Norwegian Dawn has recorded the lowest CDC sanitation score among cruise ships inspected so far in 2026, falling below the agency’s passing standard during an unannounced inspection in March.
The Norwegian Cruise Line ship received a score of 84 during its inspection on 29th March 2026. Under the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program, a score of 86 or above is considered satisfactory, while 85 or below is classed as unsatisfactory.
Norwegian Dawn was the only ship among the seven lowest-scoring vessels highlighted in the latest review to fall below the passing threshold.
Carnival Breeze, Kydon and National Geographic Sea Lion each scored 86, meaning they passed by the narrowest possible margin. Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea each received scores of 89.
According to current CDC records, Carnival Breeze’s 86 was recorded on 14th May, Kydon’s on 30th March and National Geographic Sea Lion’s on 21st June. Sun Princess was inspected on 15th February, MSC Meraviglia on 10th March and Amadea on 10th February.
The inspection scores reflect conditions found on board at a particular point in time and can vary significantly between inspections.
Carnival Breeze is a notable example. The Carnival Cruise Line ship earned a perfect score of 100 during an earlier inspection before receiving its subsequent score of 86.
What CDC Inspectors Look For On Cruise Ships
The CDC conducts inspections through its Vessel Sanitation Program, which is designed to help prevent and control public health problems aboard cruise ships operating within the programme’s jurisdiction.
Inspections assess whether ships are complying with public health standards across numerous areas of their operation. These include medical facilities, drinking water systems, swimming pools and whirlpools, food preparation areas, dining rooms, children’s facilities, accommodation, ventilation and public spaces.
A lower inspection result does not automatically mean passengers on a ship are unsafe or that an illness outbreak is occurring. Instead, the score represents inspectors’ assessment of the ship against the CDC’s sanitation standards at the time they boarded.
Norwegian Cruise Line subsequently submitted a corrective action report to the CDC detailing measures taken following Norwegian Dawn’s failed inspection.
Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, an infection prevention expert and epidemiologist affiliated with Penn State College of Medicine, has previously stressed the importance of the Vessel Sanitation Program.
“The federal government’s Vessel Sanitation Program, established in 1975 to work with the cruise industry to protect travelers’ health, is critical for the health and safety of passengers, staff and the locations that cruise ships visit,” Macgregor-Skinner said.
He added:
“Ships participating in the VSP can expect two unannounced inspections every year, with a focus on medic
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