Decked Out Or Let Down
One ship leaves you starry-eyed, but another has you counting down to disembark. Cruise lines under the same holding company don't guarantee consistency. The real test is what happens when you’re onboard a specific line. If you want to make every journey worth remembering, this list is for you. Let's start with the 10 cruise lines that miss the mark before heading into the ones actually worth booking.
1. Margaritaville At Sea
This cruise line operates just one ship: the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, a repurposed vessel from 1991. Despite the beach-party branding, the experience feels more like a dated motel. Buffet lines drag during peak hours, and the tropical-themed drinks—especially the premixed ones—earn mixed reviews.
Margaritaville Cruise Paradise Tour & Review | Worth It? by TravelTouristVideos
2. MSC Cruises
MSC struggles in U.S. waters with the exception of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Recent Trustpilot reviews slam them for overcrowded ships and poor accessibility for guests with special needs. Sometimes, basic amenities like towel replenishment or dinner reservations are also reported to glitch.
What's Included on MSC Cruises - PLUS What Will Cost You Extra! by Eat Sleep Cruise
3. Cunard Line
Sailing under Carnival Corporation & plc, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 still holds the transatlantic route. Yet, the stiff ballroom etiquette that requires formal wear and class-tiered dining creates a 1950s vibe not everyone enjoys. Queen Anne, launched in 2024, has also received criticism for its layout and design.
CUNARD Queen Mary 2 in 2025: STILL the WORLD'S most LUXURIOUS ship? by Ritzy Travel Guide
4. Oceania Cruises
Oceania, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), touts "The Finest Cuisine at Sea." In reality, smaller ships in the Oceania fleet—like the 684-passenger Insignia—lack the entertainment options that larger vessels provide. Don't expect Broadway-style shows or modern spa facilities onboard.
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Guests expect high-end tech onboard a Regent. However, they are met with a spotty Wi-Fi disappointment instead. A single suite on the Seven Seas Splendor can cost over $10,000, but the "unlimited shore excursions" often involve waitlists for the popular ones.
User:GroszekGroszek on Wikimedia
6. P&O Cruises
P&O sails mainly around the British Isles and the Mediterranean. Arvia and Iona, their newest ships, flaunt LED ceilings and gin distilleries, but reviewers flag crowded buffet stations. Instead of edgy, the entertainment leans toward awkward cabaret acts and dated ballroom routines.
P&O Arvia BRUTALLY Honest Ship Review by Sail Away Magazine
7. Holland America Line
Founded in Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America now targets a mature audience. Several older ships still feature 1990s-era carpets and brass railings. Rotterdam, their flagship cruise, offers BB King's Blues Club, but beyond that, the nightlife is flat. Kids' activities also feel like an afterthought.
8. Ambassador Cruise Line
Launched in 2022, Ambassador sails ex-UK on older tonnage like the Ambience, formerly a Costa Cruises ship. They market to adults 50+, but reviews mention shaky logistics, long check-ins at Tilbury, and underwhelming entertainment, which includes Elvis impersonators.
Ambassador Ambition - Full Cruise Ship Tour & Review by Cruise Mummy
9. Marella Cruises
TUI Group's Marella rebranded from Thomson Cruises but still leans budget-heavy. Its fleet includes the Marella Explorer 2, a retooled Celebrity Century vessel from 1995. Cabins creak, plus buffet food trends are lukewarm at best. While marketed as all-inclusive, it excludes alcohol, specialty coffees, and steaks. Those come with a surcharge.
Marella Explorer 2 Cabin 9146 balcony walk around review March 2025 by Just travels
10. Azamara Cruises
This cruise line was acquired by Sycamore Partners from Royal Caribbean Group in 2021. Since then, the quality of room service and maintenance has declined. Even though their boutique-style vessels, like the Quest, promise immersive cultural itineraries, many landings rely on tender boats. This can result in delays at ports like Amalfi.
After rough seas, here come the ships that truly shine.
1. Norwegian Cruise Line
They pioneered "Freestyle Cruising" under NCLH, which tosses rigid dining schedules and formal dress codes out the window. Their ship, Norwegian Encore, features a three-level go-kart track and laser tag arena for adrenaline junkies alongside destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean.
Viva Speedway - Go Karts on a Norwegian Cruise Ship by Attractions Magazine
2. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises earned fame thanks to the iconic TV show The Love Boat. You visit beautiful destinations like Glacier Bay, Alaska, on their illustrious ships. Chef Curtis Stone's curated menus improve the dining experience, and enrichment programs invite guests to explore local cultures at every port.
3. Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line, known as "The Fun Ships," comes with colorful decor, lively pools, and packed comedy clubs. They operate primarily out of U.S. ports. Under the Carnival Corporation & plc umbrella, this line has itineraries spanning the Caribbean and Mexico. You get a balance of affordability with nonstop entertainment—best for families and partygoers alike.
The Punchliner Comedy Club | Carnival Cruise Line by Carnival Cruise Line
4. Disney Cruise Line
Here is a cruise line that brings passengers some of Disney's beloved characters, along with Broadway-style entertainment and themed dining unlike any other. Castaway Cay, their private island in the Bahamas, offers exclusive beaches, stingray encounters, and water sports tailored to all ages.
Virtual Viewing: Disney Cruise Line’s 'Tangled: The Musical' | #DisneyMagicMoments by Disney Parks
5. Royal Caribbean International
Packing ships like Symphony of the Seas with zip lines, surf simulators, and robotic bartenders, this Royal Caribbean Group's subsidiary constantly innovates. With over 270 destinations worldwide, itineraries combine energetic activities with plush accommodations and the latest technology.
Royal Caribbean's FlowRider surf simulator by Royal Caribbean Blog
6. Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages targets adults who want a modern, child-free escape. They feature tattoo studios on top of late-night clubs and high-quality dining curated by Michelin-starred chefs throughout their fleet. What's more? Sustainability isn't an afterthought here—single-use plastics are out, aligning with their future-forward ideals.
Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady - Squid Ink Tattoo on the ship 4K by KTGetaways Dream Vacations
7. Celebrity Cruises
Sophisticated design and top-tier cuisine are elegantly paired at Celebrity Cruises. Its Edge Class ships offer outward-facing staterooms and rooftop gardens. Menus developed by Chef Daniel Boulud provide fine dining and wellness programs to boost relaxation. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking upscale comfort.
8. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
The British roots shine through with the smaller ships and intimate vibes of this cruise line. Focused on less-visited ports like the Azores, it caters to travelers hungry for cultural immersion and slower-paced exploration. Plus, personalized service and traditional afternoon tea create a charming, homey atmosphere onboard.
Magnus Hagdorn from UK on Wikimedia
9. Silversea Cruises
Silversea redefines luxury cruising with all-suite rooms and personalized butler service. Expedition cruises take travelers to remote spots like Antarctica and the Galápagos, with a very high space-per-guest ratio in the industry. Every voyage includes bespoke adventures with elegant relaxation for discerning explorers.
10. Saga Ocean Cruises
Saga Ocean Cruises exclusively welcomes guests over 50 who come with intimate ships designed for comfort and enrichment. Excursions include guided art tours and historic site visits, along with classic British cuisine. Daily afternoon tea underlines a cozy, elegant experience tailored to seasoned travelers.
