Think cruise ships are all about luxury and endless buffets? Think again. The CDC’s latest inspection report is out, revealing stomach-churning findings. We’re talking maggots squirming on decomposing dead birds, flies buzzing around kitchen prep areas, dishware that looks like it’s never met a sponge, and outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea. Yep, this is happening on ships where people pay big bucks to sail on.
But the big question is, could one of these cruise ships be your next vacation choice? After all, who wants their dream vacation to turn into a germ-filled disaster on the high seas?
From shocking inspection scores to cringe-worthy cleanliness fails, I’ve broken down the dirtiest cruise ships of the year—and how you can avoid boarding one. Let’s dive into the grime so you can sail worry-free!
Why Cleanliness Matters at Sea
Cruising isn’t all about sunshine and sea breezes if your cruise ship is more grime than glam. And poor sanitation onboard isn’t just gross—it’s downright dangerous. Consider the risks posed by thousands of passengers squeezed into tight quarters sharing everything from buffet tongs to handrails.
Unhygienic conditions at sea are a recipe for disaster, and germs spread fast at an alarming rate. The result? Think norovirus outbreaks, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and being cooped up in a cabin for days. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct spot checks on cruise ships.
And let’s not forget—at sea, you’re stuck onboard with no quick escape to a cleaner option.
The CDC Cruise Ship Inspection
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspects over 200 cruise ships annually, scoring cleanliness and safety on a 100-point scale. Unannounced inspections cover food prep, water quality, and hygiene in public areas. Scores below 85 fail, revealing serious risks that could jeopardize cruise passenger health.
The Dirtiest Cruise Ships of the Year
Which cruise ships are the worst offenders in terms of cruise ship cleanliness for 2024? From maggots to filthy whirlpools and contaminated food, ten ships did not meet basic health standards, putting passengers at serious risk. Here’s the gritty lowdown on the filthiest ships that are more floating grime factories than luxury getaways.
Note: The following comments are from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program for 2024. Most cruise lines have cleaned up their act. For the latest information, check the CDC’s website for the latest reports.
1. Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises)
The Hanseatic Inspiration hit rock bottom with an eye-popping score of 62, making it the dirtiest cruise ship of 2024. The CDC inspection revealed a list of violations that would make you gag just reading it. We’re talking brown slime on beer taps, live maggots on the poolside, decaying birds, and shellfish stored at unsafe temperatures.
The health risks are off the charts. These filthy conditions open the door for foodborne illnesses and viral infections. One passenger on a travel forum dubbed it “a floating health hazard.” The inspectors reported “critical and high-risk food processes by allowing unsafe practices in food preparation areas.”
It’s a stark reminder that even luxury-branded ships can serve up a slice of grime when standards slip.
Score: 62/100
2. Caribbean Princess (Princess Cruises)
The Caribbean Princess hit a severe “grime-berg” with flies swarming the kitchen prep areas, crawling insects, and dirty buffet areas. Also, signs to “wash hands often” were missing, which made the unpleasant situation worse. These aren’t minor infractions—they’re a recipe for contamination in the ship’s busiest areas.
Health risks? High. Flies in dirty kitchens spread disease, and unsafe food handling may cause to foodborne illnesses and gastrointestinal illnesses. Reviews on travel forums in early 2024 described the ship as “shabby” and “disappointing.”
With conditions like this, it’s clear even well-known cruise lines can drop the ball on sanitation.
Score: 86/100
3. Carnival Breeze (Carnival Cruise Lines)
The Carnival Breeze narrowly avoided getting grounded by the CDC with a poor score of 86. Inspectors flagged improper food handling, noting trays of food left uncovered and exposed to rain. Dishwashing procedures were subpar, with “clean” plates still showing visible food debris. Cracks in the deck and soiled heat lamps added to the grim findings.
These unsanitary practices pose serious health risks for passengers. Contaminated dishware increases the likelihood of foodborne illnesses, while improper storage of food and exposure to rain may result in bacterial growth. One traveler reported, “Despite the few and small ‘problems,’ I enjoyed this vacation.”
Score: 86/100
4. Evrima (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Think that paying thousands for a luxury cruise means you avoid hygiene horrors? Think again! The Evrima luxury yacht ran aground with a poor score of 86.
Shocking hygiene lapses include flies buzzing around food prep areas, fruit flies infesting juice machines, handwashing violations among staff, and improper sanitization of critical surfaces. There were also reports of staff suffering from gastroenteritis that the cruise line failed to report.
For a yacht designed to epitomize luxury, the inspection findings told a different story. These failings aren’t just unsightly—they’re a health hazard. Some passengers were left questioning if they were paying for luxury or just overpriced grime.
