6 Cruise Lines That Are Getting Worse in 2026 (Avoid These Before You Book)
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Because some cruise lines that once impressed millions of passengers are now facing a different reality. Crowded ships, higher prices, cutbacks, inconsistent service, and an experience that simply doesn't feel as special
The problem is not that P&O has become a bad cruise line. The problem is that expectations were built over decades of a very specific experience, and many long-time passengers feel that experience has slowly changed.
The smartest cruisers in 2026 are not choosing a cruise line based only on its name. They are reading recent passenger reviews. They are comparing specific ships, not just the company behind them.
The worst cruise is not necessarily the cheapest one, it is the one that does not match your expectations.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
Port Highlights
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Are these cruise lines really getting worse in 2026? In this video, we take an honest look at 6 popular cruise lines that many travellers say have declined in recent years. From Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, Costa, Holland America, and P&O Cruises, we cover the biggest complaints, changing onboard experiences, rising prices, crowded ships, and whether these cruise lines are still worth booking. If you're planning a cruise in 2026, this guide could help you avoid costly mistakes and choose the cruise line that's right for you. Which cruise line has disappointed you the most—or do you completely disagree with this list? Let us know in the comments! ⚠️ **Disclaimer:** This video is created for educational and entertainment purposes only. All footage, images, and materials used are utilized under the YouTube Fair Use Policy (Section 107 of the Copyright Act) for commentary, analysis, and transformative content. I do not claim ownership of any third-party visuals or media featured. All rights belong to their respective owners.