Two cruise ships failed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health inspections on consecutive days in October. The Emerald Princess received a score of 78 on Oct. 16, while Ponant’s Le Lyrial scored 83 on Oct. 17. The CDC considers scores of 85 or lower failing.
The inspections took place about two weeks before the reports appeared on the CDC website. Reports are typically posted between two and 12 weeks after an inspection.
Emerald Princess scores 78
Inspectors identified 39 deficiencies aboard the Emerald Princess during its inspection in Los Angeles. Among the most serious were food-safety problems across the ship, including spoiled or moldy food left out for service in the crew mess, heavily soiled dishwashing equipment, and poorly maintained hygiene facilities.
The report also noted inadequate pest control, with 33 live flies found in food areas, as well as problems with food cooling and time controls. Inspectors additionally found spoiled fruit, improper food storage, and missing temperature-measuring devices.
The ship had passed all 30 of its previous inspections and has earned a perfect score of 100 seven times.
Le Lyrial scores 83
The 264-passenger Le Lyrial received 27 deficiencies during its inspection in New York. Inspectors found that some food-contact surfaces were not properly designed, constructed, or maintained.
Rat guards were missing from the ship’s lines when inspectors arrived. They were installed about an hour later. Most of the other violations concerned cleaning supplies. This was the ship’s first inspection under the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
The only other cruise ship reported to have failed an inspection in 2026 was Norwegian Dawn, which failed in May.
How cruise ship inspections work
Cruise ships sailing to or from U.S. ports undergo two announced health inspections each year. The cruise lines pay for the inspections, with fees based on vessel size.
Inspectors review areas including medical facilities, drinking water, galleys and dining rooms, pools and hot tubs, housekeeping, pest control, children’s activity centers, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. They also interview crew members and review records.
Cruise lines must submit corrective-action reports for each deficiency. When a ship fails, the CDC arranges a timely reinspection to check whether corrective measures have been taken.
In 2026, 43 ships have earned perfect scores of 100—the highest number on record. Five ships have achieved a perfect score twice this year: Disney Fantasy, Icon of the Seas, Koningsdam, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Luna.
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