6 Big Name Cruise Lines That Just Aren't Worth It Anymore

Above, the Majesty of the Seas in Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since taking a cruise isn't my favorite mode of travel (RVing is), I've only been on three cruises. 

The first was with Celebrity to Alaska. The second was with Royal Caribbean to Havana, Cuba. The third was with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

While I enjoyed each cruise, I noticed that the costs are accumulating and getting higher. 

AOL has also taken notice of this as they posted an article on six big name cruise lines that aren't worth it anymore.

They begin with:

Cruises have long been promoted as an affordable way to visit multiple destinations while bundling accommodations, meals, and entertainment into one fare. But that value is becoming harder to find.

Rising daily gratuities, expensive drink and Wi-Fi packages, and additional charges for dining or room service can push the final bill far beyond the advertised price. That doesn't mean every major cruise line is a bad choice. Many still offer impressive ships, convenient itineraries, and experiences that suit particular travelers.

However, passengers who want to save money on travel must look beyond promotional fares and calculate what their vacation will actually cost. For some former favorites, fewer inclusions and increasingly expensive extras have made the math less appealing than it once was. With that in mind, these big-name cruise lines may no longer provide enough value to justify the total price.

To read more, go here. 

9 Sneaky Cruise Fees

Above, yours truly having an adult beverage aboard the Norwegian Sky in 2024.

When it comes to taking a cruise, many think that the advertised prices are what one pays. That's actually not the case. The current trend among cruise lines are higher prices.

There are addition add-on costs such as gratuities, excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi and dining. 

AOL posted an article on what travelers should look for when it comes to additional costs.

They begin it with: 

Cruise fares can look surprisingly affordable, but the price advertised is rarely the amount travelers ultimately pay. In 2026, rising gratuities and charges for drinks, WiFi, dining, and activities can quietly add hundreds of dollars to a vacation.

Anyone trying to save money on travel should calculate these expenses before booking, especially since a low base fare may cost more overall than a higher-priced cruise with extras included. Watch for these sneaky cruise fees before setting sail.

To read more, go here. 

5 Cruise Lines That Just Aren't Worth It Anymore

Above, yours truly enjoying an adult beverage on a cruise to the Bahamas two years ago.

Although I have been on three cruises in my life (Alaska, Cuba, Bahamas), it is not my favorite mode of travel and it never has been. RVing is.  

That being said, I did enjoy those cruises. But I noticed that the cruise lines passengers are being nickel-and-dimed, especially on adult beverages and food. People are starting to feel that cruises just aren't worth it anymore.

AOL posted an article on five cruise lines that aren't worth it anymore. I have cruised on two of the five.

They begin it with:

Cruising built its reputation on being the closest thing to an all-inclusive vacation. One fare covers endless food, a cabin that moves between destinations while you sleep, and entertainment every night. That reputation is getting harder to defend. Across several of the biggest names in the industry, gratuities have climbed, drink and dining packages have shrunk, and small perks that used to come standard now carry a price tag. For anyone trying to travel on a budget, the gap between what a cruise fare promises and what actually shows up on the final bill has never been wider.

None of this is guesswork or internet grumbling. It's a pattern of dated, documented fee increases and cutbacks announced across major lines over the past several months, backed by passenger surveys, company emails, and industry reporting. Here's a look at the cruise lines where the numbers back up what passengers have been saying. While these cruise lines still appeal to many travelers, recent fee hikes and shrinking inclusions mean they may no longer deliver the value they once did.

To read the full article, go here. 

Are Casino Carpets Ugly On Purpose?

Above, a casino in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a topic I've never thought about.

Are casino carpets ugly on purpose to keep people gambling? 

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. Frankly, I figured that they are designed the way they are to hide spills. 

The article begins with:

Many RVers like to stop at casinos on their trips. They stop for a buffet, or sometimes to stay overnight in a casino RV park or for free in a parking lot. And, yes, some like to gamble. If that’s you, have you ever noticed that the carpeting in at least some of those casinos is gaudy, even ugly? 

In Las Vegas, one of the most enduring gambling myths is that the loud, colorful carpets in casinos are designed to keep people gambling longer. Is that true?

To read the full article, go here. 

