Not all cruise holidays are created equal.
Most people step off a ship already planning their next sailing. But scroll through the reviews, and you’ll quickly see that not every cruise line leaves guests smiling.
Here’s the thing though, it’s rarely because a cruise line is outright “bad”. More often, it’s a mismatch. The wrong ship. The wrong vibe. The wrong expectations.
Some lines consistently score lower than others, and when you look at the data, the patterns are surprisingly clear.
So which cruise lines are getting the worst reviews right now… and why are passengers marking them down?
How I Found the Data
For this guide, I looked at reviews from three of the biggest cruise review platforms: Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and Feefo.
Rather than relying on a single website, I compared scores across all three to get a more balanced picture of how passengers feel about each cruise line.
To make the rankings as fair as possible, I only included cruise lines that had reviews on at least two of the three platforms. That helps reduce the impact of an unusually high or low score on any one website.
I didn’t use TripAdvisor because its cruise reviews are collected at the ship level rather than the cruise line level, making it difficult to compare brands consistently.
I’ve also excluded cruise lines with very small numbers of reviews, as a handful of strong opinions can have a disproportionate impact on the overall score. Most of the cruise lines featured here have hundreds of reviews, while some have many thousands.
Where cruise lines had the same average score, I ranked the one with the larger number of reviews lower, as the result is based on a bigger sample of passenger experiences.
I’ve included fleet size too, because sometimes negative reviews are concentrated on just one or two ships. Smaller fleets tend to deliver a more consistent experience across the brand. Finally, I’ve added an approximate price per night, because expectations naturally differ between a budget cruise line and a luxury one, making context just as important as the scores themselves.
1. Costa Cruises
- Rating: 3.3
- Fleet: 9 ships
- Top departure ports: Barcelona, Marseille, Civitavecchia (for Rome)
- Approx price per night: £40-70
Costa Cruises is an Italian cruise line that brings a distinctly European flavour to cruising. From the food and entertainment to the mix of nationalities onboard, it offers a very different experience from the big American cruise brands.
The fleet ranges from smaller, older ships to modern mega-ships like Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with plenty of bars, restaurants and activities, although you won’t find as many headline-grabbing attractions as you would on the newest Royal Caribbean or Carnival ships.
Costa received the lowest overall review score in this comparison.
One of the most common themes in negative reviews is customer service. While many guests praise the crew, others describe inconsistent service standards and communication issues, particularly when dealing with problems or special requests.
Food is another area that divides opinion. Some passengers love the authentic Italian dishes and Mediterranean influences, while others feel the buffet lacks variety and becomes overcrowded during busy periods. Guests with dietary requirements, particularly vegans, also frequently mention limited choices and a lack of clear labelling.
Crowding is another recurring complaint. Several reviewers felt that popular venues, especially the buffet restaurant, struggled to cope when ships were sailing at full capacity. Long queues and difficulty finding seats are mentioned more often than with many competing cruise lines.
That said, Costa’s low fares go a long way towards explaining why many guests still rate their cruises highly. It remains one of the cheapest major cruise lines in Europe, often costing significantly less than rivals sailing similar itineraries.
For travellers looking for a budget-friendly cruise and who don’t mind a busy, European-style atmosphere, Costa can still offer excellent value. But based on the review data, it’s also the cruise line most likely to leave guests feeling disappointed if their expectations don’t match the reality onboard.
Suggested read: My £30 Per Day Costa Cruise (Honest Review)
2. MSC Cruises
- Rating: 3.6
- Fleet: 23 ships
- Top departure ports: Various
- Approx price per night: £50-80
MSC Cruises is another Italian cruise line that offers affordable cruises on some of the newest and most visually impressive ships at sea. While the company has European roots, its ships cater to an international audience and combine Mediterranean influences with many of the features expected from a modern mainstream cruise line.
The fleet includes everything from older, smaller ships to giant modern vessels like MSC World Europa and MSC World America. Many guests are impressed by the ships themselves, which are frequently described as beautiful, modern and exceptionally clean.
