Which Cruise Line Has the Worst Reviews Find Out Now

Carnival Cruise Line consistently ranks as the cruise line with the worst reviews, based on thousands of passenger complaints and low satisfaction scores across major review platforms. Frequent issues include poor customer service, unclean cabins, and subpar dining experiences, making it a top contender for travelers to approach with caution.

Key Takeaways

• Research thoroughly: Check recent passenger reviews before booking any cruise line.
• Avoid consistently low-rated lines: Steer clear of cruise lines with recurring service complaints.
• Prioritize transparency: Choose lines that openly address and resolve customer issues.
• Watch for hidden fees: Budget extra for lines notorious for unexpected charges.
• Compare value: Balance price with reviews to avoid poor onboard experiences.
• Consider niche options: Smaller lines may offer better service than budget giants.

Which Cruise Line Has the Worst Reviews? Find Out Now

When planning a dream vacation, few things capture the imagination quite like a cruise. The allure of open seas, exotic destinations, and all-inclusive luxury makes cruising one of the most popular vacation choices worldwide. But behind the glossy brochures and enticing promotions lies a reality that many travelers only discover after boarding: not all cruise lines are created equal. While some deliver unforgettable experiences marked by impeccable service, gourmet dining, and state-of-the-art amenities, others fall far short of expectations—sometimes dramatically so.

With hundreds of cruise lines operating globally—from budget-friendly giants to ultra-luxury boutique ships—choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. And with online reviews shaping consumer decisions more than ever, it’s critical to understand which cruise lines consistently receive the worst feedback. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking to avoid a costly misstep, this guide dives deep into customer sentiment, analyzing real reviews from trusted platforms like Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Google Reviews. We’ll uncover which cruise lines have the worst reviews, why they struggle to meet expectations, and how you can steer clear of a disappointing voyage. By the end, you’ll have the tools to make an informed decision—and perhaps even avoid a cruise catastrophe.

Understanding Cruise Reviews: What Makes a Bad Review?

The Psychology Behind Negative Feedback

Before we identify which cruise line has the worst reviews, it’s essential to understand what drives negative feedback. Unlike other forms of travel—like hotels or airlines—cruises are complex ecosystems. They involve multiple touchpoints: embarkation, staterooms, dining, entertainment, shore excursions, customer service, cleanliness, and overall value. A single bad experience in any of these areas can tarnish an entire trip. According to a 2023 study by Travel Insights Journal, 78% of negative cruise reviews cite poor customer service as a primary factor, while 65% mention issues with food quality or variety.

Negative reviews often stem from unmet expectations. For example, a traveler might book a “luxury” cruise expecting fine dining and personalized attention, only to find buffet-style meals and long lines for service. The gap between marketing and reality is a common theme. Additionally, cruise ships are confined environments—when something goes wrong (e.g., norovirus outbreaks, mechanical failures, or overcrowding), the impact is magnified. A 2022 report from the CDC noted that 12% of reported cruise ship illness cases occurred on lines with the lowest hygiene ratings, further fueling negative perceptions.

Where to Find Reliable Cruise Reviews

Not all review platforms are equal. To assess which cruise line has the worst reviews, we rely on data from trusted sources:

• Cruise Critic: The most comprehensive cruise review site, with over 1 million user-submitted reviews. It breaks down feedback by category (service, dining, cleanliness, etc.) and allows filtering by ship, year, and traveler type.
• TripAdvisor: Offers a broad range of opinions, though it’s important to look for “Verified Reviews” to avoid fake or biased entries.
• Google Reviews: Provides quick sentiment analysis, especially for recent voyages. However, it lacks the depth of cruise-specific metrics.
• Reddit (r/Cruise and r/Travel): A goldmine for unfiltered, candid feedback. Users often share detailed experiences, including photos and timelines.
• Consumer Affairs: Tracks formal complaints and regulatory issues, including refund disputes and safety violations.

Tip: When reading reviews, focus on patterns—not outliers. If 30% of reviews mention “mold in bathrooms” or “rude staff,” it’s likely a systemic issue, not a one-off complaint.

The Top 5 Cruise Lines with the Worst Reviews (2020–2024)

1. Pullmantur Cruises – Spain’s Troubled Titan

Pullmantur, once a dominant force in the Spanish cruise market, has become synonymous with decline. After filing for bankruptcy in 2020 during the pandemic, the line underwent restructuring and resumed operations under new management. However, customer satisfaction has not rebounded. As of 2024, Pullmantur holds a 2.1/5 average rating on Cruise Critic—the lowest among major cruise operators.

Common complaints include:

• Overcrowding: Ships like the Horizon and Zenith are frequently described as “sardine cans,” with passengers struggling to find seating by the pool.
• Food Quality: Multiple reviews cite “inedible” buffet food, limited vegetarian options, and stale bread.
• Service Failures: Staff are often reported as untrained or indifferent. One reviewer wrote, “We waited 45 minutes for a drink at the pool bar. No one apologized.”
• Technical Issues: The Ocean Dream experienced a 24-hour power outage during a Caribbean voyage in 2023, stranding passengers with no AC or working elevators.

