The cruise industry has experienced tremendous growth over recent decades — millions of passengers set sail annually for their dream vacations. Most ships deliver exactly what they promise: relaxation, entertainment, and memorable experiences on the high seas. However, some vessels have earned notoriety for all the wrong reasons, from mechanical failures and health outbreaks to poor service and safety incidents.
These reputation problems stem from various issues. Outdated facilities, inadequate maintenance, unfortunate accidents, or simply a string of bad luck that creates negative publicity. Here’s a list of 18 cruise ships that have struggled with their public image due to various incidents and ongoing problems.
Carnival Triumph (Gulf of Mexico)
The Carnival Triumph became infamous after a 2013 engine fire left it stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for five days. Passengers endured deplorable conditions — overflowing toilets, no air conditioning, limited food supplies — while being towed back to Mobile, Alabama.
The incident earned the ship the nickname ‘Poop Cruise.’ It became a public relations nightmare that still haunts the vessel today.
Costa Concordia (Mediterranean Waters)
Perhaps the most notorious cruise ship disaster in recent history occurred when the Costa Concordia ran aground off the Italian coast in 2012. The Mediterranean tragedy claimed 32 lives. The ship remained partially submerged for years before its eventual removal.
The incident exposed serious safety protocol failures, forever changing how the cruise industry approaches emergency procedures.
Anthem of the Seas (Atlantic Crossings)
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas gained notoriety during early Atlantic crossings when it sailed directly into a severe storm in 2016. The ship experienced hurricane-force winds that caused significant damage to public areas, leaving passengers alarmed as furniture and equipment flew around the vessel.
Many criticized the captain’s decision to continue sailing into dangerous weather conditions.
Celebrity Mercury (Alaska Inside Passage)
The Celebrity Mercury’s Alaska cruises have been marred by repeated mechanical failures plus service issues throughout its aging career. Passengers have reported everything from elevator breakdowns stranding guests for hours to dining venues running out of basic menu items.
The ship’s outdated facilities — coupled with frequent technical problems — have made it less popular among Alaska cruise veterans.
Carnival Splendor (Mexican Riviera)
The Carnival Splendor operating along the Mexican Riviera became a household name for all the wrong reasons when an engine room fire left it stranded without power in 2010. Passengers spent days without air conditioning, hot food, or working toilets while the ship was towed to San Diego.
The incident highlighted the cruise line’s emergency response capabilities, sparking discussions about safety protocols.
MSC Divina (Eastern Caribbean)
MSC Divina’s Eastern Caribbean itineraries have been plagued by passenger complaints about poor service standards plus communication issues. Many English-speaking guests have reported feeling like second-class passengers compared to European travelers, as announcements are primarily made in Italian and there are limited English-speaking staff.
The ship’s reputation has suffered from numerous reports of unclean dining areas and subpar entertainment offerings.
Carnival Imagination (Bahamas Routes)
The aging Carnival Imagination, running short Bahamas cruises, has earned a reputation as one of the cruise line’s most problematic vessels. Passengers frequently complain about outdated cabins, broken amenities, plus mechanical issues that force itinerary changes.
The ship’s reputation for attracting rowdy party crowds has also contributed to its negative image among families, particularly older travelers.
Norwegian Gem (Bermuda Route)
The Norwegian Gem’s Bermuda sailings from New York have been criticized for poor maintenance standards and service quality issues. Passengers have reported everything from moldy cabin bathrooms to dining venues serving subpar food that led to stomach problems.
The ship’s aging infrastructure — combined with frequent mechanical problems — has made it less competitive compared to newer vessels on the same route.
Carnival Liberty (Eastern Caribbean)
Operating in the Eastern Caribbean, the Carnival Liberty has struggled with a reputation for mechanical failures and passenger incidents. The ship has experienced multiple medical emergencies requiring helicopter evacuations, while technical problems have forced several itinerary changes over the years.
Passenger reviews consistently mention outdated facilities and poor maintenance standards throughout the vessel.
