These Are The Worst Cruise Ships According To Reviews

Not every cruise sails smoothly, and I don’t just mean the weather. While some ships leave passengers raving about the food, entertainment and friendly service, others seem to collect complaints faster than sea miles.

Cruise lines change, ships get refurbished, and ownership sometimes switches hands entirely, so a ship that once had a bad reputation can turn things around (and vice versa). That’s why I decided to take another look in 2025 to see which ships are currently frustrating their guests the most.

I’ve gathered thousands of real passenger reviews from Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor to see which ships are topping the “worst rated” lists right now. These aren’t my personal opinions – just a round-up of what paying passengers are saying this year.

Some ships have improved since their earlier disasters, while others still seem to be struggling to deliver even the basics. So, if you’re planning your next cruise and want to know which ships to think twice about.

1. Carnival Firenze

Carnival Firenze might technically be one of the “worst-rated” ships on this list, but compared with some others here, she’s doing just fine. Originally built for Costa Cruises as Costa Firenze, she joined the Carnival fleet in 2024 after a major refit, and the difference shows.

Many recent passengers describe the ship as spotless and beautifully styled, with décor that blends Carnival’s playful vibe and a touch of Italian flair. Service scores are strong too, with plenty of guests singling out their dining-room waiters and cabin stewards for being friendly and hardworking.

Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. The ship’s design makes some areas feel tight, especially around the pool deck and buffet, and queueing is a recurring theme in reviews. Others mention that while the food is generally good, quality can swing from one night to the next.

If you’re after affordable fun with a lively atmosphere, Firenze might surprise you in a good way. Just be ready for a few crowds and the occasional wait at the bar.

2. MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore is one of those ships that looks incredible in photos, and, to be fair, she often does impress in person too. The gleaming design, glass-floored walkways, and sleek pool decks regularly earn praise from passengers who describe her as “modern,” “clean,” and “beautifully maintained.”

Service scores are generally strong as well. Many guests mention friendly staff who go above and beyond, particularly in the main dining room and bar areas. When everything runs smoothly, Seashore can easily feel like a premium experience for a mid-range price.

But consistency remains the ship’s biggest challenge. Complaints in 2025 still mention long waits at buffets and bars, cold or repetitive meals, and occasional hiccups with room service. Some also find the ship noisy in the evenings, with entertainment that varies in quality from one night to the next.

In short, MSC Seashore shines when the service clicks, but there’s still a gamble involved. If you catch her on a good week, you’ll have a great time, but the experience can feel more “four-star hotel” than floating resort if you don’t.

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

3. MSC Opera

Launched back in 2004, MSC Opera is one of the smaller and older ships in MSC’s fleet, and it shows. While some passengers appreciate her more intimate, traditional layout, others describe her as “tired” and “past her best.” Cabins are compact, décor is dated, and the entertainment feels basic compared with the brand’s newer megaships.

That said, Opera still has her fans. Loyal cruisers often praise the friendly crew and the relaxed atmosphere, saying it’s nice to sail on a ship where you can actually find a quiet spot to read or watch the sea go by. The pizza and coffee get surprisingly positive mentions too.

Where Opera struggles is in the details. Food quality is hit-and-miss, buffet areas can become crowded at peak times, and service can feel stretched, especially on busy itineraries. Some travellers also mention confusing communication about onboard charges and packages.

If you’re after an affordable, smaller-ship cruise and can overlook a few rough edges, MSC Opera still offers decent value. Just don’t expect the flash or polish of her newer fleetmates.

Related reading: I Tried One of the Cheapest MSC Euribia Cruises – Here’s What Happened

4. MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra often leaves passengers feeling somewhere in the middle. It’s not a disaster, but it’s not a standout either. The ship itself is pleasant enough, with a classic design and plenty of public spaces to explore. Many travellers comment on the hardworking crew and a friendly atmosphere, which goes a long way towards balancing out some of the negatives.

The biggest frustrations tend to be around food and entertainment. Several 2025 reviewers describe the menus as repetitive and the quality inconsistent, particularly in the main dining room. Entertainment options are limited too, with the same shows and music acts repeating throughout longer voyages.

Guests also mention slow service in certain areas and delays with luggage delivery at embarkation. On the plus side, embarkation and disembarkation are generally smooth, and some say the smaller size of the ship makes it easy to navigate.

Overall, MSC Orchestra delivers a fairly average experience. It might not wow you, but for cruisers who prefer something simple, it still gets the job done.

5. Costa Diadema

At first glance, Costa Diadema is a showstopper. The ship looks beautiful, with glittering interiors and plenty of bars and restaurants to explore. Many passengers in 2025 still praise her elegant design and the friendliness of individual crew members.

Unfortunately, that’s where much of the praise ends. Reviews frequently mention unexpected charges for things most guests assume are included, from bottled water to certain room service items. Some cruisers describe the onboard Wi-Fi as unreliable and overpriced, while others complain about slow service in restaurants and bars.

Food is another common sore point. Repetitive buffets, lukewarm dishes and long queues leave some guests feeling like they’re dining in a crowded cafeteria rather than a holiday resort.

If you manage your expectations and stick to the basics, Costa Diadema can still offer a lively cruise at a reasonable price. Just be prepared for add-ons and the occasional wait for service — this is definitely one of those “you get what you pay for” ships.

6. Costa Deliziosa

Costa Deliziosa is a lovely-looking ship, and at first glance, she gives off all the right luxury vibes. Passengers often praise her elegant décor, well-laid-out public areas and convenient central elevators. Many crew members also earn positive mentions for being friendly, attentive and professional.

But once guests settle in, the shine tends to fade. Reviewers in 2025 repeatedly highlight lacklustre food, especially in the main dining room, with limited variety and inconsistent quality. Entertainment also divides opinion, some enjoy the live music and theatre, while others describe it as dated and repetitive.

Language barriers are another recurring frustration, with English-speaking travellers feeling excluded from announcements and activities. A few passengers also mention cleanliness issues in communal areas, such as buffet stations and pool decks, that don’t quite meet modern expectations.

There are still bright spots, the itineraries are often excellent, and loyal Costa fans continue to enjoy the atmosphere on board, but for most travellers, Deliziosa feels more “serviceable” than special.

7. Costa Pacifica

If there’s one word that appears again and again in reviews of Costa Pacifica, it’s “crowded.” Passengers describe long queues for almost everything – from the buffet and bars to the water slides and even breakfast seating. Some compare the atmosphere to rush hour on the Underground, which probably isn’t what anyone has in mind when they book a cruise.

Food is another weak spot. Many guests say the quality is inconsistent, and vegetarian or special-diet options are limited. Complaints about lukewarm dishes and repetitive menus are common, though a few travellers did enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurants when they managed to get a booking.

Language barriers add another layer of confusion, as most announcements are made in several languages and English translations can be patchy. Service quality seems to depend heavily on the individual crew members, with some praised for their effort and others criticised for being inattentive.

On the positive side, Costa Pacifica does visit some fantastic ports and tends to be one of the more affordable options in Europe. Just be ready for a full house, a bit of chaos, and food that might not always hit the mark.

Related reading: Why Costa Cruises Can Be So Cheap – And What You’ll Really Get

8. MSC Seascape

At first glance, MSC Seascape is a showpiece for MSC Cruises. Sleek, modern and filled with glass walkways and panoramic views, she’s one of the most visually striking ships at sea. Many 2025 passengers mention how spotless and stylish everything looks, and staff often receive praise for friendliness and enthusiasm.

However, beneath the glossy exterior, reviews tell a more uneven story. Food quality remains inconsistent, with repetitive buffet choices and lukewarm dishes being common complaints. Crowding is also an issue, particularly around the pools and bars, where guests report long waits for drinks or empty tables.

Some reviewers note that while the ship’s design is impressive, it’s not always practical. Public spaces can feel congested, and the flow between venues doesn’t always make sense. Even passengers staying in the Yacht Club, MSC’s premium area, have mentioned patchy service and underwhelming perks compared with other cruise lines’ suites.

Overall, MSC Seascape still feels like a work in progress, undeniably beautiful, but not quite delivering the smooth, high-end experience her looks promise.

9. Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is one of Costa’s flagship vessels, and visually, she’s a stunner. Built to rival ships like P&O Iona and Carnival Celebration, her design is sleek, modern and packed with colourful Italian flair. Many guests in 2025 still comment on how impressive she looks, from the bright atrium to the stylish pool decks.

