-capacity ships but lack the investment to provide smooth sailing.
Top 12 Worst Cruise Lines: Would You Risk Sailing with These?
I’ve discovered 12 cruise lines that leave passengers stranded in a sea of chaos, disappointment, and broken promises. Which ones are sinking expectations deeper than the Titanic’s final resting place? Let’s uncover the worst offenders.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea promises tropical vibes, but many passengers say it’s more hassle than paradise. Cramped cabins, outdated ships, and hidden fees turn dreams of escape into buyer’s remorse. Some passengers likened the experience to “the Walmart of cruises,” with hidden fees and rushed itineraries leaving sour impressions.
Food quality and variety don’t escape criticism, with some diners calling meals “basic” or even “inedible.” The party atmosphere, though fun for some, can feel chaotic for others seeking a quieter vibe. If you’re expecting luxury or extensive onboard amenities, this isn’t the cruise for you.
That said, Margaritaville excels at creating a lively, tropical ambiance perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Friendly staff and casual entertainment are highlights for those with realistic expectations. As one passenger noted, “We didn’t expect much, and our expectations were exceeded!”
Cruise Critic Rating: 4.1/5
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises markets itself as a premium line and scores a respectable 4 out of 5. However, feedback highlights include inconsistent service, with some passengers describing the staff as inattentive. Dining, once a hallmark of the brand, has left guests underwhelmed, particularly in specialty restaurants.
The main issue cruisers seem to have is outdated cabins on older ships that don’t compare with their sleek marketing campaigns. Also, upselling tactics frustrate travelers, with add-ons driving up costs unexpectedly. One guest remarked that they felt Celebrity’s fee policy was confusing and unfair, and they expected much more refinement and attention to detail.
Still, many cruisers on Celebrity ships praise the enriching onboard experiences and up-market vibe. Newer vessels, like the Edge series, impress with cutting-edge amenities and contemporary luxury. Many loyal cruisers appreciate the quiet elegance and unique itineraries, making it a favorite for those who value style and sophistication.
Cruise Critic Rating: 4.0/5
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is famous for its mega cruise ships and diverse itineraries. However, this strong point may be its weakness. Critics mention overcrowded facilities, declining service quality, long lines at dining venues, and congested pool areas—not exactly great for a relaxing vacation experience!
Additionally, some travelers have commented that the quality of food and entertainment is not as great as it once was. I also discovered several reviewers mentioning issues about poor hygiene and maintenance standards, which raise concerns about the line’s commitment to guest satisfaction.
Despite these challenges, many guests continue to praise Royal Caribbean for its innovative ship designs, diverse itineraries, and family-friendly activities. The line’s private destinations, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, remain popular highlights among cruisers.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.9/5
Holland America Line
Holland America promises classic cruising, but many guests feel the experience is stuck in the past. Complaints include aging ships with worn-out cabins and limited dining options that fail to impress. Some passengers describe the vibe as “too quiet” or “lacking energy.” Others say the entertainment is “second/third rate.”
The service—once a hallmark—has drawn criticism lately. Guests report understaffed dining rooms, long lines, and inconsistent attention to detail. One cruiser thinks that the number of staff when the ships sail full is not sufficient to ensure good service. Others criticized the food as “awful and repetitious.” One commented that, in their 32 cruises, the Eurodam ship was “run down with a tiny cabin and refrigerator that didn’t work.”
Despite receiving critical reviews, many older cruisers still love the relaxing vibe on Holland American cruise ships. Think BB King’s Blues Club, offering cultural enrichment and great spaces to relax.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival cruises are all about lively vibes and budget prices—but not everyone is feeling the fun. Many comments on Cruise Critics and forums criticize the cruise line for its declining service quality, long lines at buffets, and congested pool areas that make relaxation difficult.
More worrying is that CDC inspections in 2024 highlighted several sanitation concerns, with three ships—Breeze, Elation, and Miracle—scoring near the bottom of the cleanliness spectrum. Three ships from a single cruise line is a record!
