After spending a night on the ship in its embarkation port, guests on Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel received a disappointing announcement on May 8: the voyage was officially canceled.
For families who had settled into their staterooms in Singapore, the 4-day cruise on the 6,700-passenger Disney Adventure was over after about 26 hours due to a mechanical issue on board.
Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship. Image by nagi usano from Tokyo, Japan – Disney Adventure | Disney Cruise Line, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=185444263
What made the news even more surprising is that this is a new ship—well, new to Disney—, just delivered to Disney in December 2025. Originally ordered by Genting Hong Kong for the Dream Cruises brand, the vessel was purchased by Disney in 2022 and is almost 50% larger than the Wish-class ships with the cruise line.
“Everyone Off the Ship”
The news broke on Friday afternoon after a long delay in the ship’s departure from the Asian cruise port.
In a letter sent to guests Disney stated the following:
“We are truly sorry to let you know that we are unable to proceed with your Disney Adventure experience from May 7-11, 2026 as planned. We fully understand how upsetting and disappointing this news is, and we realize this is not the experience you were looking forward to.”
According to passengers posting in the r/dcl subreddit, the situation went from a technical delay to a full cancelation.
“Everyone off the ship,” one passenger reported, sharing a few details of the quick and sudden end to the cruise.
While many guests were frustrated, some stated that the vibe onboard remained very calm, with one cruiser stating, “currently it doesn’t seem like most people want to get off the boat and want to stay on the ship as long as possible since the vibe is still nice.”
Disney Offers Generous Compensation
Disney Cruise Line is providing what many online are calling an incredibly generous compensation package:
A 100% refund of the cruise fare.
50% off a future cruise.
A $500 per stateroom credit for incidental expenses.
Complimentary hotel stays (including high-end spots like the JW Marriott and Hilton).
Coverage for flight change fees and transportation.
One passenger said that despite the disappointing cancelation, Disney is “doing everything right,” including providing shuttle buses and meals at Pixar Market for those awaiting hotel assignments.
Disney Adventure’s History
The cancelation has also started a discussion about the ship’s complicated history. Disney Adventure is the largest in the fleet, but it wasn’t built from scratch by the cruise line. As stated above, the company purchased the unfinished ship and customized it to their liking.
“For a new ship, this is surprising,” wrote one user. Another added some context in saying, “Remember this ship needed so much work Disney delayed its inaugural for 6 months.”
Passengers Reactions
For those who flew across the world for the experience, the financial compensation is a huge step forward, but it doesn’t make it any easier to explain to the children.
“My kids are absolutely gutted,” one parent shared. “I hope to make the most of the next few days in Singapore so they can come away with some happy memories.”
Some passengers on the ship said that some of the technical issues required the ship to be “emptied” because the entire electrical system needed to be shut down for repairs. While this has not been verified, it’s clear the repairs are more serious than first thought.
The cancelation also affected guests on “back-to-back” bookings, who are now staying in hotels while they wait to see if the next leg of their journey will go on or not.
What Happens Next?
Disney officials are reportedly optimistic that the ship will be back in service by Monday, May 11.
“Higher-ups” on the ship reportedly told guests that repairs are “going very well,” though the immediate focus was on guest safety and comfort.
For now, thousands of travelers are trading their ocean views for a few extra days in Singapore, holding out hope for another Disney cruise in the future. At least that full refund and extra funds for a future cruise will soften the blow at least a little.
Disney Adventure is currently scheduled for another cruise that departs Singapore on May 11, for a 3-day sailing to nowhere.
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Oceania Cruises has announced two new 180-day cruises that will sail all around the world in 2028 and 2029 on Oceania Aurelia.
The new world cruises will open for bookings on May 13, 2026, and it will also mark the first time the premium cruise line has released two world cruises at the same time.
Among the many highlights of the two Around the World cruises is a series of overnight port stays that allow for more time ashore for deeper exploration in destinations that include:
Papeete
Bora Bora
Sydney
Bali
Tokyo
Singapore
Mumbai
Seville
Bordeaux
2028 World Cruise
The 2028 world cruise will depart from Miami on January 18, 2028 and return to New York six months later. The ship will be christened in Miami before it departs and heads through the Panama Canal.
After a visit to Hawaii, the ship will spend two weeks exploring the islands of the South Pacific.
Next up is an Australian exploration, including an overnight stay in Sydney. The cruise continues along the shores of Southeast Asia, exploring Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, and nearly two weeks tracing the coastline of Japan.
The ship will then head to India and the Arabian Peninsula before spending three weeks in the Mediterranean.
