The cruise industry is navigating through turbulent waters as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its annual Vessel Sanitation Program report. This report highlights a concerning trend among several cruise ships that failed to meet the stringent hygiene standards established by the CDC. According to a report by Business Insider, the CDC evaluates ships on a 100-point scale, where scores below 85 are deemed “unsatisfactory.” Despite the industry average being a commendable 95.9, nine vessels found themselves in the unsatisfactory range, with scores between 86 and 89.
The nastiest cruise ships
Leading the list of underperformers is the Hanseatic Inspiration from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, which initially received a shocking score of 62 in September. Fortunately, the ship managed to improve its hygiene practices, achieving a score of 89 in a follow-up inspection in October. Other ships that barely scraped by include the Carnival Elation and Adventure of the Seas, both of which also scored 89.
The list of underperforming vessels is not limited to budget cruise lines; it also includes ships from renowned cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Princess Cruises. This indicates that even prestigious names in the industry are not immune to hygiene issues. In 2024 alone, the CDC reported 15 outbreaks of viruses and illnesses across various cruise liners, raising alarms about passenger safety.
Health risks: The Norovirus outbreak
The primary culprit behind many of these outbreaks is the Norovirus, a highly contagious virus that can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare filled with nausea and discomfort. One of the most significant outbreaks occurred on the Coral Princess, which was on a month-long journey from Singapore to Los Angeles. During this trip, 55 passengers and 15 crew members reported falling ill, highlighting the serious health risks associated with cruise travel.
Which other cruise lines made the list?
Here’s a detailed list of the cruise lines that received lower scores in the CDC report:
Hanseatic Inspiration: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, scored 89.
Carnival Elation: Carnival Cruise Line, scored 89.
Adventure of the Seas: Royal Caribbean International, scored 89.
National Geographic Sea Bird: Lindblad Expeditions, scored 88.
Carnival Miracle: Carnival Cruise Line, scored 88.
MSC Magnifica: MSC Cruises, scored 86.
Evrima: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, scored 86.
Carnival Breeze: Carnival Cruise Line, scored 86.
Caribbean Princess: Princess Cruises, scored 86.
The findings from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program report serve as a wake-up call for the cruise industry. With numerous ships failing to meet hygiene standards, it is crucial for cruise lines to prioritize passenger health and safety. As travelers continue to seek out cruise vacations, they must remain vigilant and informed about the hygiene practices of the vessels they choose. The cruise industry must work diligently to restore confidence among its passengers and ensure that hygiene is not just a priority but a guarantee.
