This was the "cleanest cruise line" in 2024, according to the CDC

Last year, the CDC inspected 151 ships as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which evaluates everything from food preparation to public pools and medical facilities. 

However, only a fraction received perfect scores. Among these, one line was the most consistent. Out of 30 perfect scores, Norwegian Cruise Line had 7 ships receive a flawless 100. 

In fact, one vessel — Norwegian Breakaway — was inspected twice during the year and earned a perfect score both times. This level of consistency is difficult to maintain in the industry and highlights the line's commitment to maintaining high sanitation practices across its fleet. 

Read more: The Cleanest Cruise Ships at Sea, According to a New Report

Image

CDC inspectors don't announce their visits, so it's virtually impossible for cruise lines to prepare in advance. As such, it's a pretty big deal when ships receive a perfect score because it shows their true day-to-day operations.

Generally speaking, the CDC will pass any ship that scores at 85 or above. However, vessels that barely pass often receive nasty infractions. 

For example, Carnival's oldest ship barely passed its inspection earlier this year. Even with a score of 89, the report cited violations like a lack of pest control management, employees working while experiencing illness symptoms, malfunctioning refrigerators, damaged flooring, and leaking water lines. 

Image

Although clean ships have always been important, passengers have become more aware of sanitation standards in the wake of recent global health concerns.

As such, the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program is meant to protect public health and prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. 

In 2024, these were Norwegian Cruise Line's 7 cleanest ships, according to the CDC: 

• Norwegian Gem (inspected January 2)
• Norwegian Escape (inspected January 27)
• Norwegian Sky (inspected May 23)
• Norwegian Bliss (inspected June 22)
• Norwegian Jewel (inspected July 24)
• Norwegian Breakaway (inspected September 22)
• Norwegian Jade (inspected October 21)

Image

Norwegian had a good start to the year, too. The line's first inspection aboard Norwegian Escape passed with flying colors!

Following Norwegian, Royal Caribbean had five ships with perfect marks in 2024:

• Brilliance of the Seas (inspected May 16)
• Radiance of the Seas (inspected July 21)
• Serenade of the Seas (inspected September 10)
• Jewel of the Seas (inspected September 28)
• Mariner of the Seas (inspected October 28, though the ship received a 97 during its initial inspection in January)

Carnival Cruise Line, another popular choice for families, had 3 ships receive 100s last year, including Carnival Legend (inspected November 17), Carnival Magic (inspected October 13), and Carnival Spirit (inspected September 3).