Cruise vacations are supposed to be luxurious, relaxing, and fun. But what if your dream vacation turns into a nightmare due to dirty conditions? Some cruise ships fail health inspections, have pest infestations, or suffer from unsanitary pools and hot tubs. If you’re planning a cruise, you should know which ships have a bad reputation for cleanliness. In this article, we’ll look at the dirtiest cruise ships in the U.S., how they are inspected, and how you can protect yourself from getting sick.
Worst Cruise Ships for Cleanliness
Not all cruise ships maintain the highest standards of hygiene. While most major cruise lines work hard to keep their ships spotless, some fail to meet even the basic cleanliness requirements. Dirty kitchen areas, pest problems, contaminated pools, and even illness outbreaks have been reported on certain ships.
The United States Public Health (USPH) inspection is conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). Ships are scored out of 100, and those that fail to score at least 86 are considered unsanitary. Unfortunately, some popular cruise ships have repeatedly failed these inspections, putting passengers at risk of foodborne illnesses, bacterial infections, and other health hazards.
How Are Cruise Ships Rated for Cleanliness?
Cruise ships are inspected twice a year under the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). During these inspections, health officials check several critical areas:
- Food preparation and storage
- Drinking water safety
- Pool and hot tub cleanliness
- Pest control (such as rats and cockroaches)
- General hygiene in public areas
- Crew health and hygiene practices
If a ship scores below 86 out of 100, it is considered to have failed the health inspection. Some cruise ships consistently score low, raising concerns for passengers about their sanitation practices.
Top 10 Dirtiest Cruise Ships
Here are some of the worst cruise ships based on failed health inspections, reports of dirty conditions, and passenger complaints.
1. Carnival Paradise – Failed Health Inspection
The Carnival Paradise failed a CDC health inspection with a 77/100 score, one of the lowest ever recorded. Inspectors found moldy ice machines, improperly stored food, and unsanitary conditions in the kitchen. Some passengers also reported seeing cockroaches in dining areas.
2. MSC Seaside – Pest Problems
Passengers on the MSC Seaside have complained about cockroaches and bedbugs in their cabins. In a 2023 inspection, authorities found evidence of pests in food storage areas. This raised concerns about food contamination and passenger safety.
3. Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas – Dirty Pools & Hot Tubs
This ship failed multiple inspections due to contaminated hot tubs and pools. Reports indicated that the pools had excessive bacteria levels, which could lead to skin infections or gastrointestinal illnesses.
4. Norwegian Breakaway – Poor Sanitation Practices
Norwegian Breakaway scored below 86 in a surprise inspection. Issues included dirty food prep areas, cross-contamination in kitchens, and clogged drains in guest areas.
5. Carnival Vista – Food Safety Violations
The Carnival Vista faced serious criticism after inspectors found food stored at unsafe temperatures. Spoiled meat and dairy products were discovered in kitchen areas, putting passengers at risk of food poisoning.
6. Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess – Sewage Smells
Passengers on the Caribbean Princess reported a strong sewage smell throughout the ship. Some guests experienced nausea and headaches due to poor ventilation and unclean restrooms.
7. Celebrity Equinox – Crew Hygiene Issues
Health inspectors cited the Celebrity Equinox for crew members failing to wash their hands and not following proper food handling procedures. Several passengers reported foodborne illnesses after dining in the ship’s buffet area.
8. MSC Meraviglia – Mold and Mildew
Multiple guest complaints about moldy bathrooms and damp carpets surfaced on MSC Meraviglia. Inspectors found that the ventilation systems were poorly maintained, contributing to excessive humidity and bacterial growth.
9. Holland America’s Westerdam – Expired Food and Unclean Utensils
On one inspection, officials found expired dairy and meats being served to passengers. Utensils in dining areas were not properly sanitized, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
10. Carnival Freedom – Dirty Bedding and Unclean Restrooms
Passengers on Carnival Freedom have complained about stained sheets, dirty towels, and overflowing restrooms. A 2022 inspection found black mold in shower areas, which can cause respiratory problems.
What Makes a Cruise Ship Dirty?
Several factors contribute to a cruise ship being labeled as “dirty”:
- Poor food handling – Cross-contamination, expired food, and improper storage
- Unclean water sources – Contaminated drinking water, pools, and hot tubs
- Lack of pest control – Cockroaches, rats, and bedbugs in cabins and kitchens
- Sewage problems – Leaking toilets, backed-up pipes, and foul odors
- Dirty ventilation systems – Mold and mildew growth due to poor air circulation
- Low crew hygiene standards – Staff failing to wash hands or follow sanitation guidelines
When cruise lines cut corners on maintenance and hygiene, passengers suffer.
Can You Get Sick on a Cruise Ship?
Yes, and it happens more often than you might think. The most common illnesses on cruise ships include:
- Norovirus – A highly contagious virus causing vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Food poisoning – Caused by bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli due to improper food handling.
- Respiratory infections – Poor ventilation can spread colds, flu, and even COVID-19.
- Skin infections – Dirty pools and hot tubs can cause bacterial skin infections.
The risk of illness is higher on unsanitary ships with poor hygiene standards.
How to Stay Safe on a Cruise
While some ships have bad cleanliness records, you can take precautions to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and water before eating and after touching surfaces.
- Avoid buffets – Opt for freshly prepared meals instead of open buffet-style food.
- Check health inspection scores – Research cruise ships before booking.
- Bring disinfecting wipes – Wipe down cabin surfaces and bathroom areas.
- Avoid swimming in dirty pools – If the water looks cloudy or smells bad, stay out.
Which Cruise Lines Have the Most Failing Ships?
While most major cruise lines maintain good standards, some have had multiple ships fail inspections:
- Carnival Cruise Line – Several ships, including Carnival Paradise and Carnival Vista, have failed inspections.
- MSC Cruises – MSC Seaside and MSC Meraviglia have had issues with pests and mold.
- Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Breakaway has faced food safety violations.
These cruise lines have been cited for poor hygiene and sanitation multiple times.
Has Your Favorite Cruise Ship Been on the List?
If you’ve traveled on any of the ships listed above, you might have experienced poor cleanliness firsthand. Many passengers have shared their concerns online, posting reviews about dirty conditions, bad smells, and even sickness outbreaks.
Thoughts: Should You Worry?
While most cruise ships maintain high hygiene standards, some fail to meet basic cleanliness requirements. If you’re planning a cruise, do your research. Check CDC inspection scores, read passenger reviews, and take extra precautions to stay safe. A little preparation can help you avoid getting sick on your vacation.
The Bottom Line
Not all cruises are as clean as they seem. Some of the dirtiest cruise ships in the U.S. have failed health inspections due to pest problems, unsanitary kitchens, and contaminated pools. Before booking your trip, check for inspection results and passenger reviews to ensure a safe and hygienic vacation experience.
