These three cruise lines just tied for the cleanest cruise ships in America

If the idea of spending days at sea in close quarters makes you think twice, you’re not alone. Cruise ships pack thousands of people into shared spaces, from buffet lines to pool decks, which makes cleanliness more than just a nice touch. It’s essential. And some cruise lines are doing a much better job than others.

A recent analysis of inspection data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by travel insurance provider Squaremouth, covering more than a decade of reports, reveals which cruise operators are leading the pack when it comes to hygiene. Topping the list are Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition and Crystal Cruises, all earning identical top scores. It’s a notable result, especially for Viking, which manages to maintain high standards across a relatively large fleet.

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Right behind them sits Oceania Cruises, a smaller, luxury-focused line that has recently converted to an adults-only model. With fewer passengers per ship, maintaining cleanliness becomes a bit more manageable, and the results show it.

Other strong performers include P&O Cruises and Japan Grace, the organization behind the Peace Boat initiative. Virgin Voyages also lands high on the list, joined by Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, which round out the top tier.

So what exactly goes into these rankings? CDC inspections are thorough. They cover everything from food preparation areas and water systems to ventilation, medical facilities and even childcare spaces. Inspectors also look at pest control, pool hygiene and general housekeeping. In short, it’s a full sweep of how well a ship can prevent the spread of illness.

And that matters more than ever. Illness outbreaks on cruises have been rising, with norovirus leading the pack. It spreads quickly in shared environments, often through contaminated surfaces or food.

If you’re planning to set sail, a little caution goes a long way. Wash your hands often, be mindful around self-serve stations and think twice before hopping into less-regulated amenities like private hot tubs.

Choosing the right cruise line won’t eliminate every risk, but it can make your trip a lot smoother and far more relaxing.

Cleanest cruise lines, according to CDC data:

1. Viking Ocean Cruises II Ltd.
2. Viking Expedition Operations
3. Crystal Cruises LTD
4. Oceania Cruises
5. P&O Cruises
6. Japan Grace
7. Virgin Voyages
8. Norwegian Cruise Lines
9. Celebrity Cruises
10. Royal Caribbean International