But looks aren’t everything. English-speaking passengers often report feeling left out, as much of the onboard communication, entertainment and even safety announcements are delivered primarily in Italian. This language gap can make the cruise feel confusing, particularly for first-time Costa guests.

Then there’s the constant sense of upselling. Many reviewers mention feeling “nickel-and-dimed,” with basic amenities like bottled water or speciality coffees coming at an extra cost. Crowding is also a recurring complaint, especially in buffet areas where queues stretch across the room during peak times.

The silver lining is the crew, who are frequently praised for their warmth and professionalism. But overall, Costa Smeralda struggles to match the smooth experience that its sister ships under other brands provide.

10. Costa Toscana

Costa Toscana has all the ingredients for a great cruise ship, bold design, beautiful decor and plenty of dining options, but reviews in 2025 suggest that the execution still falls short.

Many passengers complain about crowding and disorganisation. Breakfast queues can stretch endlessly, and some reviewers have even mentioned maintenance being carried out at inconvenient times, like balcony washing during morning coffee service. Others describe long waits for drinks and inattentive bar staff, giving the impression that the ship is often understaffed.

Food quality also takes a hit. Guests frequently describe repetitive buffet choices and “canteen-style” meals that don’t live up to the ship’s glamorous appearance. The “all-inclusive” packages have also caused confusion, with several travellers frustrated to find that many items still come with extra charges.

On a positive note, the ship itself is stunning, and a few reviewers point out that certain staff members deliver genuinely excellent service despite the pressure. But overall, Costa Toscana feels like a missed opportunity, a striking ship that doesn’t quite deliver the smooth, relaxing experience most cruisers expect.

11. Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa once had a reputation for being one of Costa’s livelier, more glamorous ships, but many passengers now say she’s showing her age. While the ship’s design is still eye-catching, with bold colours and theatrical décor, the experience onboard in 2025 seems to have lost much of its sparkle.

Food is one of the biggest disappointments. Even pasta dishes, which you’d expect to shine on an Italian cruise line, are often described as bland or overcooked. Guests report having to ask for basic items like salt, pepper and even water at mealtimes, which only adds to the frustration.

Service levels vary widely. Some staff are described as hardworking and kind, while others appear overstretched or indifferent. A few passengers have raised concerns about maintenance issues in cabins, such as broken fridges or poor air conditioning.

Entertainment remains one of the few bright spots, with evening shows and talented performers still earning praise. But for many, Costa Fascinosa feels like a ship past its prime, a reminder of better days rather than a contender for future cruises.

12. Costa Fortuna

Costa Fortuna has been making headlines in 2025, not for glowing reviews, but because she’s officially been sold. Costa Cruises confirmed that the ship will leave its fleet in late 2026 to join Margaritaville at Sea, where she’ll be renamed Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber.

Until then, she continues to operate under the Costa flag, though reviews suggest it’s been a rough final stretch. Passengers regularly complain about poor food quality, long queues and indifferent service. Several mentions cabins that weren’t properly cleaned, malfunctioning facilities and a general sense that the ship feels “run down” as it nears retirement.

English-speaking guests also report ongoing communication challenges, with most entertainment and announcements focused on Italian travellers. Some reviewers even said they were told to “make do” when they raised issues – not the kind of hospitality most cruisers hope for.

While Costa Fortuna can be a bargain on paper, many travellers feel the low fares simply aren’t worth the trade-off. With her transfer to Margaritaville at Sea on the horizon, the best advice might be to wait and see how she performs after her relaunch, because for now, she remains one of the most frequently criticised ships afloat

Wrapping It Up

Looking across the reviews for 2025, a clear pattern emerges. The lowest-rated ships are almost all from Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises – two brands that focus on affordability and high passenger capacity. While these lines can offer incredible value and some very pretty ships, the trade-off often shows up in the details: overcrowded buffets, overstretched staff and a feeling that the onboard experience isn’t quite as polished as it looks in the brochure.

At the end of the day, the “worst” ship for one person can still be the best value for another. If you know what to expect, a busy, multicultural atmosphere and budget-friendly prices, you might still have a great time. But if you’re dreaming of flawless service and fine dining, it’s probably worth spending a bit more for a higher-rated cruise line.

Related Reading