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 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. 

Norwegian Confirms Return of Beverage Packages to Private Island

Above, yours truly having a drink aboard the Norwegian Sky in 2024.

After "holy hell" was raised by cruise passengers and travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Lines is dropping their planned additional drink package for Great Stirrup Cay.

According to Cruise Industry News:

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that it will continue to honor all of its beverage packages in its private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

In statements sent to booked guests, the company announced that it will not implement a new policy requiring passengers to purchase an additional package to order alcoholic drinks at Great Stirrup Cay.

“After receiving feedback from our guests and travel partners, guests with Free at Sea or More at Sea beverage packages will continue to enjoy the same beverage package inclusions as they do onboard,” the company said.

“This means your beverage experience flows effortlessly from ship to shore,” Norwegian added, noting that packages can be acquired up to 24 hours before cruises.

As reported by Cruise Industry News, the company had previously advised travel agents of the change in plans.

The company first revealed that it would stop honoring its beverage packages in Great Stirrup Cay in October 2025.

When Mitch Geriminsky and I took a Bahamas cruise in 2024 with Norwegian, I didn't bother buying a drink package. I just confined myself to have one to two drinks per day out-of-pocket. Following some jet skiing, I bought one cocktail while in Great Stirrup Cay. 

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.

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. 

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. 

U.S. News Reveals Best 2026 Best Cruise Lines

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

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

Thankfully, news organizations can help steer people away from crummy cruise lines to better ones.

U.S. News & World Report has posted their 2026 list of what they consider to be the best cruise lines.

According to the Taos News:

The 12th installment of the Best Cruise Lines rankings expands to highlight 19 of the most popular ocean cruise lines across 10 categories catering to various travelers, including couples, families, and those seeking luxury or a scenic Mediterranean adventure. New categories this year highlight the Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Luxury, Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Mainstream, Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers and Best Cruise Lines for Wellness.

To read more, go here. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Adds Dining Limit On Room Service

Above, the stateroom aboard NCL's Majesty of the Seas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although I have been on three cruises over the years, I have never dined in the ship's staterooms.

It's a good thing I haven't since the cruise lines tack on extra charges along with a 20% gratuity. We've always dined in the dining rooms.

Norwegian Cruise Line is now adding dining limits to room service.

According to Cruise Hive:

Just days after adding fees for a second entree in the Main Dining Room, Norwegian Cruise Line is now imposing fairly strict limits on room service orders.

The change is a recent one, but guests are quickly noticing the restriction, which didn’t exist in September but is now present for October sailings. Specifically, it has been noted aboard Norwegian Sun, which is currently sailing a 16-night sailing between Honolulu and Vancouver.

“Each stateroom occupant may order 1 hot item and 1 cold item (bento box) per delivery,” the room service restriction reads.

This is just more nickel and diming of cruise passengers.

To read more, go here. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Package Change

Above, beverage carts at Great Stirrup Cay last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, I took a cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line.

One of the stops was at their Great Stirrup Cay island. While there, a friend and I jet skied for about an hour. Later, I strolled down to the beach area and found a bar. I had a cocktail there. I didn't buy any beverage package they offered. I just had one cocktail and paid out of pocket.

There are going to be some changes next year for beverage packages at Great Stirrup Cay. People who have already booked a cruise for next year aren't too happy about it.

Travelhost reported:

Norwegian Cruise Line’s unlimited open bar drink package is very popular with passengers for the value it offers, especially for cruises to the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

Passengers have long been able to use their beverage packages on the island, but that’s about to change as the cruise line rolls out major upgrades to its private island experience.   

In late 2025, Great Stirrup Cay will debut a brand-new pier, a massive heated pool with swim-up bars, and a splash pad for kids, followed by a huge waterpark boasting 19 waterslides and a dynamic river that will open in summer 2026.

But as passengers sailing to Great Stirrup Cay enjoy its new features, they won’t be able to enjoy the perks of their onboard beverage package on the island if they’re sailing after February 2026. 

To read more, go here. 

Why Cruise Ships Are Only Getting Bigger (Video)

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Quietly Adds Fee For Extra Entrées

Above, last year's cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line. 

It appears that cruise lines are continuing to add extra charges to things usually complimentary or part of the cruise package. Cruise passengers are feeling that they are being "nickel and dimed" with extra fees by cruise lines.

During my cruise to the Bahamas last year, the only extra charge I paid was for a lobster dinner. For two lobster tails, I thought the $25.00 price was reasonable

Norwegian Cruise Line is adding (quietly) adding a $5.00 charge for additional entrees in complimentary main dining rooms.

According to Cruise Hive:

Norwegian Cruise Line has quietly added a new fee to their dining menu that may surprise guests. While it’s expected that specialty restaurants have an extra charge, the cruise line is now charging $5 for any second, third, or more entrees in their complimentary main dining rooms.

The charge is printed on dining room menus, in small print at the bottom, where it might not be noticed at first.

“One entree per guest. Additional entrees will incur a $5 charge,” the menu reads.

To read more, go here. 

Forbes: The Truth About Cruise Ship Internet

Above, the Norwegian Sky at Great Stirrup Cay. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If I ever go on another cruise in the future, I am leaving my laptop computer at home.

Last summer, I brought it along for the Bahamas cruise, but I ended up not even taking it out of the suitcase. Why? Internet access aboard the cruise ship was too expensive. I limited my usage to the free access time on my phone or the public WiFi at different ports such as Freeport and Nassau. When not in use, I always put my phone on Airplane Mode to keep from being charged any money.

Forbes has posted an article on the truth about cruise ship Internet and how to get it cheaper.

They begin with:

Until recently, cruise ship internet had a reputation for being slow, patchy, and overpriced. Modern systems have improved dramatically, but the price tag has not shifted much. Mainstream cruise lines still treat connectivity as a premium add-on.

Even with Starlink and other low-orbit networks, the infrastructure costs are significant. The hardware is expensive and bandwidth must be shared among thousands of passengers and crew members. When demand peaks, such as during sea days, speeds can slow.

Most lines charge either by the day or for the duration of the cruise, with higher-tier packages including access to streaming services such as YouTube. The costs quickly add up, especially on longer sailings and on lines that charge by device.

To read more, go here.