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Family describes disastrous cruise experience

The Wright family faced severe issues aboard MSC Cruises Virtuosa during their trip in July.

August 1, 2025 at 09:45 AM
blur Drunk passenger threw up next to us while we were playing Scrabble on cruise from hell: Brit family describe hiding in their cabin as lager louts ran riot

A British family recounts their chaotic two-week cruise experience in Spain.

Family's holiday cruise transforms into nightmare of drunken chaos

A British family, Iain and Sally Wright from Sunderland, endured a disastrous cruise on MSC Cruises Virtuosa, which was supposed to be a family-friendly getaway. During their two-week journey across Spain, they faced rampant drunkenness among other passengers. This led them to hide in their cabin to escape the atmosphere filled with swearing and noise. The situation worsened when their daughter, Molly, experienced an allergic reaction from swimming in a pool tainted with soot. Despite voicing their concerns to customer service, the family was met with indifference, worsening their disappointment with the £8,000 spent on the trip.

Key Takeaways

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A family claims their cruise became a nightmare due to drunken passengers.
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Children suffered after swimming in soot-covered pools and needing medical attention.
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Complaints to staff about the situation received little to no support.
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The cruise line has acknowledged the family's feedback but offers no immediate resolution.
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The Wrights spent a significant £8,000 for what was supposed to be a family-friendly experience.
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The family's call for an apology and a possible refund reflects broader challenges in cruise customer service.

"We were playing Scrabble on the main pool deck when a drunk passenger just walks by and vomits on the floor right next to our table."

This quote illustrates the family's distress during the cruise highlighted by a public incident involving a drunken passenger.

"The atmosphere was just awful. It felt like an 18 to 30s club at times."

This expresses the family's disappointment with the cruise environment, contrasting sharply with their expectations for a family-friendly setting.

"They should apologise for the disappointing trip."

A direct call to action reflecting the family's frustration after spending a significant amount on the trip.

"Customer services just didn't care. They acted like we were the problem for wasting their time."

A reflection on the inadequate response from cruise staff, crucial for understanding the family's overall dissatisfaction.

The Wright family's ordeal highlights significant issues within the cruise industry regarding passenger safety and comfort. Despite spending a substantial amount on what was marketed as a family-friendly cruise, their experience revealed neglect for basic customer service. The lack of effective response from staff amid an overwhelming level of drunkenness raises deeper questions about how cruise lines manage crowd control and maintain a safe environment for families. Such incidents can lead to severe reputational damage, especially in an increasingly competitive cruise market.

Highlights

  • We felt like we were left with no choice but to hide in our cabin.
  • Our holiday turned into a nightmare, we hardly left our room.
  • It smelled, and they couldn't find a cleaner for over an hour.
  • What have we spent our money on? This was worse than a Wetherspoons.

Risk of public backlash and reputational damage

The Wright family's experience highlights serious concerns for MSC Cruises regarding customer safety and satisfaction. Their complaints reflect a larger risk for cruise lines as families expect safe, enjoyable environments while vacationing. If proper measures are not taken to address these concerns, MSC Cruises may face backlash from potential customers who are cautious after hearing such negative experiences.

The incident raises concerns about family safety and service standards in the cruise industry.

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