Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about cruise health and safety, ship sanitation scores, and our reports.
About CruiseAware
What is CruiseAware?
CruiseAware is a travel health and safety intelligence service for cruise travelers. We help you check CDC ship sanitation scores, understand destination health and security risks, and prepare for your voyage with confidence. CruiseAware is operated by CruiseAware LLC.
Is CruiseAware affiliated with the CDC or a cruise line?
No. CruiseAware is an independent company. We reference publicly available information from trusted sources such as the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, CDC Travelers' Health, the U.S. Department of State, and the World Health Organization, but we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or cruise line.
How is CruiseAware different from a travel booking website?
CruiseAware does not sell cruises. Instead, we serve as a travel health platform that provides independent travel intelligence — health alerts, safety information, destination safety information, CDC inspection scores, travel advisories, and preparedness resources — to help travelers conduct a thorough cruise risk assessment and make safer, smarter decisions.
Who should use CruiseAware?
CruiseAware is built for cruise passengers seeking a cruise risk assessment, international travelers looking for reliable destination safety information, families traveling abroad, senior travelers in need of trusted health resources, travel advisors, group travel organizers, and anyone seeking reliable travel health and safety information.
What is CruiseAware's mission?
Protect Travelers. Strengthen Global Health. Give Every Journey Greater Purpose. CruiseAware is a mission-driven travel preparedness and intelligence platform that helps travelers make informed decisions before they leave home. Through our CruiseAware Global Impact Commitment, we also support humanitarian organizations improving lives around the world — every journey begins with confidence and contributes to something greater.
Where can cruise travelers find reliable travel information?
Cruise travelers should review official sources such as CDC Travelers' Health and U.S. State Department advisories, then use CruiseAware to understand how those risks may apply to cruise destinations and ports. We compile and simplify information from the CDC, World Health Organization, U.S. Department of State, the Vessel Sanitation Program, and government travel and emergency preparedness resources.
Is CruiseAware's information medical advice?
No. Our content is for general travel preparedness and awareness only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a travel medicine specialist about vaccinations, medications, and health conditions before traveling.
Ship Sanitation Scores
What is a CDC VSP ship sanitation score?
The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspects cruise ships that call on U.S. ports and scores them from 0 to 100 on sanitation practices — food safety, water systems, hygiene, and pest management. A score of 86 or higher is passing; 85 or below is failing.
What is a good sanitation score for a cruise ship?
Scores of 86 or higher pass the CDC inspection. Many well-run ships score in the mid-to-high 90s, and a perfect 100 is not unusual. A score of 85 or below is considered failing and means inspectors found significant sanitation deficiencies.
How do I find my ship's sanitation score?
Use our Cruise Ships page to browse the latest scores, or our VSP Score page for step-by-step instructions on searching the CDC's official Inspection Query Tool by ship name. It's free and takes about a minute.
Staying Healthy on a Cruise
How can I avoid getting sick on a cruise?
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (especially before eating), use hand sanitizer stations, stay hydrated, and be cautious with food and water in ports. Check your ship's sanitation score before booking, review destination health notices, and pack a basic medical kit including any prescription medications.
What is norovirus and why is it associated with cruises?
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach virus that spreads easily in close quarters like ships, hotels, and schools. It causes vomiting and diarrhea that typically resolve in 1–3 days. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is the best protection — hand sanitizer alone is less effective against norovirus.
Why should I subscribe to the CruiseAware newsletter?
Subscribers receive timely updates on cruise health alerts, destination safety information, travel advisories, weather disruptions, port-specific issues, and emerging travel risks. Our goal is concise, actionable intelligence that helps travelers prepare and respond to changing conditions.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
We strongly recommend it, especially for international itineraries. Regular health insurance (including Medicare) often does not cover care outside the U.S. or medical evacuation, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Look for policies with medical coverage and emergency evacuation benefits.
Need current cruise safety information?
Review current cruise health guidance, ship information, destination risks, weather considerations, and practical preparation before you sail.
Is it safe to cruise right now?