8 Cruise Lines Real Passengers Say They’d Avoid

When it comes to cruising, everyone’s got an opinion and not all of them are glowing. Some people swear by one cruise line and would never dream of sailing with another. Others have tried a line once and vowed never to return.

A woman with a displeased expression stands in front of a large cruise ship labeled “Carnival Jubilee,” holding her arms in an “X” across her chest to signal disapproval. The cruise ship is docked on calm ocean waters under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

We asked real cruisers which cruise lines they’d never book with again and why.

This list isn’t ranked in any particular order, and just because a cruise line appears here doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, many of these brands are wildly popular. But what works for one person might be a total no-go for another, and that’s what makes cruising so personal.

1. MSC Cruises

A photo of the MSC Virtuosa sailing on the ocean.

Some cruisers rave about MSC’s sleek, modern ships and wallet-friendly deals, especially on Mediterranean itineraries. But while the prices are tempting, not everyone is convinced it’s worth the savings.

A common complaint is that the food doesn’t quite measure up to other mainstream lines, and entertainment can feel repetitive or underwhelming. Some guests have also reported that service varies depending on the ship or itinerary.

Personally, I’ve cruised with MSC and had a fantastic time, especially considering the price I paid. It wasn’t perfect, but it exceeded my expectations, and I’d definitely sail with them again if the deal was right. For those travelling on a tighter budget or just looking for a European cruise experience, MSC can still be a great option, as long as you go in with the right expectations.

Suggested reading: The 5 Reasons Behind MSC Cruises’ Low Prices

2. Virgin Voyages

Virgin promises a cruise that breaks all the rules: no kids, no buffets, and no dress codes. It’s bold, modern, and undeniably aimed at a younger, trendier crowd. But that vibe doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Some cruisers described the atmosphere as more Ibiza than idyllic, with a focus on nightlife, edgy entertainment, and cocktails over quiet sea days. A few even labelled it “tacky”; not their words and not mine!

Interestingly, several comments suggested that Virgin is a hit with first-time cruisers but less so with regular ones. If you’re after a peaceful, traditional cruising experience, this probably isn’t it. But if you want something playful and different and you love a rooftop bar with a DJ, it might just be your thing.

3. P&O Cruises

The image shows the P&O Iona cruise ship docked at a port. The ship features a sleek and modern design with multiple decks and large balconies, bearing the P&O Cruises branding and a patriotic red, white, and blue motif at the stern. The backdrop includes clear skies and a coastal town, adding to the scenic view.

P&O has a solid reputation among UK cruisers, especially with its newer ships like Iona and Arvia. It offers a relaxed, British-style cruising experience that appeals to families, couples, and older travellers.

That said, some people in the discussion shared negative onboard experiences, from disappointing service to underwhelming food. It wasn’t about the brand’s overall reputation, more a case of individual trips not living up to expectations.

When a cruise line is as popular as P&O, you’re bound to hear a few horror stories. But many still find it a reliable choice, especially for no-fly cruises from the UK and those looking for a familiar home-from-home feel at sea.

Further reading: 5 Perks on P&O Cruises Every Family Will Love

4. Disney Cruise Line

It might seem surprising, but quite a few cruisers said they’d give Disney a miss. And when you dig into the reasons, it actually makes a lot of sense.

Disney Cruises are squarely aimed at families, especially those with younger children, so if you’re travelling as a couple or solo, it might not feel like the right fit. Unless you’re a die-hard Disney fan, the characters, themed entertainment, and kid-focused atmosphere can feel overwhelming.

Then there’s the price. Disney is one of the most expensive mainstream cruise lines, even more than some luxury brands when you factor in what’s included. For many, that cost simply doesn’t match their idea of a relaxing getaway, even though families who do book often come away raving about the experience.

5. Costa Cruises

Costa Smeralda hovering the ocean with small islands behind it

Costa is known for its bargain prices, and that’s exactly why it divides opinion. For some cruisers, it’s a case of “you get what you pay for,” and they’d rather avoid it altogether.

The most common criticisms were about the food quality and reports of unhelpful or abrupt crew members. Some also felt the onboard experience lacked the polish you might find with other cruise lines.

That said, my good friend has cruised with Costa and thought it was decent value for money. Was it her favourite cruise ever? No. But if the deal was right, she’d consider sailing with them again. It’s very much a line where managing expectations is key.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

This image depicts the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship cruising through calm blue ocean waters under a clear, sunny sky. The ship is adorned with colorful pearl-themed hull art, giving it a vibrant and festive appearance. Its sleek design and expansive decks reflect the luxury and grandeur of this maritime vessel.

NCL didn’t come up as often as some others, but when it did, the feedback was clear, the issues were more about past experiences than reputation alone.

Some cruisers mentioned the food didn’t live up to expectations, even though NCL is known for its wide range of speciality restaurants. Others said the older ships are looking a bit tired, and there were frustrations around customer service, particularly with things like unwanted upgrades or booking issues.

That said, NCL’s newer ships offer plenty of fun features and appeal to a younger crowd. If you’re considering sailing with them, it’s worth checking out reviews for the specific ship, as experiences can vary quite a bit across the fleet.

7. Royal Caribbean

The majestic Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas cruises at sunset, with its innovative structure highlighted by the fading sunlight. The world's largest cruise ship is a marvel of modern engineering, boasting a unique combination of luxurious amenities and cutting-edge design as it traverses the open ocean.

Royal Caribbean is one of the biggest names in cruising – literally and figuratively. While many people are fiercely loyal to the brand, others said they’d give it a miss.

Some had specific complaints like booking issues or disappointing service, but the most common reasons were around the sheer size of the ships and the number of families onboard. The mega-ships offer endless activities, but if you’re after peace and quiet, or you hate crowds, it can feel overwhelming.

That said, not all Royal ships are enormous, and interestingly, the cruise line has confirmed plans for a brand-new class of smaller ships, currently in the design phase. So, if the scale of the current fleet has put you off in the past, there may be something more your style coming soon.

8. Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Sunrise cruise ship docked at Grand Turk, with the island's stunning turquoise waters and lush landscapes in the background, embodying tropical travel and leisure.

Carnival is all about fun, bright décor, packed schedules, late-night parties, and a big, bold atmosphere. For some cruisers, that’s a dream. For others, it’s their idea of a nightmare.

It’s one of the biggest cruise lines in the world and does not attempt to be subtle about what it offers. While there are adult-only areas like the Serenity Deck, Carnival is still known for attracting families, party-goers, and first-time cruisers looking for high-energy holidays.

For cruisers seeking a quieter, more refined experience, Carnival probably won’t tick the right boxes. But if you love trivia games, poolside contests, and 24-hour pizza, you’ll feel right at home.

Further reading: 7 Things Carnival Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines

Final Thoughts: One Cruiser’s Nightmare Is Another’s Dream

Just because a cruise line made this list doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering — it simply means it wasn’t the right fit for some travellers. Personal preferences, past experiences, and expectations all play a huge role in how we feel about a cruise.

The key takeaway? Don’t write off a cruise line based solely on someone else’s opinion (or even this list!). Read reviews, do your research, and think about what you actually want from your holiday at sea.

And remember — sometimes the best cruise is the one you didn’t expect to love.