CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program reveals 2024’s dirtiest cruise ships, with some scoring alarmingly low on hygiene standards.
At a Glance
- CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program evaluates cruise ships for cleanliness, scoring them out of 100
- Scores of 85 or below are considered “not satisfactory” or failing
- Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration received the lowest score of 62
- Nine ships scored below 90, indicating significant hygiene concerns
- 151 inspections were conducted in 2024, with 27 vessels achieving perfect scores
CDC’s Rigorous Inspection Process
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts regular inspections of cruise ships through its Vessel Sanitation Program to ensure passenger safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In 2024, the program’s findings raised concerns about hygiene standards on several vessels.
Ships are evaluated on a 100-point scale, with scores below 86 considered failing. The inspections are random and unannounced, covering various areas including food safety, cleanliness, and waste management. In 2024, the CDC conducted 151 inspections, with an average score of 95.9 out of 100.
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 Scoring Ships of 2024
The cruise ship with the most alarming score was Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration, which received a shockingly low 62 out of 100. Violations on this vessel included grime, insects, and improper food storage, raising serious questions about its sanitation practices.
“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.
Other ships with concerning scores included Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess, Carnival’s Carnival Breeze, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima, all scoring 86. Issues on these vessels ranged from insect infestations to inadequate pest prevention and poor waste management.
Industry Response and Improvements
Following the inspections, several cruise lines have taken steps to address the identified issues. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expressed regret over their low score and committed to improving their processes. MSC Cruises, whose ship MSC Magnifica scored below 90, stated that the inspection result “is not a true reflection of the ship as it is today,” indicating that improvements have been made since the inspection.
It’s worth noting that some cruise ships achieved perfect scores of 100, including Carnival Spirit, Celebrity Ascent, Disney Fantasy, and Brilliance of the Seas, demonstrating that high standards of cleanliness are achievable in the industry.
Importance of Sanitation in Cruise Ship Environment
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships. In 2024, the CDC reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on ships, with norovirus being the most common culprit. The close living quarters and shared dining facilities on cruise ships can create an environment where illnesses spread rapidly, underscoring the importance of rigorous sanitation practices.
Common issues identified during inspections include vermin, improperly stored food, and inadequate handwashing stations. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by cruise lines in maintaining high hygiene standards in the unique environment of a cruise ship.
As the cruise industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining stringent hygiene standards remains paramount. Passengers are encouraged to research a ship’s inspection history before booking and to practice good personal hygiene while onboard to minimize the risk of illness.