Even so, MSC received the second-lowest overall review score in this ranking.
One of the biggest themes in negative reviews is customer service, particularly before and after the cruise. While many guests praise the hardworking crew onboard, complaints about communication and problem resolution are common.
Crowding is another recurring issue. MSC’s ships often sail full, and reviewers frequently mention queues, busy buffet restaurants and difficulty finding seating in popular areas during peak times.
Food is perhaps the most divisive aspect of an MSC cruise. Some guests enjoy the European-style cuisine and feel it offers excellent value for money, while others describe the food as repetitive or inconsistent. The buffet in particular receives mixed reviews.
Even many of MSC’s critics acknowledge that the cruise line offers exceptional value. Fares are often among the lowest in the industry, especially considering the quality and scale of the ships. For many travellers, the savings outweigh the shortcomings.
MSC tends to divide opinion more than most cruise lines. Some guests vow never to sail with the company again, while others become fiercely loyal fans. As the reviews show, expectations play a huge role in how people rate the experience.
Suggested read: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?
3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Rating: 3.7
- Fleet: 21 ships
- Top departure ports: Miami, New York, Civitavecchia (Rome)
- Approx price per night: £75-120
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the largest cruise brands in the world, with a fleet of 21 ships ranging from mid-sized vessels to some of the newest and most innovative ships at sea. The latest additions, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, continue the cruise line’s focus on modern design, large outdoor spaces and headline attractions.
NCL is particularly popular with families, couples and younger travellers thanks to its relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” concept. There are no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes and plenty of activities to fill your days, including water slides, go-kart tracks, virtual reality attractions and live entertainment.
The cruise line also bundles a number of perks into its Free At Sea packages, which can include drinks, speciality dining, WiFi and shore excursion credits. While these offers can add value, they also make comparing fares a little more complicated than with some rivals.
One of the most common criticisms in recent reviews is the number of extra charges onboard. While the base fare can be competitive, many guests feel that the constant opportunities to spend more money can become frustrating, particularly on the newer ships where many attractions, dining venues and experiences come with an additional fee.
Dining is another area that divides opinion. Some guests praise the variety and flexibility, while others report long waits for tables, crowded buffet restaurants and inconsistent food quality. The speciality restaurants generally receive stronger reviews than the complimentary options.
Customer service also receives mixed feedback. Many passengers speak highly of the onboard crew, but complaints about communication and customer support before or after the cruise are common. Several reviewers felt that issues were handled slowly or that resolving problems required more effort than it should have.
Despite these criticisms, Norwegian continues to attract a loyal following. Many guests love the freedom, modern ships and wide range of activities available, making it a cruise line that tends to generate strong opinions on both sides.
Suggested read: NCL Ships Ranked Best To Worst
4. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Rating: 3.9
- Fleet: 3 ships
- Top departure ports: Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool
- Approx price per night: £110-150
Fred. Olsen is another long-established British cruise line, with a much smaller fleet than many of its competitors. Rather than building giant resort-style ships, it focuses on smaller vessels, traditional cruising and itineraries that larger ships often can’t offer.
Fred. Olsen has a loyal following, and many returning guests still love the friendly atmosphere and attentive crew. However, recent reviews suggest the experience isn’t always as consistent as it once was, with some passengers feeling the overall standard has slipped compared to previous cruises.
Service continues to receive plenty of praise, with many guests highlighting how welcoming and hardworking the crew are. The smaller ships also appeal to those who prefer a quieter, more traditional cruise without water parks, go-kart tracks or packed pool decks.
However, recurring complaints centre on the ships’ age. Although they’ve been refurbished over the years, some guests feel cabins and public areas are beginning to show their age. Food is another area that divides opinion, with some praising the quality while others describe the menus as repetitive or lacking variety.
Entertainment also receives mixed reviews, and some passengers feel the cruise line no longer offers the value for money it once did, particularly as fares have increased in recent years.