Score: 86/100
5. MSC Magnifica (MSC Cruise Management)
The MSC Magnifica didn’t live up to its grand name, earning a disappointing CDC score of 86. Inspectors highlighted numerous gross health violations, including improperly sanitized food prep equipment, mold growth in storage areas, and poor hygiene practices among staff. For a ship promising “magnificence,” these conditions were anything but.
These issues are more than just an “oops”—they’re full-blown health hazards. Mold contaminates food, dirty prep equipment breeds bacteria, and staff that skip handwashing? Yikes! These hygiene lapses make norovirus outbreaks almost inevitable. Magnifica? It’s more like a magnificent let-down in terms of onboard hygiene.
Score: 86/100
6. Carnival Miracle
It’s a miracle no one got seriously ill on the Carnival Miracle, which scored an unimpressive 88 in the VSP. Inspectors reported improperly stored food, soiled kitchen equipment, and inadequate sanitation procedures throughout the ship. For a vessel with “Miracle” in its name, passengers might have expected a cleaner reality.
The violations were alarming. Food was stored at unsafe temperatures, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Kitchen equipment, such as cutting boards and slicers, was found with old food debris—a clear hazard for cross-contamination. Public restrooms were inadequately cleaned, creating added breeding grounds for germs.
These conditions make outbreaks of foodborne illnesses or norovirus a real threat. When safety takes a backseat to sanitation failures, passengers are left praying for a ‘miracle’ that their trip ends healthier than it started.
Score: 88/100
7. National Geographic Sea Bird (Lindblad Expeditions)
The National Geographic Sea Bird is a luxury cruise ship that promises exploration, but it seems more like a quest to avoid catching a stomach bug onboard. During the CDC inspection, inspectors found inconsistencies with food storage and unsanitized food prep equipment. Also, unidentified liquids and dirty kitchen equipment were found.
This issue for cruisers is that unsafe food storage promotes bacterial growth, and dirty kitchen equipment risks spreading contamination. Combine unhygienic practices, and you’re left with health hazards, not fine dining.
For a ship built for discovery, no one expected it to be this kind of unintended germ safari.
Score: 88/100
8. Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
The Adventure of the Seas delivered more of an adventure in hygiene failure than luxury cruising in the Caribbean. With a poor 86, inspectors found enough issues to list it among the dirtiest ten cruise ships in 2024. What were the problems? Poorly cleaned food prep areas, contaminated water lines, and faulty sanitization in critical areas.
For a ship promising excitement, this wasn’t the kind passengers had signed up for. Who wants to enter the buffet thinking they’ve signed up for a gamble of gastrointestinal roulette? With a high risk of food contamination, every meal can feel like a risky adventure in unsanitary waters.
Score 89/100
9. Carnival Elation (Carnival Cruise Lines)
The Carnival Elation didn’t live up to its name—more like “Carnival deflation,” scoring a hopeless 89. Inspectors flagged grim conditions, including mold in food storage areas, improper cleaning of utensils, and fruit fly infestations near drink stations. For a ship meant to deliver joy and relaxation, it offered a dose of disgust instead.
These failures go beyond gross—they’re dangerous. Moldy food storage can lead to harmful bacteria growth, and fruit flies carry contaminants that threaten food safety. Also, several staff members continued working despite showing signs of gastroenteritis.
For passengers, unhygienic conditions on a ship mean a higher risk of illnesses that can quickly ruin any vacation. Is this the kind of “elation” you want?
Score: 89/100
10. Crystal Serenity (Crystal Cruises)
The Crystal Serenity—a cruise ship renowned for its high standards—took an unexpected tumble with a CDC score of 89 in early 2024. Inspectors flagged issues like insufficient sanitization in food prep areas, improperly cleaned surfaces and a lack of routine hygiene checks. However, this seems like a dip in its reputation because, by late 2024, it had a score of 90.
The issues with the Crystal Serenity show the importance of checking CDC scores when booking a cruise. Sometimes, cruise ships get criticized for unhygienic practices. However, looking at its year-on-year cleanliness reports reveals a different story. Thankfully, there is more ‘serenity’ and fewer stomach-churning surprises on this cruise ship.
Score: 89/100
Most Common Cleanliness Violations
Poor hygiene practices might slide at home—but on a cruise ship? No way! With thousands of passengers in close quarters, even minor lapses can lead to big problems. The CDC’s inspections reveal repeated violations that should make any traveler think twice.
Here are the three most common cruise ship health code violations the CDC flags.
Food safety failures
Most critical violations are raw meats stored next to cooked meat or fresh vegetables. However, mold in food prep areas and improper cleaning and sanitization are also common issues.
