CDC’s 2024 cruise ship inspections reveal alarming sanitation issues on several vessels, with one scoring a dismal 62 out of 100.
At a Glance
- CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program evaluates cruise ships, scoring them out of 100
- Scores below 86 are considered unsatisfactory
- Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration received the lowest score of 62
- Nine ships scored below 90, raising concerns about cleanliness and safety
- 151 inspections were conducted in 2024, with 27 vessels achieving perfect scores
CDC’s Cruise Ship Inspection Program
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its vigilant oversight of cruise ship sanitation through its Vessel Sanitation Program. This initiative aims to protect passengers from potential health hazards, particularly the spread of stomach viruses like norovirus. In 2024, the CDC conducted 151 inspections, meticulously evaluating food safety practices, sanitation levels, and waste management on various cruise ships.
The inspection process is rigorous and unannounced, ensuring that cruise lines maintain high standards at all times. Areas under scrutiny include pools, children’s centers, and food preparation areas. Ships are scored on a 100-point scale, with those scoring 86 or above considered satisfactory. The average score in 2024 was an impressive 95.9 out of 100, indicating that most cruise ships are meeting or exceeding health and safety standards.
These are the 10 dirtiest cruise ships, according to the CDC — including an ultra-luxury vessel https://t.co/kgFMOrvEyn
— Insider (@thisisinsider) October 12, 2024
Lowest-Ranking Ships and Common Issues
Despite the overall positive trend, nine ships scored below 90, raising concerns about their cleanliness and safety protocols. The Hanseatic Inspiration, operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, received the lowest score of 62, with violations including grime, insects, and improper food storage. Other low-scoring ships included Carnival Elation, Adventure of the Seas, and National Geographic Sea Bird.
“We deeply regret that the HANSEATIC Inspiration did not achieve the required score for the first time. The result of this inspection in no way reflects our high standards,” said Karen Schmidt, a representative for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Common issues identified across the low-scoring ships included vermin infestations, inadequate pest prevention, poor waste management, and insufficient handwashing stations. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges cruise lines face in maintaining rigorous sanitation standards in the confined spaces of a ship.
Industry Response and Improvements
In response to the inspection results, several cruise lines have taken immediate action to address the identified issues. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expressed regret over their low score and committed to improving their processes. Similarly, MSC Cruises addressed concerns and improved their scores after initial inspections.
It’s worth noting that some ships initially failed but later passed re-inspections, demonstrating the effectiveness of the CDC’s program in prompting rapid improvements. Crystal Serenity and Margaritaville at Sea Paradise are examples of vessels that successfully addressed their sanitation issues.
Cruise Industry’s Overall Performance
While the focus has been on the lowest-scoring ships, it’s important to highlight that many cruise lines excelled in their sanitation efforts. In fact, 27 vessels achieved perfect scores of 100, including Carnival Spirit, Celebrity Ascent, Disney Fantasy, and Brilliance of the Seas. This demonstrates that maintaining high sanitation standards is achievable and that many cruise lines are committed to passenger health and safety.
Despite the many positive outcomes, the CDC reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on ships in 2024, mostly attributed to norovirus. This underscores the ongoing importance of rigorous sanitation practices and the need for continuous vigilance in the cruise industry.
As the cruise industry continues to navigate these challenges, passengers are encouraged to research ship sanitation scores before booking their vacations. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program provides a valuable resource for travelers seeking to make informed decisions about their cruise experiences.
