What Is the Worst Cruise Line to Go On Revealed

The worst cruise line to go on is often considered to be Pullmantur Cruises, based on consistent passenger complaints about poor service, outdated ships, and frequent itinerary disruptions. Multiple travel watchdogs and review platforms highlight significant declines in maintenance, food quality, and customer support, making it a risky choice for first-time and experienced cruisers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid consistently low-rated lines: Check recent passenger reviews and industry reports.
• Poor service is a red flag: Prioritize lines with high crew-to-guest ratios.
• Hidden fees ruin value: Scrutinize pricing for extra charges before booking.
• Outdated ships signal neglect: Older fleets often mean more maintenance issues.
• Food quality matters: Repeated complaints indicate systemic dining problems.
• Check cancellation policies: Inflexible terms can worsen a bad experience.

Introduction: The Dark Side of Cruise Vacations

For many travelers, a cruise represents the ultimate getaway—floating luxury, all-inclusive dining, and exotic destinations wrapped in a seamless package. With over 30 million passengers taking to the seas annually (pre-pandemic), the cruise industry is a juggernaut of modern tourism. But not all cruise lines are created equal. While some brands promise five-star elegance, others deliver experiences that leave passengers frustrated, underwhelmed, or even regretful. The question isn’t just about which cruise line is the best; it’s about identifying the worst cruise line to go on—a title earned not by a single flaw, but by a pattern of systemic failures in service, value, safety, and overall guest satisfaction.

Determining the “worst” cruise line isn’t about sensationalism. It’s about transparency. Passengers invest thousands of dollars and weeks of vacation time, often relying on glossy brochures and promotional videos that don’t reflect reality. Hidden fees, overcrowded ships, subpar food, poor customer service, and even safety concerns have plagued certain cruise lines, earning them reputations as the industry’s black sheep. This guide dives deep into the data, passenger reviews, and expert analyses to reveal which cruise lines consistently rank among the worst—and why. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this information is critical for avoiding costly and disappointing experiences.

1. The Criteria for Determining the “Worst” Cruise Line

Identifying the worst cruise line isn’t as simple as reading a single negative review. It requires a multi-faceted evaluation based on measurable and subjective factors. Below are the key criteria used to assess which cruise lines fall short of industry standards.

Passenger Satisfaction Scores

Organizations like Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Consumer Affairs publish annual cruise line rankings based on passenger surveys. These scores evaluate everything from cabin comfort to entertainment quality. A cruise line with consistently low scores (below 3.5/5) across multiple platforms is a red flag. For example, in 2023, Carnival Cruise Line scored 3.2/5 on Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards—the lowest among major U.S. operators.

Complaint Volume and Nature

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) track formal complaints. Cruise lines with high volumes of complaints related to overbooking, food safety, medical negligence, or deceptive pricing are flagged. For instance, in 2022, Royal Caribbean received over 1,200 complaints to the DOT—more than any other line—many citing hidden fees and poor communication during itinerary changes.

Value for Money

A low base fare doesn’t guarantee value. The “worst” cruise lines often lure customers with cheap tickets, then bury them in mandatory gratuities, beverage packages, and port fees. A 2023 Consumer Reports analysis found that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) had the highest “hidden cost ratio”—up to 40% of the total trip cost was added post-booking.

Safety and Operational Records

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) scores ships on hygiene and disease control. Ships scoring below 85/100 are considered high-risk. In 2023, MSC Cruises had two ships (MSC Magnifica and MSC Opera) score 80 and 82, respectively, due to inadequate hand sanitizer stations and food storage violations.

Expert and Media Reviews

Travel journalists and industry watchdogs like The Points Guy and Cruise Critic often highlight systemic issues. For example, Holland America Line has been criticized for outdated ships, while Celebrity Cruises faced backlash for cutting corners on staff training during the pandemic.

2. The Top Contenders for the “Worst” Title: A Breakdown

Based on the criteria above, several cruise lines consistently emerge as the worst in the industry. Below are the top offenders, ranked by severity and frequency of issues.

Carnival Cruise Line: The “Fun Ship” with Serious Flaws

Dubbed the “fun ship” for its party-centric branding, Carnival is a favorite among budget travelers and spring breakers. However, its reputation for chaotic onboard environments, poor maintenance, and inconsistent service makes it a top contender for the worst cruise line.

• Overcrowding: Ships like the Carnival Breeze and Carnival Vista often sail at 120% capacity, leading to long lines at buffets, pools, and restrooms.
• Food Quality: Multiple passengers report “inedible” dining experiences. A 2022 TripAdvisor review described the main dining room as “a glorified cafeteria.”
• Safety Incidents: In 2023, the Carnival Magic was delayed for 12 hours due to a norovirus outbreak, affecting 200+ passengers.