Fred. Olsen still offers an experience that’s quite different from the larger cruise lines, and many guests wouldn’t dream of sailing anywhere else. But the latest reviews suggest it’s facing growing competition, even among the traditional British cruise market.
Suggested read: Fred. Olsen cruise review
5. Princess
- Rating: 3.95
- Fleet: 17 ships
- Top departure ports: Port Everglades, Southampton
- Approx price per night: £100-150
Princess Cruises has long been seen as one of the stronger premium mainstream cruise lines, known for its elegant ships, good food and relaxed atmosphere. With an overall score of 3.95 out of 5, it continues to receive plenty of positive reviews, although recent feedback suggests the experience isn’t always as consistent as guests expect.
Many guests still praise the cruise line for its friendly crew, comfortable ships and traditional cruising experience. Dining remains one of Princess’ strongest points, with plenty of positive comments about both the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants. Passengers also appreciate the calmer atmosphere, making Princess a popular choice for couples and those who prefer a more relaxed holiday.
However, recent reviews suggest the cruise line has become more inconsistent. One of the biggest complaints is that service no longer feels as polished as many returning guests remember. Some passengers mention long waits in restaurants and bars, while others feel the ships are becoming busier, making the experience feel less premium than the price suggests.
Food continues to receive praise from many guests, but it’s also an area where opinions are increasingly divided. Some reviewers describe meals as excellent, while others say standards have slipped compared with previous cruises.
Entertainment is another recurring criticism. While some passengers enjoy the production shows and live music, others say the programme lacks variety, particularly on longer sailings. Several guests also mention that the growing number of extra-charge options can make the overall holiday feel less inclusive than they expected.
Princess remains a favourite for many loyal guests, but its sharp drop in this year’s rankings suggests expectations aren’t always being met. It still delivers the traditional cruise experience that many people enjoy, but recent reviews indicate that consistency has become one of its biggest challenges.
6. Oceania
- Rating: 3.95
- Fleet: 8 ships
- Top departure ports: Miami, Barcelona
- Approx price per night: £250-350
Oceania Cruises sits between the premium and luxury markets, with a fleet of smaller ships, destination-focused itineraries and a reputation for exceptional food. It’s aimed at adults who want a more refined cruise experience without the price tag of the ultra-luxury lines.
With an overall score of 3.95 out of 5, Oceania generally receives very positive reviews. However, for a cruise line with such a strong reputation, some guests still come away feeling the experience didn’t quite meet their expectations.
Many guests still have fantastic cruises with Oceania. The food receives plenty of praise, particularly in the speciality restaurants, while the crew are frequently described as friendly, attentive and professional. Passengers also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, elegant ships and spacious accommodation.
However, expectations are incredibly high, and that seems to be reflected in the reviews. Because Oceania positions itself as a premium experience, some guests leave feeling that it didn’t quite live up to the hype. Food is the biggest talking point. While many describe it as outstanding, others say it’s not as exceptional as they expected, particularly in the main dining room.
Value for money is another recurring criticism. Several reviewers feel that as prices have increased, the overall experience hasn’t improved to the same degree. Others mention inconsistent service, disappointing shore excursions or smaller issues that they simply wouldn’t expect at this price point.
Oceania still has plenty of loyal fans and consistently receives glowing reviews from many guests. But its appearance in this year’s rankings suggests that, while it offers an excellent cruise for many people, it’s no longer delighting passengers as consistently as its reputation might suggest.
7. Cunard
- Rating: 3.95
- Fleet: 4 ships
- Top departure ports: Southampton, New York, Hamburg
- Approx price per night: £180-250
Cunard has long been known for its traditional style of cruising, with elegant ships, formal evenings and the famous White Star Service. It appeals to travellers looking for a calmer, more refined experience rather than waterslides and high-energy attractions, and its iconic transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary 2 remain unlike anything offered by other cruise lines.
