CDC names dirtiest cruise ships of 2024 with maggots, slime, and health hazards

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has unveiled a list of the top 10 dirtiest cruise ships of 2024 after conducting health inspections on 114 vessels.

The dirtiest vessel was Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration, which received a startling score of 62. It had a grime-covered beer tap, both living and dead insects swarming the pool bar, and a decaying bird covered in maggots near the grill outside. The food items were not stored at a required temperature in the fridge.

The findings exposed shocking hygiene failures, with conditions such as slime, maggots, and other health risks threatening the well-being of passengers.

The inspections, part of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program, revealed that 10 ships scored below 89 out of 100, with any score under 85 deemed "unsatisfactory." The agency emphasizes that poor sanitation can lead to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses, which are common on crowded ships with shared environments and food service.

Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess, Carnival’s Carnival Breeze and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima all scored 86. Flies and insects were discovered in the kitchens aboard the Caribbean Princess. Carnival Breeze cruise ship did not adequately prevent pests from stowing away on the vessel and left trays of food out in the cold rain. Additionally, the crew bathroom on the Carnival Breeze was “overflowing” with trash, reported New York Post.

Cruise passengers are encouraged to check a ship's health inspection record before booking to ensure their safety and avoid unpleasant surprises during their vacation. The CDC's efforts aim to help the cruise industry prevent and control these illnesses through strict sanitation practices.