These 15 Cruise Ships That Just Aren’t Worth It in 2026 - Here is Why!

Key Moments
Editorial Summary
The creator provides a countdown of fifteen cruise ships deemed not worth booking in 2026, citing various reasons ranging from aging infrastructure to overcrowding. The list begins with the Carnival Miracle, which is described as having a dated atmosphere compared to modern vessels. Other ships like Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas and MSC Magnifica are criticized for lacking high-tech features or offering rigid service models that may frustrate certain travelers. The creator notes that even newer, larger ships like the MSC Seashore and MSC Seaside face challenges, including congestion, planning missteps, and sanitation concerns. For many of the older vessels, such as the Caribbean Princess and Costa Fortuna, the primary issues involve outdated decor and a lack of modern amenities. The countdown concludes with the Carnival Sunrise, which the creator identifies as a cautionary tale due to reported overcrowding and persistent mechanical issues. Ultimately, the video suggests that travelers should look beyond flashy marketing and consider the actual capacity, service quality, and modern relevance of a ship before committing to a booking.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
How This Review Compares
This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Not every cruise ship lives up to the hype. And in 2026, some vessels are downright regret inducing.
MSC Seashore can feel surprisingly chaotic, proving that modern size and flashy design don't always translate into a better cruise experience.
Carnival Sunrise is a masterclass in why hype can be dangerous. Passengers complained of overcrowding, cramped public spaces, and disturbingly occasional sewage odors.
Creator's Tips & Advice
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
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 methodologyVideo content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube