The 25 Cleanest Cruise Ships Sailing in 2024

Did you know the cleanest cruise ships are subject to rigorous, unannounced inspections under the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to ensure they meet strict health and safety standards?

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. — (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)

These USPH health inspections are conducted twice annually when ships are docked at U.S. ports and evaluate key areas such as food safety, potable water systems, medical facilities, pest control, and overall cleanliness.

Each ship receives a score on a 100-point scale, with 86 or higher considered passing. Below 86 percent is failing, and the issues must be corrected immediately.

Achieving a perfect 100 score is rare and reflects exceptional sanitation protocol compliance.

Cleanest Cruise Ships of 2024

1. Carnival Magic

A large cruise ship docked at a port. — Carnival Magic (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

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

2. Star Pride

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. — (Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises)

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

3. Jewel of the Seas

jewel of the seas tortola — Jewel of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

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

4. Norwegian Breakaway

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

5. Serenade of the Seas

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

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

6. Carnival Spirit

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

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

7. ms Zuiderdam

holland america zuiderdam — Zuiderdam (HOLLAND AMERICA)

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

8. Viking Orion

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

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

9. Seabourn Odyssey

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

10. Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel in Philadelphia (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: July 24, 2024
Year 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. — (Photo courtesy of Oceania)

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises
Date of Inspection: July 22, 2024
Year 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. — (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

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

13. MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia entering New York Harbor b — MSC Meraviglia (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

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

14. Norwegian Bliss

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

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

15. MSC Seashore

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

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

16. Norwegian Sky

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Date of Inspection: May 23, 2024
Year 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. — (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of Inspection: May 16, 2024
Year Launched: 2002
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 90,090

18. Viking Polaris

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

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

19. Celebrity Equinox

Aerial view of Celebrity Equinox (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)

Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Date of Inspection: February 15, 2024
Year 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 (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

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

21. Explora I

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

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

22. Disney Fantasy

A large Disney cruise ship sailing on the sea near a grassy area with picnic tables and a few parked cars. — Disney Fantasy (Photo courtesy of Cruise Radio)

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

23. Norwegian Jade

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

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

24. Celebrity 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: Celebrity Cruises
Date of Inspection: January 7, 2024
Year 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
Year Launched: 2007
Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT): 93,530

How Do Cruise Ship Health 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 health inspections typically occur when ships are docked at U.S. ports. The inspections focus on critical public health areas, including food safety, potable water systems, medical facilities, pest management, and overall cleanliness.

Each ship is scored on a 100-point scale. A score of 86 or higher is considered passing, while a perfect 100 reflects exceptional compliance with health and safety protocols.

If the ship fails, it has to submit a corrective action report to satisfy the CDC requirements.

Have you sailed one of the cleanest cruise ships of 2024? Let us know.

Doug Parker

Doug Parker is a cruise journalist known for his no-nonsense reporting and in-depth coverage of cruise news, ship launches, and industry trends. With over a decade of experience, he’s earned a reputation as a trusted source for both travelers and industry insiders.

The 25 Cleanest Cruise Ships Sailing in 2024