The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the hygiene and safety of cruise ships, conducting random inspections and providing scores based on their sanitation practices. In 2024, cruise ships have generally performed well, with many attaining scores of 95 out of 100. However, any vessel that scores 85 or below is considered to have failed the inspection. Notably, this year has seen some troubling results, with 11 ships scoring less than 90 points, including one vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration, which scored a worrying 62. The implications of these scores are significant as cruise ships are susceptible to outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus, which can spread rapidly among passengers and staff, dramatically impacting vacation experiences.
The CDC’s inspections are not announced in advance, allowing for a more accurate snapshot of the vessels’ sanitation practices. Each inspection covers a variety of areas, including kitchens, pools, and children’s areas, assessing cleanliness and sanitation standards. Small details can lead to point deductions, including lighting conditions at handwashing stations and the maintenance frequency of pool filters. These meticulous checks ensure the cruise ships meet high safety standards to mitigate health risks associated with bacterial and viral outbreaks, which have been a concern for the cruising industry.
As of 2024, the CDC has inspected 119 cruise ships, with an overall trend of high scores; the majority have scored around 95. The 11 ships that scored below 90 include notable names such as the Crystal Serenity, Carnival Elation, and the Adventure of the Seas. The inspection results are significant considering that the CDC found ten outbreaks of bacterial or viral infections on cruise ships already this year, predominantly norovirus, known for its severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The swift transmission of such infections is made worse due to the close quarters aboard cruise vessels, underscoring the importance of stringent sanitation practices.
In 2023, a total of 181 cruise ships were inspected, with just one ship, the MSC Seaside, receiving a score below 85 before it was re-inspected successfully later. Historically, 75 ships have failed to score over 85 since the CDC began tracking these inspections in 1991. The inspection of the Hanseatic Inspiration revealed particularly concerning issues, including a maggot-infested bird and insect infestations near food preparation areas, contributing to its extremely low score and highlighting the severe consequences of non-compliance with health standards.
In response to their low inspection scores, cruise lines have implemented corrective measures. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expressed that the score does not reflect its operational standards and declared an internal review accompanied by enhanced training for its crew. Similarly, Crystal Cruises indicated its immediate actions to rectify the operational issues that led to its 89 score, while MSC Cruises stated it has begun an improvement plan to address the CDC inspector’s feedback, confident in the changes made to enhance their vessels’ sanitation. Although many cruise lines did not comment directly on their inspection results, there is a clear effort to improve compliance with health standards following these inspections.
Overall, while the majority of cruise ships are maintaining high sanitation standards to combat outbreaks, the presence of ships scoring below the CDC’s acceptable threshold signals a need for vigilance within the industry. The documented outbreaks experienced so far in 2024 emphasize the potential impact on passengers and the importance of rigorous health and safety practices on these floating hotels. The cruise industry will likely continue focusing on sanitation to assure passengers of their safety while enjoying their journeys at sea, especially as health concerns remain at the forefront of public consciousness in light of past viral outbreaks.