Insider Tip: Pullmantur primarily targets budget-conscious Spanish and Latin American travelers. If you’re not fluent in Spanish, expect minimal English-speaking staff—a major frustration for international guests.

2. Costa Cruises – Italian Flair, Global Frustration

Owned by Carnival Corporation, Costa Cruises markets itself as an Italian-style experience with a European flair. However, its global fleet—especially ships operating in Asia and the Middle East—has drawn sharp criticism. On TripAdvisor, Costa holds a 3.2/5 average rating, but ships like the Costa Venezia (China-focused) score as low as 2.8.

Key issues:

• Cultural Misalignment: Western travelers report feeling alienated. “The entertainment was all in Mandarin,” said a British couple. “We didn’t understand a word.”
• Hygiene Concerns: In 2022, the CDC cited the Costa Diadema for multiple sanitation violations, including mold in galleys and improper food storage.
• Overbooking: Multiple reviews mention being “bumped” from excursions due to poor planning. “We paid $120 for a tour, only to be told 30 minutes before departure it was canceled.”

Despite these issues, Costa remains popular in Europe due to aggressive pricing. But for international travelers, the experience is often underwhelming.

3. P&O Cruises (Australia) – A Legacy in Decline

While P&O Cruises UK enjoys moderate success, its Australian arm has faced relentless criticism. The Pacific Explorer and Pacific Aria ships, in particular, are plagued by negative reviews. On Cruise Critic, P&O Australia averages 2.9/5, with 42% of reviewers rating the experience “poor” or “terrible.”

Recurring problems:

• Outdated Facilities: The Pacific Explorer, launched in 1997, lacks modern amenities like USB ports, flat-screen TVs, or reliable Wi-Fi.
• Staffing Shortages: Due to post-pandemic labor gaps, service is slow. “We had to flag down waiters just to get water,” wrote one reviewer.
• Entertainment Quality: Shows are described as “cheesy” and “low-budget,” with limited variety.
• Environmental Issues: In 2023, the Pacific Explorer was fined for dumping waste in protected waters—a fact widely discussed in online forums.

Note: P&O Australia has announced a $200 million refurbishment program for 2024–2025, but results remain to be seen.

4. MSC Cruises – Bargain Prices, Bumpy Experiences

MSC Cruises, a Swiss-based line with a growing global footprint, is known for ultra-low prices. But as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” While newer ships like the MSC World Europa receive praise, older vessels—especially those in the Caribbean and Mediterranean—have consistently poor reviews.

Top complaints:

• Overcrowding: Ships like the MSC Armonia are described as “cattle ships,” with long lines for everything.
• Food Quality: Despite a “Mediterranean cuisine” promise, many report frozen meals and repetitive menus.
• Customer Service: Non-English-speaking staff dominate, leading to communication breakdowns. “We couldn’t get our room key fixed for two days,” said a U.S. traveler.
• Technical Glitches: The MSC Magnifica had a 12-hour delay in 2022 due to engine problems, with no compensation offered.

MSC’s aggressive discounting strategy—often offering 7-day cruises for under $500—makes it a target for budget travelers. But the trade-offs are significant.

5. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Mixed Bag with Major Flaws

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a paradox: it’s one of the most popular cruise lines, yet it consistently ranks among the worst in customer satisfaction. With a 3.4/5 average on Cruise Critic, NCL’s reviews are polarized—some love the “freestyle” dining and entertainment, while others call it a “chaotic mess.”

Why NCL struggles:

• Overbooking & Chaos: NCL’s “no set dining times” policy leads to overcrowded restaurants. “We waited 90 minutes for a table at a specialty restaurant—then got a table next to the kitchen,” wrote a reviewer.
• Hidden Fees: While base fares are low, mandatory gratuities, drink packages, and excursion markups inflate costs. One couple reported spending $1,200 extra on a 7-day cruise.
• Ship Condition: Older ships like the Norwegian Sky show significant wear. “The carpets were stained, and the bathroom had mold,” said a passenger.
• Entertainment Quality: While newer ships feature Broadway-style shows, older vessels rely on karaoke and trivia nights—often poorly attended.

Key Insight: NCL’s problems are less about the brand itself and more about inconsistent execution across its diverse fleet.

Why Do Some Cruise Lines Keep Getting Bad Reviews?

Cost-Cutting vs. Customer Experience

Many of the cruise lines with the worst reviews share a common trait: aggressive cost-cutting. In an industry with thin profit margins, lines like Pullmantur, MSC, and Costa prioritize low fares over quality. This leads to:

• Underpaid Staff: Crew members on budget lines often earn below-market wages, leading to low morale and poor service.
• Delayed Maintenance: Older ships are kept in service longer than recommended. The Pacific Explorer, for example, was 27 years old before its 2023 refit.
• Reduced Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursions are often cut to maintain profitability.

A 2023 Maritime Business Review report found that 60% of cruise lines with the worst reviews had reduced operational budgets by 15–30% post-pandemic, directly impacting guest satisfaction.

