CDC reveals the lowest-scoring cruise ships after 2026 health inspections

Key Points:

• The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) conducted unannounced health inspections of cruise ships in 2026, grading vessels on a 100-point scale where scores below 86 are unsatisfactory.
• The seven lowest-scoring ships identified were Norwegian Dawn (84), Carnival Breeze, Kydon, National Geographic Sea Lion (all 86), and Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia, Amadea (all 89), with scores reflecting conditions at the time of inspection and subject to change.
• Norwegian Cruise Line responded to the poor score of Norwegian Dawn by submitting a detailed corrective action report to the CDC shortly after the inspection.
• The VSP inspections focus on various areas including medical facilities, potable water, pools, galleys, cabins, and ventilation systems to ensure compliance with federal public health standards.
• Despite some low scores, 42 cruise ships earned perfect 100 scores in 2026, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Carnival Celebration, indicating a range of sanitation performance across the industry.