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10 Cruises To Avoid & 10 You Should Try


10 Cruises To Avoid & 10 You Should Try


Sailing ‘Round The World

Cruises are one of the most preferred methods of travel nowadays, as it’s typically a lower-stress way to travel while getting to visit new cities and countries you haven’t seen before. Cruises also usually have all-inclusive convenience, so you don’t have to pay for travel, accommodation, and food separately. Do you agree with this list?

people sitting on beach chairs during daytimeJingxi Lau on Unsplash

1. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises are usually viewed as an affordable option, but you get what you pay for. Many reviews state that this cruise line is overpriced, the furniture is dated, and the hospitality and food quality are relatively poor.

white cruise ship docking on blue bod of water under blue skyCHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

2. Spring Break Cruises

Some of the best times to go on a cruise are during the “shoulder season,” which typically occurs between April and May and September and October. However, beware of booking a week-long cruise during March and April— the students will be out and ready to play.

crowd of people on seashore during daytimePrescott Horn on Unsplash

3. Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises is said to be fun, affordable, and a party-centric atmosphere for guests. The downside to this is that the ship tends to be overcrowded and rowdy. Guests have also complained that Carnival Ships have generally poor food service, and service quality is inconsistent.

A carnival cruise ship is docked at a pier.安 崔士 on Unsplash

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4. Repositioning Cruises

These types of cruises are one-way trips where a cruise line is required to move a ship between different regions. It’s typically more relaxed than your standard cruise, but you could be dealing with rougher seas, unpredictable weather, and fewer ports to stop at.

white ship on sea during sunsetAlonso Reyes on Unsplash

5. Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises is generally seen as an unpopular choice due to its constant disorganization, poor ship design, terrible food quality, and repetitive entertainment. However, guests have said their cabins were generally clean and well-maintained.

a large cruise ship with a large water tower in the backgroundGabriel Santos on Unsplash

6. Inaugural Cruises

Inaugural cruises are exactly what they sound like - it’s the first official voyage of a new cruise ship or a particular route. There’s usually a decent amount of fanfare and special perks involved with this type of trip, but you’re essentially the ship’s test bunny. All of the kinks haven’t been worked out yet, and you may suffer those consequences.

white cruise ship on sea during daytimeMatt Wilson on Unsplash

7. Oceania Cruise Line

This particular cruise line is well-loved for the experiences it provides, but rated poorly for the ship quality. Guests noted rust on the exterior, ship tiles that were broken, and some folks found the main dining area to be lackluster.

white cruise ship on sea during daytimeShalev Cohen on Unsplash

8. Between June And November

If you really need a good deal on your cruise, you can go between June and November, but be warned that you’re also paying for a potential hurricane risk. This time of year is hurricane peak season, especially if you’re travelling through the Caribbean.

vase on book near calendarMaddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

9. Cunard Cruise Line

Cunard is generally viewed as a disappointing experience, as guests found their rooms and food service to be average at best. Other folks also mention the line’s “class system,” which shunned lower-paying guests from the nicer restaurants.

a cruise ship with the word cunard written on itTai Luan Nguyen on Unsplash

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10. Alaska Cruises

Actually, going to Alaska is not the problem; it’s the time of year you choose to go. Many cruise regulars do not recommend visiting Alaska between November and March, due to the low temperatures and consistent darkness. It’s best to visit Alaska between April and October, when the temperature, daylight hours, and wildlife are better.

mountain ranges near lakeKathrine Coonjohn on Unsplash

1. Royal Caribbean

The Royal Caribbean cruise line is well-known for having a warm and inviting demeanour, a good ship layout, excellent on-board entertainment, and generally affordable prices. This line also has a kid-friendly environment and plenty of activities.

a cruise ship docked at a dock in the oceanAnju Ravindranath on Unsplash

2. Caribbean In Winter

The best time to visit the Caribbean is during its dry months, which usually last from December to April. It’ll still be hot and sunny without an extra bump of humidity, which can provide a decent escape from colder weather. 

high-angle photography of white boat on blue ocean water near green leafed trees during daytimeIshan @seefromthesky on Unsplash

3. Disney Cruise Line

The magic of Disney doesn’t end at their amusement parks. While typically more expensive than other cruise lines, the exceptional service, well-designed cabins, and family entertainment make it a worthwhile experience.

a disney cruise ship with the word dream painted on itChristian Lambert on Unsplash

4. Europe In Spring/Fall

The best time to do a European-focused cruise is between April and May, and September and October. Typically seen as the “shoulder seasons” for the country’s tourist locations, you’ll still have decent weather, decent prices, and way fewer people to deal with.

houses near body of waterMathilda Khoo on Unsplash

5. Viking Cruise Line

Viking Cruise Line is well-loved among the cruise community. It’s praised for being incredibly well-organized, meticulously detailed, and having an efficient staff and crew. The ship has relatively good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and doesn’t include any casinos on board.

a large cruise shipArtem Militonian on Unsplash

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6. Mediterranean In Spring/Fall

Like Europe, the best time to visit the Mediterranean is during the spring and fall. You may miss out on some summer fun, but you’ll have fewer crowds to fight through, and can enjoy seeing this area of the world like a local.

houses on mountain beside sea during daytimeRahul Chakraborty on Unsplash

7. Holland America

The Holland America Cruise Line is well known for having amazing staff and even better food. The variety of food was well-liked among tourists, and had large portion sizes. The rooms are also considered to be well-designed, and the entertainment is top-notch.

a large cruise ship in the middle of the oceanTom Donders on Unsplash

8. Canada In The Fall

Visiting the great white North is best done when there’s little to no snow on the ground. You’ll have to deal with slightly cooler temperatures, but what you’ll lack in sun you’ll make up for in the country’s spectacular fall foliage. The best places to visit to see Canada’s autumn colors are Halifax and Québec.

a winding road through a forestMagnus Machado on Unsplash

9. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is most well-known for having an upscale cruising experience. They offer stellar food, first-rate service, and an adult-specific atmosphere. The ships provide excellent bar service, specialty dining, spa packages, and fun on-board activities.

cruise shipPeter Hansen on Unsplash

10. Hawaii From Spring/Fall

Like most of the warmer areas on this list, Hawaii is also at its best between April and May and September and October. Between decent pricing, lower precipitation, and the possibility of good deals before the holiday season approaches, you’ll enjoy America’s 50th state during the shoulder season.

white and black boat on sea during daytimeKatalin Hoczane Melich on Unsplash