Before COVID-19 Shut Down Cruising, These Were the 10 Cleanest Ships

Cruise ships are among the safest modes of travel but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has cast a brighter spotlight on at-sea cleanliness as sailing resumes. Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) has been inspecting ships for years to keep passengers safe and in the know. The VSP scores cruise ships on a 100-point scale based on sanitation standards across eight different categories, including medical facilities; potable water facilities; swimming pools and whirlpool spas; galleys and dining rooms; child activity centers; hotel accommodations; ventilation systems and common areas. Only a score of 86 or higher is considered satisfactory. However, for these immaculate ships, a perfect 100 isn't uncommon.

Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Valor has scored a satisfactory sanitation score every time since its initial inspection in 2005, earning a perfect score of 100 at least three times, including following its most recent inspection in February 2020.

Viking Sky has passed both of its CDC inspections with flying colors since entering service in 2017, earning a 95 on its initial examination and following that up with a flawless score of 100 this past February prior to the suspension of cruising in mid-March.

Viking Sea has bounced back tremendously since earning an 88 in its initial CDC inspection back in March 2018, receiving a 94 or better in each of its past three examinations, including a perfect 100 following the most recent look-over in October 2019.

Celebrity Cruises' 3,600-passenger Celebrity Reflection has earned a perfect 100 on its CDC inspection at least six times dating back to 2012, including its most recent checkup in December 2019. What's more, the ship has never scored worse than a 90.

Like her sister ship in Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Equinox has impressed during CDC inspections time and time again, receiving a 98 or better in each of its five most recent checkups, including a perfect 100 in June 2019.

Holland America Line's Pinnacle-class Koningsdam scored a solid 93 on its most recent CDC inspection in March 2020 but has maxed out with a perfect 100 on three other occasions, including as recently as December 2019.

Norwegian Sky has been an excellent example of consistency over the past two decades, failing to score a satisfactory sanitation mark only once in its 21-year history. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel has posted a best-possible score of 100 six different times, including in December 2019.

Norwegian Gem has also been exemplary over the years, earning a 99, 100, 99 and 100 over its four most recent inspections dating back to July 2017. Since January 2008, the ship has earned the ideal score of 100 at least seven different times.

Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream has failed to earn a perfect score of 100 on only three occasions, never scoring worse than 94. The ship has posted three consecutive 100s, including on its most recent examination in November 2019.

The CDC has awarded family-friendly Disney Wonder a perfect 100 following three of its last five inspections, including the two most recent visits, with the latest coming in October 2019.