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Typically it’s not because a cruise line is ‘bad’, but because someone chose the wrong cruise line for them. While the MSC Orchestra had a few redeeming qualities, the overwhelming consensus from the provided reviews suggests that there’s a lot of room for improvement. Reviewers who travelled aboard the MSC Orchestra highlighted several significant areas of dissatisfaction. Many stated that it was one of the worst cruises they’ve ever experienced.
Entertainment
But most guests love the service of the crew, the fact that you don’t need to pay any hidden extras, and all the extra time you get seeing ports since you’re flown right to each destination. A Norwegian Cruise Line cruise is typically aimed at families and at younger adults, with a lot more amenities for enjoying a day packed with fun. The latest ships even have the only go-kart tracks at sea, while you can expect thrilling water slides, rock climbing walls, bowling and more. When it comes to cruising, it’s certainly true that you get what you pay for.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
It should not be left up to interpretation….the OP had a horrible cruise. The one thing the very detailed letter to MSC is lacking is what restitution the OP is expecting. But unless there are significant damages as a result of this trip, the OP is not owed anything for their disappointment. Surprisingly, according to reviews, MSC Seascape, launched in 2022, is considered the worst ship of the cruise line.
MSC dismisses survey after being rated worst cruise line - TravelMole
MSC dismisses survey after being rated worst cruise line.
Posted: Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Some of the onboard credit can be non-refundable (on any cruise line) - whether it's refundable or non-refundable should be on your invoice. MSC is a privately owned multi billion dollar shipping and cruise company who doesn't have to answer to shareholders What does that mean for us the consumer? On the recommendation of my TA I booked the inaugural cruise on the MSC Seascape from Rome to NYC. I am a seasoned cruiser with over 30 cruises under my belt, but never had I sailed with MSC.
Diverse Accommodation Options
Complaints ranged from rude staff members to slow service, and a lack of response to complaints or issues. Passengers found them to be expensive and the food served did not meet their expectations. However, its only fair to expect an experience that isn’t on par with its competitors. As the rating implies, the experiences of passengers on MSC Cruises seem to be mixed.
Drink services were reportedly slow, often leading guests to serve themselves. Multiple reviewers commented on the subpar quality of food; be it the cold meals, the staleness of early morning coffee, or the repetitive nature of the buffet. Guests commented on the disappointing food quality, both at the sit-down restaurants and buffets. The variety seemed lacking, with repetitive offerings, and many reported instances of cold or undercooked dishes.
MSC Seaside
Guests also felt that the entertainment onboard was severely lacking – the ships are aimed at exploring ports, but when sailing you won’t find there’s much to keep you busy. Dining complaints were less about the quality of food and more about scheduling, with meal times clashing with excursion schedules leading to guests feeling frustrated and rushed. Complaints from customers in the negative reviews primarily focused on the ships themselves, with cleanliness being a big issue – especially of the cabins. Guests also criticised the overall quality of the cabins including very small bathrooms and furnishings that are worn out. Some guests also felt that the ships were crowded, especially on the pool deck. The great value offered by Marella often means that ships sell out, so they can feel quite busy.
Costa Cruises
The TV only offered a few movie options, which played repeatedly, and most other channels broadcasted ads for the cruise line. A recurring theme was the ship’s apparent favouritism towards its Italian guests, with non-Italians feeling deliberately sidelined during activities and entertainment. Excursions were another sore point, with some being cancelled due to the lack of English-speaking cruisers.
MSC Cruise Reviews

Reviews highlight the ease of moving on board and the more attentive service for the fewer passengers. However, the drawbacks include more limited entertainment options compared to larger ships. MSC Seaside, launched in 2017, is second in the list of the most appreciated ships.
On the bright side, amidst the wave of dissatisfaction, there were a few beacons of positivity. Several passengers praised individual staff members for their exceptional service, noting that these individuals stood out as dedicated and helpful in an otherwise challenging environment. There was also acknowledgement of the ship’s impressive aesthetics, with some mentioning the upmarket decor.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines, and for most people that reputation feels deserved. The cruise line has a fleet of smaller ships and a high crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring that everyone enjoys a more personalised service. A lot of the negative reviews felt that the ship didn’t meet the standards advertised, and that while the cruise was expensive, it certainly wasn’t luxurious. Guests felt that the cabins in particular fell some way short of what was expected, including worn-out furnishings and problematic heating systems. The focus with Margaritaville at Sea is all about fun – this is not a luxury cruise experience, nor is it a calm and relaxing one. Olsen, and those that there are have been accrued over a number of years.

While they have a higher passenger-to-space ratio and extra fees for certain services, they also provide value with their unique atmosphere, relaxed vibe, and family-friendly policies. Both lines have restrictions on bringing food, and Hurtigruten has alcohol limitations. But to be most accurate, it should say something like 2 RCL ships, 1 Princess ship, 1 Carnival ship, 1 C/M ship, 3 MSC ships and 4 Costa ships ranked as the 13 worst in the industry. I believe the price I paid is an exceptional value and will adjust my expectations accordingly. A glaring concern for many was the lack of activities, especially when shore excursions were cancelled, leaving them with little to do. Additionally, some excursions were deemed worthwhile, and a few individual staff members, like cabin stewards and waiters, were complimented for their exemplary service.
Guests also said that the cruises sometimes felt that the senior crew weren’t organised, and that excursions were missed due to poor management. This British cruise line was only formed in 2021, although it was launched by the former CEO of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, which went bust in 2020 – so there was heritage there. The overarching consensus from reviewers cruising on the MSC Opera was that the ship seemed understaffed, leading to numerous challenges. The internet plan aboard the ship also came under scrutiny, with many describing it as a scam. One reviewer detailed their experience with the Internet service, recounting how the purchase of a data plan led to unexpected additional charges. Though some had favourable moments onboard, many felt the overall experience did not match up to the standard set by other cruise lines.
You can't get compensated for a cruise becase you didn't like the entertainment, food, service etc. espcially since you didn't miss any ports. My travel agent was told that Seascape could not guarantee an extension cord for my husband's CPAP so we took both water and extension cord with us. MSC Sinfonia was lower in the ranking but climbed several positions after undergoing modernization works in 2015. The ship is loved because it has a more cozy and intimate environment, making it the preferred choice for guests who like smaller ships. Cruising with MSC definitely isn’t for everyone, but the cruise line is determined in its goal to become the biggest cruise company in the world. So expect them to keep building shiny new ships, and doing everything they can to make their current ships as popular as possible.
Basically most of these problems have been solved as MSC is a work in progress. The reviews are markedly improved in 2019 when compared to the previous 3 years. We have been on both Armonia & Meraviglia and had a fantastic time on both of these ships.