10 Worst Cruise Ships According to Reviews

September 4, 2025

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10 Worst Cruise Ships According to Reviews

When booking a cruise, most of us dream of sparkling pools, friendly crew, delicious food, and that perfect “holiday escape” feeling.

But the reality? Not every ship lives up to the brochure promises.

Based on thousands of passenger reviews, certain ships have developed a bit of a… let’s say reputation.

In this post, I’m breaking down what travelers said about these ships — the good, the bad, and the “never again” moments.

1. Costa Fortuna

At first glance, Costa Fortuna sounds like a dream — a grand Italian-style ship, balconies stretching across the decks, and tempting deals starting from just £149 for a four-night sailing.

But as many passengers have found, sometimes a low price comes with a high cost in comfort, service, and overall experience.

With an average review score of 2.83 out of 5, the ship often leaves guests wishing they’d spent their money elsewhere.

Cabins: Spacious but Questionable Cleanliness

One of the few positives in passenger feedback is the size of the rooms — plenty of space to stretch out. Unfortunately, size isn’t everything.

Cleanliness concerns are widespread, with some guests arriving to find cabins that still bore traces of their previous occupants.
Reports mention unwelcome “leftovers” — from hair in the bathroom to rubbish in drawers — dampening that first-day excitement.
To make matters worse, hand sanitiser stations around the ship have been found empty or broken, not exactly reassuring in an age where hygiene is a top priority.

Dining: Slim Pickings & Repetitive Menus

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or avoiding pork or seafood, prepare for limited choice.

Multiple reviews highlight repeated meals and a lack of variety, with the same menu popping up across different days.
Guests with dietary restrictions often had to settle for basic salads or plain pasta.
Interestingly, while food choices disappointed some, others noted that extras like Costa cruise drinks packages offered more flexibility, even when dining felt uninspired—a surprising shortfall for a line so proud of its Italian heritage.

🗣 Customer Service Missteps

One of the most eyebrow-raising stories involves an arranged meeting with an English-speaking crew member to address guest complaints.

Instead of finding solutions, some passengers report being told they could simply leave the ship — hardly a realistic option when you’re in the middle of the ocean.
This response left many feeling unheard and undervalued, adding fuel to already simmering frustrations.

🌍 Language Barriers & Limited Entertainment

For English-speaking guests, the language gap is a recurring issue.

Activities, quizzes, and shows are often conducted primarily in Italian, leaving some passengers feeling excluded from the fun.
The entertainment lineup itself is hit-or-miss, with only a few theatre shows getting good reviews.
Even “adults-only” pool areas reportedly had kids splashing around, making it tough to relax.

🎭 Atmosphere & Décor

While taste is subjective, the overall style of Costa Fortuna didn’t charm everyone.

2. MSC Seashore

On paper, MSC Seashore sounds like a dream — a sleek, modern cruise ship that looks like it should deliver on elegance and comfort.

And in some ways, it does manage to charm. On Cruiseline, it even scores a respectable 4 out of 5.

But hop over to TripAdvisor, and the story changes dramatically, with a lowly 2 out of 5 average that paints a much less rosy picture.

🎭 Entertainment: Missing the Spark

For a ship with MSC’s reputation, passengers expected dynamic entertainment — but reviews suggest the lineup fell flat.

Guests described shows as lacking variety and failing to captivate.
Several said it felt more like filler content than headline-worthy performances.
Those seeking high-energy or creative productions were left wanting more.

🍹 Drink Delays & Dining Disappointments

Ordering a drink on MSC Seashore could test even the most patient traveler.

Slow bar service meant some passengers felt like they might as well serve themselves.
Complaints about cold meals and day-old coffee cropped up frequently.
The buffet menu rarely changed, creating a “Groundhog Day” dining experience.

🛏 Missing Essentials & Noise Woes

It’s not just about luxury touches — guests expect basic comforts, and here’s where things took a strange turn.

Reports of missing essentials like tissues, washcloths, and even bed sheets.
A surprising ship “soundtrack” of constant toilet flushing noises became a recurring annoyance for some.

🛎 Service Shortfalls

Across the board, service didn’t match the sleek image of the ship.

Room service failures, with orders not showing up at all.
Crew members were reprimanded by managers in full view of guests, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Reviews suggested a lack of hospitality training, with some interactions feeling unpolished or curt.