Countries the cruise will visit in Europe include Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal.
2029 World Cruise
The 2029 world cruise will trace the Pacific coast of the North, Central and South America after departing from Los Angeles on January 6, 2029.
The journey continues to the South Pacific with two weeks exploring French Polynesia. After three weeks in Australia and New Zealand, the ship heads to Asia, India and the Arabian Peninsula.
The ship will visit the Mediterranean from Greece and Croatia to Italy, Spain and France, culminating with calls in the storied British Isles and a classic Atlantic crossing into New York.
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said the following about these two new 180-day cruises:
“We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Aurelia, The Ultimate Explorer, to the fleet next year. She will be perfectly designed for extended global travel, so to be able to launch two Around the World voyages plus spectacular Grand Voyages at the same time is a true milestone for us.
“These incredible itineraries will pique the interests of curious travelers who want to explore the world in elegant comfort with the chance to enjoy more time ashore and experience well-loved and new favorite destinations in depth.
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Holland America Line has opened for bookings the first cruises after Oosterdam completes a major renovation in late 2027.
A few weeks ago, Holland America Line announced a $500 million plan to update several of their cruise ships with new cabins and features.
The first cruise ship that will receive the renovations is Oosterdam, and the cruise line opened for bookings the first sailings after the vessel’s transformation. The renovations will bring Pinnacle class features to six ships in the cruise line’s fleet.
New cruises on Oosterdam that opened for bookings include:
7-Day Western Mediterranean: Spain, Portugal & Morocco
13-Day Cultural Crossing: Spain & Gibraltar
11-Day Southern Caribbean: ABC Islands Holiday
12-Day Panama Canal Discovery: Costa Rica & Greater Antilles
9-Day Southern Caribbean: ABC Islands
21-Day Panama Canal
6-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise
One of the biggest new features being added are the addition of solo balcony cabins on decks 8 and 11. They offer prime vantage points comparable to the cruise line’s highest verandah categories and deliver strong value compared to full verandahs in similar locations.
Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, gave the following statement:
“We’re excited about what Holland America Evolution represents for our fleet and for our guests. We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard the elevated Oosterdam through these new voyages, where they’ll be among the first to experience what this transformation brings.
“From the first step on board, guests will feel a more refined and thoughtfully designed experience, with new spaces like the Grand Dutch Café providing a sense of comfort and welcome as their vacation begins.”
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Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, broke ground on a new global headquarters that’s being built in Miami, Florida.
Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise company in the world operating eight different cruise lines.
Carnival’s new headquarters is being built in Miami’s Waterford Business District, just south of Miami International Airport.
The groundbreaking event marks the beginning of construction on the new campus, celebrating over 50 years of the company’s heritage in South Florida and its ongoing long-term investment in Miami-Dade County.
The new headquarters is expected to be completed in 2028, and the campus will house more than 2,000 team members. It will have an estimated 700,000 square feet of workspace that includes rehearsal facilities for cruise ship entertainment.
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, gave the following statement:
“Breaking ground at 887 Carnival Place feels less like a beginning and more like a natural next step in proudly carrying forward our 50+-year South Florida legacy as we create the foundation for our next chapter here.
This campus embodies the intersection of our commitment to the team members who propel us and the guests who inspire us. We are especially honored by Miami-Dade’s ‘Carnival Place Day’ proclamation and are grateful to the county that championed us from the start as we continue to grow in the place we call home.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, added:
“Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Miami-Dade County and for Carnival Corporation’s enduring presence in our community. For more than 50 years, Carnival has been part of the fabric of our local economy, and this new global headquarters represents a bold investment in our future.
“This state-of-the-art campus will bring thousands of employees together in one place, driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and strengthening our position as the Cruise Capital of the World. Miami-Dade continues to be a destination where global companies choose to grow, invest and lead—and we are proud that Carnival Corporation is building its future right here at home.”
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The best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas on a cruise day are mostly within a 15-minute walk of the ship: the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle, Graycliff Chocolatier and John Watling’s Distillery, the Pirates of Nassau museum and Junkanoo Beach. With a taxi or water taxi you can add Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach, Blue Lagoon Island or a day pass at Atlantis or Baha Mar. Below are 22 ideas with rough walking times and hedged prices, plus a plan for when you only have a few hours.
If you want the practical side first (which pier you dock at, terminal facilities, taxis and getting back on board), read our Nassau cruise port guide covering where ships dock. This page is about what to do once you are off the ship.
Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port Area at a Glance
Times are approximate walks or rides from the cruise terminal at Prince George Wharf. Prices are indicative only, in US dollars (the Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 and US cash is widely accepted), and can change by season, by booking channel and with VAT.
Attraction
From the ship
Rough cost
Best for
Museum of Junkanoo
Inside the port
Small fee
Culture, short visits
Straw Market and Bay Street
About 5 minutes on foot
Free to browse
Souvenirs
Pirates of Nassau museum
About 8 minutes on foot
Around $14 adults
Families
Graycliff Chocolatier and John Watling’s
About 10-15 minutes on foot
Free to about $10 for tours; classes extra
Foodies, rum fans
Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle
About 15 minutes on foot
Staircase free; fort a few dollars
History, views
Junkanoo Beach
About 15 minutes on foot
Free; chairs extra
Quick beach time
Arawak Cay Fish Fry
About 25-30 minutes on foot or a short taxi
Pay as you eat
Local food
Cable Beach and Baha Bay
About 15-20 minutes by taxi
Beach free; Baha Bay roughly $150-200+
Beach, water park
Atlantis Aquaventure
Water taxi or taxi to Paradise Island
Often $200+ per adult
Big water park day
Blue Lagoon Island
Boat, about 25 minutes
Beach day from about $109 plus VAT
Calm private-island feel
Free and Walkable Things to Do in Nassau Bahamas
You do not need an excursion to enjoy Nassau. These are the best free things to do near the cruise port, or close to free, and all can be done on foot.
1. Explore the Museum of Junkanoo at the cruise port
The renovated Nassau Cruise Port includes the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo, which shows the costumes, music and craft behind the country’s Boxing Day and New Year’s street parades. It is listed as open daily from 8am to 4pm. It is small, so allow 20-30 minutes.
2. Walk Bay Street and the Straw Market
Bay Street runs right outside the port and is lined with duty-free shops, jewellers and cafes. The Straw Market sells straw bags, carvings and T-shirts; cash is easiest and polite haggling is normal.
3. See Parliament Square and the pink government buildings
A few minutes’ walk from the pier, the pink colonial buildings around Parliament Square, with a statue of Queen Victoria, are Nassau’s classic photo stop. Nearby Rawson Square is a handy meeting point for taxis and walking tours.
4. Climb the Queen’s Staircase
Cut into limestone by enslaved people in the late 1700s, the Queen’s Staircase has 66 steps in a shaded gorge with a small waterfall. It is free to visit and roughly 15 minutes’ walk uphill from the ship.
5. Visit Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower
At the top of the staircase, Fort Fincastle (built in 1793, and shaped a little like a paddle steamer) has views over the harbour and your ship. You can look around the outside for free; entry to the interior has been reported at just a few dollars.
6. Swim at Junkanoo Beach
The closest beach to the ship is Junkanoo Beach, about 15 minutes west along Bay Street. It is free, lively and has bars and chair rental vendors, but the water is not as clear as on Cable Beach or Paradise Island. Agree chair prices before you sit down.
7. Look around Government House
The pink Government House, the official residence of the Governor-General, sits on a hill between Bay Street and Graycliff. You can photograph it from the outside.
Nassau's historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot between breakfast and lunch. Photo: Taylen Lundequam on Pexels
Food, Rum and History in Downtown Nassau
8. Take a tour at Graycliff Chocolatier
Next to the historic Graycliff hotel, the chocolatier offers a short factory tour (reported at around $10) and longer hands-on chocolate-making classes.
9. Taste rum at John Watling’s Distillery
A few minutes’ walk from Graycliff, John Watling’s is set in the 1789 Buena Vista estate. Guided tours have been offered free (tips welcome), and the bar serves rum cocktails. Mixology classes cost extra.
10. Drop into the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Very close to John Watling’s, this restored Italianate villa shows Bahamian art. Admission has been reported at around $5, and it is usually much quieter than Bay Street.
11. Learn pirate history at the Pirates of Nassau museum
Nassau was a pirate base in the early 1700s, and this walk-through museum covers figures such as Blackbeard. It is about an eight-minute walk from the port. Recent visitor reports put adult admission at around $14, with lower child prices, and reviews posted in 2026 indicate it is still open; check hours locally as they appear to vary by day.
12. Eat at the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay
Arawak Cay, known as the Fish Fry, is a row of colourful shacks serving conch salad, cracked conch, fried fish and Kalik beer. It is about 25-30 minutes’ walk west of the port along the waterfront, or a short taxi ride. Service can be slow at lunchtime.