Consumer Reports: Worst Cruise Line Named

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked at Nassau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My experience with cruises is limited.

I have been on only three cruises in my life. The first was in 2001 to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises. The second was in 2019 to Cuba with Royal Caribbean. My third, and last, was to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024. 

I may not be the best source for reviews as I enjoyed each one (well, except for getting sick during the Alaska cruise). The food on each was good. No complaints here. The facilities on each ship was fine.

Consumer Reports has named the worst cruise line for 2026. Surprisingly (for me at least), they named Norwegian the worst in customer satisfaction. 

Above, the lobster dinner I paid $25 aboard the Norwegian Sky. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One thing stands out in my mind with Norwegian. It was buying a lobster tail (two of them) dinner for $25. I thought that was quite reasonable (like 1980s prices).

According to an article posted by AOL:

In an age of limitless vacation choices, picking a cruise to go on is tough. From the outside, so many of them seem to offer the exact same experience: great food, parties, entertainment, visits to some of the coolest ports, and amenities galore. But in January of 2026, Consumer Reports conducted a survey to find out which of the top cruises were the best ... and the worst. Surprisingly, the well-known Norwegian Cruise Line was at the very bottom in terms of customer satisfaction.

The survey had a sample size that makes these ratings hard to ignore. Based on experiences over the last three years, 18,850 respondents were asked to rate 19 cruise lines based on a variety of factors. Some of these factors were price-based, like value per dollar and price transparency; others were about experiences, such as excursions, meals, and entertainment. The ratings also factored in amenities and basic expectations, like cleanliness, cabin quality, and accessibility. According to this report, Norwegian Cruise Line has fallen behind the pack in almost every category. 

 To read the full article, go here.

14 Best Cruise Line Private Islands Ranked

Above, Mitch Geriminsky and I about to jet ski at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

It seems like yesterday that a friend and I took a cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Sky. But it actually was two years ago.

It was with Norwegian Cruise Line and one of the stops of the cruise was their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. While there, we went on jet skis for about an hour or so. We had a good time.

Afterwards, I found a beach cocktail bar and had myself a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice). 

MSN has posted a slideshow article (from The Travel Blog) on 14 best cruise line private islands ranked.

They start it with:

Picture this: you’ve been at sea for days, and suddenly the ship drops anchor at a pristine island that exists solely for your enjoyment. No crowds from other cruise lines, no local vendors pushing trinkets, no competing for beach chairs with strangers who booked through different companies.

This is cruise line territory — a private playground carved out of paradise and designed around one simple promise: everything here is yours for the day.

To read and see more, go here. 

U.S. Citizens Warned of Bahamas "Rogue" Jet Ski Vendors

Above, yours truly jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay in 2024.

Two years ago, a friend and I rode jet skis at Great Stirrup Cay, an island owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Our activity on the jet skis went without incident and we had a good time. 

Unfortunately, others haven't had good experiences with jet ski operators as reports of injuries, deaths and sexual assaults. Many of the operators involved are rogue vendors who are unlicensed and uninsured.

According to Fox 11 News:

Americans are being urged to steer clear of jet ski rentals in the Bahamas as U.S. officials warn of sketchy operators linked to deaths, injuries and reported sexual assaults.

In a Monday statement, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that "rogue operators" are soliciting tourists on Nassau's most popular beaches, including Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach and Saunders Beach.

The rogue operators are often "unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft," the embassy said — and officials noted that law enforcement oversight is "sporadic at best."

 To read more, go here.

MSN: 9 Signs You Picked the Wrong Cruise Line

Above, the pool deck of a Bahamas-bound cruise ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is funny that many cruise lines are adding humongous cruise ships to their fleets what can carry 5,000 people or more. Some have capacities of 7,600. The reason that is funny (not in a good way) is one of the most frequent voiced complaints about cruise lines is overcrowding.

Taking a cruise is not my favorite mode of travel. I've only been on three cruises. The first was to Alaska. The second was to Cuba. The third was to the Bahamas. Each one were taken on ships that were older and had passenger capacities of under 3,000. I did not feel overcrowded in any of them.

Being stuck on a ship with hordes of people in close quarters makes those ships floating petri dishes with germs passed around by passengers. I caught a bug on two of three cruises I took. 

MSN posted a slideshow article on 9 signs you picked the wrong cruise line. 

They begin it with:

Several major cruise lines have faced passenger dissatisfaction due to overcrowding, aging ships, and inconsistent service. Common complaints include safety concerns, added fees for dining and room service, and underwhelming shore excursions. Travelers also report that certain cabin upgrades and cruise-booked activities may not provide good value for the extra cost.

To read more, go here. 

Cruise Tipping Charges Are 'Out of Control'

Above, yours truly enjoying a cocktail on a Bahamas cruise in 2024.

The old term, "nickel and diming people to death" is something that cruise passengers have put up with over the years. This also applies to tipping (gratuities) while on board.

According to a Fox News article, it is getting worse.

They posted an article that tipping "just keeps on growing."

They start it with:

Cruise passengers are getting hit with a familiar vacation surprise: the bill that keeps growing after they book.

Daily gratuities, drink-package service charges, specialty dining fees and other automatic add-ons have become a flashpoint for travelers who say cruise vacations are being advertised one way, yet priced another.

Frustration is said to be mounting as several cruise lines have raised their gratuity or service charges in 2026.

 To read the full article, go here.

Cruise Passengers Outraged Over Bahamas Booze Ban

Above, yours truly enjoying an adult beverage aboard the Norwegian Sky on a cruise to the Bahamas..

Cruise passengers who relish their alcoholic "adult beverages" are up in arms over a ban to be imposed on election day of the Bahamas. But, they can still booze up aboard their cruise ships.

The New York Post reported:

A temporary alcohol ban will roll out at a Caribbean destination next week — leaving cruise passengers high and dry on shore.

The Bahamas will suspend alcohol sales as the country holds elections on Tuesday, May 12.

A government notice obtained by Fox News Digital says the ban will take place that day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Parliamentary Commissioner is suspending sales of “intoxicating liquor” while polls remain open during that time.

“Any person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed to be so doing while not holding a license under the provisions of the Business License Act,” the notice warns.

The restriction covers all Bahamian islands, including private islands operated by cruise companies.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean confirmed to People magazine that the ban applies to its private island, CocoCay.

To read more, go here. 

Southern Living: Best Cruise Lines 2026

Above, Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas at Havana Port in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like anything else, some cruise lines are better than others. 

Since 2001, I have cruised aboard three cruise line ships. The first cruise being with Celebrity to Alaska. The second was to Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba with Royal Caribbean. The third cruise was with Norwegian to the Bahamas. 

Southern Living has posted their list off the "best" cruise lines for 2026 as chosen by their readers. 

They begin with:

With 370 ships sailing the world’s oceans, rivers, and waterways, it can be overwhelming to find the one that’s right for you and your family or group of friends. From luxury and adults-only to those filled with onboard adventures and kids’ clubs, there’s a cruise and a cruise line for everyone. 

To help narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of the best cruise lines chosen by Southern Living readers to inspire you to find the right fit for your next trip. In addition to far-flung global destinations, many of these cruise lines offer enticing itineraries departing from ports close to home in Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Texas, too.

To read more, go here.

Newsom Imports Expensive Gasoline From Bahamas

The Looney Left Report

It is becoming more and more evident that the California state government is run by lunatics.

The latest is from the American Energy Alliance:

This story is baffling. Bloomberg reports that California is starting to import gasoline from the Bahamas, while the state sits on enormous oil resources it refuses to develop. Bloomberg reports:

“US supplies of gasoline are being shipped out of the country to travel thousands of miles via the Bahamas before finally ending up in California, a state battling shrinking fuelmaking capacity and high pump prices. Shipments on the circuitous route are increasing. California imported more gasoline in November than ever before, with more than 40% coming from the Bahamas… After Phillips 66 shuttered its Los Angeles refinery in October, gasoline imports climbed in 2025 to the highest level since at least 2016. With Valero Energy Corp. set to close a Northern California refinery this spring, and no fuel pipelines connecting the US Gulf’s oil-producing powerhouse to the West Coast, the nation’s most populous state will likely depend on imports to bridge the gap.”

Only in Governor Newsom’s California does this make sense. The same governor who tried to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 and has made it nearly impossible to develop new oil fields is now presiding over a state that needs gasoline shipped from the Bahamas because California can’t refine enough of its own fuel.

