The 25 Cleanest Cruise Ships Crusing in 2024

Do you know the cleanest cruise ships are topic to rigorous, unannounced inspections underneath the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to make sure they meet strict well being and security requirements?

Aerial view of cruise ships docked at a bustling port with turquoise water. The port is alive with piers reaching into the sea, and a construction site stands in the foreground, hinting at future shore excursion possibilities as CDC restrictions ease. — (Picture courtesy of Cruise Radio)

These USPH well being inspections are carried out twice yearly when ships are docked at U.S. ports and consider key areas reminiscent of meals security, potable water techniques, medical services, pest management, and general cleanliness.

Every ship receives a rating on a 100-point scale, with 86 or greater thought-about passing. Beneath 86 p.c is failing, and the problems should be corrected instantly.

Attaining a excellent 100 rating is uncommon and displays distinctive sanitation protocol compliance.

Cleanest Cruise Ships of 2024

1. Carnival Magic

Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: October 13, 2024
Yr Launched: 2011
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 128,048

2. Star Pleasure

A large white cruise ship, prepared for its 2024 health inspections, sails near a green, hilly coastline under a clear blue sky. The hills are dotted with trees and buildings, with a tall antenna visible in the distance. The calm sea reflects the peaceful atmosphere. — (Picture courtesy of Windstar Cruises)

Cruise Line: Windstar Cruises
Date of Inspection: September 29, 2024
Yr Launched: 1988
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 9,975

3. Jewel of the Seas

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Worldwide
Date of Inspection: September 28, 2024
Yr Launched: 2004
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 90,090

4. Norwegian Breakaway

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: September 22, 2024
Yr Launched: 2013
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 145,655

5. Serenade of the Seas

serenade of the seas exterior — Serenade of the Seas (Picture courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Worldwide
Date of Inspection: September 10, 2024
Yr Launched: 2003
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 90,090

6. Carnival Spirit

Exterior of Carnival Spirit (Picture courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: September 3, 2024
Yr Launched: 2001
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 88,500

7. ms Zuiderdam

Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Date of Inspection: August 24, 2024
Yr Launched: 2002
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 82,820

8. Viking Orion

Viking Orion Sydney Harbor Australia — Viking Orion in Sydney, Australia (Picture courtesy of Viking)

Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Date of Inspection: August 18, 2024
Yr Launched: 2018
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 47,800

9. Seabourn Odyssey

Cruise Line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: August 16, 2024
Yr Launched: 2009
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 32,000

10. Norwegian Jewel

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: July 24, 2024
Yr Launched: 2005
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 93,502

11. Oceania Regatta

A large Oceania Cruises ship on the water near the coast with fluffy clouds above, and red flowers in the foreground. — (Picture courtesy of Oceania)

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises
Date of Inspection: July 22, 2024
Yr Launched: 2003
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 30,277

12. Radiance of the Seas

A large white Royal Caribbean cruise ship with multiple decks sails through a vast blue ocean. The ship has several rows of windows, central smokestacks, and areas for outdoor seating. The sky above is clear and bright. — (Picture courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Worldwide
Date of Inspection: July 21, 2024
Yr Launched: 2001
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 90,090

13. MSC Meraviglia

Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Date of Inspection: July 9, 2024
Yr Launched: 2017
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 171,598

14. Norwegian Bliss

norwegian bliss cabo san lucas mexico — (Picture courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: June 22, 2024
Yr Launched: 2018
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 168,028

15. MSC Seashore

msc seashore aerial exterior — MSC Seashore (Picture courtesy of MSC Cruises)

Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
Date of Inspection: Might 26, 2024
Yr Launched: 2021
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 169,400

16. Norwegian Sky

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: Might 23, 2024
Yr Launched: 1999
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 77,104

17. Brilliance of the Seas

A large white Royal Caribbean cruise ship sails on open water under a clear blue sky. The multistory vessel features numerous windows, balconies, and deck areas, including a distinctive glass-enclosed section mid-ship. The ship appears to be moving calmly. — (Picture courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Worldwide
Date of Inspection: Might 16, 2024
Yr Launched: 2002
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 90,090

18. Viking Polaris

viking polaris fincantieri VARD shipyard norway expedition — (Picture courtesy of Viking)

Cruise Line: Viking Expeditions
Date of Inspection: April 2, 2024
Yr Launched: 2022
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 30,150

19. Movie star Equinox

Cruise Line: Movie star Cruises
Date of Inspection: February 15, 2024
Yr Launched: 2009
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 121,878

20. Norwegian Escape

Aerial view of a large cruise ship docked in the British Virgin Islands with hills in the background. — Norwegian Escape Tortola (Picture courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: January 27, 2024
Yr Launched: 2015
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 164,998

21. Explora I

explora journeys sea trials — (Picture courtesy of Explora Journeys)

Cruise Line: Explora Journeys
Date of Inspection: January 25, 2024
Yr Launched: 2023
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 63,900

22. Disney Fantasy

Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: January 24, 2024
Yr Launched: 2012
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 129,750

23. Norwegian Jade

norwegian jade exterior — Norwegian Jade (Picture courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: October 21, 2024
Yr Launched: 2006
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 93,558

24. Movie star Ascent

A large cruise ship named "Celebrity Ascent" sails in the clear blue waters near a hilly coastline under a clear September sky, reminiscent of a Royal Caribbean day at Labadee.

Cruise Line: Movie star Cruises
Date of Inspection: January 7, 2024
Yr Launched: 2023
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 140,600

25. Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem cruise ship in the ocean, providing exceptional service for Jacksonville residents.

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: January 2, 2024
Yr Launched: 2007
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 93,530

How Do Cruise Ship Well being Inspections Work?

cleanest cruise ships. Two large cruise ships are docked side by side at a port under a partly cloudy sky, adhering to the CDC New Conditional Sailing Order. A smaller boat is on the water nearby. In the foreground, a person stands near a green fence, gazing at the ships. Grass and rocks line the shoreline, adding natural charm and surprises.

These unannounced well being inspections usually happen when ships are docked at U.S. ports. The inspections give attention to vital public well being areas, together with meals security, potable water techniques, medical services, pest administration, and general cleanliness.

Every ship is scored on a 100-point scale. A rating of 86 or greater is taken into account passing, whereas an ideal 100 displays distinctive compliance with well being and security protocols.

If the ship fails, it has to submit a corrective motion report back to fulfill the CDC necessities.

Have you ever sailed one of many cleanest cruise ships of 2024? Tell us.