🛳 Yacht Club: Luxury in Name Only

The Yacht Club — MSC’s premium “ship-within-a-ship” experience — is supposed to be the jewel in the crown. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations here.

Guests compared it unfavorably to similar premium experiences on other cruise lines.
While it carried the promise of exclusivity and attentive service, the reality was underwhelming, with some saying it simply didn’t justify the cost.

You can check our full list of best and worst MSC cruise ships.

3. Costa Firenze

On paper, Costa Firenze should be an Italian-inspired dream at sea, with stylish design, an elegant profile, and the promise of Mediterranean flair.

In reality, passenger reviews paint a very different picture — one filled with long waits, communication breakdowns, and more than a few unpleasant surprises.

With ratings sitting as low as Costa Fortuna’s, this ship proves that looks aren’t everything.

🍽 Dining: Long Waits & Unimpressive Meals

If you board Costa Firenze with visions of unforgettable Italian dining, you might be in for a shock.

🍴 Buffet Frustrations

The buffet, usually a go-to casual option on cruises, was another disappointment.

Awkward layout, particularly around the drinks station, made it feel congested and difficult to navigate.
Passengers noted a small selection of dishes, leading some to suspect it was designed to nudge guests toward specialty restaurants.
Compared to other cruise lines, where buffets often shine with variety and fresh options, Costa Firenze’s offering felt minimal and repetitive.

🗣 Language Barriers

Communication was a consistent challenge for English-speaking guests.

Tours often merged English speakers with non-English-speaking groups, making it harder to follow along and enjoy excursions.
Announcements, entertainment, and even key activities were heavily oriented toward Italian speakers, leaving some passengers feeling overlooked and disconnected from the onboard experience.

🎭 Entertainment: Or Lack Thereof

If you enjoy packed activity schedules on cruises, Costa Firenze might leave you twiddling your thumbs.

Several travellers remarked on a noticeable lack of onboard activities, with one calling it “unlike any cruise they’d been on before.”
For guests used to the high-energy programming of other lines, the atmosphere felt flat and unengaging.

🖼 Decor, Crowding & Cleanliness

The ship’s design and interior spaces also sparked debate.

The artwork and décor were described as gaudy by some reviewers, and overcrowded spaces left little room for relaxation.
More worrying were cleanliness complaints, with one family reporting a cockroach sighting inside their cabin.
The smoking policy (or lack of enforcement) meant cigarette smoke often drifted through hallways and public spaces, frustrating non-smokers.

4. Costa Pacifica

The Costa Pacifica may look grand with its multiple decks, signature yellow funnel, and lively onboard vibe.

However, dig into passenger reviews and you’ll uncover a different side—stories not just about language barriers, long lines, and dining frustrations, but also about cabins to avoid on Costa Pacifica if you want a more enjoyable cruise experience.

🗣 Language Barriers Leave Guests Adrift

While the crew does make an effort to speak English, many passengers noted that announcements over the loudspeaker leaned heavily toward other languages.

This left English-speaking guests feeling excluded or confused about schedules, activities, and important updates.
On excursions and onboard events, the language preference sometimes created a divide between passengers, affecting the overall atmosphere.

🍽 Buffet Battles & Dining Disasters

The buffet — usually the bustling heart of a cruise — became a source of frustration for many.

Guests compared it to “a rush-hour tube station”, with crowds at every turn.
Long queues for drinks, water slides, and even shows added to the chaos.
Something as simple as getting your morning eggs or finding an available bathroom turned into an endurance challenge.

🍔 Food Quality Complaints

One of the most damning reviews came from a passenger who claimed the food was “not fit for a pet.”

Guests described meals as low quality, with uninspiring presentation.
Vegetarian and picky eaters found a limited variety, adding to the frustration.

🥤 Drink Package Drama

What should have been a simple perk became a source of confusion and disappointment.

Restrictions on bottled water caught many passengers off guard.
Missing details about extra charges caused frustration when the final bill arrived.
Several reviewers mentioned poor communication about package terms.

🎭 Entertainment – A Mixed Bag

Entertainment reviews painted a split picture:

Some shows and venues, like Rhapsody Bar and My Way Restaurant, stood out positively.
Others found the service at the buffet to be inconsistent, sometimes ignoring guests or making offhand remarks in other languages — comments that were not meant to be understood, but sometimes were.

