Nothing spoils a cruise holiday like sickness due to poor hygiene standards aboard a ship.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) most recent inspections in the US ports reveal the cleanest ships cruising American waters.
So you can jump aboard these sparkling vessels that are sailing out of the US to destinations in North America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
In Australia’s however, despite the fact that ships are regularly inspected, the results are not published.
US inspectors look at the ships’ water supplies, medical centres, galleys and dining rooms, swimming pools, housekeeping practices, pest management, children’s play centres, and ventilation systems.
The ships are scored out of a 100 and anything 85 or below is a fail.
NSW Health conducts similar inspections for the Port of Sydney, under the Vessel Inspection Program.
Cruise Passenger approached NSW Health for their findings on these inspections but they advised: “we are unable to provide information on vessel inspections as this is confidential information.”
The Environmental Health Officers go on board to inspect areas such as hygiene and hand washing, drinking water, recreational water, beauty therapy, medical and childcare facilities, pest control and toxic substances, waste disposal, cleaning equipment and linen and Legionella control.
The inspections take five to six hours to complete.
Joel Katz, Managing Director, CLIA Australasia says, “The health and safety of our guests and crew are the cruise industry’s highest priority, so cruise lines maintain some of the most stringent cleaning and sanitation processes employed anywhere in the travel industry.”
“Cruise ships are subject to multiple levels of regulation and frequent inspections not seen in other sectors,” says Mr Katz.
“Crew members undertake strict on-board cleaning practices regularly, developed with public health authorities internationally. All areas of the ship are cleaned every day, and high traffic public areas are cleaned throughout the day,” he says.
“At the end of every cruise, crew members clean the ship from top to bottom using designated cleaning supplies and sanitation procedures,” he says.
Find out which are the cleanest ships in the US below.
Top of the class – 100:
Norwegian Gem, Viking Star, Pacific Aurora, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, MS Amsterdam, MS Noordam, Sea Princess, Regal Princess, Star Princess, Emerald Princess, AIDAVITA, Carnival Breeze, Celebrity Reflection, Serenade of the Seas
Close to perfect – 99:
MS Veendam, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity
Getting there – 98:
Freedom of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Carnival Dream, Carnival Legend, Silver Spirit, Celebrity Solstice, MS Zaandam, Norwegian Breakaway
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I would like to see the. Sea Princess get a good cleaning especially the air conditioning ducts
It has been known to affect quite a few passengers on more than one trip. . I haven’t had any problem on any of the other princess line ships only the Sea Princess
cannot agree more, some grubby passengers, have no idea of personal hygiene, (or are just too damned lazy) I agree more checking on entering feeding areas.
One idea? along with all the colourful brochures how about a full page on onboard hygiene, hi lighted, I have often thought sanitory gell. cleaners, on entry to lifts. BUT, the lazy grubs, wouldn’t spend 2 seconds.
I have been on several cruises,& never had a days sickness, but I am very cautious. more education on hygiene, for passengers
Could not agree more strongly. The personal hygiene habits of many are deplorable and put everyone else at risk. I can say this without any fear of contradiction after 23 “blue water” cruises (some total of 400 days), on multiple cruise lines, and on a number where both my wife and I have suffered the consequences of these inconsiderate people. The cruise lines should take a stronger and continuing stance against those endeavouring to enter the buffet areas without handwashing and hand gel application. To do a spot surveillance on just the first day or two of a cruise is not good enough – it should be done continuously and every day- hang the expense when passengers health is at risk.
Why don’t they do a spot check on passengers. Some are absolute pigs. Not washing hands after toilet or going to restaurants. Sneezing without consideration. Dirty pool habits. Touching food. Kids playing with food at food hall. Leaving tissues around. Any comments.