Recent reviews show that many guests still love Cunard for its beautiful ships, spacious public areas and classic atmosphere. The service is frequently praised as warm and professional, while afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and the sense of occasion continue to be standout highlights that keep loyal passengers returning.
However, recent feedback suggests Cunard isn’t quite living up to its reputation in every area. Food quality is one of the most common criticisms, with some long-time guests feeling standards have slipped, particularly in the main dining rooms and buffet. Others mention inconsistent service, staffing shortages on some sailings and a growing sense of cost-cutting compared with previous years.
Queen Anne, the line’s newest ship, has also divided opinion. Many guests describe it as stylish and modern while still retaining much of Cunard’s traditional character, but others feel it lacks the charm of the older ships or that the onboard experience can be inconsistent depending on the sailing.
Suggested read: Queen Mary 2 Review: What It’s Really Like On Cunard
8. P&O Cruises
- Rating: 3.97
- Fleet: 7 ships
- Top departure ports: Southampton, Tenerife, Bridgetown
- Approx price per night: £65-100
P&O Cruises is one of Britain’s best-known cruise lines, offering a mix of traditional mid-sized ships and newer mega ships like Iona and Arvia. The atmosphere is distinctly British, with an emphasis on good food, friendly service and a relaxed onboard experience rather than water slides, rollercoasters or other headline attractions.
P&O Cruises continues to receive generally positive reviews from its guests. Many praise the friendly crew, comfortable ships and good value for money, although recent feedback suggests the experience can vary depending on the ship and sailing.
Guests often praise the friendly crew, comfortable cabins and good value for money. Many also enjoy the range of included dining options and the familiar, laid-back atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
The biggest criticisms are aimed at the newer, larger ships. Some passengers say they can feel crowded during busy periods, with long queues for restaurants, bars and entertainment. Others feel that service isn’t quite as personal as it used to be, while opinions on the food remain mixed.
Overall, P&O still has plenty of loyal fans, and its improved ranking suggests it’s moving in the right direction. It may not offer the flashiest ships at sea, but for many British cruisers, it continues to provide a comfortable and good-value holiday.
9. Carnival
- Rating: 3.98
- Fleet: 29 ships
- Top departure ports: Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston
- Approx price per night: £70-140
Carnival is one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, with a huge fleet of ships and a loyal following, particularly in North America. Best known for Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico itineraries, its ships are designed around fun, with lively entertainment, family-friendly attractions and a buzzing atmosphere.
There’s never a shortage of things to do onboard. Many ships feature water parks, roller coasters, sports courts and live entertainment, while adults can enjoy comedy clubs, themed bars and plenty of nightlife. If you’re looking for a cruise that’s energetic rather than relaxing, Carnival is likely to appeal.
With an overall score of 3.98 out of 5, Carnival sits in the middle of the pack. Guests consistently praise the friendly crew, fun atmosphere and excellent value for money. However, reviews suggest the experience can vary between ships.
Larger vessels are often criticised for feeling crowded around pools, buffets and popular venues, especially during school holidays, while some older ships receive complaints about maintenance and tired interiors. Embarkation and disembarkation can also feel chaotic on the busiest sailings.
Food receives mixed reviews. Many guests are happy with the casual dining options, but others feel the main dining rooms lack consistency, with quality varying from ship to ship. Bar service is another recurring complaint, with some guests reporting long waits during busy periods.
If you prefer a quieter, more refined cruise experience, Carnival may not be the best fit. But for families, groups of friends and anyone looking for a lively holiday packed with entertainment and good value, it’s easy to understand why so many people sail with the line again and again.
Suggested read: Carnival Cruise Guests Share Their Worst Cruises Ever
10. Royal Caribbean
- Rating: 4.0
- Fleet: 30 ships
- Top departure ports: Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale
- Approx price per night: £90-180
Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s biggest cruise lines and is best known for its huge, activity-packed ships. Its newest vessels feel more like floating resorts than traditional cruise ships, packed with headline attractions such as surf simulators, zip lines, climbing walls, ice skating rinks and some of the biggest water parks at sea.
