Undoubtedly, the cruises industry, one of the most iconic sectors in tourism, has proven to be a global economic driver with a significant impact on local, national, and international economies. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted various random surprise health inspections on cruise ships and rated them on a scale from zero to 100 in a recent report.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), over 30 million people boarded cruises in 2023—a figure that not only demonstrates the recovery post-pandemic but also shows sustained growth in emerging markets like Asia and South America.

How the CDC Evaluations Were Conducted

In the review of the Vessel Sanitation Program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a score of 85 out of 100 is considered a failure. The CDC conducts random surprise health inspections on cruise ships, rating them on a scale from zero to 100. The inspections examine common areas such as pools and activity centers, buffet handwashing stations, food storage, and kitchen equipment.

According to the report, in 2024, the agency reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on cruise ships, most of which were norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug.” This highly contagious virus is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses, vomiting, and diarrhea in the United States.

Norovirus also tends to cause stomach cramps, nausea, mild fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches.

Throughout the year, the CDC conducted 151 inspections, including repeated inspections on 23 ships. Of the more than 100 ships inspected, the average score was approximately 95.9, with 27 ships receiving a perfect score of 100. Two ships initially failed but passed follow-up inspections.

However, nine ships scored below 90.

According to the CDC, these ships include

• Hanseatic Inspiration: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, scored 89 (inspected on October 28, previously scored 62 on September 29)
• Carnival Elation: Carnival Cruise Line, scored 89 (inspected on March 14)
• Adventure of the Seas: Royal Caribbean International, scored 89 (inspected on January 23)
• National Geographic Sea Bird: Lindblad Expeditions, scored 88 (inspected on July 25)
• Carnival Miracle: Carnival Cruise Line, scored 88 (inspected on April 21)
• MSC Magnifica: MSC Cruises, scored 86 (inspected on May 17)
• Evrima: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, scored 86 (inspected on February 9)
• Carnival Breeze: Carnival Cruise Line, scored 86 (inspected on March 21)
• Caribbean Princess: Princess Cruises, scored 86 (inspected on March 20)

A spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd told international media that Hanseatic Inspiration’s initial score of 62 was a “very unfortunate incident” that did not adequately reflect the company’s “strict hygiene requirements.”

Additionally, according to CDC requirements, the cruise line addressed the ship’s “operational aspects” to meet the standards, resulting in a higher score during a follow-up inspection. The spokesperson added that any remaining issues “are being addressed and will be resolved promptly.”

The report also mentioned two ships that initially failed to reach the 90 threshold but later passed subsequent inspections. The Crystal Serenity scored 89 on February 2 but seven months later achieved a score of 90.

Growing Accountability for Consumers

This demonstrates how more studies or documents from official organizations are increasingly revealing information to consumers about the products and services they purchase.

Read more:

Sora price: how much does OpenAI’s video generator cost?

How to access Sora OpenAI, ChatGPT’s video generator

Foods that contain red dye 3, the additive that could be banned