What Is a CDC Score for Cruise Ships?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are a popular mode of travel for people across the globe. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise ships have come under scrutiny due to outbreaks that occurred on some vessels.

In response to this, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a CDC Score for cruise ships. But what exactly is a CDC Score?

What is a CDC Score?

A CDC Score is a rating system developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that evaluates cruise ships’ compliance with sanitation and public health requirements. The score ranges from 0 to 100 and is based on the ship’s performance in various areas such as food safety, water quality, and disease outbreak prevention.

How is the CDC Score calculated?

The CDC conducts unannounced inspections of all cruise ships that dock in the United States. During these inspections, they evaluate various aspects of the ship’s operations, such as food handling practices, water treatment systems, and medical facilities.

Based on these evaluations, the CDC assigns scores in different categories such as:

  • Medical Facilities
  • Food Service
  • Water Supply
  • Ship Cleanliness
  • Pest Management

Each category has specific requirements that must be met to receive full points. For example, in the Food Service category, adequate hand hygiene practices by staff must be observed.

Why is it important?

A high CDC score indicates that a cruise ship has demonstrated compliance with public health requirements and has taken appropriate measures to prevent disease outbreaks onboard. It assures passengers that their health and safety are being given top priority.

On the other hand, a low score could indicate inadequate hygiene practices or poorly maintained facilities that could potentially pose a risk to passengers’ health.

What happens if a ship receives a low score?

If a ship receives a low score, the CDC may issue a warning or take enforcement action, such as denying the ship entry into US ports until it addresses the deficiencies.

Conclusion

The CDC Score is an essential tool in ensuring cruise ships’ safety and preventing disease outbreaks onboard. It provides transparency and accountability to the public and encourages cruise lines to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. So, before booking your next cruise, make sure to check the CDC Score of the vessel to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.