The lowest-scoring cruise ships of 2026 have been identified based on data from unannounced health inspections conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) does periodic, unannounced inspections of cruise ships in U.S.ports, examining conditions aboard to determine whether vessels comply with federal public health standards, according to the agency.Cruise ships are graded on a 100-point scale.
Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection — while a score of 85 or below is considered unsatisfactory, the CDC noted.CLEANEST CRUISE LINES REVEALED AFTER CDC SURPRISE SANITATION INSPECTIONSSeveral ships have landed near the bottom of the CDC's sanitation scale so far this year.Norwegian Dawn, Carnival Breeze, Kydon, National Geographic Sea Lion, Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea were the seven lowest-scoring vessels among the 2026 inspections reviewed, according to CDC data.The lowest-scoring cruise ships of 2026 have been revealed after unannounced health inspections conducted by the CDC.(NurPhoto via Getty Images)Norwegian Dawn received a score of 84 during a March inspection — putting it below the CDC's passing threshold of 86.Carnival Breeze, Kydon and National Geographic Sea Lion each received scores of 86 — while Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea received 89s.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe scores reflect conditions observed at the time of inspection — and the scores can change from one inspection to the next. Carnival Breeze, for example, received a perfect 100 earlier in the year before earning a score of 86 during a later inspection.The scores do not necessarily mean a ship is unsafe; rather, they reflect how well the vessels met the CDC’s public health standards at the time of inspection.Cruise ships are graded on a 100-point scale.
Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection, while a score of 85 or below is considered unsatisfactory, according to...