Unfortunately, these aren’t rare events. One couple told me about an earlier cruise where they got a stomach bug from the buffet. They said that by day two, they were both down with food poisoning with severe stomach pains, vomiting, and nausea. The five-day cruise was just a blur of nausea and being cooped up in their cabin.
Water quality issues
Water—we drink it, swim in it, and bathe in it. So, any bug contamination in water is sure to have serious consequences. Think under-chlorinated pools, packed hot tubs, and contaminated drinking systems. One cruiser described how they watched someone fill their water bottle by pressing the nozzle directly into it. The issue? It contaminates the nozzle, potentially spreading germs to other passengers.
Whether it’s bacteria breeding in poorly treated pools or unsafe handling of drinking water stations, the consequences are far-reaching. Infections, rashes, and stomach bugs are all on the table when water quality takes a dive.
Hygiene failures
Hygiene isn’t optional on a cruise ship. Thousands of people are packed together, and the potential for germs to spread like wildfire is ever present. Unfortunately, inspections repeatedly reveal failures like staff skipping handwashing, dirty utensils lingering in buffets, and poorly cleaned food prep stations.
One cruiser recounted their horror: “I watched staff handling food and then taking cruise cards and moving on to the next passenger without washing their hands.” Add passengers who don’t follow buffet etiquette to the mix, and you have a recipe for cross-contamination and a stomach bug outbreak.
Cruise Lines Getting It Right
Thankfully, dirty cruise ships are the exception, not the rule. In general, cruise lines take hygiene seriously and take steps to rectify issues at once. After all, they cannot afford a hit on their reputation or costly litigation because passengers get seriously sick. Many cruise lines get CDC scores of 95 to 100, setting the standard for sanitation at sea.
Which cruise lines have the best reputation for cleanliness? Here are a few:
Disney Cruise Line: Disney sets the gold standard for hygiene, with mandatory handwashing before dining, staff constantly cleaning surfaces, and pristine public areas. Families trust Disney to deliver a safe, spotless experience every time.
Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity’s proactive approach to cleanliness earns consistent praise. Automatic handwashing stations, sparkling restrooms, and constant surface cleaning make their ships a top choice for worry-free cruising.
Holland America Line: Known for its focus on health and safety, Holland America goes the extra mile. Buffet areas are staff-served to minimize contamination, and smaller crowds mean cleaner spaces and better hygiene overall.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian cruise ships take hygiene seriously, earning high CDC scores across their fleet. Their “washy washy” policy at dining areas and regular sanitization of public spaces shows a clear commitment to passenger safety. Seven ships from Norwegian Cruise Lines scored 100/100 for cleanliness.
Stay Ship-Shape: Tips for a Healthier Cruise
Regardless of the cruise ship, staying healthy onboard requires some savvy moves. This means taking precautions to avoid exposing yourself to extra risks. The goal is to keep germs at bay and your trip on track.
Here are three simple tips I’ve picked up over the years on avoiding nasty stomach bugs on board:
Master buffet etiquette: Use clean utensils, avoid touching serving handles unnecessarily, and avoid refilling a used plate or cup.
Keep hands clean: High-touch areas like elevator buttons and railings are unavoidable. Pack hand sanitizer gel and sanitizing wipes to keep germs in check. Always wash hands before the buffet and picking up your knife and fork to start eating.
Avoid the buffet during peak hours: Self-serve buffets during busy times can be germ magnets. Plan your meals for quieter hours to dodge the crowds and keep things cleaner.
Six Steps to Sanitize Your Cabin on Arrival
Your cabin is your home at sea—so get it as clean as possible for peace of mind. Of course, cruise staff do their best. But high turnover means some spots might get missed. Taking a few minutes to sanitize your space on arrival can help you relax, knowing your cabin is spotless.
Here are my top tips for ensuring your cabin is germ-free:
Preparation: Pack disinfecting wipes to wipe down high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, remote controls, and faucets.
Wash your hands: After getting to your cabin, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Once you’ve finished cleaning, wash your hands again thoroughly to start your vacation germ-free.
Sanitize frequently-touched areas: We’re talking toilet seats, handles, door handles, sink surfaces, remote controls, and shower knobs.
Wipe down hard surfaces: Clean hard surfaces you’ll use the most—table tops, shelves, nightstands, and vanity desks.
Remove decorative bedspreads: Bed linen is changed between sailings, but not decorative pillows, blankets, and bedspreads. As a precaution, remove them and store them in your closet.
My Thoughts: Choosing a Cleaner Cruise Experience
In general, most cruise ships keep excellent hygiene standards, but it only takes one bad apple to ruin a vacation. Thankfully, the major cruise lines care about brand reputation, and they quickly address hygiene issues and uphold sanitation practices. By sticking to well-reviewed ships and checking CDC scores, you can ensure a clean and carefree trip.
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