Target Market Mismatch

Another factor is misalignment between marketing and reality. For example:

• MSC Cruises markets itself as a “European luxury experience” but operates many ships with outdated interiors and limited English-speaking staff.
• Costa Cruises promotes “authentic Italian cuisine” but serves mass-produced food in buffet lines.

When travelers expect luxury but receive budget, the disappointment is profound—and reflected in reviews.

Regulatory and Safety Concerns

Some lines with poor reviews have faced regulatory scrutiny. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) publishes hygiene ratings for all cruise ships. As of 2024, ships operated by Pullmantur, Costa, and P&O Australia have appeared on the “lowest 10%” list for sanitation violations. These incidents—ranging from food contamination to sewage leaks—are widely shared in reviews, damaging reputations.

How to Avoid a Cruise Line with Bad Reviews

Research Before You Book

Don’t rely on the cruise line’s website. Instead:

• Check Cruise Critic’s “Cruise Finder” tool to compare ships by rating, age, and traveler type.
• Read reviews from travelers with similar demographics (e.g., families, seniors, solo cruisers).
• Look for verified reviews and photos—fake reviews often lack detail.

Example: If you’re a family with kids, prioritize ships with high “family-friendly” ratings, not just low prices.

Ask the Right Questions

When booking, ask:

• “How old is the ship, and when was it last refurbished?”
• “What percentage of staff speak English?”
• “Are gratuities included, or are they added at the end?”
• “What’s the policy for delays or cancellations?”

Reputable travel agents can provide insights into a line’s reputation beyond what’s online.

Consider the “Value” vs. “Price” Equation

A $400 cruise might seem like a steal, but if it includes:

• Mandatory $15/day gratuities
• $200 drink package
• $300 in excursion markups

Your total cost could exceed $1,000—and the experience may still be poor. Value is not just price—it’s the quality of the experience.

Data Snapshot: Cruise Lines with the Worst Reviews (2024)

Cruise Line	Avg. Rating (Cruise Critic)	Common Complaints	CDC Sanitation Violations (Last 3 Years)	Refurbishment Status
Pullmantur	2.1/5	Overcrowding, food quality, staff training	12 incidents	2021–2023 (partial)
Costa Cruises	3.2/5	Hygiene, language barriers, overbooking	9 incidents	2022–2024 (select ships)
P&O Australia	2.9/5	Outdated facilities, staffing, environmental fines	7 incidents	2024–2025 (planned)
MSC Cruises	3.3/5	Overcrowding, hidden fees, ship condition	5 incidents	2020–2024 (ongoing)
NCL	3.4/5	Chaotic dining, hidden fees, inconsistent service	4 incidents	2021–2023 (major ships)

Conclusion: Steer Clear of the Worst Cruise Lines

So, which cruise line has the worst reviews? Based on aggregated data from 2020 to 2024, Pullmantur Cruises stands out as the most consistently criticized, followed closely by P&O Australia and Costa Cruises. While budget-friendly lines like MSC and NCL offer lower fares, their poor execution, overcrowding, and hidden fees often lead to disappointment. The key takeaway isn’t to avoid budget cruises entirely—but to understand the trade-offs.

Choosing the right cruise line requires more than price comparisons. It demands research into ship condition, staff training, hygiene records, and customer service history. By leveraging trusted review platforms, asking detailed questions, and prioritizing value over cost, you can avoid the pitfalls that plague the industry’s lowest-rated lines. Remember: a cruise should be a relaxing escape, not a stressful ordeal. With the insights from this guide, you’re now equipped to make a smarter, safer, and more satisfying choice. Bon voyage—and may your next cruise be everything the brochure promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line has the worst reviews overall?

Based on recent passenger feedback, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) frequently rank among those with the worst reviews. Complaints often center around overcrowding, inconsistent food quality, and service delays, though experiences vary by ship and itinerary.

Why do some cruise lines get consistently bad reviews?

Cruise lines with high volumes of budget-focused passengers, like Carnival, often receive criticism for cost-cutting measures impacting service and amenities. Common pain points include long wait times, dated cabins, and entertainment that doesn’t meet expectations.

Are there cruise lines to avoid based on health and safety concerns?

Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have faced scrutiny in past inspections for sanitation and safety violations. While most major lines maintain acceptable standards, checking CDC inspection reports can help identify patterns of recurring issues.

Which cruise line has the worst reviews for family vacations?

Some travelers report negative family experiences with Norwegian Cruise Line due to chaotic kids’ clubs and lack of age-appropriate activities. However, other lines like Carnival also receive mixed feedback, so researching ship-specific reviews is crucial.

Do luxury cruise lines ever have the worst reviews?

Even high-end lines like Oceania and Regent Seven Seas occasionally receive negative feedback, often for unmet expectations. Price-sensitive passengers may criticize service inconsistencies or “nickel-and-diming” on supposedly all-inclusive voyages.

How reliable are online reviews when judging cruise line quality?

While platforms like Cruise Critic and Reddit highlight recurring issues, reviews can be skewed by outliers (e.g., one bad meal or weather disruption). Cross-referencing multiple sources and checking review dates helps identify legitimate trends.