# Cruise Tycoon: Simulator — user reviews > 125 indexed App Store user reviews of Cruise Tycoon by Hidden Lake Games LLC, rated 4.10/5 from 729 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cruise-tycoon-simulator/id6479944424/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cruise-tycoon-simulator/id6479944424.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 505 · 4★ 46 · 3★ 28 · 2★ 23 · 1★ 127 ## What do users think of Cruise Tycoon? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - ⭐ Interesting game concept - 🎨 Good graphics and artwork **Cons** - 💰 Excessive monetization and paywalls - 📺 Overwhelming number of ads - 🕰️ Long wait times to progress - 💸 Difficult to advance without spending money - 🤔 Confusing or unclear gameplay mechanics **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashes or freezes during gameplay - Functionality issues with certain features **Most requested features** - Ability to earn in-game currency without paying - Option to remove ads for a one-time fee - More gameplay depth and progression ## Newest reviews (13 of 125) ### 1/5 — Money *2026-07-02, version 3.3.0* At least add a checkpoint or something some of us don’t want to restart a long story with no money at the end or ads for more money at least ### 1/5 — Dull gameplay, forced payment *2026-07-01, version 3.3.0* I figured I’d try their 7.99 play for one week without ads option. That came after a torrent of ads had already hit me in the first few minutes. Now I’m gridlocked because even after paying eight bucks for a WEEK of gameplay, I can’t advance without giving it more money just ten minutes after subscribing. I didn’t have enough cash on hand or gems to resolve the pirate crisis. Do NOT even bother downloading. I typically don’t write reviews and I give a lot of grace, but this is a low effort cash grab. You could code this with AI yourself and have more fun (which I suspect is what the developers did, vibe code a cruise tycoon) ### 1/5 — Scam *2026-06-30, version 3.3.0* You absolutely cannot keep playing the game if you don’t pay money for more fake money. ### 1/5 — To many ads and false advertising *2026-06-26, version 3.3.0* Didn’t think this was a role playing game instead of a normal tycoon game. ### 1/5 — RIP off *2026-06-20, version 3.3.0* Unless you spend money in this game, you do not get past first level, even if you pick the lowest options you get stuck so I shall be deleting this if this is not addressed soon ### 1/5 — DINT WASTE YOUR TIME! *2026-06-10, version 3.3.0* This games would be a great game if it wasn’t a money grab! You will not make it in this game with out spending money! They force you to watch an add ever two minutes which in turn should pay for more money in the game which you are forced to do. Do not waste your time on this game! They should be paying me for the time I wasted on this useless game! ### 1/5 — Unplayable *2026-06-08, version 3.3.0* İt is so unplayable to me. You have to watch ads before you finish the tutorial. Let me finish the tutorial and understand the game maybe after that I can decide to make purchases in game or watch ads ### 1/5 — Waste of time *2026-06-07, version 3.3.0* I was excited to play this game. I understand ads are required to make money, but adding a pay wall that is considerably higher than other games on top of the ads is ridiculous. I deleted as soon as the pay wall popped up. ### 2/5 — Too many ads and asks for money *2026-06-06, version 3.3.0* I was really excited to play this game. It allows you to run the game as a cruise ship CEO which is an awesome perspective to a game! Once I started playing I felt like there were way too many ads. However, my single biggest pet peeve about this game is that it forces you to have to make purchases to continue. When you run out of money to run your cruise line, even if it’s because of mishaps you can’t control, they try to force you to spend real money to keep playing. A lot of games off in app purchases but not to continue the game. They are usually as upgrades or to advance your progress faster. On top of that, they also want you to pay monthly or yearly for the game! I finally got frustrated and just deleted this game after restarting a couple times. This was such a waste of a good idea in my opinion. ### 2/5 — Could be good *2026-05-30, version 3.3.0* Could be a good game, but 10 mini in and already watched 10+ ads. ### 2/5 — Great but needs some development *2026-05-09, version 2.1.9* There was a great start to the game getting through two cruises but then there was a point writhing the third cruise I ran out of money. It would be ideal if there was something added for ways to make more money before profits. Also this game is extremely quiet. Adding some misc would be nice. ### 1/5 — Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, *2026-03-31* Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung, Werbung👎 **Developer response:** Hallo kawenzbirne, wir verstehen, dass die Werbung in unserem Spiel überwältigend sein kann. Du kannst die Werbung jedoch durch einen In-App-Kauf deaktivieren. Außerdem haben wir gerade ein neues Kapitel mit einer anderen Balance und Optionen veröffentlicht. Wenn du Geld ausgehst, probiere doch mal einen anderen Weg im Spiel aus. Wir hoffen, du hast weiterhin Spaß! ### 1/5 — It’s a trap *2026-01-30, version 2.1.8* This whole game is designed to trap you into spending real world money to purchase in game currencies. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Money money money *2026-08-30, version 3.3.0* Not even 5 minutes into making decisions in the game, I got placed in a 45 minute timer countdown situation to either pay to keep playing with no ads/ no timers or just wait it out. I’ve neverrrr deleted a game so damn fast😭 cause how you already want money and I ain’t even get to experience what it’s like to even play the game yet? Boooo DO NOT download this… ### 1/5 — What a joke. *2026-08-27, version 3.3.0* It’s free for the first 15 minutes then it’s watch ad after ad or pay to go ad free. What an absolute joke. Deleting app right now. Updating now the developer wants to chime in. Again you post that the app is “FREE” and the only way past the ads or force to pay is to pay. Your math is not mathing. ### 1/5 — Zero improvement-stay away *2026-08-21, version 3.3.0* Dev response three years ago: “Thanks for the detailed feedback! It's great to hear that the game starts off well, but we understand your concerns about the progression and monetization mechanics. We'll definitely consider your suggestions about earning in-game currency and the payment mechanics for employees and spaces. Balancing ads, gameplay, and optional purchases is a continuous process, and insights like yours are invaluable. We're here to create a fun game, not to frustrate players into spending. Thanks for helping us improve!” Does not seem like the developer is interested in the feedback that users are giving. Ads after every decision. Tried 3 different ships and the cost are the same. Pirates that you always have to pay!? Really !? This is truly a cash grabbing scheme and the devs should really be ashamed. I laughed at the “We're here to create a fun game, not to frustrate players into spending” line. Even the most recent developer responds is a carbon copy to others. ### 1/5 — Ads ads and more ads *2026-08-10, version 3.3.0* Constant forced adds every 5 mins. Didn’t even make it past the point where it asks you to choose a ship before getting the first ad. Would avoid unless your happy sitting through 30second - 60 ads ever 5 mins. ### 1/5 — No worth the download *2026-07-29, version 3.3.0* Only download if you want to spend some money and are ok with having to wait 45+ minutes to play. You can watch adds to get past the 45 minute wait between tasks but you quickly run into a pay wall where you have to pay to advance. ### 1/5 — Terrible *2026-07-25, version 3.3.0* Adverts every 3 mins and just not very fun ### 1/5 — Avoid *2026-07-18, version 3.3.0* Lacks real game play and you are forced to spend real money to advance. I would avoid ### 1/5 — Scam *2026-07-17, version 3.3.0* You can’t win at all game it wants bunch of money for nothing such a scam I’m gonna ask for a refund or dispute ### 1/5 — Over priced paid subscription and lying devs *2026-07-15, version 3.3.0* I installed and give and after 15 minutes of game play I got an ad and I thought oh that is not bad if it gets annoying I just have to pay once to not have to deal with ads or timers then after minutes I run into a timer of 45 minutes and I would have to pay a reoccurring subscription to remove the ads and timers for like 10 dollars a week so not only did I install a game I can't play because the game locks you in the timer but the devs lied in a review of a one time purchase ### 1/5 — Bait and Switch *2026-07-09, version 3.3.0* While the gameplay was fun for the first 15 minutes it goes to a timed countdown to play more unless you pay a fee. Guess everyone has to get paid, but seems sneaky to do that to people. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Cruise *2026-08-15, version 3.3.0* Put Life on ‘CRUISE’ while joining new, lasting friends on the “VOYAGE-OF-ECSTASY”!!! ### 5/5 — Diamond purchase *2026-08-13, version 3.3.0* I bought 40 for $9.99 but it never gave me my diamonds. I exited the app. And went back in and nothing. I want the diamonds or my money back in full please. Thank you ### 5/5 — Terrible *2025-11-12, version 2.1.8* Unless you purchase a monthly or yearly plan game is unplayable ### 4/5 — Yo, cool *2026-08-23, version 3.3.0* You’re good ### 4/5 — Sigh of relief *2026-08-15, version 3.3.0* Animations are nice the graphic quality is favorable and the choice engine is great. ### 3/5 — Game *2025-03-25, version 2.1.2* The game is good but will need to spend money as it dosent let you go further with the start budget and seem to be after after cruise you need more to spend after this first one you don’t make enough to progress onto the second trip but I’m not sure for the third trip. Plus need to spend money to stop adds or you need to wait 45 mins each trip. ### 3/5 — Interesting game *2025-03-24, version 2.1.1* It’s an interesting and hopefully good game, I just finished customising my first ship and I had to watch 3 sets of ads randomly though out it though, now I need to wait 45 minutes to continue playing or pay 12 dollars a month, there’s other options but the “watch 5 ads to skip” doesn’t work ### 2/5 — Wanted to love it but…. *2026-06-30, version 3.3.0* This app nickle and dimes you to death and you don’t feel like you can get far without emptying your bank account… ### 2/5 — Trop cher *2026-06-27* Il faut payer pour tout et même en payant nous ne pouvons pas accéder au niveau suivant. Dommage le jeu était une bonne idée. Espérons qu’une mise à jour est prévue pour arranger ce problème nous donner plus de sous et de diamants serait une bonne chose. **Developer response:** Chouchou 23, merci pour votre retour. Nous comprenons vos préoccupations concernant les coûts et l'accès aux niveaux. Nous avons récemment lancé un nouveau chapitre avec un équilibre différent et de nouvelles options. Si vous manquez d'argent, essayez d'autres chemins dans le jeu. Nous espérons que vous continuerez à explorer et à profiter de votre expérience ! ### 2/5 — Gag worthy *2026-06-17, version 3.3.0* If you can get past forced adds prepare yourself. The game penalizes you for common sense real life scenarios. You late for the cruise you’re left behind, join a protest and get arrested in a foreign country dumb decision but this game will have you tongue punching the fart boxs of gag worthy decisions in no time. You can clearly see it was not well thought out. Deleted before the completion of the 2nd voyage its that bad. Update. I expect a little common sense when it comes to a simulation. Of course when the game gives you a penalty for doing something that would normally be done by maritime law it’s not a simulation. Yeah, your developers & programmers are idiots. Nobody cares about your adds, there’s a game I’ve been on for over half a year, no adds, contests to win Amazon gift cards. Acceptance is a hell of a drug. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-04.*