Cruise Ship Hygiene: CDC's Rankings Reveal Best and Worst - Stay Healthy at Sea

David Travel

— 2 min read
Cruise Ship Hygiene: CDC's Rankings Reveal Best and Worst - Stay Healthy at Sea

Who does not love taking a cruise on a beautiful ship with endless buffets and the sparkling ocean breeze. But before you set sail, it is crucial to consider hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts regular inspections of cruise ships, and reports their findings which is a valuable resource for travelers. I am going to high some of the least and most sanitary cruise ships from their latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) data.

Ships to Consider Avoiding (Based on Low Scores):

  • Hanseatic Inspiration (Rederij Clipper Stad Amsterdam): This ship received the lowest score (62) among inspected vessels in 2024. While details are not publicly available, a score this low suggests potential sanitation concerns.

Ships with Scores Below the Industry Average:

  • Carnival Breeze (Carnival Cruise Line): Inspected in March 2024, this ship scored 86.
  • MSC Magnifica (MSC Cruises): Inspected in May 2024 scored 86.
  • Carnival Miracle (Carnival Cruise Line): Inspected in April 2024 scored 88.

Ships To Consider Traveling On (Based on High / Perfect Scores):

These ships received a perfect score of 100 during their recent inspection. These ships demonstrate a strong commitment to hygiene practices. Here are a few examples (keep in mind this list is not exhaustive):

  • Carnival Spirit (Carnival Cruise Line) - Inspected September 2024
  • Zuiderdam (Holland America Line) - Inspected August 2024
  • Viking Orion (Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd) - Inspected August 2024
  • Seabourn Odyssey (Seabourn Cruise Line) - Inspected August 2024
  • Radiance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) – Inspected July 2024

 

What to Look for When Choosing a Cruise Ship:

While the CDC does not publicly disclose specific violations, it is valuable to consider factors that contribute to a ship's hygiene rating:

  • Food Safety: Proper food handling, storage, and preparation are crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Water Quality: Ships must maintain clean and sanitary water systems.
  • Galley and Sanitation Practices: The cleanliness of food preparation areas and overall sanitation procedures are vital.
  • Sewage and Waste Management: Proper disposal of waste is essential to prevent contamination.

Keeping Yourself Healthy on a Cruise:

  • Wash your hands frequently: This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Be cautious with buffets: Use serving utensils and avoid dishes that have been sitting out for a long time.
  • Choose cooked foods over raw options.
  • Drink bottled water if you are unsure about the tap water.
  • Report any sanitation concerns to the crew.

Remember: Your health is paramount. Research a ship's hygiene record – the CDC website is a valuable resource. By combining this information with your desired amenities and itinerary, you can choose a cruise that offers both fun and hygiene.

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