CDC Shares News On Cruise Lines After Inspections
Cruise ships sailing out of the United States undergo regular inspections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This program aims to maintain public health standards aboard cruise ships, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers. Each ship is rated on a scale from 1 to 100 based on its compliance with health regulations.
How the Vessel Sanitation Program Works
The VSP evaluates cruise ships in eight critical areas, including food storage, water systems, and overall cleanliness. The program also:
- Monitors and investigates illness outbreaks.
- Reviews ship designs to ensure compliance with public health standards.
- Provides training for ship personnel on maintaining health standards.
- Builds evidence-based guidelines for environmental health on cruise ships.
Inspection Results: Most Ships Pass With Ease
In 2024, the majority of cruise ships passed inspections with scores well above the passing grade of 85. Out of all the inspections conducted this year, only two ships—Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag Cruise) and Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise—failed to meet the standard during one inspection each.
- Hanseatic Inspiration scored a low 62 in September but rebounded to 89 in October.
- Paradise initially scored 83 in May and improved to 92 by July.
These examples highlight the effectiveness of CDC recommendations in addressing and correcting deficiencies.
Perfect Scores from Major Cruise Lines
Twenty-seven ships earned a flawless score of 100 in 2024, showcasing exceptional adherence to CDC standards. Notably, these ships belong to major cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, MSC, and Norwegian. Here’s the complete list of perfect-scoring ships:
Celebrity Cruises
- Celebrity Apex
- Celebrity Equinox
- Celebrity Ascent
Disney Cruise Lines
- Disney Wish
- Disney Fantasy
Royal Caribbean International
- Mariner of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Norwegian Jade
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Jewel
- Norwegian Bliss
- Norwegian Sky
- Norwegian Escape
- Norwegian Gem
Carnival Cruise Lines
- Carnival Magic
- Carnival Spirit
MSC Cruises
- MSC Meraviglia
- MSC Seashore
- Explora I
Other High-Performers
- Seven Seas Grandeur (Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian)
- Zuiderdam (Holland America Line, Carnival)
- Seabourn Odyssey (Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival)
- Oceania Regatta (Oceania Cruises, Norwegian)
- Viking Orion (Viking Ocean Cruises)
- Viking Polaris (Viking Expedition Operations)
- Star Pride (Windstar Cruises)
Maintaining High Standards
Cruise ship crews consistently strive to meet CDC guidelines, ensuring cleanliness and operational readiness for inspections. When issues arise, inspectors provide detailed feedback so corrections can be made before the next review.
For passengers planning a cruise, this commitment to health and safety offers peace of mind. The rigorous inspection process ensures that ships meet stringent public health standards, maintaining the industry’s reputation for safe travel.
Conclusion
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health on cruise ships. With 27 ships achieving perfect scores and others swiftly correcting deficiencies, 2024 was a testament to the industry’s dedication to excellence. As cruise lines prepare for 2025, maintaining these high standards will remain essential to ensuring passengers have safe, enjoyable vacations.
