STOP Booking These Cruises! Honest Discussions on What’s Really Happening

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:00]I just spent 24 hours on an adults-only cruise, and I get the hype now. I look around, [music] no kids, just hot adults living their best lives. The cabins, wait, this balcony [music] alone, and everything I eat was free. No buffets, everything is made fresh, over 20 [music] places to eat, and everything is all-included. And the shows, we went to a drag show, and it felt [music] like a Vegas show. I'm not even kidding.

[00:00:20]There's just so much happening, we literally had to tap out for a second, and then at the wake, felt illegal.

[00:00:24][music] Like, why does it feel like a five-star restaurant on a moving ship?

[00:00:27]And then, Scarlet Night, the whole ship turns red, and it just goes off.

[00:00:31]Suddenly, you're in the middle of the most unhinged fun [music] night ever.

[00:00:35]And when you think the night's over, fresh pizza until 2:00 a.m. and dessert, we were absolutely unwell. Oh, and you wake up in the Bahamas.

[00:00:45]>> [music] [music] >> Old School Will is back at it again. A lot of y'all watch Old School Will every day, but still haven't subscribed.

[00:01:06]It's free, it costs you absolutely nothing, and it helps Old School continue building this community.

[00:01:14]Today's topic may surprise some folks.

[00:01:17]We're talking about the rise of adults-only cruise experiences, and why so many people are suddenly walking away from traditional cruises.

[00:01:28]>> Five, MSC Cruises. They have seen a decline of about 14%, but that number hides a harsher reality. Their ratings were already at the bottom of the pack, hovering around a 3.2 out of five. So, they didn't just fall, they fell from the basement.

[00:01:46]>> [music] >> And the comments reveal exactly why.

[00:01:50]MSC has always been the most divisive line in the industry. There is zero debate about the hardware. Everyone agrees the new class of ships, like World Europa and Seashore, are stunning.

[00:02:03]They get constant praise for their design, architecture, and visual appeal.

[00:02:08]But, once you step on board, the narrative changes. The overwhelming consensus from passengers is that things simply do not run smoothly. This operational failure is what keeps dragging their ratings down. Reviews are filled with descriptions of chaotic queues and disorganization at every turn. A major driver of this is the sheer density of the crowd. Because MSC aggressively targets families with kids sail-free promotions, they are consistently sailing well beyond double occupancy. They aren't just selling cabins, they are filling every third and fourth bunk with children, creating a passenger count the ship's [music] layout simply struggles to handle.

[00:02:51]Dining is another consistent pain point.

[00:02:54]The words appearing most often in reviews are damning: inconsistent, lukewarm, and downgraded. Then, there is the service, specifically customer service, which is widely seen as hit-and-miss. Staff are often described as unhelpful, abrupt, or offhand. This friction is particularly acute on United States sailings, [music] where passengers are accustomed to and expect a more attentive, friendly, American style of service that MSC is failing to deliver. However, there is one specific area that still scores consistently well: the Yacht Club. This ship-within-a-ship enclave is the outlier. It continues to be rated highly for offering great value and a genuinely premium experience that stands in stark contrast to the rest of the vessel. The analysis of the last few months is clear. While the new ships are undeniably beautiful, The reality of inconsistent [music] service, packed decks, and average food is dragging the ratings down. Even the dangerously low attractive fares are no longer enough to distract passengers from the chaos on board.

[00:04:07]Now, before anybody gets offended, this ain't about kids being bad. This ain't about families being bad.

[00:04:15]This is about changes happening in cruising that people are beginning to notice.

[00:04:22]An old school thinks we need to talk about it.

[00:04:26]Years ago when many people cruised, things felt different. Step back in time with us.

[00:04:32]Relive the golden era of cruising. Feel the tropical breeze. Sip on classic [music] island drinks. Enjoy unlimited tropical flavors. Relax by the sparkling pool.

[00:04:42]Sail to stunning destinations.

[00:04:45]Discover hidden island gems. Explore crystal clear coves. Indulge in gourmet dining.

[00:04:51]Savor exquisite culinary creations.

[00:04:54]Every meal is an event. Dance the night away. Enjoy live music and entertainment. Create unforgettable memories. Experience unparalleled service. Relax in elegant surroundings.

[00:05:06]Your perfect '80s escape awaits.

[00:05:09]You walk around the decks, people were sitting back, relaxing. You hear conversations, maybe somebody playing cards, maybe a little music.

[00:05:19]>> [music] >> But now, some folks feel like cruising have turned into non-stop activity.

[00:05:26]loud music, packed pools, [music] kids running hallways, doors slamming, crowded elevators, chair hogs, people arguing, and some travelers are saying, "I paid money to relax, not to come home needing another vacation."

