12 Worst Cruise Ships Ranked By Passenger Reviews

Think cruise ships are all luxury buffets, perfect service and dream holidays? Not always.

I analysed thousands of real passenger reviews on Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor and Cruiseline.com to uncover the cruise ships guests rated the lowest overall – and some of the complaints were surprisingly harsh.

From cold food and rude staff to overcrowding, dated cabins and disappointing entertainment, these ships left plenty of passengers regretting their booking. A few even had guests saying they couldn’t wait to get back to shore.

These aren’t my personal opinions – just the honest experiences shared by real cruisers online.

So which ships disappointed passengers the most? Let’s start with the one that got the worst reviews of all…

1. Costa Fortuna

Costa Fortuna sounds like the answer to a joke – “What do you call a rip-off cruise ship?” “Costa Fortuna!”

And even though cruises on this ship are often incredibly cheap, with bargain fares regularly tempting budget travellers, plenty of recent passengers still say they regretted booking it.

With an average review score of 2.87 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor, Costa Fortuna is currently the lowest-rated cruise ship in the world. Ouch.

The biggest complaints in recent reviews haven’t changed much either. Many guests described the ship as badly dated, with tired cabins, worn decor and an atmosphere several reviewers compared to an ageing budget hotel rather than a cruise ship. Some passengers also complained about cleanliness issues, including dusty cabins, unpleasant bathroom smells and public areas that didn’t always feel particularly well maintained.

Food continues to divide opinion. A handful of cruisers praised the main dining room, especially considering the low fares, but many others described the buffet as repetitive, overcrowded and disappointing. Long queues, limited variety and lukewarm food were common complaints, with vegetarian and dietary-friendly choices still reportedly lacking.

Language barriers are also still mentioned repeatedly in reviews. Costa is an Italian cruise line aimed mainly at European guests, and many English-speaking passengers said they felt left out during games, announcements and entertainment because much of it was conducted primarily in Italian. Some reviewers said this added to the feeling that international guests were almost an afterthought.

Service seems wildly inconsistent too. While some passengers praised individual crew members for being friendly and hardworking, others described rude guest services staff, poor complaint handling and an overall lack of organisation onboard. One recurring criticism was that staff often appeared overwhelmed, especially during busy buffet periods and embarkation days.

That said, not every recent review was negative. Some cruisers admitted they enjoyed Costa Fortuna once they adjusted their expectations, pointing out that the ship can offer good value for money if you’re mainly cruising for the itinerary rather than the onboard experience. A few guests even praised the theatre shows, lively atmosphere and classic Italian style.

Still, based on the latest reviews, Costa Fortuna’s reputation as one of the world’s worst-rated cruise ships doesn’t seem to be disappearing anytime soon.

Suggested read: List Of The Cleanest Cruise Ships In The World

2. Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is built on the same platform as ships like P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Iona, along with Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras. But according to many recent passengers, that’s where the similarities end.

With an average review score of just 2.90 out of 5, Costa Smeralda has climbed from the sixth worst-rated cruise ship to the second worst-rated this year. And looking through the latest reviews, a few complaints come up again and again.

Language barriers remain one of the biggest frustrations for English-speaking guests. Many reviewers said announcements, games, quizzes and entertainment were conducted mostly in Italian, leaving international passengers feeling excluded and confused about what was happening onboard. Some also reported difficulty communicating with guest services and restaurant staff.

Crowding was another major issue. Passengers frequently described the ship as chaotic, particularly around the buffet, pool deck and embarkation areas. Long queues for food, lifts and customer service desks were commonly mentioned, with several reviewers saying the ship simply felt too busy for the number of passengers onboard.

Food reviews were mixed, but many guests criticised the buffet for limited variety and repetitive meals. Others were frustrated by extra charges onboard, with some complaining they were constantly being upsold or charged for things they expected to be included, including water in certain dining venues.

Organisation also appeared to be a weak point. Reviewers mentioned confusion around dining times, drink packages, excursions and onboard policies, while some passengers complained about delayed luggage delivery and difficulties booking activities once onboard.

That said, not every review was negative. Several guests praised the ship’s modern design, saying Costa Smeralda is visually impressive with stylish public spaces and a lively atmosphere. Others highlighted the itinerary and ports as the real standout feature of their cruise.

