Cleanest Cruise Lines setting the standard for hygiene and safety in 2025, ensuring a spotless, worry-free vacation at sea.
Cruise ships are famous for their luxury, relaxation, and endless buffets—but let’s be real: no one wants to deal with germs while on vacation! With health concerns on the rise, many travellers wonder, how clean are cruise ships, really? If you’re planning your next getaway at sea, you’ll want to know which cruise lines lead the pack when it comes to hygiene.
Good news: cruise lines take cleanliness seriously. Keeping a massive ship spotless while serving thousands of guests isn’t easy—but they’ve got it down. So, how do these ships stay squeaky clean? Let’s dive in!
How Cruise Ships Stay Clean: Behind the Scenes
Cruise ships are like floating cities, so cleanliness is a top priority. From food safety to sanitation, strict procedures ensure everything stays spotless. It’s not just extra staff—it’s a well-oiled system that keeps things running smoothly.
James Abbgy, who has worked both in hospitals and on cruise ships, shared his experience on Quora:
“In general, the ships were cleaner. Common areas, stairs, handrails, etc., were cleaner on the ships than in hospitals. Cruise ship cooking areas were cleaner than any food prep area I saw in a hospital.”
He explains the cleaning routine: “Standard practice was to do a full clean of all contact areas between each sailing, with several cleanings per day in the first few days. Then 2-3 cleanings per day for the rest of the cruise.”
This level of diligence is no accident; it’s part of a rigorous cleaning system with hundreds of staff working around the clock to ensure the highest hygiene standards.
That means everything, from guest rooms to public spaces, is kept spotless. So, it’s no casual housekeeping—this is an all-hands-on-deck effort to keep passengers safe and comfortable.
CDC’s Role in Cruise Ship Hygiene
The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is crucial to keeping cruise ships clean and safe. Ships undergo regular inspections to ensure food handling, sanitation, and more meet strict standards. Then, the CDC shares their scores and recommendations, and cruise lines must follow them.
Passengers also get health tips from the VSP—like how to stay healthy if you get sick. You can rest easy knowing these audits and guidelines are in full effect while you’re on board.
How Cruise Ships Handle Complaints and Outbreaks
Cruise lines handle complaints fast through guest services, offering compensation for bigger issues. If outbreaks like norovirus or COVID-19 occur, they follow strict protocols to isolate affected passengers.
Ships have medical staff, quarantine areas, and, most importantly, clear communication. After an outbreak, they conduct a full cleanup and review safety measures.
Cleaning Up After an Outbreak
Outbreaks are rare, but cruise lines are always prepared. They quickly contain and sanitize affected areas, with guidance from the CDC to ensure it’s all handled professionally. These precautions keep your cruise fun, safe, and germ-free.
Top Cleanest Cruise Lines for 2025
Wondering which cruise lines top the hygiene charts? U.S. News reviewed CDC sanitization data to identify the five cleanest cruise lines for 2025. These ships go above and beyond to keep things pristine, earning their spot as the cleanest in the industry.
Here are the top five:
- Celebrity Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Oceania Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
These cruise lines consistently earn top marks for cleanliness, giving you peace of mind on your next adventure.
Anne Madison, spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association, shared her thoughts with U.S. News: “The cruise industry is one of the most vigilant industries for sanitation, including cruise lines voluntarily participating in the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. Cruise ships are routinely cleaned and sanitized with a frequency that is nearly unparalleled in other settings.”
She added, “The VSP provides a level of federal scrutiny that is unprecedented within the travel and hospitality industry – there is no similar federal program for hotels, airlines or restaurants.”
This oversight helps explain why cruise lines have earned their stellar reputation for cleanliness. They’re not just following sanitation guidelines—they’re going above and beyond to keep passengers safe.
Related: Cruise Ship Laundry Rules You Can’t Ignore
Passenger Insight: A Little Extra Protection Never Hurts
Most passengers trust cruise lines to do everything they can to stay clean. But some bring their own precautions, like Scurvy Pirate, a regular cruiser who shared his strategy on Cruise Critic:
“My wife brings a full can of Lysol each trip and sprays every surface—phone, TV remotes, comforters, hangers, and the safe keypad. She also packs Clorox wipes, just in case.”
It might sound extreme, but it’s a funny reminder that cleanliness is top of mind for many travellers. After all, a little Lysol can’t hurt, right?
How to Choose a Clean Cruise Line
If cleanliness is your top priority, these top-rated cruise lines have you covered. With strict sanitation protocols, thorough cleaning schedules, and a commitment to public health, they provide a healthier, cleaner vacation experience.
Whether you’re booking your first cruise or returning for another adventure, knowing which cruise lines prioritize hygiene will help you make an informed, confident choice.
Ultimately, cleanliness should be a top priority when booking your next cruise. By selecting one of these top-rated lines and staying informed about the latest health protocols, you can ensure a safe, germ-free vacation on the high seas.
