NCL named worst cruise line by consumer report
Norwegian Cruise Line has been named the worst cruise line in a report by consumer magazine Which?.
While Oceania and Saga at the top of the table scored 89% and 85% respectively, NCL got an overall score of 60%, leading the magazine to advise its readers to switch to Royal Caribbean if they want a ‘big-ship’ experience.
The ratings were based on a number of criteria, including customer services, passenger to space ratio, on-board facilities, cabins, food and drinks, and value for money. The full list is below.
"NCL sits at the bottom of our table, and while an overall score of 60% is no disaster, it’s mediocre," says the report.
"Although there’s praise for its ‘freestyle dining’, meaning there are no fixed times or pre-assigned seating, it (NCL) gets just three stars for passenger- to-space ratio: with some passengers complaining of queues for restaurants, slow bar service and booked-up entertainment. If you want the big-ship experience, Royal Caribbean (72%) offers more space and better facilities for a similar price."
The report, out this week, is also disparaging of TUI’s cruise brand Marella, which scored 68% overall.
"With only three percentage points between P&O and its key mid-market competitor Marella (formerly Thomson), you may think there’s little to distinguish between them. Look closer, though, and you’ll see that P&O achieves higher ratings for on-board facilities, cabin quality and passenger-to-space ratio," it said.
"Complaints about busy dining rooms, small theatres and a lack of seating on deck go some way to explaining Marella’s three-star rating for passenger-to-space ratio, one of only three cruise lines to receive this score.
"It also fails to wow members with the quality of on-board facilities, with several saying its ships are ‘showing their age’. Similarly, cabins are ‘a bit tired’, earning it another three-star rating. It scores four stars for value: ‘a good cruise at an affordable price,’ said one. Marella’s prices, which include gratuities, are keen but middling ratings for facilities, cabins and space."
It tells consumers: "For better facilities, cabins and passenger-to-space ratio, choose P&O over Marella, but opt for the mid-sized Aurora or Oriana for the best experience."
The report also urges customers to skip excursions or book them privately.
"Not one company scored the full five stars in this category, with members complaining that they are ‘overcrowded’, ‘overpriced’ and ‘unimaginative’," says the report.
"We’d advise this DIY approach, but make arrangements before you set sail – the crippling cost of on-board wi-fi could easily wipe out any savings."
How cruise companies rated:
Oceania Cruises 89%
Saga Ocean Cruises 85%
Hurtigruten 77%
Fred Olsen Cruises 76%
Cunard 75%
Celebrity Cruises 74%
Royal Caribbean 72%
P&O Cruises 71%
Marella Cruises 68%
Holland America 65%
Princess Cruises 64%
Cruise and Maritime 63%
Norwegian Cruise Line 60%
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season