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. 

Prepaying Gratuities In Advance: 3 Reasons Why

Above, yes, one should tip their cruise dining room team Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One expense that first-time passengers on cruises are surprised about are gratuities (or tips).

The stewards and others rely on gratuities as do waiters on land for their incomes. (I wonder if President Trump's "no tax on tips" apply to cruise gratuities for American cruise staff). 

Some are shocked at the end of cruises when tips are usually left for one's cabin steward. Some feel that it's easier to pay gratuities in advance. 

Cruise Blog has posted an article on paying gratuities in advance. They also post the gratuity amounts for different cruise lines.

They begin with:

When booking a cruise, you must decide whether you want to prepay gratuities or wait until you are onboard. 

Gratuities, or tips, are service charges that go toward the crew members, including your cabin steward, dining room team, and more — and how you pay them can make a big difference in your cruise experience. 

Within the past two years, I've taken over 15 cruises and prepaid my gratuities for every single voyage. Not only does it help me budget for each sailing, but it helps me avoid uncomfortable surprises at the end of the cruise. 

Far too often do I hear about cruisers who didn't know that cruise lines will automatically bill their onboard account for the daily recommended gratuity rate, resulting in a high onboard statement. 

While budgeting is a major reason I think everyone should prepay their tips, there are other reasons why smart cruisers settle their gratuities before boarding their cruise. 

To read more, go here. 

Do These 6 Things To Not Waste Money On Cruises

Above, yours truly having a cigar and cocktail on the cruise to the Bahamas last summer.

Moments ago, I saw an interesting article on six things to do to save money on cruises.

One especially caught my attention. It was not to take a cruise line transportation shuttle from the airport (in our case, Miami Airport) to the port. Last summer, a friend and I paid $50 each for transportation to the port from the airport. They never showed up despite us making several phone calls and leaving messages. I instead called Uber and they got us to the the port for about $25. This was for the cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line. 

The article was posted with the Cruise Blog, and they begin it with: 

Having taken over 30 cruises, there have been times when I've felt ripped off while onboard. Sometimes, it's my fault. For example, forgetting to purchase shore excursions in advance means I'll inevitably pay more for the same product on the ship. 

This happened a few years ago when I waited until the last minute to plan my day ashore at Royal Caribbean's private island. Although cruisers have reported scoring epic deals to Thrill Waterpark, I shelled out $149 for a full-day pass. 

I've made plenty of mistakes throughout my cruising career, but I've also found that there are easy ways to always save money on a cruise vacation. Here are my 6 best tips to not waste your hard-earned money on your next cruise. 

To read more, go here. 

Cruise Passenger Dies After Fatal Jet Ski Accident

Above, yours truly on a jet ski at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas last summer.

A female jet-skier was killed at a private island owned by the Carnival Corporation. She was part of a Carnival cruise to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

A friend and I jet-skied last August at a similar Bahamas cay owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. 

According to Cruise Blog:

According to Eyewitness News, an investigation is underway following the tragic accident that took place on March 22, 2025. 

Police in Eleuthra were contacted by the island's manager shortly after 1:00pm. Once they arrived on Half Moon Cay, the officers conducted an initial investigation that revealed the British/Czechoslovakia national allegedly lost control of her jet ski and collided with a rock. 

Though medical personnel were on the scene, they weren't able to revive the passenger. She was pronounced deceased by the local medical doctor. 

If the jet ski she was riding was like the ones we used, it is easy to see how she lost control of it. Those are more powerful machines compared to one I rode in Lake Havasu several years ago.  

To read more, go here.

Ranking Cruise Lines From Worst To Best

Above, I found Norwegian's no set dining times or formal dinners more to my liking.

Cruises will be popular options for vacationers this year. 

As most things man-made, some cruise lines are better than others. To find out which of those cruise lines are best, Cruise Blog has ranked cruise lines from worst to best.

They begin with:

The cruise industry is constantly changing, especially post-pandemic. With brand-new cruise ships launching each year and cruise fares increasing substantially, the cruising landscape has shifted in the last few years.

Cruises are also more popular than ever before with millions of passengers setting sail each year. With increasing demand comes an increase in pricing. Even with increased travel costs, you can still find great value in cruising.

Further, it’s very important to choose the right cruise line for you. Everyone has a different travel style, cruise budget, and needs with their vacation. Choosing the wrong cruise line - or even the wrong cruise ship - can lead to massive disappointment. No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on the wrong vacation.

We always emphasize how a little bit of research can go a long way. Determining the right cruise line is the first step towards a fantastic vacation. In this article, we will explore and review the most popular cruise lines. Our worst-to-best cruise line rankings are strictly based on opinion and personal experiences. Remember, there is a cruise line out there for everyone!

To read more, go here. 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival: Which Is Better?

Above, aboard Royal Caribbean's cruise to Cuba in 2019.

To date, I have only been on three cruises.

The first was in 2001 when my mom, daughter and I cruised to Alaska with Celebrity Cruise Line. Then, in 2019, I went on Royal Caribbean's cruise to Key West and Havana. Last August, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Cruise blog posted an article comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival and which is the better value for the money.

They begin with:

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are two of the most popular cruise lines in operation with, collectively, over 50 ships at sea. Though I've been sailing with Royal Caribbean since I was 10, I recently began my journey with Carnival to explore why the "FUN" ship brand attracts millions of passengers annually.

Both lines offer unique experiences and cater to different styles of cruising. Royal Caribbean, for example, is known for its innovative and jam-packed ships. 

To see which cruise line is better for the money, go here.