Unfortunately, food quality is also a point of contention with onboard guests, who describe buffets as “bland” and “repetitive,” with Guy’s Burger Joint being one of the few redeeming free dining features.
The party-centric environment, though appealing to some, can lead to rowdy behavior, detracting from the experience for others. However, Carnival remains a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a lively vacation with strong party vibes.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.8/5
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
It seems even some luxury cruise lines have trouble keeping all their guests happy, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises getting a paltry 3.7 rating. Some of the most common comments include inconsistent services, “hit or miss” food options, and maintenance issues.
A common thread in many online reviews is a poorer standard after COVID. One cruiser noted that on the Seven Seas Splendor, they experienced cheap wine, limited buffet options, and underprepared food. Despite positive comments about well-kept ships, it seems the fleet feels old-fashioned and requires major updating.
However, Regent is still popular with cruisers searching for all-inclusive cruise deals. The appeal of all specialty dining, drinks, and excursions included in the price is enough for many cruisers to overlook the outdated vibe on the ships. And if you’re after intimate spaces, spacious suites, and excellent entertainment, Regent can be a good choice.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.7/5
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen promises traditional cruising—but some cruisers now call it old-fashioned. From what I read in many reviews, common complaints include outdated interiors, limited onboard activities, senior-orientated entertainment, and new nickel-and-diming tactics.
A common thread on Fred. Olsen ships is the poor value-for-money “all-inclusive” packages. Guests tend to talk about what they don’t include—WiFi, bottled water, spirits and cocktails. Dining options also don’t escape criticism for lack of variety and quality.
Despite the negative comments, Fred. Olsen has loyal fans. The smaller ships and cozy atmosphere appeal to certain cruisers. Also, the friendly, attentive service and quiet cruising experience are a plus for many over-flashy extras. So, if you’re seeking a relaxing, peaceful voyage, Fred. Olsen may be worth a look.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.7/5
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian cruise ships generally have a good reputation, but it seems that understaffing and crowded ships are creating issues with cruisers. Common threads with cruise guests include long waits at the buffet, crowded public areas, packed pools, and low-quality food. One cruiser joked that the desserts were so bad they lost a few pounds on the cruise!
The most frequent complaint among NCL passengers is the high-pressure sales tactics onboard. Also, it seems that “nickel and diming” is a sales tactic to get more money from passengers. On the plus side, NCL has excellent “Free at Sea” offers that include WiFi, free 3rd or 4th guests, and drinks packages.
From what I gathered, fans of Norwegian cruises are losing patience with the company. Many cite issues like inattentiveness of staff, expensive spa treatments, so-so entertainment, and poor cruise experiences compared to pre-COVID cruising. However, modern ships and diverse itineraries continue to attract travelers seeking a casual cruising experience.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.6/5
P&O Cruises
I’ve never sailed on a P&O cruise ship, but from online reviews, it seems I’m not missing much. Despite its once-stellar reputation as a premium U.K. cruise line, it no longer impresses cruisers. Online comments commonly cite overcrowded buffets, subpar food quality, and long lines.
P&O Cruise Line has never been a company focused on water slides, rock climbing, go-karts, and other gimmicks. However, long-time P&O fans comment on slipping standards as ships get larger and more packed. Others say that the lack of excitement and deteriorating cabins on smaller ships is a definite turn-off.
Is it worth taking a risk on a P&O cruise? I’d recommend doing your research to find out if it’s for you. The cruise line caters more to families and older guests and has some diverse itineraries.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.4/5
Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line operates out of the U.K. and is relatively new in the cruise industry, apart from its outdated, old ships. There are few redeeming factors about the two ships it operates. Many online reviews use words like “woeful,” “disappointing,” “rusty, not rustic,” and “disappointing.”
Some of the main complaints I discovered about this cruise line are the lack of customer service, poorly maintained ships, and inefficient operations. These range from boarding to cruise itineraries and buffet lines.
