Cleanest Cruise Ships Revealed

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently completed its annual health and hygiene inspections of passenger cruise ships operating in U.S. waters as part of the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).

As of 2026, the CDC inspects each ship twice a year, assigning a score out of 100 based on strict standards related to food safety, water quality, sanitation, and pest control. Scores of 86 or higher are considered passing, while scores below 86 are classified as failing.

A comprehensive analysis of the 2025 VSP inspection data shows strong overall performance across the cruise industry.

Approximately 13% of all vessels inspected achieved a perfect sanitation score of 100, with 21 ships making the list of the cleanest cruise ships of the year. Notably, only one ship received a failing score.

Interestingly, the data indicate that independent, smaller cruise fleets generally achieved higher average scores than large conglomerates.

However, Viking stands out as a notable exception, maintaining excellent scores across its sizable operations.

Why do these VSP scores matter to travelers at sea?

A ship that has experienced an outbreak on a previous voyage can influence the next group of guests, potentially prompting them to reconsider their plans or cancel.

While most cruise ship medical facilities operate similarly to clinics, capable of handling triage and urgent care, serious conditions may require evacuation to shore. It is highly recommended to obtain travel medical insurance that includes coverage for medical bills and emergency medical evacuation.

Standard cancellation policies typically do not cover virus-related concerns unless travelers have Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance, which might provide a full or partial refund even if the cruise line does not.

The 2025 inspection data demonstrates that excellence in cleanliness can be achieved across various fleet sizes and ship ages. This data clearly indicates that smaller, independent brands, along with Viking's well-managed operations, currently set the standard for cleanliness at sea.

The full 2025 VSP inspection results are publicly available on the CDC website, enabling passengers to review scores before booking their next voyage.