Crew members, particularly those working in housekeeping and dining venues, were often praised for being hardworking and friendly despite the obvious pressure of dealing with such a large number of guests.

I’ve actually sailed on Costa Smeralda myself, and honestly, I didn’t think it was that bad considering the low price. You can read my review here.

3. Costa Favolosa

Costa Favolosa wasn’t even among the worst-rated cruise ships last year. Now, it has shot straight into third place, tied with Costa Smeralda with an average review score of just 2.90 out of 5.

And judging by the latest reviews, many passengers were left seriously disappointed by the experience onboard.

Food was one of the biggest complaints. Multiple reviewers described the buffet as repetitive, crowded and lacking variety, with long queues forming at peak times. Some passengers even compared the food to “hospital food”, while others were frustrated by extra charges for basic items like water, snacks and even fries.

Organisation also appeared to be a major weak point. Guests frequently mentioned chaotic embarkation, confusing communication and long waits for customer service. Several reviewers said the ship felt badly managed, with poor coordination around dining, excursions and onboard policies creating unnecessary stress throughout the cruise.

Like other Costa ships, language barriers were another recurring frustration for English-speaking passengers. Many guests said announcements, activities and entertainment were heavily focused on Italian-speaking travellers, leaving some international passengers feeling excluded or confused about what was happening onboard.

Service reviews were extremely mixed too. While some passengers praised individual crew members, especially housekeeping and restaurant staff, others described rude interactions at guest services and said employees often seemed overwhelmed or unhappy.

That said, not every review was negative. Some guests enjoyed the itineraries, found the cabins spacious and clean, and said they had a great time once they adjusted their expectations and embraced the more European-style cruise experience. A few even described the ship as excellent value for money, particularly on longer itineraries.

Still, the sudden drop in ratings suggests Costa Favolosa’s reputation has taken a serious hit over the past year, especially among English-speaking cruisers expecting a more polished onboard experience.

4. Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana is one of Costa Cruises’ newest and biggest ships, launched in 2022 and built on the same platform as ships like P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Iona, along with Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras. With its flashy interiors, huge public spaces and modern LNG-powered design, it certainly looks impressive at first glance.

But despite being one of the line’s newest ships, Costa Toscana has climbed from seventh place to become the fourth worst-rated cruise ship this year, with an average review score of just 2.93 out of 5.

Many recent reviewers shared frustrations about the experience onboard Costa Toscana, with overcrowding emerging as one of the biggest complaints. Passengers described long queues for almost everything, from the buffet and lifts to guest services and even restrooms. Some guests said the ship felt chaotic during busy periods, with the buffet compared to a packed shopping centre or rush-hour train station.

Several reviewers also criticised the organisation onboard, saying service areas often appeared understaffed or poorly managed. Guests mentioned long waits for drinks, confusion around dining arrangements and delays during embarkation and excursions. Some passengers also complained about maintenance and cleaning taking place at inconvenient times, disrupting meals and relaxation around the pool and balconies.

Food reviews were mixed, but many passengers described the buffet as repetitive and overcrowded, with limited seating during peak times. Others were frustrated by extra charges onboard, particularly when it came to drinks and add-ons that they expected to be included as part of their package. Several reviewers felt the ship focused too heavily on upselling once onboard.

Language barriers were another recurring issue for English-speaking guests. As with several Costa ships, announcements and entertainment were often conducted primarily in Italian, with multiple-language announcements throughout the day becoming a common source of irritation for some passengers.

That said, not every review was negative. A number of guests praised the ship’s modern design, stylish interiors and impressive public spaces, with some describing Costa Toscana as visually stunning. Individual crew members also received frequent praise for being friendly, hardworking and helpful despite the pressure of serving such a large number of passengers.

Still, while some travellers enjoyed the lively atmosphere and good-value fares, many reviewers felt the overall experience didn’t live up to the standards they expected from a modern cruise ship.

5. Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa has surged up the rankings this year, climbing from the 12th worst-rated cruise ship to fifth place, with an average review score of just 2.97 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor. That means Costa Cruises now occupies all five spots in the bottom five rankings.