To read more, go here. 

Norwegian Slammed For Changing Dining Dress Code

Above, shorts, flip-flops and deck shoes in a Norwegian Sky restaurant.

Two years ago, a friend and I took a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. I packed only shorts and no slacks on that cruise.

Aboard ship, we were able to dine in casual attire (shorts, flip-flops and deck shoes) in the ship's restaurants. It appears that Norwegian is changing their restaurant dress code and now is being slammed by its customers.

According to the New York Post:

That ship has sailed.

Norwegian Cruise Line is facing a torrent of backlash after appearing to tighten its once-laid-back dining dress code rules, which some furious travelers declared “idiotic.”

Passengers hoping to dine inside six of the ship’s ritzy restaurants — Palomar, Ocean Blue, Onda, Cagney’s, Le Bistro and Haven — are banned from wearing shorts and flip-flops, according to its policy page.

The popular cruise line, which expects to host 3 million guests across 34 ships in 2025, champions a “freestyle cruising” culture where travelers can wear casual attire at certain restaurants. [I think they meant to say 2026. - A.]

 To read more, go here.

Winter Storm Damages New Pier At Great Stirrup Cay

Above, the Norwegian Sky and tender boat docked off Great Stirrup Cay in 2024. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A severe winter storm damaged Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay's new pier and a swimming pool.

Arriving ships have to tender passengers to the Cay until repairs to the pier can be completed. When I visited Great Stirrup Cay two years ago, we were tendered to it from the Norwegian Sky.

According to Cruise Hive:

The winter storms blasting North America and the Bahamas in 2026 continue to bring disappointment to cruise passengers trying to escape the chill.

Passengers scheduled to visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas have been warned they will encounter changes to their day ashore after a bomb cyclone and rough weather damaged key infrastructure at its private destination.

In a notice dated February 2, 2026, the cruise line informed guests that both the pier and the main pool, which had recently opened at Great Stirrup Cay, are temporarily unavailable due to severe weather in the region.

As a result, Norwegian Cruise Line ships will not be able to dock at the pier, and guests will instead be tendered ashore. 

To read more, go here. 

Bahamas Sees Record 12.5 Million Visitors In 2025

Above, cruise ships docked at Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Bahamas is a popular place to visit. A friend and I did so with Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024. I have always wanted to visit the Bahamas and the cruise was my chance to do so.

Last year, a new record was set when the Bahamas welcomed over 12 million visitors with cruise stops being the primary driver.

According to Cruise Industry News:

The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, the highest total ever recorded, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation’s recent press release.

Visitor arrivals grew 11.4 percent year-over-year, surpassing 2024’s record and exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels by more than 70 percent.

Cruise tourism remained the primary driver of growth, accounting for 86.5 percent of total arrivals. Sea arrivals exceeded 10.6 million visitors, representing a 14 percent increase year-over-year and nearly double 2019 levels.

To read more, go here. 

Norwegian Updates Air Program With New Rules

Above, the Norwegian Sky at the Miami cruise terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Mitch Geriminsky and I went to Miami, Florida to embark on our cruise to the Bahamas two years ago, we arrived early in the morning of the day of departure. To say the least, I was leery over this. We had booked a shuttle from the airport to the cruise terminal, but the shuttle never showed up and the shuttle company didn't answer their phone. We ended up getting a ride to the terminal with Uber.

When we went on our Cuba cruise in 2019, I arrived a day early and stayed at a Fort Lauderdale Motel 6. No problems.

Norwegian Cruise Line recommends that cruise passengers arrive a day earlier so not to miss their cruise ship. This is a wise policy as anything can happen before reaching the cruise terminal.

According to Cruise Hive:

Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its NCL Air policy, effective immediately, requiring all airfare bookings through the NCL Air program to schedule guests to arrive at least one day ahead of their cruise ship’s departure date, regardless of homeport or sailing date.

The policy change takes effect from January 26, 2026, and now applies to all new reservations, including air arrangements, as well as any existing reservations that may be repriced from this date forward.

To read more, go here. 

8 Cruise Lines Seniors May Want To Think Twice Before Booking

Above, a couple of geezers in Nassau during a cruise.

