World's worst cruise ships revealed in online survey

World's worst cruise ships revealed in online survey
By Kate Schneider
NEWS.com.au
February 09, 2009

Travel Australia

Named and shamed ... cruise ship MSC Musica launched in Italy
THE world's worst-performing cruise ships have been named and shamed in an online survey, with major companies coming under fire.

Two Italian cruise companies fared the worst in the survey, conducted by www.cruises.co.uk.

The independent cruise agent collated the results from more than 12,000 passenger assessments.

Passengers rated their cruise under seven categories – food, entertainment, shore excursions, staff, provision for children, activities and cabins.

Of the major cruise lines, MSC, an Italian company, was voted the worst, achieving an average of 2.83 out of five, with a lack of activities and children’s entertainment the prime offenders in it receiving the title of the worst-performing cruise ship.

Costa Cruises, another Italian company, scored an average rating of 3.25 from 300 reviews with passengers slamming the onboard activities.

In brighter news, Oceania’s Insignia won three awards, while P&O’s family ship Ventura, landed in the top five for best for families.

How they rated (worst to best):
1. MSC Cruises 2.83
2. Costa Cruises 3.25
3. NCL Cruises 3.56
4. Fred Olsen 3.90
5. Celebrity Cruises 3.93
6. P&O Cruises 3.93
7. Thomson Cruises 4.06
8. Princess Cruises 4.08
9. Royal Caribbean 4.15
10. Cunard 4.36