The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its annual health inspection scores for passenger cruise ships, with 24 vessels achieving a perfect score of 100 for 2025. This achievement highlights the commitment of these cruise lines to maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation, crucial for passenger health during voyages.
These inspections are part of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). The program aims to prevent and control the spread of public health issues, particularly gastrointestinal illnesses, on cruise ships. A satisfactory score is 86 or above, while anything below 86 is considered a failing mark.
Key Takeaways
- 24 cruise ships received a perfect 100 score from the CDC in 2025.
- This represents approximately 13% of the 191 ships inspected.
- Inspections cover food safety, water systems, housekeeping, and medical procedures.
- A score of 86 or higher is considered satisfactory.
Understanding CDC Cruise Ship Inspections
The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program conducts unannounced inspections on cruise ships that carry 13 or more passengers and have an international itinerary with port stops in the U.S. These inspections are comprehensive, evaluating various aspects of a ship's operations that directly impact public health.
Inspectors use a detailed 100-point scale. They assess crucial areas such as food preparation and storage, the safety of water systems, general housekeeping practices, and the procedures followed by the ship's medical center. Ventilation systems are also part of the evaluation.
Did You Know?
Only ships with international itineraries and U.S. port calls are subject to CDC VSP inspections. This means not all cruise ships operating globally are included in these reports.
The Scoring System
A score of 86 or higher indicates a satisfactory level of hygiene and sanitation. Ships scoring 85 or lower are considered to have failed the inspection. These scores are publicly available, allowing potential passengers to make informed decisions about their travel plans.
For 2025, a total of 191 ships were inspected. Out of these, 24 vessels managed to achieve the highest possible score. This means about 13% of the inspected fleet demonstrated exemplary standards in all evaluated categories.
Top Performers: The Cleanest Ships of 2025
The list of ships achieving a perfect score of 100 in 2025 includes a diverse range of cruise lines, from luxury operators to family-friendly brands. These ships consistently met or exceeded the CDC's stringent health and safety requirements during their inspections.
"Maintaining a score of 100 reflects a consistent and proactive approach to public health on board. It shows dedication from every crew member," a CDC spokesperson stated.
Ships with Perfect 100 Scores
- Norwegian Gem (Norwegian Cruise Lines) - Inspected 12/12/2025
- Seven Seas Grandeur (Regent Seven Seas) - Inspected 12/4/2025
- Oceania Vista (Oceania Cruises) - Inspected 12/3/2025
- Seabourn Encore (Seabourn Cruise Line) - Inspected 12/2/2025
- Celebrity Apex (Celebrity Cruises) - Inspected 11/15/2025
- Explora I (MSC Cruise Management (UK) Ltd) - Inspected 11/12/2025
- Rotterdam (Holland America Line) - Inspected 10/26/2025
- Viking Polaris (Viking Expedition Operations) - Inspected 10/6/2025
- Oceania Allura (Oceania Cruises) - Inspected 9/28/2025
- Norwegian Encore (Norwegian Cruise Lines) - Inspected 9/28/2025
- Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruises LTD) - Inspected 9/27/2025
- Jewel of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) - Inspected 9/12/2025
- Norwegian Star (Norwegian Cruise Lines) - Inspected 8/7/2025
- Viking Orion (Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd.) - Inspected 7/12/2025
- Ovation of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) - Inspected 7/1/2025
- Icon of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) - Inspected 6/4/2025
- Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) - Inspected 6/3/2025
- National Geographic Venture (Lindblad Expeditions) - Inspected 5/24/2025
- Celebrity Solstice (Celebrity Cruises) - Inspected 5/22/2025
- Westerdam (Holland America Line) - Inspected 5/18/2025
- Carnival Luminosa (Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc.) - Inspected 5/1/2025
- Viking Neptune (Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd.) - Inspected 4/22/2025
- Disney Wish (Disney Cruise Lines) - Inspected 4/18/2025
- Viking Sea (Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd.) - Inspected 3/31/2025
Why Sanitation Matters on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships operate in close quarters, making them susceptible to the rapid spread of illnesses if proper sanitation protocols are not in place. The CDC's inspections play a vital role in minimizing these risks, protecting both passengers and crew.
Food safety is a major focus, as contaminated food can lead to widespread outbreaks. Inspectors check everything from food handling and storage temperatures to galley cleanliness and staff hygiene practices. Similarly, water systems are scrutinized to ensure potable water is consistently safe for drinking and other uses.
Behind the Program
The Vessel Sanitation Program began in the early 1970s as a cooperative effort between the cruise industry and the Public Health Service. Its goal is to achieve and maintain a public health standard that prevents illness on cruise ships.
Passenger Confidence and Industry Standards
These inspection scores provide transparency to the public. Passengers can feel more confident booking a cruise on a ship that consistently achieves high scores. For the cruise industry, these inspections drive continuous improvement in health and safety standards across the board.
The fact that 24 ships reached a perfect score demonstrates that achieving top-tier sanitation is possible with diligent effort. It sets a benchmark for other ships and cruise lines to aspire to in future inspections.
Looking Ahead: Choosing Your Cruise
When planning a cruise vacation, especially for events like spring break, prospective travelers often consider factors like itinerary, amenities, and cost. However, health and hygiene should also be a significant consideration. The CDC's inspection scores offer a clear, objective measure of a ship's commitment to passenger well-being.
Checking the latest scores can help travelers select a cruise line and ship that prioritizes cleanliness. This information is readily available on the CDC's website, allowing for easy access before making a booking.
The CDC continues its work to ensure all cruise ships calling on U.S. ports meet high sanitation standards. This ongoing oversight benefits millions of passengers who choose cruise vacations each year.