5. MSC Seascape

From above, MSC Seascape is undeniably impressive — a gleaming white vessel with sprawling decks, sparkling pools, and enough lounge space to make any traveler dream of days in the sun.

But according to passenger reviews, the ship’s beauty might just be skin-deep, with a voyage that too often veers into disappointment.

🍽 Dining Disasters

Food is a big part of any cruise, but on MSC Seascape, it’s one of the most talked-about letdowns.

Repetitive menus left guests feeling like they were stuck in a culinary Groundhog Day.
Temperature troubles were common — dishes arrived cold when they should have been hot, or undercooked when they should have been ready to enjoy.
Even the buffet, usually a safe haven for variety, failed to impress, offering few surprises from one day to the next.

🍹 Bar Service Blues

Grabbing a drink on Seascape should be a breeze, but many guests said it felt like a patience challenge.

🎭 Entertainment on Repeat

Entertainment variety is a big draw for many cruisers — but here, repetition seemed to be the theme.

Same dance troupe, same routines cycling throughout the trip.
Acts like duelling pianos fell flat for some, feeling more like background noise than a highlight performance.
Passengers used to dynamic schedules felt the lineup lacked the spark and range of other cruise lines.

🧹 Cleanliness Concerns

This is where things took a turn from disappointing to downright unsettling.

One guest reported arriving to find the previous occupant’s underwear still on their balcony — a clear sign that cleaning standards had slipped.
Even public areas weren’t immune. The most shocking report? Waste found in the water park area raises serious hygiene questions.

🛎 Staff Attitude Issues

While many crew members work tirelessly to keep guests happy, several passengers shared troubling accounts of poor service.

Service refusals were delivered bluntly, with no clear reason given.
Spa treatments were interrupted, breaking the relaxation that guests had paid for.
Some even felt they were treated differently based on nationality, adding a layer of discomfort to their trip.

6. Costa Smeralda

The Costa Smeralda is a visual stunner — a sleek, modern vessel with countless balconies and the iconic yellow Costa funnel standing tall as she sails the open sea.

She shares her hull design with big-name ships like P&O’s Arvia and Iona, as well as Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, which might make you expect a seamless, world-class experience.

But as many passengers found out, looks and design don’t always translate into smooth sailing.

🗣 Lost in Translation

One of the loudest complaints from English-speaking guests was the language barrier.

Many activities, comedy shows, and poolside events leaned heavily into Italian, leaving non-Italian speakers feeling left out.
Even basic ship announcements often weren’t fully accessible in English, creating confusion about schedules, events, and procedures.

💸 Feeling “Nickel and Dimed”

A recurring theme in reviews was the sense that almost everything extra came with a price tag.

Something as simple as a glass of water wasn’t complimentary in many situations.
This left some guests feeling frustrated, especially when added up over the course of a voyage.

🌟 Bright Spots – Crew & Destinations

It wasn’t all rough seas — several passengers praised certain aspects of their voyage.

The ship’s design and port destinations earned positive mentions.
Crew members from the Philippines and India were frequently described as exceptionally kind, attentive, and professional, often going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome.

🍽 Dining Disruptions & Beverage Policy Confusion

Dining on Costa Smeralda was far from straightforward for many travelers.

Some guests described chaotic dinner service, with delayed seating and occasional mix-ups.
Drink package rules confused passengers, with unclear inclusions and unexpected charges.
Buffet queues often stretched into frustrating waits, testing both patience and personal space.

🧳 Logistical & Policy Headaches

Beyond dining, the ship faced organizational issues that soured the experience for some.

A general lack of clarity on ship policies leaves guests unsure about procedures for things like excursions, onboard credits, or event sign-ups.

Reports of lost luggage and difficulty retrieving it.

Tour booking frustrations, with reservations filling up quickly or unclear instructions on how to book.

7. Costa Toscana

The Costa Toscana is a striking sight from above — a sleek, multi-deck giant slicing through calm blue waters, its signature yellow Costa funnel standing out against the horizon.

The ship’s elegant lines and stylish design promise a modern, upscale experience… but for many passengers, the reality has been less than picture-perfect.

🚶 Endless Queues at Every Turn

One of the loudest complaints about Costa Toscana? The sheer volume of waiting in line.

Whether it’s the buffet at peak hours, the public restrooms, or even casual onboard activities, guests report queues long enough to test anyone’s patience.
Several reviewers compared the buffet scene to a packed subway during rush hour, with overcrowding turning mealtimes into a stressful event rather than a relaxing one.

👥 Overcrowded & Understaffed

The ship often feels “full to bursting”, and the strain shows.

Passengers have noticed crew members stretched thin, leading to slow service and occasional disorganization.
Oddly timed maintenance tasks — like balcony washing or coffee machine repairs during breakfast hours — left some guests shaking their heads at the planning.

💸 The “All-Inclusive” Question Mark

While Costa Toscana markets itself as a premium experience, several travelers felt misled by the extra costs for things they assumed were included.

Simple essentials and certain beverages often came with an unexpected bill, leaving guests feeling “nickel and dimed.”
The all-inclusive label, for many, didn’t match the onboard reality.

📢 Multi-Language Announcements – and Patience Tests

Just like some of her sister ships, Costa Toscana keeps up the tradition of multi-language announcements.

While this is meant to serve an international passenger base, announcements can be long and repetitive, making it feel like half the cruise is spent listening to overhead messages.

🌟 Bright Spots Amid the Chaos

It’s not all bad news. A number of passengers went out of their way to praise:

Friendly and hard-working crew members, who managed to deliver warm service despite challenging conditions.
The ship’s interior design, with sleek decor and elegant public spaces that leaves a good first impression.

8. MSC Opera

The MSC Opera cuts an elegant figure with its navy-and-white profile and traditional cruise ship design, but many passengers say the onboard experience doesn’t quite measure up.

While the pizza, coffee, and certain excursions received compliments, recurring concerns centered on service gaps, operational issues, and whether the overall value — even with options like MSC Cruise drinks packages — truly justified the trip.

👥 Undermanned & Overstretched Staff

One of the most common complaints is that the ship feels understaffed for the number of guests onboard.
Passengers noted long waits for service and a sense that crew members were doing their best under tough conditions.
This lack of manpower often left public areas feeling disorganized and guest needs unmet.

🍽 Food Quality & Dining Experience

Guests reported cutbacks in food quality, with menus that felt repetitive and uninspired.
The buffet area was often overcrowded, making it hard to find a seat, especially during peak dining times.
Many guests opted to retreat to their cabins or find alternatives to avoid the chaos.

🧼 Hygiene & Illness Concerns

Multiple reviewers raised concerns about hygiene standards on board.
Hand sanitiser stations were reportedly present but not enforced, which felt inadequate when rumors of illness were circulating.

🎭 Entertainment Shortcomings

The entertainment schedule was described as generic and lacking variety, with a “one-size-fits-all” approach that didn’t appeal to all passenger demographics.

💳 Hidden Costs & Billing Issues

Pre-cruise customer service issues, booking mistakes, and overcharging incidents were recurring frustrations.
Some passengers felt the ship’s pricing structure was unclear or misleading, resulting in surprise charges.

🌟 The Bright Spots

Cabin stewards and waiters often received glowing reviews for their friendliness and dedication.
Passengers praised the pizza and coffee quality, which stood out amid otherwise underwhelming dining experiences.
Ports of call and a few memorable excursions provided relief from the shipboard frustrations.

9. Costa Diadema

From afar, the Costa Diadema is a true head-turner — gleaming white decks stacked high, lifeboats perfectly in place, and the unmistakable Costa yellow funnel glowing in the sun.

But for many passengers, the onboard reality hasn’t matched the ship’s postcard-perfect image.

🚰 Hidden Costs That Leave a Sour Taste

Repeated passenger complaints center around unexpected extra charges.
Even a glass of tap water at the bar comes with an added cost.
Wi-Fi has been labelled a “scam” by some guests, with surprise fees appearing even after purchasing a package, leading to bills much higher than expected.

🍽 Dining Disappointments

The buffet menu quickly becomes repetitive, with limited variety from day to day.
Hot food is rare unless you dine in the main restaurant, which is often packed and slow to serve.
A worrying incident involved a diabetic guest whose breakfast room service never arrived — an error that was both inconvenient and potentially dangerous.

