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Cleanest Ships In 2024: Ranking Cruise Lines By Health Inspection Scores
How have cruise ships scored with their health inspections in 2024 so far? We examined every CDC inspection report to get an average score for each cruise line, in addition to revealing how each ship tested has scored.
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Photo Credit: Cruise Fever Cruise ships can be tested twice each year to ensure safety and sanitation. The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) helps prevent and control gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on board.
Areas of the ships that are inspected include dining areas, kitchens, swimming pools, spas, water systems, waste management, medical facilities, and cabins.
Here's a breakdown of the latest VSP inspections, including average scores for each cruise line for all ships inspected since January 1 of 2024.
Cruise lines are listed in order of the best scores first. Cruise lines that only had one vessel inspected are listed at the bottom of the article.
Disney Cruise Lines (Average Score: 99.33)This article will be updated occasionally to keep up with the latest health inspection scores for the year.
Also note that if a cruise ship sails away from the United States for a long period of time you may not see any health inspection reports. But when the ship comes back to a U.S. Port it may be subject to an inspection.
You can check out inspection reports in more detail, including why the ship may have failed an inspection, by checking out the CDC's inspection results.
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10 Key Differences Between A Modern Cruise Ships Vs Titanic
Learn more about the Nassau cruise port which is a popular travel site. Pictured: Nassau, Bahamas' cruise port with bright blue waters and lush green trees.
Who wins in the debate: modern cruise ship vs titanic? Most people associate the Titanic with a gigantic cruise ship, but even though it was the biggest passenger liner in the world in 1912, the Titanic was actually much smaller than modern-day cruise ships. Modern cruise ships are often 1,000 feet long; at 882 feet long, the Titanic ship was dwarfed by larger ships by height and beam.
The largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, with a gross tonnage (GT) of 248,663, sailed from the US port of Miami on January 27, 2024. Advancements in technology, safety regulations, and design have transformed the cruise industry and today's modern cruise ships offer unparalleled luxury, comfort, and safety features, making them vastly different from the ill-fated Titanic. However, there continues to be a debate about the modern cruise ship vs the Titanic. Let's break the argument down: here are some differences between a current cruise ship and the Titanic in case your definition of a cruise ship is based on a ship that sailed more than a century ago.
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International
Size and CapacityThe Titanic was considered the largest and most luxurious ship of its time, measuring about 882 feet in length and accommodating approximately 2,200 passengers and crew. In contrast, modern cruise ships are much larger, with some exceeding 1,000 feet in length and carrying over 6,000 passengers and crew members. These massive vessels feature multiple decks, amenities, and entertainment options to cater to a diverse range of travelers.
Safety FeaturesFollowing the tragic sinking of the Titanic, stringent safety regulations were implemented to prevent similar disasters. Modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including advanced navigation systems, radar technology, and satellite communications for real-time monitoring and emergency response. Additionally, modern ships undergo rigorous safety drills and inspections to ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
Technology and InnovationAdvancements in technology have revolutionized the cruise industry, enhancing the onboard experience for passengers. Modern cruise ships feature amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi, interactive touch-screen displays, digital key systems for cabin access, and smartphone apps for booking excursions and dining reservations. High-speed internet connectivity allows passengers to stay connected with loved ones and share their travel experiences in real time.
Comfort and LuxuryWhile the Titanic was celebrated for its opulent interiors and lavish amenities, modern cruise ships set a new standard for luxury and comfort. From spacious staterooms and suites with private balconies to gourmet dining options and world-class entertainment, today's cruise ships offer unparalleled levels of indulgence and relaxation. Passengers can enjoy spa treatments, fitness centers, swimming pools, theaters, casinos, and more, ensuring a memorable and enriching vacation experience.
Environmental SustainabilityIn recent years, the cruise industry has made significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. Modern cruise ships are designed with eco-friendly features such as advanced wastewater treatment systems, energy-efficient propulsion systems, and LED lighting. Cruise lines also implement recycling programs, shore power connections, and alternative fuel sources to minimize environmental impact and preserve marine ecosystems.
