The Cleanest Cruise Lines in the World: Top Picks and the One That Missed the Mark

Going on a cruise has surged in popularity among travelers seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. However, not all cruise lines abide by the same standards of cleanliness.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has spotlighted the cleanest cruise lines globally, revealing one cruise line known for having the highest number of norovirus outbreaks. The CDC conducts annual health and hygiene inspections, scoring cruise ships and lines on a 100-point scale, with scores below 85 considered failing.

The CDC’s cleanliness scores, which analyze data from 2014 to 2025, reflect cleanliness levels in areas like galleys, dining rooms, medical centers, activity centers, and swimming pools. A study by health insurance provider Squaremouth has provided insights into the cleanest cruise ships, helping travelers discern which vessels to choose or avoid.

Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition, and Crystal Cruises emerged as the leaders in cleanliness within U.S. waters, each achieving an impressive average score of 99 out of 100. Cruise lines with larger fleets often ranked lower, yet Viking successfully defied this trend with around a dozen ships.

Following these top three, Oceania Cruise, known for its adults-only luxury offerings, secured second place. P&O Cruises and Japan Grace shared third place, while Virgin Voyages ranked fourth. Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises tied for fifth.

On a less favorable note, Rederij Clipper Stad Amsterdam and Victory Cruise Lines found themselves at the bottom of the list with scores of 86, just shy of failing. The only ship to fail the 2025 inspection was the Villa Vie Odyssey, which received a low score of 81. Nevertheless, this did not dissuade a retired teacher from opting for a 15-year journey aboard this ship, as it was deemed more economical than residing in California.

While some low-scoring ships raise concerns among potential passengers, there’s good news: the cruise industry has been enhancing its health and hygiene standards over time. A remarkable improvement is evident, as only 14 ships failed inspections less than a decade ago in 2017.

Despite many lines scoring highly, cruise ships still pose risks for gastrointestinal illnesses due to close quarters. The CDC recorded 23 illness outbreaks in the previous year alone, marking a 28% increase since 2024—predominantly due to norovirus, responsible for 74% of these outbreaks.

Interestingly, some cruise lines that experience multiple outbreaks overall maintain high cleanliness scores. Holland America, for instance, scored 95.44 and was linked to five norovirus outbreaks in 2025, the most among cruise lines. Their Rotterdam ship achieved a perfect cleanliness score despite three reported outbreaks.

On the whole, the data suggests that while cleanliness is improving, it is essential for passengers to remain aware of the risks associated with gastrointestinal illnesses while aboard.

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