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Cruise Ship Health & Safety Intelligence

Check health, safety, sanitation, preparedness, and traveler information for cruise ships before you sail.

CruiseAware helps travelers research cruise ships before sailing by bringing together useful health, safety, sanitation, preparedness, and traveler information. Ship pages may include available public-health inspection information, practical safety guidance, health considerations, emergency-preparedness resources, and links to authoritative sources. CruiseAware does not replace cruise lines, government agencies, or medical authorities; it organizes relevant information so travelers can make better-informed decisions.

Start with the official CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, then review CruiseAware's current cruise safety guidance, health alerts, and preparedness resources.

Popular ship research

Featured Cruise Ship Information

Star Princess

Princess Cruises

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Sun Princess

Princess Cruises

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Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International

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CDC Sanitation Scores

Official Vessel Sanitation Program inspection results.

Detailed Ship Profiles

What Should You Check Before Choosing a Cruise Ship?

Use this practical checklist alongside official cruise-line and government guidance.

Public-health and sanitation information: Review available VSP inspection details and the inspection date.

Medical and accessibility needs: Ask the cruise line about onboard facilities, mobility access, dietary needs, and support for your circumstances.

Emergency procedures: Learn muster procedures, emergency contacts, and how the ship communicates itinerary changes.

Health precautions: Bring medications, review current health alerts, and discuss personal risks with a clinician when appropriate.

Policies and insurance: Confirm cancellation, medical-care, and emergency-assistance terms before booking.

Destinations and itinerary: Review each port's destination intelligence, transportation conditions, and local risks.

Understanding CDC Vessel Sanitation Program Scores

The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program conducts inspections of cruise ships under its jurisdiction. Inspection information can help travelers understand sanitation conditions, including food safety, water systems, hygiene, and pest management. A VSP score is one part of overall cruise preparedness—not a complete measure of a ship's safety, accessibility, medical capability, or itinerary risk.

Read the official CDC VSP information

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Cruise Ship Health & Safety — Common Questions

How can I check the health and safety record of a cruise ship?+
Start with the ship's available CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection information, then review the cruise line's current health, accessibility, and emergency policies. CruiseAware brings together ship profiles, available public sanitation information, practical preparation guidance, and links to official sources so you can research before you sail.
What is a CDC VSP inspection score?+
The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program inspects certain cruise ships that call on U.S. ports. An inspection produces a score from 0 to 100 based on areas such as food safety, water systems, hygiene, and pest management. The score is a useful sanitation indicator, but it is only one part of evaluating a cruise ship and itinerary.
What is considered a good cruise ship sanitation score?+
A CDC VSP score of 86 or higher is passing. A recent score and the date of the inspection provide helpful context, but travelers should use available inspection information alongside their own health needs, cruise-line policies, destination conditions, and travel preparation.
How often are cruise ships inspected?+
CDC VSP inspections are unannounced and may occur about twice per year for ships within the program's jurisdiction. Inspection schedules and eligibility vary, so always review the inspection date and the official CDC record rather than assuming every ship has the same inspection history.
Do all cruise ships receive CDC inspections?+
No. CDC VSP inspection coverage depends on a ship's itinerary and whether it falls within the program's jurisdiction. If a ship has no listed VSP score, that does not by itself establish the vessel's overall health or safety record.
What should I check before booking a cruise ship?+
Review available sanitation information, onboard medical and accessibility policies, emergency procedures, your destination and itinerary risks, health precautions, and travel insurance or emergency-assistance coverage. CruiseAware's ship, destination, alerts, and preparation resources can help organize that research.
Where can I find medical information about my cruise ship?+
Check the cruise line's official materials for current medical-facility information and policies, then prepare for your own needs by carrying medications, a medical summary, and emergency contact details. CruiseAware's preparation guidance explains the questions to ask before sailing.