Global AccessibilityUnlike the Titanic, which primarily operated transatlantic voyages between Europe and North America, modern cruise ships offer global itineraries spanning all seven continents. Passengers can embark on cruises to exotic destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, South Pacific, and even Antarctica. With a wide range of destinations and shore excursions available, cruise travel has become more accessible and inclusive than ever before.
Dining OptionsWhile the Titanic offered extravagant dining experiences in its grand dining saloons, modern cruise ships take culinary offerings to new heights. Passengers can choose from a variety of dining options, including gourmet restaurants, casual eateries, specialty cuisine venues, and 24-hour room service. Many cruise lines also accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring that all guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared by world-class chefs.
Entertainment and ActivitiesFrom Broadway-style shows and live music performances to comedy clubs and themed parties, modern cruise ships offer a diverse array of entertainment options to suit every taste and age group. Passengers can participate in onboard activities such as cooking classes, dance lessons, fitness programs, water sports, and enrichment lectures. With something for everyone, boredom is simply not an option on today's cruise ships.
Health and Wellness FacilitiesIn addition to traditional spa services, modern cruise ships feature comprehensive health and wellness facilities designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. Passengers can unwind in saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, indulge in massages and beauty treatments, and participate in yoga and meditation classes. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of fully equipped gyms, jogging tracks, and group exercise sessions to stay active while at sea.
Accessibility and InclusivityOne of the most significant differences between the Titanic and modern cruise ships is the focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Today's cruise ships are designed to accommodate passengers with disabilities, offering wheelchair-accessible cabins, public areas, and amenities. Cruise lines also provide specialized services and assistance to ensure that all guests can enjoy a comfortable and memorable vacation experience, regardless of their physical abilities.
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Exclusive: Mom Speaks Out After Air Force Rescued Son From Cruise Ship
A mother from Massachusetts spoke exclusively to ABC News after her 12-year-old son was part of a high-stakes cruise ship rescue by the Air Force, hundreds of miles off shore.
Angela Bridges was aboard the Carnival Venezia cruise ship with her family, including son Aiden, en route to New York City from the Caribbean when he fell seriously ill, concerning the medical team on board.
Air Force rescues a sick passenger from aboard the Carnival Venezia cruise ship.
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In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Bridges recalled the moment health professionals said, "'We're going to do an x-ray,'" and told her, "'it looks as though he has a perforation in his bowel -- the next thing that we need to do immediately is get him off the ship."
At the time of the critical medical incident, the ship was outside of North Carolina and more than 350 nautical miles off the coast.
The 920th Rescue Wing of the Air Force, consisting of two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and two teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen, flew to the ship's position to safely extract the patient for transport to the nearest capable medical center.
"We were standing there watching the whole time, and I, just, you know, screaming and crying over the helicopter blades," Bridges recalled. "It was very scary."
Angela Bridges spoke exclusively to ABC News about how her son was rescued by Air Force at sea while aboard the Carnival Venezia.
ABC News
"The amazing thing about this rescue is is actually how smooth it went. We went from zero notification to having aircraft ready to having aircraft in the air. And the young man in the hospital in in just a manner of hours," Lt. Col. Dave Underwood told ABC News.
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Other cruise-goers watched on as the rescue workers lowered down, and grabbed the boy in critical condition, followed by his mom.
Air Force rescues a sick passenger from aboard the Carnival Venezia cruise ship.
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"After that the whole ship like cheered and was screaming and yelling 'yay'," passenger Katie Reed who took video of the moment, told ABC News. "It was really cool to witness and see like you know that this kid got a better chance at life because of like that team was phenomenal."
Aiden is currently recovering at a North Carolina hospital.
"I feel so much gratitude, gratefulness toward all the people who have been integral to my son's recovery," Bridges said. "It's not just the Coast Guard or the Air Force, or the doctors or the nurses. It's all of those people."
"Carnival Venezia's team worked with United States Coast Guard and Air Force officials to adjust its course Saturday so a medical helicopter could rendezvous with the ship when a guest on board needed treatment ashore. The ship then resumed its route to New York, arriving as scheduled Monday morning," Carnival said in a statement to ABC News.
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