CDC Inspections: Top 10 Cleanest Cruise Lines for 2025

When thousands of people share the same ship for days at a time, cleanliness isn't just nice to have. It's essential for keeping everyone healthy and happy.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's unannounced inspections shows which cruise lines are getting it right. Florida-based Squaremouth Travel Insurance compiled the scores, revealing that Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Expedition Operations, and Crystal Cruises tied for first place with impressive 99 out of 100 scores.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program has quietly protected travelers since 1975. Twice a year, inspectors show up without warning to check everything from medical facilities and drinking water to swimming pools, kitchens, and ventilation systems.

Ships need to score at least 86 points to pass. The top 10 cleanest cruise lines all scored above 97, showing a serious commitment to passenger health.

Here's a surprise that challenges assumptions about luxury travel: newer doesn't mean cleaner. Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, which launched in 2001, ranked high on the list, proving that maintenance matters more than age.

Independent cruise brands tend to outperform major corporations in sanitation scores. But the big names are still doing well, with Disney averaging 97, Royal Caribbean at 96.74, and Carnival at 94.82.

Why This Inspires

These rigorous inspections protect millions of travelers each year. While cruise ships sometimes make headlines for norovirus outbreaks, the data shows no link between cleanliness scores and illness rates, according to infection prevention expert Gavin Macgregor-Skinner.

In fact, cruise lines are the only travel sector that routinely reports illnesses to the federal government. This transparency means cruise ships are likely cleaner than many hotels, restaurants, and planes, even though you hear about outbreaks more often.

Brian Sansoni from the American Cleaning Institute explains why this matters: "Cruise ships are shared environments where thousands of people touch the same surfaces every day. Strong cleaning and hygiene practices stop germs from spreading quickly in close quarters."

The complete top 10 includes Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Expedition Operations, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Japan Grace, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

These high scores show that cruise lines are taking passenger safety seriously and investing in the protocols that keep everyone healthy at sea.