Beda Pavek Cruising offers an enticing blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. However, not all cruise lines deliver on these promises.
While many provide exceptional experiences, others fall short due to issues like poor sanitation, environmental concerns, subpar service, and misleading marketing.
This article delves into some of the cruise lines that have faced criticism and challenges, helping travelers make informed decisions.
1. Margaritaville at Sea: Ambitious beginnings, mixed reviews
Margaritaville at Sea, a relatively new entrant in the cruise industry, currently operates two ships: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander. While the brand aims to offer a laid-back, tropical experience, reviews have been mixed.
Passengers have reported issues such as underwhelming cabins, limited dining options, and minimal entertainment. However, the cruise line is making efforts to improve, with recent renovations and the introduction of new itineraries.
A Redditor commented about the cruise line, “Spirit airlines of the seas. You get what you pay for.”
“The ship is old (built in 1991), small, and lacking in big cruise ship features—no thrill rides, no waterslides and no ziplines. If you want a cheap getaway with drinks, sun, and chaos— at $49, sail away!”
2. MSC Cruises: Aesthetics over experience?
MSC Cruises boasts some of the most visually stunning ships at sea. They have received a range of negative reviews from passengers, with common criticisms focusing on food quality, service inconsistencies, and maintenance issues.
Many passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the food offerings on MSC Cruises. Complaints include repetitive menus, bland flavors, and lukewarm dishes. One reviewer didn’t mince words when they posted “worst cruise in my life. Never again MSC.”
MSC Seaside scored a 67 during a CDC inspection, with violations including inadequate sanitation and food safety.
Another Redditor remarked: “Absolutely disgusting from start to finish. Strongly suggest everyone to stay away from this cruise line.”
3. Carnival Cruise Line: Popularity marred by concerns
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its budget-friendly offerings and lively atmosphere. However, it has faced several challenges:
- Sanitation issues: In 2023 and 2024, three Carnival ships (Breeze, Elation, and Miracle) scored near the bottom of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation list, with scores of 86, 89, and 88, respectively.
- Environmental concerns: Carnival was identified as the most climate-polluting cruise company in Europe in 2023, emitting more CO₂ than the city of Glasgow.
- Service and overcrowding: Passengers have reported declining service quality, long lines at buffets, and congested public areas, detracting from the overall experience.
One Redditor commented on the lack and quality of food. “Bring your own food or you’re gonna be hungry. I did a 6 night on Carnival and the food was awful.”
Another passenger’s complaint about long lines. “Every drink was a 5 minute+ wait at the bar. All the ‘extra’ foods like deli and burgers were sometimes a 10-15+ minute wait. Once we waited 30 mins at the deli, which we only did because they lacked any ‘kid food’ anywhere else.”
4. Costa Cruises: Communication and overcrowding issues
Costa Cruises, an Italian cruise line, has faced criticism for communication barriers, overcrowding, and dining:
- Language barriers: Many announcements are made in languages other than English, leading to confusion among English-speaking passengers.
- Overcrowding: Passengers have likened buffet areas to “rush hour underground,” with extended waits for food and amenities.
- Food quality: Complaints about the quality and variety of food have been common, with some passengers expressing significant dissatisfaction.
There are several negative reviews on Costa Cruises as a cruise line to avoid. One Redditor made it very clear, writing: “I have been on a handful of cruises (maybe 7-8) with Carnival and Royal Caribbean. We decided to give Costa cruise line a shot and I will NEVER go on them again. It was the worst cruise I have EVER gone on. It was a nightmare from start to finish.”
Another referenced the Costa Cruise disaster from January 2012. “I mean when they have captains who sink their cruise ships, they’re not a cruise line I would look into anyway.”
5. P&O Cruises: Environmental performance under scrutiny
P&O Cruises, a British cruise line, has been criticized for its environmental performance.
- Poor environmental grades: In 2024, P&O received failing grades in air pollution reduction, water quality, and transparency.
- Need for modernization: The cruise line’s environmental practices have been deemed outdated, necessitating significant improvements to meet modern standards.
One Redditor commented on several items, from sewer smells, uncomfortable beds, cancelled tours, and unorganized disembarking procedures.
6. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Sanitation concerns
Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration received a score of 62 from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, tying for the sixth-lowest score in VSP history. Violations included maggots, grime, and poor food refrigeration.
One Redditor was quite honest in their review of this cruise line. “Recently we went on the Hapag-Lloyd Hanseatic Inspiration. It was so bad I would not go on it again if it was offered for free. Better to stay home.”
Another Redditor gave their list of issues with this cruise line. They said, “[Hapag-Lloyd] charged for tap water at lunch and dinner. Not bottled water, tap water.”
7. Norwegian Cruise Line: Design flaws impact experience
Norwegian Prima, one of NCL’s newer ships, has faced criticism for its design and layout.
- Cramped spaces: Passengers have reported that communal areas like buffets and pool decks feel overcrowded and cramped.
- Service issues: The design flaws have reportedly led to slow service and a lack of attentive customer care.
One Redditor complained about the difficulty in getting food that met their schedule. Along with their conclusion: “Prima was a disappointment. So beautiful, yet so awkwardly configured. It’s a one-and-done for me, too.”
Conclusion: Making informed cruise choices
While cruising remains a popular vacation choice, it’s essential to research and choose cruise lines that align with your expectations and values.
Consider factors like sanitation records, environmental practices, service quality, and passenger reviews when making your decision. By staying informed, you can ensure a more enjoyable and responsible cruising experience.
This article is based on publicly available reviews, health inspection records, and third-party sources at the time of writing. Rankings are subjective and intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Individual cruise experiences may vary widely depending on the ship, itinerary, crew, and time of travel. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and consult official cruise line information before making any travel decisions.