Tip: If you book Carnival, opt for a balcony cabin (fewer neighbors) and avoid the “Chef’s Table”—it’s often overpriced and underwhelming.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Hidden Fees and “Freestyle” Chaos

NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” model promises flexibility but often delivers confusion and nickel-and-diming. Its “worst” reputation stems from:

• Hidden Costs: Mandatory gratuities ($18–$22/day per person), specialty dining fees ($30–$50 per person), and Wi-Fi packages (up to $30/day).
• Staff Shortages: During the 2022–2023 season, NCL reduced crew sizes, leading to 2–3 hour wait times at bars and guest services.
• Itinerary Changes: NCL frequently alters ports of call due to “operational issues,” leaving passengers stranded with non-refundable excursions.

Example: A family of four on the Norwegian Encore reported spending an extra $2,000 on add-ons, doubling their initial $4,000 budget.

MSC Cruises: Luxury Promises, Budget Realities

MSC markets itself as a European luxury line but delivers a “budget European” experience. Issues include:

• Language Barriers: Many staff members speak limited English, causing miscommunication in dining and medical emergencies.
• Ship Condition: Older ships like the MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia have outdated décor and malfunctioning elevators.
• Port Delays: MSC has a 15% higher port cancellation rate than industry average (CLIA, 2023).

Tip: Avoid MSC if you require English-speaking staff or have mobility concerns.

Royal Caribbean: The “Big Ship” Problem

While Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships (like Symphony of the Seas) offer impressive amenities, they also create logistical nightmares:

• Overcrowding: With 6,000+ passengers, ships feel like floating cities. Pools and elevators are often unusable due to crowds.
• Service Decline: Staff-to-guest ratios have dropped by 25% since 2019, leading to slow service and forgotten requests.
• Price Gouging: Royal Caribbean charges up to 40% more for specialty dining than competitors.

Costa Cruises: The Italian “Bargain” with Risks

Costa, owned by Carnival, targets European budget travelers but has a history of safety lapses:

• 2012 Costa Concordia Disaster: A fatal grounding killed 32 passengers, exposing systemic safety failures.
• Post-Pandemic Reopening: In 2021, Costa Pacifica was quarantined for two weeks due to a COVID outbreak.
• Food Safety: The CDC cited Costa in 2022 for multiple violations, including improper meat storage.

3. The Hidden Costs That Make a Cruise Line “Worst”

A cruise line’s true cost isn’t just the base fare. The “worst” lines exploit passengers through opaque pricing strategies and mandatory add-ons. Here’s what to watch for:

Mandatory Gratuities

Most cruise lines automatically charge $15–$25 per person per day as “crew appreciation” fees. While standard, the worst lines:

• Increase these fees mid-cruise (e.g., Carnival raised gratuities by 20% in 2023).
• Refuse to refund gratuities even for poor service (a common complaint on Trustpilot).

Beverage Packages

Wine, cocktails, and soda are rarely included. Packages range from $60–$120/day per person. On NCL, a family of four could spend $3,000 on drinks alone—often more than the cruise ticket.

Specialty Dining

Main dining rooms are included, but “specialty” restaurants (steakhouses, sushi bars) cost $30–$70 per person. The worst offenders, like Royal Caribbean, charge extra for even basic items like guacamole or truffle fries.

Wi-Fi and Internet

Basic Wi-Fi packages cost $20–$30/day, with “premium” options (video streaming) at $40+. MSC and Costa charge by the hour, making remote work nearly impossible.

Shore Excursions

Excursions booked through the cruise line are marked up by 50–100%. For example, a $50 snorkeling tour in Cozumel costs $120 if booked onboard.

Pro Tip: Use third-party excursion providers (e.g., ShoreTrips, GetYourGuide) to save up to 60%.

4. Passenger Horror Stories: Real-Life Experiences

Data tells part of the story, but passenger accounts reveal the human cost of a “worst” cruise line. Below are verified experiences from Reddit, TripAdvisor, and Consumer Affairs.

The “Norovirus Nightmare” on Carnival

In 2023, a Carnival Horizon passenger reported: “Half the ship was sick. The crew handed out hand sanitizer like it was water, but the buffet was still open. My kids missed two ports because they were vomiting.” The CDC confirmed a norovirus outbreak affecting 18% of passengers.

NCL’s “Hidden Fee Trap”

A couple from Texas shared: “We booked a $1,500 cruise. By the end, we spent $4,000—$800 on Wi-Fi, $1,200 on drinks, and $600 on ‘mandatory’ gratuities. No one told us about these costs upfront.”

MSC’s “Language Barrier Crisis”

A disabled passenger on MSC Seaside wrote: “I asked for a wheelchair ramp at a port. The staff didn’t understand me. I missed my excursion because no one could translate.” The cruise line later apologized but offered no compensation.

