SHIP:

My wife and I are experienced cruisers who have sailed throughout the Caribbean, to Alaska, the Mediterranean and also along European rivers on modern cruise ships of various sizes. The Louis Cristal sits firmly in the position of the worst cruise ship we have sailed. This is John Cleese's "Fawlty Towers" at sea!

In effect, you don't realize until it's too late that this is a very basic cruise where you pay only for your cabin and meals, and then are nickel'd and dime'd for everything else, from bottled water, soft drinks, a rudimentary internet service, all the way to dining at the only specialty restaurant on board, the Alberta Steak House, which experience I had no desire to test. On the subject of food, the on-board meals are below average for what one expects on a cruise ship these days, being no more than basic cafeteria fare (surprisingly overseen by a French chef!). In addition, several passengers complained about the delays being served in the main restaurant. Read more