CDC Flags 7 Cruise Ships in 2026 Inspections as Norwegian Dawn Scores 84

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 18

Norwegian Dawn posted an 84 in a March CDC inspection, making it the only ship among the seven lowest-scoring 2026 vessels to fall below the agency’s passing mark of 86.
CDC data also put Carnival Breeze, Kydon and National Geographic Sea Lion at 86, while Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea scored 89 in unannounced checks at U.S. ports.
The Vessel Sanitation Program grades ships on a 100-point scale and typically inspects participating vessels twice a year, covering medical areas, water systems, pools, galleys, cabins and common spaces.
Norwegian Cruise Line said it took corrective action after the inspection, and scores can shift sharply between visits—Carnival Breeze had earned a perfect 100 earlier in 2026 before later dropping to 86.
The low scores come amid broader scrutiny of illness prevention on large ships, even as 42 vessels—including Icon of the Seas, Disney Dream and Norwegian Viva—earned perfect 100s this year.