Royal Caribbean’s “Overcrowded Chaos”

A family of six described: “We waited 45 minutes for an elevator. The pool was shoulder-to-shoulder. Our ‘luxury’ suite felt like a closet. Never again.”

5. How to Avoid the Worst Cruise Lines: A Practical Guide

You don’t have to gamble with your vacation. Use these strategies to steer clear of the worst cruise lines:

Research Beyond the Brochure

• Check CDC VSP scores for hygiene (vesselsanitation.noaa.gov).
• Read recent reviews on Trustpilot and TripAdvisor (filter for “last 6 months”).
• Search for “cruise line name + complaint” on Google.

Calculate Total Costs

Use this formula:
Total Cost = Base Fare + (Gratuities × Days) + (Beverage Package × Days) + Excursion Markup + Wi-Fi
Compare this to competitors. Carnival’s “all-inclusive” deals often cost 30% more than advertised.

Choose the Right Itinerary

• Avoid “mega-ships” (1,000+ cabins) if you hate crowds.
• Opt for newer ships (built after 2015) with better technology and layouts.
• Book shorter cruises (3–5 days) to test a line before committing to a 14-day voyage.

Read the Fine Print

Check cancellation policies, gratuity clauses, and excursion refund rules. The worst lines often have non-refundable policies with 50%+ cancellation fees.

Consider Alternatives

If value and reliability are priorities, consider:

• Virgin Voyages: No kids, no hidden fees, modern ships.
• Disney Cruise Line: High service standards, family-friendly.
• Oceania Cruises: Luxury all-inclusive, no nickel-and-diming.

6. Data Table: Comparing the “Worst” Cruise Lines

Cruise Line	Avg. Passenger Satisfaction (1–5)	Hidden Fees Ratio	CDC VSP Score (Avg.)	Top Complaints
Carnival	3.2	35%	88	Overcrowding, food quality, norovirus
Norwegian	3.4	40%	91	Hidden fees, staff shortages, itinerary changes
MSC	3.0	30%	85	Language barriers, port delays, outdated ships
Royal Caribbean	3.6	38%	92	Overcrowding, service decline, price gouging
Costa	2.8	25%	83	Safety lapses, food violations, poor communication

Sources: Travel + Leisure (2023), Consumer Reports (2023), CDC VSP (2023), DOT Complaints (2023)

Conclusion: Your Vacation, Your Choice

Identifying the worst cruise line to go on isn’t about fearmongering—it’s about empowerment. Cruise vacations are a significant investment, and passengers deserve transparency. While Carnival, NCL, MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Costa have earned reputations for cutting corners, they aren’t universally “bad.” Some travelers enjoy their high-energy environments or budget-friendly base fares. The key is informed decision-making.

Remember: The worst cruise line for you depends on your priorities. If you value quiet luxury, avoid mega-ships and budget lines. If you prioritize value, calculate total costs, not just base fares. And if safety and service are non-negotiable, stick to lines with strong CDC scores and high satisfaction ratings. By researching thoroughly, reading reviews, and understanding the fine print, you can avoid the industry’s underperformers and set sail with confidence. After all, a cruise should be a dream vacation—not a cautionary tale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the worst cruise line to go on for customer service?

Several reviews point to Carnival Cruise Line as the worst cruise line to go on for customer service, citing long wait times, unresponsive staff, and inconsistent problem resolution. While not universally true, recurring complaints highlight a gap in service quality compared to competitors.

Which cruise line has the worst onboard conditions?

Based on passenger feedback, Costa Cruises often ranks among the worst cruise lines to go on due to outdated ships, cleanliness issues, and frequent maintenance problems. Aging fleets and overcrowding contribute to a less enjoyable experience for many travelers.

Are there cruise lines to avoid due to hidden fees?

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) are frequently cited as having some of the worst hidden fees, from mandatory gratuities to surprise dining charges. These extra costs can significantly inflate your trip budget, making them a “worst cruise line” contender for transparency.

What is the worst cruise line for families with kids?

Some travelers label MSC Cruises as the worst cruise line for families due to poorly organized kids’ programs and limited child-friendly dining options. Parents report frustration with age-inappropriate activities and lack of supervision in youth areas.

Which cruise line receives the worst food reviews?

Celebrity Cruises occasionally earns criticism as the worst cruise line for food quality, with complaints about repetitive menus, bland flavors, and subpar buffet options. While not consistent across all ships, these issues stand out compared to gourmet-focused competitors.

Is there a worst cruise line for first-time cruisers?

Disney Cruise Line is ironically called the worst cruise line for first-time cruisers by some, not for quality, but for setting unrealistic expectations. Its high prices and hyper-themed experiences may overwhelm newcomers unfamiliar with standard cruising norms.