Launched in 2012, Costa Fascinosa was designed to bring classic Italian glamour to the seas, with dramatic interiors inspired by film, theatre and Hollywood icons. But while some passengers still praised the ship’s appearance and entertainment, many recent reviewers said the overall experience fell well short of expectations.

Food was one of the most common complaints. Guests described meals as inconsistent and repetitive, with long waits in restaurants and buffet areas often feeling overcrowded and chaotic. Some passengers said even simple dishes like pasta were disappointing, while others complained they constantly had to ask for basics such as drinks, condiments or cutlery.

Service reviews were extremely mixed too. A number of passengers praised individual crew members for being hardworking and friendly, particularly in housekeeping and dining venues. But others described customer service as disorganised, slow or indifferent, especially when problems arose onboard.

Language barriers continued to frustrate many English-speaking guests. Like several other Costa ships, much of the entertainment, announcements and activities were reportedly focused on Italian passengers, leaving some international travellers feeling excluded or confused.

Accommodation also divided opinion. Some reviewers found their cabins comfortable and perfectly acceptable for the price, while others complained about dated decor, maintenance issues and obstructed views that weren’t clearly explained when booking.

Entertainment was one of the few consistently praised areas, with several guests complimenting the theatre productions, live music and talented performers onboard. A number of reviewers said the evening shows were among the best parts of the cruise.

Still, many passengers felt the ship struggled with organisation and overcrowding, especially during busy periods around the buffet, pool deck and embarkation. Combined with recurring complaints about communication and customer service, Costa Fascinosa’s sharp drop in rankings suggests passenger satisfaction has taken a significant hit over the past year.

6. Costa Diadema

Costa Diadema has also climbed the rankings this year, moving from the eighth worst-rated cruise ship to sixth place, with an average review score of 3.03 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

Launched in 2014, Costa Diadema was designed to be one of Costa Cruises’ flagship ships, featuring flashy Italian-inspired decor, huge public spaces and a lively atmosphere. While some guests still praised the ship’s appearance and value for money, recent reviews suggest many passengers were left frustrated by the overall onboard experience.

Extra charges were one of the most common complaints. Numerous reviewers said they felt constantly upsold once onboard, with additional fees for drinks, speciality items and services they expected to be included. Internet packages also drew criticism, with several passengers describing them as confusing, overpriced or poor value for the quality provided.

Food reviews were mixed, but many guests complained about repetitive buffet options, overcrowded dining areas and long waits during peak times. Some reviewers said the buffet lacked variety, while others felt the quality simply didn’t live up to expectations for an Italian cruise line.

Overcrowding appeared to be another major issue throughout the ship. Passengers frequently described packed buffet areas, crowded pool decks and painfully slow lifts that were often full or out of service. Finding seating during busy periods was reportedly difficult, especially on sea days.

Language barriers continued to frustrate many English-speaking passengers too. As with several Costa ships, entertainment, announcements and activities were often conducted primarily in Italian, leaving some international guests feeling excluded from the onboard atmosphere.

Service reviews were extremely inconsistent. Some passengers praised individual crew members for being friendly and hardworking, while others described guest services as dismissive or unhelpful when problems arose. A few reviewers also mentioned confusion around cabin arrangements, dining times and onboard policies.

That said, not every review was negative. Several passengers complimented the ship’s stylish interiors, smooth embarkation process and lively evening entertainment. Others said they enjoyed the itinerary and felt the cruise still offered decent value if booked at a low enough price.

Still, the latest reviews suggest Costa Diadema continues to struggle with many of the same complaints seen across the Costa fleet, particularly when it comes to overcrowding, communication and onboard organisation.

7. Costa Pacifica

Costa Pacifica is actually one of the few ships in this year’s rankings to improve slightly. Last year, it was the fifth worst-rated cruise ship, but it has now dropped to seventh place with an average review score of 3.03 out of 5.

Launched in 2009, Costa Pacifica was designed around a music theme, with different areas of the ship inspired by famous composers and musical styles. While some passengers still praised the ship’s atmosphere, bars and live music venues, recent reviews suggest many guests continued to experience familiar Costa frustrations.

Overcrowding remained one of the biggest complaints. Multiple reviewers described the buffet and public areas as chaotic during busy periods, with long queues forming for food, drinks, lifts and entertainment venues. Some passengers compared the buffet experience to rush-hour public transport, saying it was difficult to find seating or move comfortably around the ship.