🏊 Battles for Space – Pools, Seating & Elevators

Public spaces are overcrowded, making it difficult to find a seat at mealtimes or a spot in the pool.
Pools are often described as small, overcrowded, and in need of cleaning.
Elevators are slow, frequently full, or out of service for luggage transport, forcing many passengers to take the stairs.

🎭 Entertainment with a Language Divide

Entertainment programs cater heavily to Italian-speaking guests.
Non-Italian speakers often feel left out, limiting their ability to participate fully in onboard activities.

💔 Honeymoon Horror Story

One notable review came from a honeymoon couple booked into separate twin beds.
The ship’s solution? Pay extra to switch to a cabin with a double bed — not exactly the romantic upgrade they had in mind.

🌟 The Few Positives

Unfortunately, many passengers report that these positives fade quickly once the cruise is underway.

Embarkation is typically smooth and well-organized.

The ship’s visual appeal and initial wow factor leave a strong first impression.

10. Costa Deliziosa

From the outside, the Costa Deliziosa cuts an impressive figure — crisp white decks, neatly aligned balconies, and the iconic yellow Costa funnel gleaming under the sun.

Step on board, and you’ll notice some clever design touches, like the convenient central elevator setup.

The crew, too, earns plenty of praise for their friendliness and dedication.

Unfortunately, these bright spots often fade against a backdrop of repeated passenger complaints.

🌟 First Impressions & Positives

Stylish Exterior – The ship’s sleek white design, multiple balcony decks, and the signature Costa yellow funnel give it a premium look.
Smart Layout – Central elevator placement makes navigating the ship easier.
Crew Praise – Many passengers commended the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, describing them as one of the few consistently positive aspects of the cruise.

🍝 Food & Dining Disappointments

Underwhelming Cuisine – Despite Costa’s Italian heritage, the dining experience left guests unimpressed. Meals often lacked flavour, creativity, and authentic Italian touches.
Ferry-Level Quality – Several reviewers compared the food to what you’d expect on basic transportation rather than a premium cruise.
Limited Variety – Repetition in menus led to dining fatigue, especially on longer voyages.

🦠 Health Concerns & Safety Response

Illness Reports – Multiple passengers noted outbreaks of sickness during the cruise.
Minimal Action Taken – The main response appeared to be adding extra hand-sanitiser stations around the buffet, which many felt was inadequate.
Lack of Empathy – Complaints about health and safety issues often received generic, non-empathetic replies from customer service.

🎭 Entertainment & Language Barriers

Low-Energy Shows – Performances, particularly dance acts, were described as feeling like rehearsals rather than professional productions.
English-Speaker Neglect – The cruise director and entertainment team seemed to cater primarily to Italian guests, leaving English-speaking passengers feeling excluded.
Cancelled Excursions – Tours and activities were sometimes called off if there weren’t enough Italian participants, further alienating other guests.

⚠️ Passenger Treatment & Favouritism

Perceived VIP Bias – Many felt that Italian passengers received preferential treatment in service and activity options.
Limited Inclusion – Non-Italian speakers often found themselves sidelined in group activities.

🛋 Cabin & Onboard Experience

Cabin Concerns – Some guests reported subpar cabin conditions, a lack of engaging TV channels, and insufficient cleaning in shared areas like the buffet.
Extra Costs – Onboard pricing for drinks, activities, and services came as a surprise to many, with several passengers calling them overpriced.

⚓ Disembarkation & Logistics

Port Time Management – Poor scheduling led to rushed or poorly organized time ashore.
Chaotic Disembarking – Leaving the ship at the end of the cruise was described as disorganized and stressful.

Final Thoughts – Choosing the Right Ship for You

After going through all the ships on this “least favorite” list, one thing is clear — no ship is perfect for everyone.

Some travelers love the intimacy of smaller, older ships, while others can’t live without the latest slides, specialty dining, and cutting-edge entertainment.

If you’re considering booking one of these ships:

Do Your Homework 📚 – Read recent reviews (not just old ones) to get the most accurate picture.
Focus on Your Priorities 🎯 – Is it the destination, the onboard experience, or the price that matters most to you?
Be Flexible 🛳 – A ship that disappointed someone else might be perfect for your style of cruising.

At the end of the day, the best cruise is the one that fits your personal travel style.

Whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxation, or non-stop fun, there’s a ship out there that’s just right for you — it just might not be on this particular list.

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