Cruise Lines You Should Stay Far, Far Away From

Editorial Summary

Gary Bembridge outlines several categories of cruise lines he chooses to avoid to ensure a successful travel experience. He first highlights the risk of financial instability, noting that lines facing bankruptcy or slow refund processes can lead to significant losses. He suggests prioritizing large, well-funded cruise corporations over independent lines to mitigate these risks. A second concern involves ownership changes, particularly when a non-cruise operator takes over, as this can disrupt the established service and atmosphere. Bembridge also discusses personal evolution, explaining that he avoids lines he has outgrown because his tastes have shifted toward different experiences. He warns against switching cruise lines solely for lower prices, citing personal and anecdotal examples where cost-cutting led to dissatisfaction with ship size, language barriers, and onboard costs. Furthermore, he avoids lines that do not align with his personal preferences, such as high-energy party ships or massive mega-ships, preferring smaller vessels that offer enrichment and quiet spaces. Finally, he advises caution regarding non-English speaking lines and suggests that travelers should research reviews carefully, focusing on whether the criticisms impact their specific priorities rather than avoiding all lines with negative feedback.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.