[00:06:06]>> [music] >> Okay, fair warning. This is a long story, but if you've ever been on a cruise, you know that excursions can be chaotic.

[00:06:17]So, buckle up.

[00:06:19]So, we booked an excursion through Carnival Glory to get on a ferry to go over to the Blue Lagoon Beach. We stood over an hour in line waiting on the ferry to get here.

[00:06:32]Finally, when we got on, it went crazy.

[00:06:34][music] There's a family of three that apparently didn't get the wristbands that is required to go to the beach. No wristband, you don't get off of the boat at the dock.

[00:06:47]Just that simple. But, the mom, she was not having it. She was determined that she was not getting off of this boat.

[00:06:54]Security came, asked her to leave, and she just kept saying, "I'm not getting off of the boat." Over and over again.

[00:07:05]Her little boy was begging her to get off of the boat.

[00:07:08]And then, the little boy just walked away and broke down and started crying.

[00:07:14]And to make it worse, it was very hot.

[00:07:17]Like, I can't breathe hot.

[00:07:19]And one lady started having an asthma attack.

[00:07:23]At this point, everyone's sweating, waiting and watching this unfold.

[00:07:28]Finally, a security guard shows up that can actually lift her. And I kid you not, she lifts her up and carries her off of the boat.

[00:07:39]I've seen a lot on cruises, but this right here was the next level. The moral of the story is when you go on a cruise excursion, get your wristband. Don't fight security.

[00:07:53]And maybe don't ruin your kids' vacation.

[00:08:01]How embarrassing is this for your child?

[00:08:05]Have y'all ever experienced drama like this on Carnival Glory for an excursion?

[00:08:13]Let me know in the comments.

[00:08:17]Now, cruise lines are paying attention because adults are spending money.

[00:08:22]And many are saying we want peace. We want quiet. We want luxury. We want a grown-folks atmosphere. Three reasons why we will never sail on another cruise line because Virgin Voyages got it right. As a black couple over 50, [music] our kids are grown, we're still working full-time, and we do a lot for everybody. So, when it's [music] time for us to get away, just the two of us, we want peace, we want connection, and we want a relaxing spaces [music] that embrace diversity and culture. And that is exactly what Virgin Voyages provides.

[00:09:00]It's adults [music] only, no kids running through the halls or taking over the Jacuzzis, just grown-folks [music] doing what grown-folks do. And the food, it is a foodie's [music] paradise. Every night is an intentional, elevated dining experience. No buffet lines, just [music] flavor. Virgin Voyages is not your grandparents' cruise. It's a whole vibe, a space where people show up exactly as they are, authentically and unapologetically.

[00:09:31]Which, for us as a black couple, means everything. Judging no one, minding our own business, and living our very best lives. Virgin Voyages provides a space to slow down and truly enjoy each other.

[00:09:46]No kids, no buffets, no judgment, just date night, every night. This is your sign. Book the [music] getaway because of Virgin Voyages, they got it right.

[00:09:57]>> If you're cruising and need peace, let me put you down. And big mama, no kids.

[00:10:02]The Solarium is Royal Caribbean's [music] adults only. We sure escape from the loud main deck and busy pool.

[00:10:09]Climate control [music] comfort dome cover. From the heated pools to the hot tubs. Of course, the bar is fully stocked. Reclining [music] padded loungers and perfect to read, nap, sip a drink, or just unwind. Before you book, make sure [music] your Royal Caribbean cruise has Solarium. And suddenly, adults only areas starting appearing everywhere.

[00:10:31]Private lounges, adult pools, adult restaurants, adult decks, and now entire cruise experiences are being built around adults only.

[00:10:44]Just got back off the Carnival Conquest from a 9-day adults only cruise Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao.

[00:10:55]My wife posted a little video, excuse me, I got a little cold this morning, about this cruise, and >> [music] >> we're getting a lot of messages about the diversity on the ship.

[00:11:05]Uh there was a lot of diversity, uh >> [music] >> white, black, Latino.

[00:11:12]The biggest absence on this cruise was the unsupervised little hellion kids that parents turn loose and let run wild amongst all the folks, you know, running up and down, playing on the elevators, knocking down old people. That's what there was an absence of.

[00:11:32]Everybody respected everybody on the trip. I mean, it was peaceful. Most people after eating dinner picked up after themselves. The employees said what a treat it was for this to be [music] the first adults only cruise they were a part of that they actually even had a vacation. They were able to take 1-hour breaks on their shifts instead of just 15-minute breaks that they weren't having to pick up piles of food in the halls and elevators. The ship stayed clean the whole time with minimal effort on their part trying to keep up with it. It's it's not a matter of necessarily the >> [music] >> the the class of people or may maybe it is the class of people.

[00:12:17]Uh but as far as race diversity, >> [music] >> the there was no shortage of of any ethnic groups on this boat. Uh everybody just got along and had a great time. And you know, if you choose fun, you're going to have fun.

[00:12:31]You know, uh but it's [music] it's highly recommended if you don't have kids and want a great getaway, uh the adults only is is definitely the only way >> [music] >> to to go in my opinion uh after the trip we just got off of.

[00:12:46]One of the biggest things people talk about is stress.

[00:12:50]People already work all year, bills, traffic, news, life.

[00:12:56]And when vacation time finally comes, they don't want more chaos. Some passengers say, "Old school, I don't mind kids, but I don't want kids cannonballing into the hot tub every 30 seconds."

[00:13:12]So, let's guess.

[00:13:15]How many people can you fit into a hot tub on a cruise ship?

[00:13:21]I can agree with that. I don't want hallway races at midnight. I don't want screaming contest during dinner. I feel bad for the people trying to enjoy their dinner with this crap going on.

[00:13:50]And I know some parents watching right now are probably laughing because they know exactly what I'm talking about.

[00:13:58]Then you have another group, couples, retirees, older travelers, many of them say, "We've raised our children already. We just want quiet."

[00:14:12]Some people want jazz.

[00:14:15]Some want wine tasting. Some want peaceful views.

[00:14:19]Some simply want to sit on a balcony with coffee and hear ocean sounds.

[00:15:33]>> Not somebody yelling cannonball.

[00:15:37]Now, here's where old school gets interested. [music] Could this trend actually change cruising completely?

[00:15:44]If more adults begin choosing adults-only experiences, will traditional cruise lines start changing?

[00:15:52]Will we see more adult sections?

[00:15:55]More luxury experiences?

[00:15:58]Maybe even entire adult ships?

[00:16:02]Because where money goes, businesses follow.

[00:16:07]But here's another question.

[00:16:09]Are people leaving because of adults-only luxury?

[00:16:13]Supposed to be a relaxing getaway for a St. Pete couple, but it turned into more of a nightmare when five teens began assaulting people aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Tonight, many are questioning Carnival's security procedures. ABC Action News reporter Cameron Pollem explains.

[00:16:30]We had a good time initially. It was great. It was a dream for the St. Pete couple taking their first Carnival cruise, touring Mayan temples and snorkeling with giant stingrays. I mean, [clears throat] we enjoyed this trip. We enjoyed the time that we were having.

[00:16:44]>> But their experience took a turn for the worse when they say a teenager began stealing drawings [music] off passengers' doors. It got ugly when a passenger confronted the boy. And as they started coming out the door, you know, one of the ladies that was asking about the picture was in the way, and one of the kids went up to her and got a hold of her.

[00:17:02]>> A young man, um, who was 15, um, gave the young lady a uppercut. Um, uppercut her to the jaw and a right and a right cross to the uh to the front of mouth, and then she started bleeding. Ariel Morgan, speaking to us by phone, was also a passenger. He saw the attacks and says the ship security did nothing.

[00:17:19]>> When at this point he came up to me, slapped my glasses off my face, pushed my girlfriend.

[00:17:24]>> He says the young boys were intimidating everyone on the floor and there's letters to prove it.

[00:17:29]>> They let them come by, they kept continuing to go by the rooms, looking us over because we were all standing outside of our rooms in shock.

[00:17:35]>> In the end one boy was arrested by Hillsborough deputies, but Justin, Errol, Stephanie and more than a dozen others say they want to make sure no one else has to live through this kind of terror. Their way to resolve this was offering us 20% off of another cruise. We don't want another cruise. It's not safe. What happens if there's another serious issue? Who's going to help us?

[00:17:56]>> In Saint Pete, I'm Cameron Polum, ABC Action News.

[00:18:00]Anytime officials with Carnival say they're continuing to investigate the situation and also offer the couple a $109 refund. [music] Or are they leaving because they believe respect on board is disappearing?

[00:18:14]Because all schoolers talked about chair hogs, the entitlement, hallway behavior, arguments, people acting like basic manners disappearing.

[00:18:26]Maybe adults only cruise isn't really about adults.

[00:18:31]Maybe it's about peace.

[00:20:38]>> Now I want to hear from y'all.

[00:20:40]Would you take an adults-only cruise or do you prefer family cruises?

[00:20:46]Drop it below in the comments.

[00:20:48]If you're watching Old School and haven't subscribed yet, it's free and it helps this channel continue growing.

[00:20:57]Boy, these last few clips, folks, I have to say you guys have really been pushing Old School out there.

[00:21:03]I think uh that my last clip, I got over uh close 8,000 views in less than 4 hours.

[00:21:11]Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Timmy got it in good.

[00:21:14]Well, I'm old school, Will.

[00:21:16]Y'all stay blessed.

[00:21:37]>> [music] [music]