An important article about cleanliness on cruises, of the utmost importance to us now, is from this source:
“These Are the Cleanest Cruise Lines in the U.S., According to CDC Inspection Data
Cleanliness is crucial on cruise ships to prevent the spread of illnesses such as norovirus and Legionnaires’ disease. By Kristine Hansen Published on April 3, 2026
Germs travel fast in close quarters. And that’s especially true on cruise ships, where passengers share space in buffets, dining rooms, theaters, elevators, and more. But some cruise lines have a better track record than others.
Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition, and Crystal Cruises tied for the three cleanest cruise lines in the United States, boasting identical cleanliness scores, according to a recent study by travel insurance provider Squaremouth. Overall, cruise lines with larger fleets tended to rank slightly lower than their smaller counterparts, but Viking was the major exception, with about a dozen ships in its fleet.
To determine sanitation scores, the study looked at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) inspection reports collected between 2014 and 2025. These inspections assess cleanliness in the galleys and dining rooms, medical centers, potable water systems, heating and ventilation systems, onboard pest management, swimming pools, housekeeping, childcare, and activity centers. Squaremouth then manually aggregated these vessel sanitation scores and grouped vessels by their cruise lines.
Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises, which recently made the move to become adults-only, came in second place in the study. Oceania Cruises boasts eight ships in its fleet, each hosting up to 1,250 guests.
That was followed by United Kingdom-based P&O Cruises and Japan Grace, a Japanese travel agency that operates the Japan-based NGO Peace Boat. Virgin Voyages took the fourth spot on the list, with Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises tying to round out the top five.
Cruise ships can be breeding grounds for gastrointestinal illnesses, Squaremouth said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure. Last year alone, the CDC reported 23 outbreaks of illness on board, according to the company, representing a 28 percent increase over 2024.
The most common illness reported was norovirus, which accounted for 17 of the 23 outbreaks in 2025. The virus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the CDC, and is spread by direct contact with an infected person, eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages, or touching contaminated objects and then putting unwashed fingers in the mouth.
To stay healthy while sailing, it is a good idea to avoid high-touch areas like communal condiments and self-serve machines and continually wash your hands throughout the day.
Beyond foodborne illnesses, cruise ship passengers should consider avoiding private hot tubs on ships, as they’ve been a source of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.”
As we prepare for our upcoming voyage on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, I’ve found myself wandering through page after page of reviews, the kind that can either ease your mind or stir a bit of uneasiness. Cleanliness, in particular, seems to be one of those topics that travelers feel strongly about, and the opinions are far from consistent.
Some guests describe stepping into a spotless cabin, where everything feels fresh, well-cared-for, and inviting after a long day of travel. They mention attentive stateroom attendants who seem to appear at just the right moment, keeping things tidy without intrusion. Public areas in these accounts are equally well maintained, with a steady presence of crew members wiping down surfaces and keeping things in order. Reading those reviews, you can almost feel that sense of comfort that comes with knowing you can settle in without a second thought.
But after our most recent 47-night cruise, which left each of us with three different respiratory viruses, one after another, I am more concerned than ever.
A handful of travelers noted worn carpets, overlooked corners, or bathrooms that didn’t quite meet expectations. A few mention that high-traffic areas, especially during busy sailing periods, can feel less pristine than hoped for. It’s not always a matter of neglect, but perhaps the challenge of keeping up with thousands of passengers moving about each day.
What stands out most is not necessarily a clear answer, but the realization that experiences can vary widely. Timing, staffing, and even personal expectations seem to shape each perspective. For us, it becomes less about finding the perfect review and more about preparing with a balanced mindset, hopeful for the best while understanding that no ship, no matter how grand, is entirely without flaw.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 6, 2016:
