5 Disney Cruise Ships Earn Perfect Sanitation Scores from the CDC
The CDC Vessel Sanitazion Program results are in. See which Disney Cruise Line ships earned perfect scores and what that means for you!
CDC Vessel Sanitation Program
It is true that traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers. Exposure can create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact.
In 2025 alone more than 20 million passengers embarked on cruises, and the intdustry isn't showing signs of slowing down. Fortunately, the CDC partners with the cruise industry to help prevent and control public health issues on cruise ships.
According to the CDC, sick people can spread gastrointestinal illnesses to others through food and water and by touching handrails, elevator buttons, shared utensils, and other people. Other public health issues on cruise ships can include controlling Legionella, managing pests and insects, and ensuring clean air and water.
As part of the program, the CDC conducts rigourous inspections of cruise ships. These insepctions determine how well ships are operating and maintaining public health standards in eight major areas, including the ship's medical center, drinking water, galleys and dining rooms, swimming pools and whirlpools, housekeeping, pest and insect management, child care centers, and heat, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC).
These scores are made public so that passengers can take them into consideration as they are making travel plans. The inspections are also used to provide public health guidance to the crew to make adjustments to keep passengers safe and healthy.
5 Disney Cruise Line Ships Earn Perfect Scores
If you are sailing aboard Disney Cruise LIne, we have great news for you. Five of Disney Cruise Line's ships earned perfect scores of 100 for the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program,
These ships include a mix of newer and older ships. The Disney Destiny, The Disney Dream, The Disney Magic, the Disney Fantasy, and the Disney Treasure all currently have scores of 100.
A score of 100 does not mean that everything is absolutely perfect. There may be some minor, correctable infractions. For example, on the Destiny, one handwashing sink's water temperature measured 130-135°F and was not adjustable. This exceeds the recomended temperature. The inspection brought this problem to Disney's attention so it could be corrected.
Other Ship Scores
If you are sailing on the Disney Wish or the Disney Wonder, don't worry. The Wish Sscored a 99 and the Wonder scored a 98.
All DCL Ships Scored 98 and above.
The lowest scoring ship was Balearia Caribbean Ltda's Bahama Mama. The ship scored a 69.
Staying Healthy on Board
While a great inspection score is imporant and is certainly something to consider, you never know what a fellow passenger may be bringing aboard in terms of pathogens. Therefore, it is important to do your part to watch out for your own health.
The CDCs number one recomendation is no surprise. It is: wash your hands often but especially after using the toilet and before eating.
The second biggest recommendation is to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. Rest helps your body rebuild its immune system each day and water prevents dehydation.
What do you think of these inspection scores? Do you have tips for taking care of your health when you are cruising? Feel free to share in the comments. And feel free to pass the news along to your friends and family members who are planning to cruise.
