CDC flags seven cruise ships with sub-par sanitation scores in 2026

Data from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which conducts surprise inspections of cruise ships docking in U.S. ports, revealed seven vessels with the poorest hygiene ratings in 2026. Norwegian Dawn earned an 84 in a March review, while Carnival Breeze, Kydon and National Geographic Sea Lion each posted 86, and Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea received 89. The program uses a 100-point scale, requiring at least 86 to pass.

Scores are snapshots of conditions and may improve in subsequent checks; for example, Carnival Breeze previously achieved a perfect 100 earlier in the year. Norwegian Cruise Line submitted a detailed corrective-action report to the CDC after its low score. Experts emphasized that while low scores signal sanitation gaps, they do not automatically indicate a health hazard, and the VSP remains a key tool for protecting passengers and crew.