Celebrity Infinity (Alaska Glacier Bay)
The Celebrity Infinity’s Alaska cruises through Glacier Bay have been affected by repeated propulsion problems and mechanical issues. Several sailings have been cancelled or significantly altered due to engine troubles. This leaves passengers disappointed and seeking compensation.
The ship’s aging systems have proven unreliable in Alaska’s challenging maritime conditions.
Carnival Ecstasy (Western Caribbean)
The Carnival Ecstasy, operating Western Caribbean routes, has earned a reputation for attracting problematic passengers and experiencing frequent incidents. Multiple fights, medical emergencies, and disruptive behavior episodes have occurred aboard the vessel. This leads to negative media coverage.
The ship’s older facilities and budget-friendly pricing tend to attract a demographic that sometimes creates onboard disturbances.
Norwegian Dawn (Bermuda Triangle Route)
Norwegian Dawn’s reputation took a significant hit during its Bermuda sailings when it encountered severe weather that caused extensive damage to passenger areas. The incident left many guests injured and traumatized. Some required medical attention for cuts from broken glass and debris.
The ship’s handling of the emergency drew criticism from passengers and maritime safety experts.
Carnival Sensation (Bahamas Short Cruises)
The Carnival Sensation, running three- and four-day Bahamas cruises, has developed a reputation for poor crowd control. The party atmosphere gets out of hand frequently. Multiple incidents involving intoxicated passengers, fights, and disruptive behavior have plagued recent sailings.
The ship’s short itineraries and low prices tend to attract younger crowds looking to party, though this sometimes creates an uncomfortable environment for families.
Celebrity Equinox (Mediterranean Ports)
Celebrity Equinox’s Mediterranean cruises have been marred by repeated issues with food quality and dining service that have led to passenger illness outbreaks. Several sailings have reported norovirus incidents affecting hundreds of guests. This raises questions about the ship’s sanitation protocols.
The vessel’s reputation has suffered from numerous complaints about poor communication during health emergencies.
Carnival Conquest (Southern Caribbean)
The Carnival Conquest, operating Southern Caribbean itineraries, has faced criticism for mechanical problems that frequently force port cancellations. Passengers have complained about broken air conditioning systems, elevator failures, and plumbing issues. These create unpleasant conditions throughout the ship.
The vessel’s aging infrastructure struggles to maintain consistent service standards during longer seven-day cruises.
Norwegian Star (Hawaii Inter-Island)
Norwegian Star’s Hawaii interisland cruises have been affected by mechanical issues and service problems that diminish the premium experience passengers expect. The ship has experienced multiple propulsion failures requiring towing assistance.
Meanwhile, dining venues have struggled with supply shortages due to Hawaii’s remote location. Passenger complaints about poor value for money have become increasingly common.
Carnival Paradise (Western Caribbean)
The Carnival Paradise, operating Western Caribbean routes, has developed a reputation for attracting problematic passengers and experiencing security incidents. Multiple reports of theft, fights, and disruptive behavior have occurred during recent sailings.
This creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for many guests. The ship’s older facilities and budget pricing contribute to its less-than-stellar reputation among cruise enthusiasts.
Celebrity Summit (Bermuda King’s Wharf)
Celebrity Summit’s Bermuda cruises from New York have been plagued by mechanical failures and itinerary disruptions that leave passengers frustrated. The ship has experienced multiple engine problems, requiring emergency repairs. This forces cancelled port visits and delayed returns to homeport.
Aging systems and reliability issues have made this vessel less dependable for travelers planning special occasions or limited vacation time.
When Ships Become Cautionary Tales
These vessels serve as reminders that even in the modern cruise era, things can go wrong in spectacular fashion. While many of these ships continue operating after addressing their issues, their reputations often take years to recover from major incidents.
The cruise industry has learned valuable lessons from these experiences, though. Better safety protocols, improved maintenance standards, and enhanced emergency response procedures have been implemented, benefiting all passengers today.
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