CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program exposes shocking hygiene failures on popular cruise ships, raising concerns for passenger safety.
At a Glance
- CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program evaluates cruise ships, scoring them out of 100
- Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration received the lowest score of 62
- Nine ships scored below 90, indicating significant hygiene issues
- 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks reported on ships in 2024, mostly norovirus
- 151 inspections conducted, with 27 vessels achieving perfect scores
CDC Cruise Ship Inspections Reveal Alarming Hygiene Issues
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program has released its 2024 report, revealing concerning hygiene ratings for several cruise ships. The program, designed to mitigate the spread of illnesses such as norovirus, conducts rigorous inspections focusing on food handling, sterilization processes, and waste systems. A score below 86 is considered failing, requiring immediate corrective action from the cruise line.
The report identified nine ships with scores below 90, raising red flags about the state of cleanliness and sanitation on these vessels. Topping the list of concerns is Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration, which received a shockingly low score of 62. Inspectors found numerous violations, including grime, insects, and improper food storage.
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
Cruise Lines Respond to Poor Ratings
In response to the alarming findings, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expressed regret over their low score. Karen Schmidt, a representative for the company, stated, “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.” The company has committed to improving their processes across all areas to ensure a quality experience for guests.
Other cruise lines with ships scoring below 90 include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Lindblad Expeditions, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Princess Cruises. These companies have not provided comments on their scores, raising questions about their commitment to addressing the identified issues.
Common Issues and Health Risks
The CDC inspections uncovered a range of problems across the low-scoring ships. Common issues included insect infestations, inadequate pest prevention, poor waste management, and improperly stored food. These violations pose significant health risks to passengers and crew members, particularly in the confined spaces of a cruise ship where illnesses can spread rapidly.
The CDC reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on ships in 2024, with norovirus being the most common culprit. This underscores the critical importance of maintaining strict sanitation protocols to prevent widespread illness among passengers and crew.
Inspection Process and Industry Standards
The Vessel Sanitation Program conducts random, unannounced inspections on cruise ships, examining various areas including pools, children’s centers, and food preparation facilities. In 2024, the CDC carried out 151 inspections, with the average score being 95.9 out of 100. While this indicates generally high standards across the industry, the nine ships scoring below 90 remain a significant concern.
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. These vessels demonstrate that maintaining excellent hygiene standards is possible and should be the goal for all cruise lines.
Implications for Travelers
For potential cruise-goers, these findings serve as a reminder to research a ship’s sanitation history before booking. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program provides publicly accessible inspection reports, allowing travelers to make informed decisions about their cruise choices.
While some cruise lines have addressed the issues and improved their scores after initial inspections, others have yet to comment on their poor ratings. This lack of transparency may give pause to safety-conscious travelers considering these cruise lines for their next vacation.
As the cruise industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation is more crucial than ever. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program plays a vital role in holding cruise lines accountable and ensuring the health and safety of passengers and crew members alike.
