The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published the latest results from its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which conducts unannounced health inspections of cruise ships docking in U.S. ports. Ships are graded on a 100‑point scale, with 86 or higher considered passing.
Ships scoring below the passing mark
Seven vessels fell into the unsatisfactory range this year. Norwegian Dawn received an 84 after a March inspection, placing it below the required threshold. Carnival Breeze, Kydon, and National Geographic Sea Lion each scored 86, while Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia, and Amadea posted 89.
Scores can fluctuate; for example, Carnival Breeze earned a perfect 100 earlier in 2026 before later receiving an 86. The CDC notes that a lower score reflects conditions observed at the time of inspection and does not automatically indicate an unsafe ship.
Corrective actions and expert commentary
Norwegian Cruise Line submitted a detailed corrective‑action report to the CDC within five days of its inspection, outlining steps taken to address the findings, according to the “Cruise Fever” blog. Infection‑prevention expert Gavin Macgregor‑Skinner of Penn State College of Medicine emphasized that the VSP, established in 1975, remains a critical tool for protecting passengers, crew, and port communities.
Inspectors evaluate medical facilities, potable water, pools, whirlpools, galleys, dining rooms, child activity centers, cabins, ventilation, and common areas. Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications for the American Cleaning Institute, warned that shared environments on cruise ships can spread germs quickly without rigorous cleaning practices.
Top‑scoring vessels
On the positive side, 42 cruise ships earned a perfect 100 this year, marking them among the cleanest vessels reviewed. Notable perfect‑score ships include Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Carnival Celebration, Celebrity Apex, Disney Dream, Norwegian Viva, and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.
Typically, 25–35 ships achieve a perfect score annually, according to the “Cruise Fever” blog. The CDC’s ongoing inspections aim to maintain high public‑health standards across the industry.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
