The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted sanitary inspections on dozens of cruise ships this year, with most receiving passing scores of 95 or above.
However, 27 ships earned a perfect mark of 100 on their inspections in 2024.
The vessels include some of the cruise industry's leading brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line, among others.
The random and unannounced inspections occurred as far back as January 2 and as recently as November 10.
The Cleanest Cruise Ships in 2024
- Celebrity Apex — inspected November 10
- Seven Seas Grandeur — inspected October 23
- Norwegian Jade — inspected October 21
- Carnival Magic — inspected October 13
- Star Pride — inspected September 29
- Jewel of the Seas — inspected September 28
- Serenade of the Seas — inspected September 10
- Carnival Spirit — inspected September 3
- Zuiderdam — inspected August 24
- Viking Orion — inspected August 18
- Seabourn Odyssey — inspected August 16
- Norwegian Jewel — inspected July 24
- Oceania Regatta — inspected July 24
- Radiance of the Seas — inspected July 21
- MSC Meraviglia — inspected July 9
- Norwegian Bliss — inspected June 22
- MSC Seashore — inspected May 26
- Norwegian Sky — inspected May 23
- Brilliance of the Seas — inspected May 16
- Viking Polaris — inspected April 2
- Celebrity Equinox — inspected February 25
- Norwegian Breakaway — inspected February 25
- Norwegian Escape — inspected January 27
- Explora I — inspected January 25
- Disney Fantasy — inspected January 24
- Celebrity Ascent — inspected January 7
- Norwegian Gem — inspected January 2
Officials examine common spaces like kitchens, pools and even children's activity centers as well as smaller details such as how often the hair and lint strainer in the swimming pool is disinfected or the water temperature of the dishwasher.
"Inspections usually take 6-8 hours, depending on the number of inspectors, ship size, amount of time the ship is in port, and issues identified during the inspection," the CDC states on its website. "These inspections are periodic and unannounced."
According to Business Insider, 34 ships finished 2023 with perfect CDC sanitation marks.
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