Food quality also divided opinion. While a few guests enjoyed the pasta dishes and evening dining room meals, many others criticised the buffet for being repetitive, lukewarm or lacking variety. Drink packages were another source of frustration, with some reviewers unhappy about restrictions, unclear rules and extra charges for bottled water and premium items.

Language barriers continued to be a recurring issue for English-speaking passengers. Although many crew members spoke some English, guests said announcements, activities and entertainment were often heavily focused on Italian-speaking travellers, leaving some international passengers confused or feeling left out.

Service reviews were mixed too. Some passengers praised hardworking crew members and highlighted venues like the Rhapsody Bar and My Way Restaurant as standout parts of the cruise. Others, however, complained about slow service, poor organisation and unhelpful interactions at buffet counters and guest services desks.

Entertainment received a more balanced response than on some other Costa ships. Several guests enjoyed the live music and theatre productions, while others felt the activities onboard lacked variety, especially during sea days.

Overall, while Costa Pacifica appears to have improved slightly in the rankings this year, many reviewers still felt the ship struggled with overcrowding, communication issues and inconsistent service.

8. Costa Deliziosa

Costa Deliziosa also received an average review score of 3.03 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor, continuing Costa Cruises’ domination of the lowest-rated cruise ship rankings.

Launched in 2010, Costa Deliziosa was designed to offer a more elegant and traditional cruising experience, with polished interiors, grand staircases and a classic Italian style throughout the ship. And to be fair, many recent reviewers still praised the ship’s appearance, describing it as beautiful, easy to navigate and more refined than some of Costa’s larger mega-ships.

Crew members, particularly in housekeeping and dining areas, also received frequent praise for being hardworking, friendly and attentive despite the pressures of serving a large international passenger base.

But beyond that, many recent reviews painted a far less flattering picture of the overall experience onboard.

Food quality was one of the biggest complaints. Despite Costa’s Italian branding, several passengers said the meals felt repetitive, underwhelming or lacked the authentic Italian flair they expected. Buffet crowds and long waits during busy periods also frustrated many guests, with some saying dining onboard felt more stressful than enjoyable.

Entertainment reviews were similarly mixed. Some passengers enjoyed the live music and theatre productions, while others described the shows as repetitive or poorly organised. English-speaking guests also continued to report feeling excluded, with many activities, announcements and entertainment heavily focused on Italian-speaking passengers.

Organisation and communication appeared to be recurring issues too. Guests mentioned confusion around excursions, dining arrangements and onboard information, while some reviewers described embarkation and disembarkation as chaotic and badly managed.

A number of passengers also raised concerns about hygiene and illness onboard, particularly during busy sailings. While some reviewers felt the ship wasn’t doing enough to enforce hygiene measures in buffet areas, others criticised the handling of complaints once issues were reported to customer services.

Cabins received mixed feedback as well. Some passengers found them comfortable and well maintained, while others complained about dated decor, maintenance problems and poor-quality televisions and amenities.

That said, several guests still praised the itineraries and destinations visited during their cruise, with some saying they enjoyed the overall holiday despite the onboard frustrations.

Still, judging by the latest reviews, many passengers felt Costa Deliziosa struggled with the same issues affecting much of the Costa fleet, particularly around communication, overcrowding and consistency of service.

9. MSC Opera

MSC Opera is the first non-Costa ship to appear in this year’s worst-rated rankings, breaking Costa Cruises’ sweep of the bottom spots. Even so, it still shares the same disappointing average review score of 3.03 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

Launched in 2004, MSC Opera is one of MSC Cruises’ smaller and older ships, offering a more traditional cruise experience compared to the line’s giant newer mega-ships. Some passengers appreciated the ship’s smaller size, relaxed atmosphere and attractive itineraries, but many recent reviewers felt the onboard experience simply couldn’t keep up with the number of guests onboard.

A recurring complaint was that the ship appeared understaffed. Many passengers said service felt stretched thin throughout the cruise, leading to long waits in restaurants, slow bar service and overcrowded public areas. Several reviewers suggested the ship struggled to cope during busy periods, especially around the buffet and pool deck.