With an overall score of 4 out of 5, Royal Caribbean performs well overall, even if it ranks 10th out of the 15 cruise lines in this comparison. Families especially praise the excellent kids’ clubs, wide choice of entertainment and the sheer amount there is to do onboard. The newest ships, including the Icon and Oasis Class vessels, receive particularly strong reviews, although experiences can vary across the fleet.
One of the biggest talking points is the size of the ships. Many guests love the endless choice of activities, restaurants and entertainment, while others find the busiest ships can feel crowded around pools, buffets and popular attractions, particularly during sea days and school holidays.
The most common criticism in recent reviews is the growing number of extra charges. While fares can be competitive, drinks packages, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursions can quickly increase the overall cost of the holiday. Some repeat guests also feel the quality and choice in the main dining room has declined in recent years, although speciality restaurants continue to receive consistently positive feedback. The crew, meanwhile, are regularly praised for being friendly, hardworking and attentive.
If you’re looking for a cruise packed with activities, entertainment and family-friendly fun, Royal Caribbean remains one of the best options at sea. However, those seeking a quieter, more traditional or more all-inclusive experience may prefer a smaller or more premium cruise line.
11. Holland America Line
- Rating: 4.0
- Fleet: 11 ships
- Top departure ports: Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver, Seattle
- Approx price per night: £120-220
Holland America Line has long been known for offering a more traditional style of cruising. Its mid-sized ships focus less on headline attractions and more on great food, live music, enrichment and destination-focused itineraries, making the line especially popular with couples and older travellers.
With an overall score of 4 out of 5, Holland America ranks 11th out of the 15 cruise lines in this comparison. Guests consistently praise the excellent service, comfortable ships and high-quality dining, with many reviews highlighting the attentive crew and relaxed atmosphere as reasons they keep coming back. Alaska itineraries, in particular, receive outstanding feedback.
Holland America isn’t trying to compete with the biggest family cruise lines. You won’t find waterslides, zip lines or surf simulators here. Instead, the focus is on live music, enrichment and destination-focused cruising. While many guests love that approach, others feel the theatre shows and daytime activities aren’t as varied as those on the larger mainstream cruise lines.
Food is generally one of Holland America’s strongest selling points, but reviews suggest consistency can vary between ships. Some guests on older vessels mention disappointing buffet meals or slower dining room service, while others describe the food as among the best they’ve had at sea. A handful of reviews also mention that some of the older ships are beginning to show their age.
If you enjoy a quieter cruise with excellent service, destination-rich itineraries and a more traditional onboard atmosphere, Holland America remains one of the strongest premium cruise lines. Those looking for constant thrills and non-stop activities may be happier elsewhere.
Suggested read: The Type Of Cruiser Who Will Love Holland America Line (And The Type Who Might Not)
12. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Rating: 4.0
- Fleet: 6 ships
- Top departure ports: Athens, Miami, Southampton
- Approx price per night: £650-950
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is widely regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines. Its small ships, spacious all-suite accommodation and exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio create an intimate experience with highly personalised service.
The line is also one of the most inclusive at sea. Fares typically include unlimited speciality dining, premium drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and an extensive choice of shore excursions, while many bookings also include flights and overseas transfers. Every suite comes with a private balcony, and most guests enjoy butler service, adding to the luxury feel.
With an overall score of 4 out of 5, Regent ranks 12th out of the 15 cruise lines in this comparison. Guests continue to rave about the spacious suites, attentive crew and outstanding inclusions, with many describing their cruise as one of the best holidays they’ve ever taken.
The most common criticisms centre on consistency. Several recent reviews mention that service doesn’t always live up to the exceptionally high expectations created by Regent’s premium prices. A handful of guests describe housekeeping, dining and butler service as inconsistent, while others feel some of the older ships are beginning to show their age despite regular refurbishments. There are also occasional complaints about delays or organisation on shore excursions.
