Cruise Line Reviews and Ratings, and How to Spot Fakes
Star scores are a quick filter, not a verdict. Here is how to read them, and how to catch a fake.
Get Free Cruise QuotesCruise Line Reviews and Ratings: What the Numbers Hide
Most review sites pair written cruise line reviews and ratings: an overall score and, often, scores for cabins, dining, service, entertainment, value and more. The numbers are a quick filter. They are not a verdict.
- Sample size. An average from a handful of reviews can swing wildly; one from hundreds is steadier.
- Recency. An all-time average includes years-old sailings. Look for scores from the last year or two.
- Category scores. A ship can score well for entertainment and poorly for value. Weigh the categories you care about.
- Who is scoring. Families, couples and solo travellers rate different things highly.
We do not publish reviews or ratings. Cruising Reviews is a guide to reading other people’s reviews well. There are no star scores, no “reader reviews” and no rankings on this site.
The FTC’s 2024 Rule on Fake Reviews
On August 14, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced a final rule banning fake reviews and testimonials, and it took effect in October 2024. As the FTC describes in its announcement, the rule prohibits:
- Fake reviews from people who do not exist or never used the product, including AI-written ones.
- Buying fake reviews, or posting them when a business knew or should have known they were fake.
- Paying or rewarding reviewers on condition that the review is positive (or negative).
- Reviews from company insiders that hide their connection.
- Company-controlled websites posing as independent reviewers of their own category.
- Suppressing honest reviews with threats or false accusations.
Tells of a Fake or Paid Cruise Review
| Warning sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| No specifics: no cabin, venue, crew name or date | Real guests remember details; invented reviews stay vague |
| Marketing language and the full ship name repeated | Reads like a brochure, not a holiday |
| A burst of five-star reviews in a few days | Often a sign of boosting |
| A brand-new profile with one review | Not proof, but worth weighing lower |
| Every review from one account is glowing about one company | May be an insider or a paid reviewer |
| A review that pushes you to a specific booking link | Selling, not reviewing |
What to Look For: Ship, Cabin and Dining
The ship
Condition after recent refits, crowding on sea days, queues at embarkation and the buffet, and how well the ship suits your style.
The cabin
Noise from decks above and below, motion at the front or back, storage, the shower, and whether the balcony is truly private.
Dining
Main dining room consistency across the week, whether specialty dining is worth paying for, buffet hours and dietary requests.
Service
Named crew, how problems were fixed and whether the same complaints recur across many reviews.
Ratings and Fake Reviews: FAQ
What did the FTC’s 2024 rule ban?
Announced on August 14, 2024, it bans fake reviews and testimonials, including AI-generated ones and those from people with no real experience; buying such reviews; paying for reviews of a particular sentiment; undisclosed insider reviews; company-run “independent” review sites; and suppressing honest reviews through threats or false accusations.
Is a ship with a lower average rating a worse ship?
Not necessarily. Averages blend very different travellers. A lively family ship may score lower with couples seeking quiet, and higher with families, than a small, calm ship.
How can I report a review I think is fake?
Use the “report” or “flag” option the review site provides. The FTC also accepts reports of deceptive practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Want a Second Opinion on Your Shortlist?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can tell you how the reviews you have read apply to your dates and cabin.
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