Plus, the most important thing to remember is that you get what you pay for, and MSC cruises are often some of the cheapest available, especially for families. In December 2021, Seabourn Venture is due to join the fleet, with a not-yet-named sister arriving in 2022. They easily have the best specialty dining, but they seem to cut corners at the free stuff, especially in the dining room. And sometimes there are things which arent that great, but in the context of the price of the cruise, or personal preference, its not that bad. It's acombination of things, accommodation,basic menus, availability of decent beds/deck space after breakfast, shows, service, entertainment, and other guests. The United Kingdoms premier cruise lineand the worlds oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837P& O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. The Meraviglia is a liner that can hold almost 4,500 passengers. When it comes to The Lirica, it has been around for a while and over the years, its customer rating has dropped significantly. We have been on 6 cruise lines and in my opinion the worst was Carnival. A Lindblad cruise typically prioritizes adventure over luxury. Balance. Good service. But travel during peak season and you should expect to feel a little more crowded than you would with some other cruise lines, and you might have a challenge on your hands to get a good spot by the pool for those sea days. Three of the fleets six current ships fall into the large category, while its two adults-only ships, MS Aurora and MS Arcadia, are medium-sized. The food was all fresh and high-quality. Thats especially true at the dimly lit Le Petit Chef and Friends experience at Le Grand Bistro. We have had excellent food on Celebrity, HAL, Princess, RCI, NCL, and Carnival. There, according to five people who have worked on cruise ships, the food leaves much to be desired. When you consider whats included, its understandable that MSCs standards in some areas may be a little below the more expensive cruise lines. Best Carnival Cruise Ships of Be the first to rate this post. Ranking report to see which cruise lines have scored worst for different aspects of life on board. I hope you have a lovely time. Otherwise I would have had to rely on the "everyday standards" menu yet again. A. She loves reading, writing, video games, anime and is OBSESSED with The Nightmare Before Christmas and anything else having to deal with Tim Burton, Johnny Depp or Helena Bonham Carter. As a result, the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers. This food tasted like neither.) MSC Cruises. Food not the one issue, as one can dine in speciality offerings. Neither is it the amount paid. It's a combination of things, accommodation, basic My experience and opinionare based on numerous fairlylong cruises ranging from 3to 8 weeks in duration. How the dish is prepared is part of the equation, certainly, but the underlying quality of the food should be fairly consistent ship to ship on the same cruise line. The most fun cruise ships on the high seas, Recommended Reading: Cruises To Maui From California. Ill say this about X. Costa Cruises. KFC Brings Back Its Mind-Boggling Bunless Chicken Sandwich, The Double Down, The Key Food Moments You May Have Missed in The Last of Us, Peeps-Flavored Pepsi Makes Its Adorable Return. And House of Houdini. On top of that, the dining spaces were cramped, and the food was just average. The fleet currently has five vessels, the two largest of which carry 600 passengers each. Waiter grabs my plate and walks away without saying a word. WebDisney Cruise Line is renowned for its family-friendly options, but when parents or doting grandparents need an evening off, all four ships in the fleet feature adults-only Palo Their small size allows the vessels to dock in small ports all around the world . Here are 10 cruise lines that have missed the mark and have some of the lowest ratings on travel sites, as well as two cruise lines that make sure to go all out for their passengers. The Hurtigruten ships can go to places others cannot access including fjord transits. Paired with fresh-cut fries, a tasty toppings bar and Carnivals own beers, the Fieri-curated burgers (including the Pig Patty and a version topped with a huge onion ring) make this a popular joint come lunchtime. If youre a vegan and are planning to cruise with MSC, I definitely recommend that you read my MSC Cruises Vegan Guide first. These 10 Cruise Lines Have The Worst Customer Service (2 Every Passenger Loves), Ovation Of The Seas Has Too Many Useless Gimmicks, Quantum Of The Seas Has Long Boarding Times & Cold Food, MajesticHas Great Staff, But The Food Is Bland & Lacking In Variety, Meraviglia Not Only Has Boring Food, But The Entertainment Is Lacking As Well, Lirica HasHorrible Food & Just All-Around Bad Service, Armonia Has Unfriendly Service, Limited Food Options& Below Average Cleanliness, Preziosa Has Cold & Old Food, As Well As Horrible Service, Magellan Doesn't Smell Nice & Doesn't Have Very Tasty Food, Deliziosa Has Poor Food & The Limited Staff It Does HaveHas Limited Knowledge, Fascinosa Has Rude Staff,HorribleQuarters & They Reuse Leftovers For Next Day Meals, Allure Of The Seas Is One Of Their Best Ships With Outstanding Food & Entertainment, Seaside Has Jaw-Dropping Entertainment & Is Just An All-Around Lively & Fun Experience, Services That Vacationers Assume Most Cruises OfferBut They Don't, Sweet Tooth: 10 Divine Desserts From Around The World, These Cruises Stop At The Safest Ports In The Caribbean, Here's What Norwegian