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5 Cruise Lines That Just Aren’t Worth the Money Anymore

Are you actually sailing away from savings?

By Calista Headrick , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated May 17, 2026

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Cruises seem like a dream deal — one price, one boarding, and an entire vacation handled for you. Food, drinks, entertainment, and multiple countries in a single week. It's no surprise that nearly 35 million people set sail in 2024 (hopefully with one of the top travel credit cards in hand).

But that "too good to be true" price tag? Often, it is. Hidden fees stack up fast, and travelers are increasingly reporting understaffed ships and a noticeable dip in quality.

Cruise lines have become notorious for advertising an attractive base fare, then letting the final bill balloon with a parade of extras and hidden fees. On top of that, many travelers report getting less than they bargained for — ships that feel understaffed and crews stretched too thin to deliver the experience passengers paid for.

So which cruise lines are the worst offenders? Here are five that travelers say are no longer worth your money.

Carnival

Carnival had a rough public relations year in 2025. Netflix released a documentary recounting the story of a 4000-person ship in 2013 that lost power at sea after an engine fire. Things went downhill quickly, and the story made for a viral Netflix hit.

Most cruises won't suffer that same fate, but Carnival's reputation among travelers isn't doing much better. The Better Business Bureau is filled with one-star reviews, with passengers complaining about everything from poor food quality to unprofessional staff interactions.

As Reddit user Sufficient-Top2183 reported, "Everyone I know that's been on a Carnival cruise has said the food was like a crappy roadside stand, the entertainment was juvenile, and there were a lot of drunk passengers that were out of control."

Plus, Carnival's longtime VIFP loyalty program is being replaced with a new points-based system called Carnival Rewards — and longtime cruisers aren't happy about it. Under the new structure, status will no longer be based solely on days cruised but also on how much you spend, and rather than being guaranteed for life, it will need to be re-earned every two years. For passengers who spent years building up their status, that feels like a slap in the face.

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Norwegian

Norwegian is one of the biggest cruise lines, sailing worldwide despite its name. But passengers are reporting that this mass market favorite is starting to lose its appeal, particularly as things get more expensive while the experience seems to be tanking.

According to cruisers, part of it is due to lack of staff. "I was incredibly unimpressed with the Norwegian service. Not the staff, exactly; they all seemed to be working very hard and dealing as best as possible with drunk and difficult people. However, they seemed VERY stretched," says Reddit user ClaraBow19891 after a recent trip on the the Norwegian Prima. "Getting a drink at the bar took forever pretty much every time. Each bar had one or MAYBE two bartenders. The only time it was simple and quick is if the bar was deserted."

While the cruise line is known for its affordable drink packages, dining and imbibing are still getting more expensive. There's now a $5 for each additional entree ordered in its main dining rooms, and room service is limited to just two items per person.

As Reddit user Objective_Problem_90 called out, "I loved NCL, I even booked a cruise for next year. But I started to get annoyed after the $5 charge, then wanting people to buy an additional drink package for the private island. Now I'm pissed about the room service cap. I loved getting an extra dish or two…They've lost me as a customer after my cruise is done."

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is known for its great prices. But some travelers say that, despite the price, the cruise line is simply not worth it.

The ships are often crowded, with one ship built for 4,800 holding as many as 6,300 when it set sail — something that's likely due to their generous free-under-eighteen policy. That's a huge plus if you're traveling with kids, but it often translates to noise, lines, and little ones everywhere. Cruisers report that there's no adult-only pool to escape to, and even the Yacht Club allows children. If you're looking for something other than a family-friendly ship, this may not be it.

cruise lines, and the more popular shows come with extra charges. Tack on paid Wi-Fi and other nickel-and-dime fees, and it all adds up fast. It's no surprise the line ranks last in Tips for Travelers' rankings, scoring just 2.7 out of 5.

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Costa Cruises

While Costa Cruises operates across the globe, it may be best known for its European cruises. But don't start dreaming of a glamorous Mediterranean vacation. According to some passengers, the cruise line is a less-than-desirable way to travel.

There seems to be a charge for everything. As Reddit user cutettog00 reported, "Water at dinner was not free. They had free water in the buffet only but if you wanted anything to drink at dinner, you had to pay. No water at dinner?"

They note that customer service was nearly impossible to get in touch with as well, and there are documented complaints about undisclosed charges at booking. As one cruiser put it, "Costa makes me really wonder why I made the mistake of spoiling my vacation with them…they are cheating customers with prices by forcing them to pay extra fees onboard instead of honestly charging the whole price when booking."

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean may be a big name in cruising, but that doesn't mean it's top of the line anymore. Some ships, like the older Grandeur of the Seas, have passengers wondering whether they shouldn't be taken out of commission. "I could barely tolerate 5 nights! I couldn't wait to get off!" said Reddit user SortFew7024.

"I just got off it today. Hard pass. The ship is falling apart. Broken drink machines, broken doors, peeling wallpaper, weird stains on the wall in our stateroom," Reddit user jade613 added. "And don't even get me started on the smell of sewage on Deck 3."

While some of their newer ships might be worth booking, it seems that the older liners might be ready to sail off into the distance.

Bottom line

Cruise pricing has long been impacted by an industry-wide issue: the price you see is not the price you get. Often, that number is quickly inflated with extras. From specialty dining fees to charges for Wi-Fi, additional tips, and non-refundable deposits, a good deal can disappear as soon as you start enjoying your vacation.

To truly travel on a budget, it's important to look at the full picture of out-of-pocket costs, but, luckily, there is progress in the right direction. California banned "junk fees" in 2024, requiring cruise lines to display the total cost of a fare upfront, including mandatory taxes, fees, and port expenses. Though the law only applies to California, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Holland America chose to roll out the changes nationwide, meaning all travelers benefit. It could be the start of a long-overdue reckoning for an industry that's relied too long on vacationers not reading the fine print.

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