Celebrity Apex, Norwegian Jade, Carnival Magic, Disney Fantasy, MSC Meraviglia, Star Pride are among 27 cruise ships earning perfect CDC sanitation scores in 2024

Published on December 28, 2024

By: Paramita Sarkar

Amid concerns over viral outbreaks on cruise ships, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized 27 vessels for achieving perfect sanitation scores in 2024.

While the cruise industry faced 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks this year—primarily norovirus—these ships demonstrated exceptional cleanliness and safety standards.

Norovirus, often referred to as the stomach flu, remains the most common virus to strike cruise liners.

The highly contagious bug spreads quickly in crowded settings via contaminated food, water, surfaces, or person-to-person contact.

Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain can quickly derail a vacation.

To minimize outbreaks, the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) conducts unannounced inspections of cruise ships, scoring them on a scale from 0 to 100.

Inspectors review heavily trafficked areas like pools, dining venues, and children’s play zones, as well as behind-the-scenes operations, such as dishwasher water temperatures and pool filter maintenance. Vermin, improperly stored food, and lapses in hygiene are immediate red flags.

In 2024, the CDC conducted 151 inspections, including repeat visits to 23 ships.

Most liners scored above 95, with 27 earning flawless ratings:

Cruise Ships with Perfect Sanitation Scores in 2024

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Apex (November 10), Celebrity Equinox (February 25), Celebrity Ascent (January 7)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Grandeur (October 23)
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Jade (October 21), Norwegian Jewel (July 24), Norwegian Bliss (June 22), Norwegian Sky (May 23), Norwegian Breakaway (September 22), Norwegian Escape (January 27), Norwegian Gem (January 2)
Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Magic (October 13), Carnival Spirit (September 3)
Windstar Cruises: Star Pride (September 29)
Royal Caribbean International: Jewel of the Seas (September 28), Serenade of the Seas (September 10), Radiance of the Seas (July 21), Brilliance of the Seas (May 16)
Holland America Line: Zuiderdam (August 24)
Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Orion (August 18), Viking Polaris (April 2)
Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Odyssey (August 16)
Oceania Cruises: Oceania Regatta (July 24)
MSC Cruises: MSC Meraviglia (July 9), MSC Seashore (May 26), Explora I (January 25)
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Fantasy (January 24)

A Steady Improvement

The cruise industry has seen consistent improvements in sanitation, with 24 ships receiving perfect scores in 2023.

These top-rated vessels exemplify the industry’s commitment to health and safety, ensuring passengers enjoy their vacations with peace of mind.

Travelers are encouraged to review the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program reports for updated cleanliness ratings and to prioritize hygiene practices while cruising to minimize health risks.