Tuesday, April 2, 2024

A Cruiser's Warning: The 18 Worst Ports on the High Seas

worst cruise lines

However, by taking a closer look at these cruise lines, we hope to provide insights and awareness to help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls. When evaluating cruise lines, it is essential to consider a range of factors such as customer reviews, safety records, onboard amenities, price, and the overall reputation of the cruise line. These factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your expectations and preferences.

Cruise Ships With the Best and Worst Sanitation Scores in 2023 - PEOPLE

Cruise Ships With the Best and Worst Sanitation Scores in 2023.

Posted: Wed, 19 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Least Affordable for the Value: Pullmantur Cruises

After all, it's hard for customers to compare prices if they can't find these details before parting with their cash. This year, WRP was withheld from Seabourn and Oceania due to lack of clarity on tipping and drinks costs. It’s no coincidence that this year’s top-rated ocean cruise companies are all-inclusive. Some brands lure you in with a low headline price, but then slap on costly extras – for drinks, meals, excursions and service charges – once you’re on board.

Ocean cruise lines rated

worst cruise lines

I must say that I traveled with Fortuna several years ago, I think about 10. Nowadays, it has become the smallest ship in the whole fleet as it was built in 2002 so over 20 years ago. Many complained about the staff that were not as kind and attentive as they should be. The other aspect that should be improved is the general cleanliness of the ship, both for the common areas and the cabins.

MSC Opera

Many have reported last-minute changes to ports of call or shortened shore excursions without proper explanation or compensation. These unexpected alterations can significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the cruise and leave passengers feeling cheated. This lack of attentiveness and professionalism can greatly diminish the overall cruise experience. One recurring complaint revolves around the lack of cleanliness on Cruise Line A’s ships. Passengers have expressed disappointment in the cleanliness of their cabins as well as public areas, citing issues such as dirty carpets, stained furniture, and inadequate housekeeping.

There are also mentions of the age of passengers in a negative way, but that’s as much on the guests to research before they travel so that they understand what the likely audience will be. The vast majority of people who book a cruise have an amazing time – it’s the kind of holiday that people just keep coming back to. Luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s about refinement, personal attention, and the ease of knowing every detail is looked after. For those who seek the pinnacle of cruising elegance, these luxury lines promise a journey that’s as captivating as the destinations themselves. While P&O Cruises offers an array of amenities and services, it hasn’t always been the top pick among spa enthusiasts. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

The ships are quite relaxed and modern – don’t expect to find crazy water slides, robotic bartenders or any other gimmicks. Instead, the focus is on providing excellent service, great quality food, and a pleasant vibe that’s as suited to families as it is to older guests travelling solo or with friends/partners. There are two recurring themes to the negative reviews of MSC Cruises – the range and quality of the food are often commented on, as are the standards of service. Some people have found the crew to be less helpful or unresponsive to concerns when compared to other cruise lines. The atmosphere onboard the mid-sized ships is quite lively, although don’t expect a huge range of entertainment facilities. The ships are family-friendly and have good kids clubs but you won’t find much in the way of unique attractions like you’d find on bigger American cruise lines.

worst cruise lines

Which? Travel at 50 – the story of the UK's longest running travel magazine

If a spiritual connection is what you seek, keep in mind that not all sanctuaries welcome travelers during your visit. The city’s ambiance can be jarring for those expecting a tranquil seaside escape. Beaches suitable for sunbathing and swimming are not immediately accessible; reaching them requires a substantial taxi ride, often at steep fares. Given the current state of the port and the city, these expenses may seem unjustified. Adding to the inconvenience, a Cambodian visa is mandatory for all cruise passengers, regardless of whether they choose to disembark. The experience of exploring Sihanoukville can also be hampered by the persistent taxi and tuk-tuk drivers who aggressively seek out tourists.

Overcrowding appeared to be a persistent issue, with cruisers describing difficulty finding seating for meals and noting that the pools were small, dirty, and packed. The elevators were criticized for being slow, constantly packed, or reserved for luggage, forcing some passengers to resort to taking the stairs. Another grievance was related to room service, with one diabetic cruiser stating that their breakfast, vital for their condition, was not delivered as requested.

Best: Oceania Cruises -3.8

According to some reviews, the ship looks a bit old and not as fancy as some expected. I always feel a bit sorry for writing these articles, knowing there are people working on these ships who are passionate about their work and committed every day. Before the pandemic, about 10% of people that had never cruised said they "never" would.

Entertainment aboard the Costa Deliziosa also received a slew of negative reviews. Despite the ship’s promise of an “Italian influence”, many found it missing, with one traveller remarking that it felt like “basic transportation”. Some stated that the same buffet was offered daily, with few to no hot food options unless one dined at the restaurant, which was reportedly always crowded. On the bright side, amidst the wave of dissatisfaction, there were a few beacons of positivity. Several passengers praised individual staff members for their exceptional service, noting that these individuals stood out as dedicated and helpful in an otherwise challenging environment. There was also acknowledgement of the ship’s impressive aesthetics, with some mentioning the upmarket decor.

Complaints about this company include substandard websites and bad telephone customer service. Last-minute cancellations on pre-booked trips, wrong information and more plague the comments about Holiday. Customers regularly complain that the whole thing is a sham, though they do run actual cruises. Finally, last-place Princess Cruises (16th) earns an overall customer score of 67 per cent, with three-star ratings in categories such as entertainment and customer service. While these companies often entice travellers with budget-friendly prices, if guests expect the same experience as they’re used to with more expensive cruise lines, they’re sure to be disappointed.

It's important to know these spaces are clean and safe for every passenger. If you’ve cruised with a particular line before, it’s worth checking out their loyalty programs for member-only benefits like onboard credits, room upgrades, and exclusive events. These can add considerable value to your cruise without increasing the price tag. As always, it’s essential to weigh costs against potential compromises, ensuring your hard-earned cruise holiday provides the experience you truly desire. The overarching consensus from reviewers cruising on the MSC Opera was that the ship seemed understaffed, leading to numerous challenges. To start off with the positives of the Costa Deliziosa, many reviews praised the ship for its aesthetic appeal, noting its beautiful layout and the convenience of the central elevators.

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