Shocking Discovery aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
While we love the thrill of cruising, it’s essential to talk about sanitation, especially when it comes to our favorite getaway ships. Every year, the CDC inspects every cruise ships visiting a US Port through its Vessel Sanitation Program. Inspections take 6-8 hours while CDC officials examine eight key areas throughout the ship.
The Cleanest Cruise Ships of 2024
Before we dive into the shocking details of the dirtiest cruise ship of 2024, let’s take a moment to applaud the 19 cruise ships that earned a perfect sanitation score of 100 from the CDC this year. That’s right—these ships have truly raised the bar for cleanliness, making them top picks for travelers.
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Carnival Spirit
- Celebrity Ascent
- Celebrity Equinox
- Disney Fantasy
- Explora I
- MSC Meraviglia
- MSC Seashore
- Norwegian Bliss
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Escape
- Norwegian Gem
- Norwegian Jewel
- Norwegian Sky
- Oceania Regatta
- Radiance of the Seas
- Seabourn Odyssey
- Viking Orion
- Viking Polaris
The Dirtiest Cruise Ships of 2024
Now, onto the not-so-glamorous side of cruising. Unfortunately, some beloved cruise lines found themselves on the list of the dirtiest ships of 2024. According to the CDC’s rigorous scoring system, any ship scoring below 85 receives an “F,” and this year, several vessels barely squeaked by. These four ships scored an 86, just one point above failing.
- Caribbean Princess — Princess Cruises
- Carnival Breeze — Carnival Cruise Line
- Evrima — Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- MSC Magnifica — MSC Cruises
A Disturbing Discovery Aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
The Hanseatic Inspiration, a German cruise ship, scored an alarming 62. That is 24 points lower than any other ship on the list, and well below a passing score from the CDC.
So, what went wrong? The CDC report uncovered a multitude of sanitation failings on the Hanseatic Inspiration. For instance, there were no records of disinfection for the swimming pool’s hair and lint strainer for a period stretching from September 8 to September 21. Additionally, supervisors were noted as inadequately monitoring critical food processes, allowing unsafe practices to fester in food preparation areas.
Perhaps the most shocking finding came from the galley’s outdoor grill, where inspectors discovered a decomposing bird infested with maggots. The official violation report details:
| Item # | 39 |
| Site | Galley – Outdoor Grill |
| Violation | Maggots infested the decomposing bird under the grill |
| Recommendation | Effectively control the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests to minimize their presence in food storage, preparation, and service areas, as well as in warewashing and utensil storage areas aboard the vessel. |
This kind of discovery raises serious concerns about the ship’s overall cleanliness and safety. Such violations could pose significant health risks to passengers and crew alike, making it crucial for cruise lines to address these issues immediately.
Prioritizing Sanitation in the Cruise Industry
As we look at both ends of the cleanliness spectrum, it’s clear that while some cruise ships excel in maintaining high sanitary standards, others still have a long way to go. The stark contrast between the pristine ships and those with shocking violations should serve as a wake-up call for both cruise lines and passengers.