With fares that are among the highest in the industry, expectations are understandably enormous, and even small issues tend to stand out more than they would on a mainstream cruise line. For travellers seeking an ultra-luxury, highly inclusive experience with spacious suites and exceptional service, Regent remains one of the strongest choices available.
Suggested read: Inside Seven Seas Grandeur: The Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Ever Built?
13. Silversea
Silversea is one of the world’s best-known ultra-luxury cruise lines, offering small ships, spacious suites and personalised service. Every suite comes with a butler, while fares include fine dining, premium drinks, gratuities and, on many itineraries, shore excursions too.
With an overall score of 4 out of 5, Silversea ranks 13th out of the 15 cruise lines in this comparison. Guests regularly praise the spacious suites, attentive crew and relaxed atmosphere, with many saying the personalised service is what keeps them coming back. The newest ships, including Silver Ray and Silver Nova, also receive particularly positive reviews for their modern design and open feel.
That said, recent reviews suggest the experience isn’t always as consistent as guests expect for a cruise line at this price point. While many describe the food as exceptional, others say the dining can be hit and miss depending on the restaurant or sailing. There are also occasional complaints that service doesn’t always feel quite as polished as it once did, while some of the older ships receive criticism for looking a little tired in places.
When you’re paying luxury prices, expectations are understandably sky-high, so even relatively small issues can have a bigger impact on guest reviews. Even so, Silversea remains a fantastic choice if you want an elegant, all-inclusive cruise with outstanding itineraries, spacious accommodation and a more intimate atmosphere than you’ll find on the bigger cruise lines.
Suggested read: What It’s Really Like To Cruise With Silversea
14. Marella Cruises
- Rating: 4.0
- Fleet: 5 ships
- Top departure ports: Palma, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Jamaica
- Approx price per night: £140-180 (incl. flights, drinks, tips and transfers)
Marella Cruises is aimed mainly at the British market and offers a slightly different cruise experience to most other lines. Rather than sailing from the UK, it flies guests directly to destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canary Islands, meaning you spend less time at sea and more time exploring ports.
One of Marella’s biggest selling points is its value. Fares include flights, transfers, tips and a generous all-inclusive drinks package, making it one of the most inclusive mainstream cruise lines. Guests also like the convenience of booking everything through TUI, with flights and cruises covered as one holiday.
With an overall score of 4 out of 5, Marella performs well overall, with reviews consistently praising the friendly crew, relaxed atmosphere and excellent value for money. Many guests also enjoy the smaller ships, saying they’re easier to get around than some of the huge mega ships operated by other cruise lines.
The most common criticisms centre on the age of the fleet. While the ships have been refurbished, several guests feel some areas are beginning to look tired. Food also receives mixed reviews, with some passengers saying the buffet can become repetitive on longer cruises and that the quality isn’t always consistent. Pool decks can feel busy on sea days too, particularly during school holidays.
If you’re looking for a great-value fly cruise with plenty included and friendly service, Marella remains a popular choice. Those who want the newest ships or the widest choice of dining and onboard attractions may find better options elsewhere.
Suggested read: 22 Fun Things To Do On A Marella Cruise
15. Ambassador Cruise Line
- Rating: 4.0
- Fleet: 3 ships
- Top departure ports: London Tilbury, Bristol, Liverpool
- Approx price per night: £80-110
Ambassador Cruise Line is one of the newest cruise lines in the UK market, having launched in 2022. Despite its relative youth, it has quickly built a loyal following thanks to its focus on traditional British cruising, adults-only sailings and departures from regional UK ports.
The cruise line operates a small fleet of classic ships led by Ambience and Ambition. While they aren’t the newest at sea, they offer a more traditional cruise experience that appeals to guests who value friendly service, enrichment programmes and destination-focused itineraries over waterslides and high-tech attractions.
What’s particularly encouraging is how the tone of Ambassador’s reviews has changed since the cruise line launched. Early reviews often focused on operational issues and the challenges that come with starting a brand-new cruise line. Those complaints now appear far less frequently.
