Unannounced health inspections conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified the cruise ships with the lowest sanitation scores for 2026. Among the vessels, the Norwegian Dawn received a score of 84, falling below the CDC's passing threshold of 86.
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) conducts these inspections at U.S. ports to ensure cruise ships comply with federal public health standards. Ships are graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 85 or below considered unsatisfactory.
In addition to Norwegian Dawn, other ships that landed near the bottom of the inspection scale include Carnival Breeze, Kydon, and National Geographic Sea Lion, each receiving a score of 86. Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia, and Amadea scored 89.
According to the CDC, scores reflect conditions observed at the specific time of inspection and can fluctuate between visits. For instance, the Carnival Breeze had previously achieved a perfect score of 100 earlier in the year before its subsequent inspection yielded an 86.
Norwegian Cruise Line reportedly issued a detailed report to the CDC outlining corrective measures taken after the Norwegian Dawn's inspection. Experts emphasize the importance of the VSP, established in 1975, in protecting the health of passengers, crew, and the destinations visited by cruise ships.
Inspectors examine a wide range of areas on board, including medical facilities, potable water systems, galleys, dining areas, child activity centers, cabins, and ventilation systems. Ships participating in the VSP typically undergo two unannounced inspections annually.
These findings come amid ongoing scrutiny of sanitation and illness prevention practices on cruise vessels. While a lower sanitation score does not automatically indicate an impending illness outbreak, experts note that cruise ships are shared environments where germs can spread quickly without strong cleaning and hygiene protocols.
On the higher end, 42 cruise ships achieved a perfect score of 100 in the latest CDC inspections. Among those recognized for top sanitation were Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Carnival Celebration, Celebrity Apex, Disney Dream, Norwegian Viva, and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.