Cruises Don't Actually Include In The Cost, Uncover Hidden Gems: 10 Unique Tours In Charleston, 10 Most Exclusive Myrtle Beach Resorts Where You Can Stay In The Lap Of Luxury, 10 Top-Rated Resorts In The Phoenix Area: Unwind In The Desert Oasis Of Arizona's Stunning Capital, Georgia's College Town: The Ultimate Guide To Athens & Things To Do, A Historic & Academic Haven: The Ultimate Guide To Chapel Hill & Things To Do, 10 Beautiful Hikes In Australia You Need To Experience, A Romantic Spring Getaway to Florida: Sunsets, Beaches, & More, 10 Incredible Things You Shouldn't Miss In Las Vegas In 2023. The workshops were easy to view physically and not so packed that you couldn't see anything. WebNoble Caledonia, Viking and Saga, which include everything from wi-fi to excursions in the headline fare, were among the top-ranking brands. ), the most fun, young cruises have the worst food (Carnival, Norwegian, RCL). Guests get to enjoy the results and also receive recipe cards. Their newest ship, the transformed S.S. Bon Voyage, focuses on French and European culture, art, cuisine and wine, including Le Salon Champagne inspired by Yves Saint Laurents Villa Majorelle Parisian La Brasserie (inspired by famed Bouillon Pigalle in Paris), Le Grand Fromage, which focuses on locally-sourced ingredients reflective of itinerarys cuisines and La Cave du Vin, an intimate space where connoisseurs can gather for food and wine pairing dinners, upon request. We also had the worst lobster we've ever eaten on the same ship in the same specialty restaurant that served the lousy prime steak. If it's related to cruising, it belongs here! If you haven't cruised on a particular cruise ship (and Imean ship, not line)within the last few months your opinion is worthless. Done six celebrity and disagree. and you can get it there. By far the best dining. Worst-Rated Cruise Line WebAfter Sailing on Multiple Cruise Ships for Multiple Cruise Lines I decided to take a Cruise on board the MSC Meraviglia. WWL- TV and the New Orleans Advocate in Louisiana report that NCL passenger Brant Aymond was injured during a paddle board accident while the Pearl stopped in Roatan. This cruise line has built a reputation for offering non-stop fun in the form of parties, karaoke, comedy shows and wacky contests and entertainment. Chefs focus on the season and region where theyre cruising and use local ingredients wherever possible. Related:These Cruises Stop At The Safest Ports In The Caribbean. Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isnt quite like other river journeysits a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Once I have identified a cruise line with significantly worse food than any other, I am not inclined to keep going back to refresh my bad experience. But that changed shortly after Lisa Lutoff-Perlo took over the company and imposed various cut-backs. If you want italian food, try an MSC cruise. The restaurant features a nightly Destination Immersion dinner buffet, as well as Destination Immersion dishes on the menu, that focus on itinerary-based local ingredients and dishes as Azamaras ships sail to almost 300 ports of call in more than 75 countries. Started August 27, 2021, By , founded in Italy and the worlds largest privately owned cruise company with a fleet of 15 ships and two more launching this year, scored 54 percent, the lowest of all the lines surveyed. Being vegan, I requested a slice of pizza with no cheese and instead of a slice, I was delivered a huge 16-slice pizza! #3 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples. Agreed. Really cool cooking workshops organized by America's Test Kitchen. They weren't serving fancy species of fish prepared in an exotic way. Luxury line Silversea recently launched a new culinary program called S.A.L.T. said Vikings more upmarket ships mean passengers can avoid crowded bars and casinos which tend to be synonymous with cheaper rivals. Regal Princess, Princess Cruises. #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples. Kellers influence also shines in theme nights at The Colonnade and select dishes during lunch at The Patio. The buffets were unremarkable, but the main dining room had the highest quality food. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Avoiding the Rip-Off: Cruise-line promotions occasionally drop the single supplement to a figure in the 10 to 25 percent range. The waitress replies with: "I would have to go all the way back and find a new table" and then just stands there staring at us, expecting us to take the table. Poolside burgers are popular on many ships, but leave it to the Fun Ship folks at Carnival to up the ante with Guy Fieri for next-level combinations. And as @njhorsemanhas said there can be a remarkable difference between ships. #3. MSC again scores low here, and while there are a few cruise lines that join it on two stars in the Which? Dishes include fresh oysters, a seafood tower, seared scallops and classic Bouillabaisse Marseillaise. These headlines come with complaints such as poor food that is bland and cold and even made some sick, subpar service, and employees with limited knowledge. True or false? "The food for the crew is really bad," Viana said. Over the years though, that score has dropped. "It was real easy to gain weight when you're on the ships. It has just two ships in its fleet, neither of which is necessarily a showstopper, but thats not what the crowd is here forthis is a relatively no-frills cruise line for those interested in quick, affordable getaways. When it comes to Royal Caribbeans Ovation of the Seas, there are a lot of passengers that were very disappointed. We ate most of our meals on Bleu and were mostly disappointed when we went elsewhere. The steak was perfectly prepared and tender, very impressive. Guy's Burgers are a hit. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. Every Alaskan Dream Cruises passage includes an evening at a private lodge or beach featuring seafood and more, like King crab legs and flame-grilled salmon, as well as a beachside fire to roast smores and share stories. The pre-cruise service reviews talk about people giving the wrong information, but a lot of that is during the COVID pandemic around vaccination requirements. Have you worked on a cruise ship? Norovirus, an extremely common and highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, has become a significant concern for cruisers over the past decade because of the nature of the illness, which spreads rapidly when persons occupy close quarters, exactly what occurs aboard a cruise ship. I've been meaning to create a thread like this for a while, in hopes that it could be helpful for people looking for this information in the future as well. I discussed a number of rather outrageous cases where the cruise lines refuse to refund or credit cruise fares when their customers face a personal catastrophe, like the unexpected death of a loved. Costa even serves their own ship-made mozzarella di Bufala onboard (using curds from Sele) for the fleets Mozzarella Gourmet Bar and classic PummidOro pizzerias, including dough based on natural yeast in collaboration with the University of Gastronomy Sciences in Pollenzo. And they brew their own beer (four types!) is probably the biggest consumer magazine in the UK, and so is a reliable source when it comes to garnering opinion. Items include tableside Caesar salads, steakhouse favorites like Lobster Thermidor and Kellers legendary coconut cake. DOES MSC HAVE THE WORST CRUISE FOOD? Waves Restaurant Viking Ocean Cruises. The free food at the main dining room is generally good also, as is the buffet. Then I got peaches that were simply rancid. Ive never had food bad enough to say Id never sail a cruise line again. We picked this specifically because it's allegedly known as a foodie cruise line, but we still can't figure out why. Basically which cruise line has the worst food considering how muchyou pay for the cruise? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. This edgy ship was designed to appeal to a non-cruising clientele with innovations like Eden, a three-story hybrid experiential restaurant, craft cocktail lounge, and performance venue and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout your meal. Then having experienced the worst possible package, one does not book again. Princess Cruises. What theyre concerned with is conflict resolution. The new. I don't have comparisons, but I would agree with what you've said. And as others have mentioned food comparisons are far too subjective to provide a legitimate answer as everyone's taste and preferences are different and can only be judged on individual experience. Do you have a story to share? But there are advantages unique to cruise ship jobs, like the elimination of time-consuming tasks like commuting, shopping for groceries, and cooking. Just my opinion. Its all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Bar, with regional libations. This is a very subjective topic. When it comes to cruising, you really do get what you pay for. Norwegian is the worst IMO. Get tips, news & inspiration. The Switzerland-based cruise line fell to the bottom of the 2020 ranking for the second year in a row with a score of just 57 per cent, with its customer service and food ranking poorly. has revealed the best and worst cruise companies in its annual survey, with the worlds newest line Viking Ocean Cruises coming out top and MSC Cruises taking the bottom slot. Jenni. First they tried to seat us practically in an aisle. There is good reason for that though Hurtigruten ships are not designed for a traditional cruising experience. But for me, Norwegian has the fewest enjoyable meals and a few that I literally found inedible and had to go to the buffet after dinner. #7. MSC Cruises was rated the worst for customer service, with two stars out of five from Which. Focusing on adventurous coastal Norway destinations, the line and its chefs are dedicated to procuring and preparing locally produced, raised and caught ingredients. The Worst Cruise Lines According to Reviews worst cruise British and continental influences are prominent, including a variety of seafood dishes, Romney Marsh lamb, chateaubriand, roast duckling and crepes Suzette (flambed tableside). The best and worst cruise lines That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. The average size of an inside cabin on some of the other cruise lines with low scores tends to be between 120 and 150 square feet. As with every category, there are still plenty of people giving the cruise line excellent reviews, including their service, but its worth being aware of some of these potential issues before you sail. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Celebrity chef-helmed onboard restaurants, cooking classes, food-centric shore excursions and themed culinary cruises mean shipshape culinary experiences abound. Built in 2009, this mega-ship can hold up to 6,400 passengers, has a Central Park in the middle of the ship, outstanding food and entertainment, and lots of activities that will make sure passengers dont get bored. The Best/Worst Cruise Lines In The World - MapQuest Travel Aprime steak should be better than a select steak but I've had good and bad of both because of preparation. Windstar, Oceania and Azamara are very good small ship boutique lines with exceptional dining options. No lobster, but always a good, varied selection, and our server never batted an eye when someone asked for 2 appetizers. The people who are actually complaining about Hurtigrutens facilities are often those who havent understood the type of cruise theyre booking. Each sailing has an expedition team made up of experts in fields like marine biology and photography. Unfortunately, not every cruise line can get it right. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients. Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and the Cruise Lines International Association a trade association for the cruise industry did not respond to requests for comment. I just look back and say: "Yes, we would like that, thank you." Remember though that worst doesnt mean bad You can have five amazing things, but one of them has to be the worst of those amazing, and thats often the case with cruise lines. Originally built for Festival Cruises in 2001, Armonia is one of MSCs oldest cruise liners. Of course it is possible (in fact, highly probable) that there is always something worse out there than that which has already been experienced i In fact, the vessels were some of the first river ships in Europe to have cabins designated for solo travelers. Hurtigruten is another cruise line that gets bad reviews, but they are clear and upfront about the service they offer, and how their focus is always on the destination, not the journey. With high reviews, there have been comments left from other passengers stating that while there, the entertainment was jaw-dropping, the outdoor spaces were spacious and like a paradise, the activities were entertaining and family-friendly and it was just all-around beautiful and fun experience. Not a lively cruise ship like carnival but relaxing, and great food, service, people very friendly, etc. They also have an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to sprawling amusement areas with race car simulators, flight simulators and XD cinemas . 12 Worst Cruise Rip-offs A prior version of this story suggested that former colleagues of Jamile Viana on Cunard Line would sometimes eat just rice and watermelon during a meal due to a lack of compelling alternatives. A new Which? Rivals anything on land in the same category (Five Guys, Smashburger, Shake Shack, etc). Broadway shows, concerts, celebrity appearances, gigantic water parks, 5-star cuisine, luxurious accommodations, and so much more keep the party going on the water. Norwegian Cruise Line. There are no family facilities either, so this cruise line is best for adults who like to spend time exploring ashore. Which cruise line has the worst food? - Cruise Critic With an overall rating of 3.6 stars, the reviews on Cruiseline.com are generally favorable for this family favorite. Crystal Cruises. Cooking workshops were not very interesting and so crowded we couldn't see anything at the two we tried to attend. Currently situated on three Princess ships (Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess and Sun Princess), the specialty restaurant features a six-course menu, including Stones favorite preparation for prawns, and a wine list curated by Stones personal sommelier. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jaques Pepin, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. I used to love NCL cruised them over a dozen times Norway was a great ship in 1980s had honeymoon on the Norway also, about twenty years ago I thought they went downhill, will never cruise them again. Interesting to see the poor rating for Hurtigruten which is unjustified. I even woke up early to catch breakfast there. Hope all that I have read here about MSC is not all right as I have just booked a 15 night cruise on 1st Oct,its my first cruise. Its important to note that larger rooms are available and the newer ships have lovely, modern decor. Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its family-friendly options, but when parents or doting grandparents need an evening off, all four ships in the fleet feature adults-only Palo restaurants, with two-top tables and flavorful Italian dishes like sea scallops with a prosecco and black truffle reduction, dover sole served with Italian staples (like capers, anchovies and sun-dried tomatoes) and a lemoncello tart or chocolate souffl for dessert (why not order both?). Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. I've sailed with the three mainstream lines and have found their offerings in the main dining room andbuffets to be very close quality-wise. They had a lobster night and regular escargot. The program features more than 20 different cooking classes, with themes like Bounty of the Sea, Fiesta on the High Seas, From the Healthy Comfort Kitchen, A Taste of Spain and many more. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit Tumblr Pinterest Vk Email. The menu reflects traditional Norwegian home-cooked seasonal fare, including Norwegian cheeses, smoked meats, fresh fish, hearty soups and Scandinavian pastries. But overlaid across many of the lines ships are high-end suites, upscale restaurants and luxury services most notably the suites and amenities in the exclusive, upscale MSC Yacht Club areas found on some vessels . Regent Seven Seas Cruises kicks it up a notch with their cooking school at sea, Culinary Arts Kitchen. Though officials originally blamed a freak tornado for the tragedy, investigators later said strong winds, heavy rains, and the crew's failure to send a rescue signal all contributed to the disaster. Second-bottom of the table was Holland America. With an expanding fleet of 11 ships sailing North Americas waterways, American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the United States, offering 35 itineraries in more than 25 states for 100 to 200 passengers. If youre someone who doesnt mind waiting a little longer at the buffet, and you enjoy simple food, then you might have a blast on an MSC cruise. This year we even saw a change in how particular dishes were prepared under a single executive chef. In addition, the new S.A.L.T. But the question of the worst food is one we would not want to tackle. Its often possible to book MSC cruises for under $50 or 40 per person, per night. A few cruise ships have a few cabins designed for singles. In early 2015, Crystal brought a yacht into its fleet for the first time, and following its success, the cruise line decided to custom-build a polar-class expedition megayacht. they were bombarded with sales promotions while onboard and the drinks packages on offer were confusing. Under Viking River Cruises, the companys riverboats explore familiar waters like the Danube and Rhne in Europe, as well as faraway itineraries on the Volga in Russia, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. No one is serving banquet TV dinners. Have not sailed ncl in a long time but there food is one of the reasons we will not cruise with them again. I got pears that were completely fermented into alcohol. I did however, appreciate the fact that they had alternate breakfast meats on the buffet. Parent company Viking Cruises has expanded feverishly in recent years, with more than 60 river ships and six ocean vessels in its fleet. Two new 1,200-passenger ships are on the way for Oceania, set for delivery in 2023 and 2025. While Carnival caters more to families, Princess 17 ships target more adult travelers, especially on longer voyages. By the end of the cruise, we would check the dinner menu BEFORE committing to making a reservation. Neither is it the amount paid. Theyre one of the cruise lines with the lowest fares, but the way MSC keeps cruises so cheap is by having more guests on their ships with less space. Ive seen 2 of the worst big production shows Ive ever seen on any cruise Ive been on. Families are a big part of MSC Cruises business. Providing its clients with even more options, Vantage also charters ships around the world for a variety of itineraries. #2 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples. When it comes to Deliziosa, there are a lot of reviews with headlines such as Think Again, Never Again, and Beware, three headlines that give off warning right away. Celebrity Edge was later joined by its sister ship Celebrity Apex in 2020, with Celebrity Beyond to follow in 2022 . WebWith 27 ships, there are bound to be a few that slip through the cracks, and for RCCL, one of those is Ovation of the Seas. MSC Cruises is often voted as one of the worst cruise lines, with some people unhappy with the standard of service, the quality of the food and drink, and the cramped feel to some of the larger modern ships. Azamara. No wonder customers think its cruises are great value. Azamara Club Cruises. Fantastic service, all of the food was perfectly prepared. No votes so far! When it comes to Royal Caribbean ships, the Allure of the Seas ranks number one with a 5-star review. And where theres a tie, Ive then looked through a lot of reviews and forums online, to see what people are saying to make a call on the worst of the cruise lines. I think the main issue is that people take cruises with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity etc, then they pay half as much for MSC and expect it to be the same standard. All rights reserved. Seabourn Cruise Line. Lots of fun international nights. But in 2020, the company started operations in Egypt on its new m/s Nebu, which also has solo cabins. #3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money. Real easy.". On the two occasions that Ive cruised on MSC Virtuosa, Ive seen that some large venues are only used for one or two hours per day. Olsen Cruise Lines and Hurtigruten. Not the worst food per dollar - just the worst food. The lines ships are designed to offer something for everyone, and they thus appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers . Originally built for Festival Cruises in 2001, Armonia is one of MSCs oldest And there are plenty of speciality dining restaurants if you want a specific meal they do incur an extra charge, but theyre usually worth it. In my experience, this problem is made worse by the poor use of space. Powered by Invision Community. We've been on one cruise, and it was a Celebrity cruise. Of course every cruise is a mixed bag of some dishes you really enjoy and some you dont. "The same people that are cooking for the guests are cooking for the crew. Then you have the luxury linesSeabourn, Regent, Silversea and Crystal are top notch with Regent winning that race by a nose. Shay Preitz is a married, stay-at-home housewife, in her thirties who lives out in Whitehall, Pennsylvania and has been writing for the company for two years now. Passengers onboard MSC complained about congestion and having to wait in queues for restaurants and entertainment. There is so much food available on any ship that I will be just fine. Seems to us to be more ship and crew dependent than anything else.