Instead, recent guests consistently praise the friendly crew, excellent value for money and relaxed atmosphere onboard. Food, entertainment and service all receive strong feedback, while many passengers enjoy the fact that the ships feel less crowded than some larger mainstream cruise lines.
Of course, Ambassador won’t appeal to everyone. Guests looking for cutting-edge ships, huge entertainment complexes and endless onboard attractions may find the experience a little too traditional. Some reviews also mention that parts of the ships feel dated compared to newer vessels from rival cruise lines.
Overall, recent reviews suggest Ambassador has settled into its place in the market. If you’re looking for a traditional British-style cruise with friendly service, good food and excellent value, it’s a much stronger option than some of its earliest reviews might lead you to believe.
Suggested read: 22 Things Ambassador Cruise Line Does That I Wish All Cruise Lines Would Do
The Bottom Line
It’s worth remembering that none of these scores are disastrous. Even the lowest-rated cruise lines here still receive plenty of positive reviews. Most passengers enjoy their cruise, but no cruise line can be everything to everyone.
Price plays a huge part too. Expectations naturally rise with the fare. If you’ve paid £50 per night, you’re unlikely to expect Michelin-quality dining and flawless service. If you’ve paid £700 per night, you’ll probably notice even the smallest imperfections.
Ultimately, the best cruise line isn’t the one with the highest review score. It’s the one that matches your travel style. A lively family ship packed with attractions might be perfect for one person and completely wrong for someone looking for peace and quiet.
So don’t let these rankings put you off. Instead, use them to understand each cruise line’s strengths, weaknesses and who they’re really designed for. Choose the one that fits your expectations, and there’s every chance you’ll step off already planning your next cruise.
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I do wish these reviews were contemporary versus people harping on about a past experience. My brother, who once got all of his cruise fare back from MSC due to just how bad it was, told me they were superb on his last cruise and had turned every bad thing round. His wife said it was the best cruise they’d been on, though they also say John Heald (now Carnival Ambassador) is still the best cruise director.
I’ve never had a bad cruise with Carnival. Food in the dining room has been good and grabbing a snack in the buffet (esp asian food), a burger or pizza has been great. And it’s not all party – if you want to party you can. But I have easily found quiet spots to read or chill. I find they are just fun – lots of good shows, great comedians and the crew are typically top notch. Cruise fares are good too, so price point and quality are well matched.
On Norwegian I found some staff rude. I have no idea if they’ve improved and I’m uninterested to find out.
Virgin are massively disappointing – small cabins and lots of spin marketing. If you want to drink and party, this is the cruise line for you not Carnival. Price point is high and if you’re not a drinker, it’s not for you.
Carnival has changed its rewards programme and I have no hope of becoming Diamond now, so I’m trying MSC, Princess and Cunard this year.
Hi
Something that never seems to get mentioned is the injections
required for cruises to the Caribbean.
I was interested until l found out i.e. ( Hep A, Hep
We found Carnival to be good, and the food good. We don’t want silver service, and it was an old ship, and the service was good, and we have booked 3 more cruises on the same ship.
Regents? At 1.000 per person per night you expect a high rating with 7 ships. The other e luxury do not have a suffiecent population size for statistical rating to be fair. MSC and Costa do and I am not surprised.
Thanks for the information. My wife and I had our first cruise experience on the Marella Explorer sailing around the Canaries and Madeira, earlier this year. We spoke to many passengers, of which , quite a few had tried many Cruise liners and kept returning to Marella.
For us, we couldn’t fault any of the experience, from the flights, coach tours, cabin, food, entertainment and staff, which were all brilliant and we will be booking another Marella cruise soon.
Recommended.
Costa, Msc & P&o i agree with completely, poor service and food on all three, sailed twice with Norweigan and both times found them quite good.
I’ve had a good time on MSC & a grand time on Regent. The others are fairly rated IMHO.