Reading between the lines, I see that most complaints are from travelers with different expectations of their cruise experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing time at sea and a friendly atmosphere, Ambassador won’t disappoint. However, if you want fun, excitement, and top-notch entertainment, then look elsewhere.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.4/5
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers low-cost cruising, and many travelers report having subpar cruise experiences. But, hey, you get what you pay for! It seems it’s the best cruise line to book with if you’re prepared for inattentive staff, inconsistent service, limited food options, and mediocre quality. Some cruisers even complained about rude customer service.
MSC cruise ships split the crowds. Some praise the friendly crew, nice ships, and excellent choices of bars and restaurants. But even positive reviews point out negatives like slow service, poor entertainment options, and communication problems with staff.
The reason why MSC Cruise rates as the second worst among the major cruise lines seems to be due to the following factors:
- Inconsistency and lack of care
- Terrible food and repetitive menu choices
- Overcrowding at the buffet
- Too many rooms with few facilities for all guests
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.3/5
Costa Cruises
Bottom in the review ocean for Cruise Critic’s worst-rated cruise line is Costa Cruises. Supposedly, Italian elegance on the high seas is more like a sinking gondola in a crowded Venice canal. There are few positive comments about Costa Cruises, apart from the price.
General online comments mention issues like broken bathroom facilities, poor hygiene, lousy food, unfriendly staff, and limited dining options for vegetarians and vegans. In general, it seems that the buffet is typically overcrowded, expensive WiFi is patchy at best, and there are poor onboard shopping options.
Of course, with a score of 3 out of 5, some people love Costa cruise ships. Maybe the fact that the cruises are some of the cheapest in the Mediterranean is a factor. So, if you’re on a budget and this is your first cruise, Costa Cruises may be an option.
Cruise Critic Rating: 3.0/5
What Passengers Are Saying Across Cruise Lines
Across cruise lines, it’s the same story—crowded decks, bland food, hidden fees, and service that falls flat. For many, post-pandemic cutbacks have turned dream trips into second guesses.
What’s worse, dated ships and cutbacks post-pandemic leave many cruisers feeling shortchanged, questioning whether the experience matches the price tag.
How to Avoid a Bad Cruise Experience
Booking the perfect cruise isn’t just about snagging a good deal—it’s about aligning your expectations with reality. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to avoid dodgy cruise lines and ensure the best experience every time I’m at sea.
Research: Dive into reviews on platforms like Cruise Critic or Reddit, where passengers share honest feedback. Pay attention to recurring complaints about food, service, and ship conditions—if it’s mentioned often, it’s likely a real issue.
Match the cruise to your goals: Love lively atmospheres? Go for lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Prefer quiet elegance? Regent Seven Seas or Oceania might be better. Think about the ship’s size, onboard activities, and the crowd it attracts. Booking a party cruise when you want relaxation is a recipe for disappointment.
Get priorities: A cheap deal isn’t worth it if the destinations don’t excite you. And cheap cruises on lackluster ships are disappointing. Instead, look for itineraries that align with your travel goals, whether exploring exotic ports, relaxing on pristine beaches, or enjoying unique cultural experiences. Remember—destinations make the memories.
Book newer ships: Older ships often lack modern amenities, and maintenance issues are more common. Check the ship’s age and whether it’s been recently renovated. Newer vessels tend to offer better dining options, updated cabins, and innovative features.
Don’t skimp on cabin selection: Your cabin is your retreat. Budget cabins are OK if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship, but if relaxation is your priority, consider a balcony or suite. A cramped room can turn a good trip into a frustrating one.
Timing is everything: Avoid peak seasons, spring break, or holiday sailings if you’re not a fan of crowds. Off-season cruises often come with better prices, fewer passengers, and more attentive service.
My Final Thoughts
Booking a cruise shouldn’t feel like rolling the dice. The key to smooth sailing? Choose the correct ship and the right itinerary, and set realistic expectations. A bit of research is all it takes to steer clear of rough waters and turn a potential letdown into the trip of a lifetime.
The perfect cruise is out there waiting. Dive into reviews, ask tough questions, and don’t settle for mediocrity. You’ve worked hard for this—make it unforgettable. The ocean’s calling. Are you ready to answer with confidence?
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