Dining was one of the biggest frustrations for guests. The buffet on Deck 11 was frequently described as overcrowded and difficult to navigate, with some passengers choosing to eat elsewhere or take food back to their cabins to avoid the chaos. Food quality reviews were mixed, although several guests complained about repetitive meals and limited variety. That said, MSC’s pizza and coffee still received plenty of praise from reviewers.

Cleanliness and hygiene also raised concerns among some passengers. Multiple reviewers mentioned dirty tables, overflowing bins and broken hand sanitiser stations around the ship. A number of guests reported illness spreading during the cruise, with some questioning whether enough preventative measures were being taken onboard.

Customer service reviews were equally mixed. While many passengers praised hardworking cabin stewards, waiters and individual crew members for doing their best under difficult conditions, others described guest services as unhelpful and disorganised. Complaints ranged from problems with cabin arrangements to confusion over charges and difficulties resolving issues once onboard.

Entertainment and activities received a more balanced response. Some guests enjoyed the live music, theatre shows and excursions, while others felt there wasn’t enough variety, particularly during sea days.

Despite the low fares and a handful of positive experiences, many reviewers ultimately felt MSC Opera failed to deliver the level of service and organisation they expected from a cruise holiday. Several passengers summed it up by saying the crew worked hard, but the ship itself felt overstretched.

Suggested read: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?

10. MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra received an average review score of 3.07 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor, with many recent passengers describing it as one of the most disappointing cruises they’d taken.

Launched in 2007, MSC Orchestra is one of MSC Cruises’ older Musica-class ships. While some guests appreciated its more traditional cruise-ship feel and spacious layout, many reviewers felt the ship was beginning to show its age, with dated decor and worn public areas frequently mentioned in reviews.

Customer service was one of the biggest complaints. Several passengers described frustrating experiences both before and during the cruise, including problems with pre-booked packages, delayed luggage delivery and difficulty resolving issues once onboard. Internet packages also came under fire, with many guests complaining that the Wi-Fi was unreliable despite the high prices charged.

Dining reviews were extremely mixed. Some passengers enjoyed the pizza, pasta and buffet variety, but many others criticised the food quality in the main dining room, describing meals as bland, repetitive or poorly prepared. Overcrowding in buffet areas during peak times was another common frustration, with long queues and difficulty finding seating frequently mentioned.

MSC’s onboard systems also confused some guests. Multiple reviewers complained about the drink package and drink ticket system, saying it was unclear, inefficient and overly complicated compared to other cruise lines.

Entertainment received a similarly divided response. Some guests enjoyed the live music venues, especially performances in the Shaker Lounge, while others felt the entertainment programme lacked variety and became repetitive over the course of the cruise. Cabin entertainment also disappointed some passengers, with limited television and movie options onboard.

Service reviews varied dramatically too. While several passengers praised hardworking crew members who provided excellent personal service, others described the ship as understaffed, with slow bar service and overwhelmed staff during busy periods.

That said, not every review was negative. Some guests still felt MSC Orchestra offered decent value for money, particularly on cheaper itineraries, and praised the friendly atmosphere onboard.

Still, judging by the latest reviews, many passengers felt the ship struggled with ageing facilities, inconsistent food and service issues that prevented the experience from living up to expectations.

11. MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore has actually seen one of the biggest improvements in this year’s rankings. Last year, it ranked as the fourth worst-rated cruise ship, but it has now climbed all the way up to 11th place with an average review score of 3.17 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

Launched in 2021, MSC Seashore was designed to deliver a more modern, resort-style cruise experience, complete with sleek interiors, expansive outdoor spaces and the luxury-focused Yacht Club area. And while recent reviews suggest passenger opinions are still mixed, many guests clearly felt the experience had improved compared to previous years.

The ship’s appearance remained one of its strongest points. Numerous reviewers praised MSC Seashore’s design, describing it as stylish, modern and visually impressive. The outdoor promenade, infinity pools and overall atmosphere were frequently highlighted as standout features.

That said, several complaints continued to appear in reviews, particularly around service consistency. Some passengers described slow drink service, long waits at bars and difficulty getting attention during busy periods. Others felt the crew seemed overstretched, especially in buffet and pool areas during sea days.

