Before COVID-19 Shut Down Cruising, These Were the 10 Cleanest Ships

Sanitary Sailing

Cruise ships are among the safest modes of travel but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has cast a brighter spotlight on at-sea cleanliness as sailing resumes. Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) has been inspecting ships for years to keep passengers safe and in the know. The VSP scores cruise ships on a 100-point scale based on sanitation standards across eight different categories, including medical facilities; potable water facilities; swimming pools and whirlpool spas; galleys and dining rooms; child activity centers; hotel accommodations; ventilation systems and common areas. Only a score of 86 or higher is considered satisfactory. However, for these immaculate ships, a perfect 100 isn’t uncommon.