13. Try a local brewery or food tour
Pirate Republic Brewing is downtown near the port, and several companies run walking food tasting tours of the historic centre.
14. Walk to Fort Charlotte
The largest of Nassau’s forts sits on a hill above Arawak Cay, so it pairs well with the Fish Fry. It has dungeons, ramparts and harbour views; check on the day whether interior tours are running.
Best Beaches and Day Passes Near Nassau
15. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island
Many people rate Cabbage Beach as the best beach near Nassau: a long stretch of soft sand next to Atlantis. Water taxis run from near the port, or take a taxi over the bridge. The surf can be stronger than on town beaches.
16. Cable Beach
About 15-20 minutes by taxi to the west, Cable Beach is a long, calm, public beach lined with resorts. It is a good choice if you want clear water without paying for a day pass.
17. Atlantis and Aquaventure day passes
Atlantis on Paradise Island is Nassau’s best-known resort, with water slides, a lazy river, pools and marine habitats. Day passes are not cheap: cruise-line packages have been listed from around $230 per adult and $140 per child, and food and drink are usually extra. Book ahead and check exactly what is included.
18. Baha Bay water park at Baha Mar
Baha Mar’s Baha Bay is a beachfront water park on Cable Beach with slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a surf simulator. Pricing varies by height, and cruise-line packages that include lunch have been listed at roughly $180 per adult. Outside food and drink are not allowed.
19. Blue Lagoon Island
Blue Lagoon Island is a private island around 25 minutes from Nassau by boat, with calm beaches, hammocks and optional dolphin and sea lion encounters. The basic beach day has been listed from about $109 per person plus VAT, including the ferry. Cruise guests are usually collected near the cruise port; confirm the pick-up point when booking.
20. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Royal Caribbean guests)
Royal Caribbean opened its Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in late December 2025. It is an all-inclusive beach club with food, drinks, pools and loungers, reached by ferry from Nassau. It is aimed at Royal Caribbean guests, so check your cruise planner for availability and current prices.
21. Clifton Heritage National Park
On the far west of New Providence, about 35-45 minutes by taxi, Clifton Heritage combines Lucayan sites, Loyalist plantation ruins and calm snorkelling beaches. Offshore, the coral reef sculpture garden includes the Ocean Atlas statue. Agree a return time with your taxi driver.
22. Swim with the pigs in the Exumas
The famous swimming pigs live in the Exumas, not on Nassau. Day trips from Nassau go by fast boat (a long day on open water) or small plane, roughly 40 minutes each way to Staniel Cay. Air tours are expensive, with some operators listing them around $850 per person. Only book trips that are timed for cruise passengers and promise to get you back well before all aboard.
Paradise Island and Cable Beach offer clearer water than the beaches nearest the pier. Photo: Karine MALFART MOREL on Pexels
Things to Do in Nassau on a Cruise When You Are Short on Time
If your ship is in for only five or six hours, or arrives late, this route covers the highlights of Nassau on foot:
First 30 minutes: Walk through the port, pausing at the Museum of Junkanoo, then head to Parliament Square.
Next hour: Walk up to the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle before it gets hot.
Next 90 minutes: Walk downhill to Graycliff Chocolatier and John Watling’s Distillery for a tour and a rum tasting.
Lunch: Take a taxi or walk to the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, or eat back on board.
Last hour: Cool off at Junkanoo Beach or shop on Bay Street, then be back on board at least 30-60 minutes before all aboard.
If you prefer one big experience, pick just one: Atlantis, Baha Bay or Blue Lagoon.
Tips for Your Nassau Cruise Day
Check ship numbers: Nassau can host several large ships at once. Go to popular spots early or book timed tickets.
Agree taxi fares first: Confirm the price per person and whether it is one way or return before you get in.
Think about the season: Late summer and early autumn bring heat and hurricane risk, which can change itineraries. Our guide to the worst months to cruise the Caribbean explains the trade-offs.
Pair Nassau with a beach stop: Many Bahamas itineraries also call at a private island. If yours does, see our list of things to do at Half Moon Cay so you can plan a culture day in Nassau and a pure beach day there.
FAQs
What is there to do in Nassau, Bahamas off the cruise ship?
Within walking distance you can visit the Museum of Junkanoo, Parliament Square, the Queen’s Staircase, Fort Fincastle, Graycliff Chocolatier, John Watling’s Distillery, the Pirates of Nassau museum and Junkanoo Beach. Taxis and water taxis reach Cable Beach, Cabbage Beach and Atlantis.
Can I get off my cruise ship in Nassau without an excursion?