Taking a cruise may appeal to many seniors, but not all cruise lines are their "cups of tea" by any means.

My preferred way of travel is hopping into my motorhome and take a camping vacation. Unless a cruise's itinerary and stops are of interest to me, I can take it or leave it.

AOL posted an article on eight popular cruise lines seniors may want to think twice before booking.  

They begin it with:

Conventional wisdom tells us that cruising is an easy way to travel more while crossing more countries off your bucket list, and sailing the open seas is often a popular retirement travel goal. Hopping onto a ship, settling into your quarters, and unwinding between destinations means you're ready for adventure by the time you hit port.

But cruising isn't a one-size-fits-all activity, as singles, families, and retirees all have different desires and needs while at sea. If you're a senior considering booking your next getaway, here are some cruise lines retirees may want to avoid, based on real-world reviews.

To read more, go here. 

Ranking Cruise Lines From Worst To Best

Above, yours truly aboard the Norwegian Sky to the Bahamas.
Norwegian Cruise Line didn't score too well in the rankings.

Now that 2025 is over and done and we're now in 2026, what bodes for consumers in the cruise ship industry.

To help figure it all out, Cruise Blog has posted their list of cruise lines from worst to best. 

They begin it with:

The cruise industry is constantly evolving, with brand-new ships, private destinations, and exciting onboard experiences debuting each year. In 2025, for example, many cruise lines made headlines with new ship launches, private destinations, and expanded itineraries.

As such, it’s no surprise that more people are considering cruises than ever before. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), first-time cruisers made up a record-breaking 31% of all passengers in 2024, revealing that the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth.

With so many options available, choosing the right cruise line is important. Travelers have different styles, budgets, and preferences, and selecting the wrong line can lead to a disappointing experience.

In this article, we’ll explore and review the most popular cruise lines of 2026. Our worst-to-best cruise rankings are based on personal experiences and industry news. That said, don't be upset if your favorite line ranks lower than expected — everyone's perfect cruise is different, and the right line for you is based solely on your priorities and preferences. 

Above, the Norwegian Sky pool deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read on, go here. 

NCL Warns Cruise Demand Weakening

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked at Nassau, Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Are cruise demands softening? According to an article posted at MSN, it appears to be the case.

They wrote: 

(Bloomberg) -- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. broke with its cruise peers by warning that cruise demand, which has long defied worrying travel trends, is beginning to weaken. 

The cruise operator saw “softening” in its 12-month forward bookings, though maintains ticket sales are within the “optimal range, even amid ongoing macroeconomic volatility,” according to a statement Wednesday. Despite that, the company maintained its full-year targets. 

“While we recognize there may be potential pressures on the top line, we believe these can be effectively offset by the continued execution of our cost savings initiatives,” Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer said in the statement.

Shares dropped as much as 20% in premarket trading. 

The thing (after reading this) that first came to mind is that several cruise lines have cancelled cruises even after tickets were purchased by people. People reading stories about cruises being cancelled may have dissuaded them from booking a cruise. Who wants to book a cruise only to have it cancel saddling them with airfare costs to travel to ports of departure?

Inflation may be a big factor as well.

To read more, go here. 

New Great Stirrup Cay Pier Receives First Ship

Above, the Norwegian Sky with a tender boat alongside at Great Stirrup Cay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last year, a friend and I took a cruise to the Bahamas.

One of the stops for the cruise was Great Stirrup Cay, a resort island owned by the cruise line, Norwegian Cruise Line. There, we did some jet skiing.

Upon arrival, the ship, the Norwegian Sky, docked offshore and we were tendered to the island. A pier was in the planning stages at the time. The pier is now completed and had the first ship to dock there.

According to Cruise Hive:

On December 28, 2025, Norwegian Getaway made history as the first NCL ship to dock at the newly completed multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

The 268-acre resort, which is located in the Berry Islands, is the one and only port call on a 3-night sailing from Miami that embarked on December 26, 2025.

“Today marks a historic moment for Norwegian Getaway and in the history of Norwegian Cruise Line to be the first ship to dock at Great Stirrup Cay with the opening of our brand-new pier,” NCL wrote in the Freestyle Daily Newsletter, which was shared in Cruise Hive’s NCL Facebook group.

To read more, go here.