How Clean Is Your Cruise? The CDC Has the Surprising Answer

Over two decades ago, I worked for a cruise line called The Big Red Boat (the original Disney Cruise before Mickey had his own ships). The ship was colorful, cheerful, and, like many of its passengers, a little seasick around the edges. Today, cruises are more like floating cities. You can grab a budget-friendly Caribbean escape with endless buffets or splurge on a luxury ship where staff attend to every detail. Some have planetariums, roller coasters, and even sushi robots.

Whatever the style, every cruise line has one goal in common: keeping the ship clean and passengers healthy. Germs have nowhere to hide when thousands of people surround you on a ship, so the CDC takes cleanliness seriously.

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) gives travelers a look under the hood. Ships that call at U.S. ports with 13 or more passengers are inspected twice a year without warning. Inspectors check everything: buffet lines, refrigerators, pools, spas, medical centers, water systems, and even behind galley equipment for hidden grease or pests.

• Each ship gets a score out of 100. A score of 85 or higher is considered passing; scores below that should be watched. The VSP website also has other helpful info, like:
• Scores for specific ships: See how your ship or line has done over time.
• Outbreak information: If a ship experiences a stomach bug outbreak, you can view the details and see how many passengers were affected.
• Healthy cruising tips: Quick reminders for handwashing, staying hydrated, and what to do if you feel ill onboard.

Cruising can feel like a leap into the unknown... but it doesn’t have to. Tim at TimCruise.com says,

“I’m thankful the Vessel Sanitation Program exists. It mirrors the health standards we expect on land and keeps cruise lines accountable. Since the pandemic, cruise lines have stepped up with stronger protocols, pre-boarding screenings, and onboard outreach to help identify and contain illness quickly. Most ships take these inspections very seriously, and it shows.

I always tell travelers to do their part too: wash your hands often and pack a small health kit with items like DayQuil or cough drops. It’s simple, but it can come in handy whether you’re at sea, in an airport, or on a group tour.”

How to Read the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program Report

The website can feel overwhelming at first, but here’s a simple way to make sense of it:

• Cruise Ship / Cruise Line / Date: These details indicate the specific ship being viewed and the date of its last inspection.
• All Scores: Clicking here shows the ship’s grades over time. A pattern of high scores is reassuring; a sudden dip is a red flag.
• Report: This is where the inspectors get detailed. They’ll note problems in areas like food handling, water systems, housekeeping, pools, and pest control. Think of it like a restaurant health report... but for a city at sea.
• Corrective Report: Shows what the ship did to fix those issues. If it’s blank, the problem hasn’t been addressed yet.

The CDC also tracks illnesses, investigates outbreaks, and trains crews on sanitation practices. The goal is simple: reduce gastrointestinal illness, Legionella, and other risks while keeping your vacation enjoyable.

Before you pack sunscreen and embarkation papers, spend a few minutes exploring the VSP site. It’s free, easy to navigate, and gives you confidence that your ship is clean and safe.

Cruising is still one of the most joyful ways to travel… endless horizons, ocean air, and the gentle hum of engines beneath your feet. Smooth sailing starts with a spotless ship, and thanks to the CDC, you can see exactly how your next adventure stacks up before you even roll your suitcase aboard.

Plan your next healthy adventure using our Vacation Planner!