Cruise Lines Ranked from Best to Worst According to Reviews
Passenger satisfaction levels have been unveiled for 25 of the world’s most popular cruise lines, with ratings ranging from the best to the worst based on reviews. Gary Bembridge, the brains behind the ‘Tips for Travelers’ YouTube channel, delved into reviews from passengers to evaluate some of the top vessels owned by various cruise lines catering to English-speaking travellers.
The cruise lines were categorised into five groups as per the industry standards: mass resort lines, premium lines, small ship luxury lines, ultra-luxury lines, and locally focused lines. Bembridge then compared the average ratings of each cruise company over the past nine months.
Within the mass resort lines category, Royal Caribbean emerged as the highest-rated cruise line with a score of 3.2 out of five. Its diverse range of entertainment options, such as stage shows, theatre productions, and unique performances, garnered praise from passengers. The introduction of the Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship launched in January, significantly boosted Royal Caribbean’s reputation. However, older ships in the fleet were noted to be outdated, leading to lower ratings.
On the flip side, MSC Cruises garnered the lowest ranking of 2.7 out of five, with the highest number of one-star ratings among all 25 cruise lines analysed. Complaints centred around overcrowding, lacklustre customer service, and average entertainment offerings. Despite this, some passengers appreciated MSC Cruises for their affordability and child-friendly policies.
In the premium lines category, Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean, stood out with a rating of 3.6 out of five. Former passengers lauded their onboard services, culinary experiences, and modern ships. Celebrity Cruises caters to an older demographic but also offers family-friendly options, although some reviews noted a shortage of kid-centric activities.
Conversely, Cunard received the lowest rating in the premium category at 3.1 out of five, primarily due to criticisms of their ship, Queen Anne, not aligning with the brand’s standards and layout issues.
In the ultra-luxury sector, Explora Journeys, owned by MSC, attained a high score of 4.8 out of five, with exceptional dining experiences and a luxurious ambiance. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, scoring 3.5, lagged behind due to perceived discrepancies in quality compared to other luxury lines.
The analysis offers valuable insights for passengers when selecting their next cruise adventure, taking into account varying factors from entertainment options to service quality. With the diverse range of cruise lines available, travellers can make informed choices to suit their preferences and expectations.