Food reviews were mixed too. While some guests praised the speciality restaurants and pizza, others criticised the buffet for being repetitive or overcrowded at peak times. A few reviewers also complained about lukewarm meals and inconsistent dining quality depending on the venue.

Entertainment received a more balanced response than in previous years. Some guests enjoyed the theatre productions, live music and family-friendly activities, while others still felt the entertainment lacked variety over longer sailings.

Cabin experiences also varied. Many passengers found their cabins modern and comfortable, but some reviewers reported maintenance issues, missing amenities or noise problems in certain areas of the ship.

Even MSC’s exclusive Yacht Club area, which is designed to offer a more luxurious and personalised experience, received mixed reviews. While many guests absolutely loved the private restaurant, pool deck and butler service, others felt it still didn’t match the standards offered by luxury suites on rival cruise lines.

Still, despite the recurring complaints, MSC Seashore’s much higher ranking this year suggests many passengers felt the overall experience was improving, particularly compared to some of the older ships in MSC’s fleet.

12. Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic is a brand-new entry in this year’s worst-rated cruise ship rankings, earning an average review score of 3.23 out of 5 across Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

When the ship launched in 2010, it was designed to revolutionise mainstream cruising, introducing huge entertainment venues, a massive water park and Norwegian Cruise Line’s “freestyle cruising” concept on a scale few ships had attempted before. Even today, many passengers still praise Norwegian Epic for its lively atmosphere, wide range of dining options and impressive entertainment lineup.

But recent reviews suggest the experience onboard hasn’t aged particularly gracefully.

One of the biggest complaints was overcrowding. Multiple reviewers described the ship as busy and difficult to navigate, particularly around the buffet, pool deck and lifts during peak times. Guests frequently mentioned long waits for drinks, dining and guest services, with some saying the ship simply felt too large for the available public spaces.

Cabin design also continued to divide opinion. Norwegian Epic’s unusual bathroom layout, with separate toilet and shower areas divided by frosted glass, remained one of the ship’s most controversial features. Some guests found the cabins modern and functional, while others described them as awkward, cramped and lacking privacy.

Food reviews were mixed too. While several passengers praised speciality restaurants and certain dining venues, others complained about inconsistent service, repetitive buffet options and long waits in complimentary restaurants. Drink service in bars and busy venues was another recurring frustration.

Entertainment, however, remained one of the ship’s strongest points. Many reviewers praised the theatre productions, comedy shows and live music onboard, with several guests saying the entertainment was among the best they’d experienced on a mainstream cruise ship.

Service reviews varied significantly. Some passengers highlighted hardworking and friendly crew members who went out of their way to help, while others described guest services as slow, disorganised or difficult to deal with when problems arose.

A number of reviewers also mentioned maintenance and wear-and-tear issues around the ship, suggesting Norwegian Epic is beginning to show its age compared to newer vessels in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.

Still, despite the complaints, many guests said they enjoyed the overall holiday, particularly those focused on entertainment, nightlife and value for money rather than a more relaxed or luxurious cruise experience.

The Bottom Line

There’s definitely a pattern in this year’s rankings. Costa Cruises dominates the bottom of the list, with MSC also appearing multiple times, and that’s probably not a coincidence. These are two of the cheapest mainstream cruise lines in Europe, often offering fares that seem almost unbelievably low.

And for some travellers, those bargain prices are absolutely worth it.

Many passengers actually enjoy these ships, especially if they go in expecting a lively, budget-friendly European cruise rather than a polished premium experience. Several reviewers even said they’d happily sail again because the low fares allowed them to visit destinations they otherwise couldn’t afford.

But the reviews also show that low prices often come with trade-offs.

Overcrowding, inconsistent service, communication issues and extra charges were recurring complaints across many of the ships on this list. And while some guests were perfectly happy to overlook those frustrations for the price they paid, others felt disappointed when comparing the experience to more expensive cruise lines.

Of course, cruise reviews are always subjective. One person’s “worst cruise ever” is another person’s amazing bargain holiday. But if there’s one takeaway from these rankings, it’s that choosing the cheapest cruise doesn’t always mean getting the best value.

Sometimes paying a little more can make a very big difference to the overall experience.

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• How To Choose a Cruise in 7 Easy Steps