Is Carnival the Worst Cruise Line?

By Michael Ferguson

Carnival Cruise Line has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. From stranded ships to onboard illnesses, the company has seen its fair share of negative publicity.

But is Carnival really the worst cruise line? Let’s take a closer look and find out.

Stranded Ships

One of the most significant criticisms of Carnival is their history of stranded ships. In 2013, the Carnival Triumph experienced an engine fire that left passengers stranded at sea for several days without working toilets or air conditioning. In 2018, the Carnival Dream experienced a technical issue that caused it to lose power while docked in St. Maarten, leaving passengers stuck on board for several hours.

The Response

Carnival’s response to these incidents has been criticized as inadequate. Passengers have reported poor communication from crew members and a lack of compensation for their troubles.

Onboard Illnesses

Another issue that has plagued Carnival is outbreaks of illness onboard their ships. In 2019, over 500 passengers fell ill on two separate Carnival cruises due to norovirus outbreaks.

The Response

Carnival has implemented measures such as increased cleaning and sanitation procedures to prevent further outbreaks. However, some critics argue that these measures should have been put in place earlier.

Overall Satisfaction

Despite these issues, customer satisfaction with Carnival remains relatively high. According to a survey by Cruise Critic, 70% of reviewers gave the company a rating of “very good” or “excellent.”

The Verdict

So, is Carnival really the worst cruise line? It’s hard to say definitively based on these incidents alone. While there have been some notable issues with stranded ships and onboard illnesses, customer satisfaction remains high overall.

  • Pros: Good customer satisfaction ratings, affordable prices
  • Cons: History of stranded ships and onboard illnesses, criticized response to incidents

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a Carnival cruise, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While the company has had some high-profile issues in the past, many customers still enjoy their cruises with Carnival. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not Carnival is the right choice for your next vacation.