18 Cruise Ships with Perfect CDC Scores for Cleanliness in 2024

Cruise ships often struggle with their reputation for cleanliness, sometimes referred to as “floating Petri dishes.” However, not all ships operate the same. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly conducts surprise sanitary inspections of cruise ships throughout the year, and in 2024, 18 vessels have received perfect scores so far.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program evaluates everything from kitchen hygiene to pool cleanliness and children’s activity centers. Inspectors look for violations such as vermin, improperly stored food, and other cleanliness issues. Inspections are unannounced, and ships are scored on a scale from zero to 100.

So far in 2024, 116 cruise ships have been inspected, with the majority scoring above 95. Among these, 18 ships, including Carnival Spirit, Viking Orion, and Seabourn Odyssey, earned flawless scores. These ships are recognized for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.

At the same time, the CDC has reported 10 bacterial and viral outbreaks on cruise ships this year, primarily norovirus cases. Norovirus, often dubbed the “stomach flu,” spreads quickly in crowded environments, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Half of these outbreaks have occurred on Royal Caribbean Group vessels and its subsidiary, Celebrity Cruises.

Despite these challenges, the number of outbreaks has decreased compared to 2023, which saw 14 in total by year-end. With rigorous inspections and proactive measures, many cruise lines continue to prioritize passenger health and safety while striving for perfect sanitation scores.