Yes. Nassau is one of the easiest ports to explore independently because the historic centre starts right outside the terminal. Just keep an eye on the time and be back well before all aboard.
Do you need a US passport for a cruise to Nassau, Bahamas?
On closed-loop cruises that start and end in the same US port, US citizens can often sail with a government photo ID and birth certificate. A passport is still strongly recommended in case you have to fly home from abroad. Always check your cruise line’s current rules.
Is Atlantis worth it on a Nassau cruise day?
It can be if you want a full water park day and book ahead, but day passes often cost more than $200 per adult and food is extra. Baha Bay, Blue Lagoon Island or a free public beach can be better value.
How far is Junkanoo Beach from the Nassau cruise port?
About a 15-minute walk west along Bay Street. It is the closest beach to the ship and free to use, with chairs available to rent.
Fabled Voyages, a new residential cruise line that is targeting a 2028 launch, unveiled new details on what the cruise line will offer on board.
Fabled Voyages is the newest proposed residential cruise line that will have a ship you can live on. There are currently a few cruise lines that offer this, and you can see a complete list of them here.
Fabled Voyages will offer an all-inclusive, long-term living experience as you cruise to the most iconic destinations around the world. Residents will also be allowed to bring up to two cats and dogs with them.
Their first ship will carry approximately 1,200-1,600 guests while emphasizing stability, comfort, affordability and community.
Residents on board the ship can expect the following amenities:
Contemporary, residential style accommodations
Reliable high-speed internet for remote work
Diverse, high quality dining options
Enrichment programs, entertainment, and cultural experiences
A strong onboard community built for long term connection
The ship’s itineraries will include extended stays in Europe, Asia, South America and Asia. This will allow residents on board to fully experience each destination instead of rushing through it.
The cruise line will prioritize accessible healthcare and offer plans for subsidized medical, dental, and mental wellness services, an uncommon offering in the cruise industry.
The founders of Fabled Voyages said the following about the new cruise line:
“Our goal is simple. We want to create a place where people don’t just travel, they belong. Where your home moves with you, friendships prosper, and the world becomes your neighborhood.”
Cabins will start at just $100,000 for a five-year ownership, $120,000 for 10 years, and $140,000 for 15 years. Staterooms on the ship include inside, ocean view, balcony and suites.
The cruise line’s debut is currently targeted for 2028, with routes designed to follow favorable seasonal weather patterns. They also want to maximize cultural and scenic opportunities at different destinations around the world.
For more information on Fabled Voyages, you can visit their website.
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Royal Caribbean is expanding their kosher buffet dining options for Yeshiva Week in 2027. It will now be offered on five ships across nine sailings.
Royal Caribbean’s kosher dinning for Yeshiva Week is a special dining plan that cruisers can add on nine cruises in 2027. The kosher buffet is located in the Solarium Bistro and comes with an extra charge.
The dining plan costs $130 per adult, per day and $65.00 per child, per day. There is also an 18% gratuity added to the dining plan. It must be purchased for the entire cruise as individual night bookings are not available.
Glatt kosher supervision is done by either Rabbi Dovid Weberman or a representing rabbi.
The kosher buffet for Yeshiva Week will be available on the following 9 Royal Caribbean cruises in 2027:
Oasis of the Seas (from Fort Lauderdale) – January 18
Oasis of the Seas – January 22
Oasis of the Seas – January 25
Odyssey of the Seas (from Cape Liberty, NJ) – January 14
Symphony of the Seas (from Galveston) – January 24
Wonder of the Seas (from Miami) – January 11
Wonder of the Seas – January 15
Ovation of the Seas (from Los Angeles) – January 22
Ovation of the Seas – January 25
This fresh kosher dining plan is different than the Frozen Kosher Plan that Royal Caribbean offers year-round.
The frozen program can be arranged with a minimum of 45 days notice for cruises in North America. For cruises in Europe and South America, a 90 day notice is required. For cruises in Asia and Australia, guests need to contact Royal Caribbean at least 100 days prior to their cruise.
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Cruise ship health inspections in the US are carried out by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP): unannounced visits, usually about twice a year, scored out of 100, with 86 or higher counting as a pass. Hotels and restaurants are checked by state or local health departments instead, under rules that vary a lot from place to place. Cruise ships also have to report gastrointestinal illness to a federal agency, and the scores are posted online for anyone to look up.
Neither system guarantees you won’t get sick, and neither one proves that cruise ships are “cleaner” than hotels. What does differ is who inspects, how often, what gets checked and how much of it you can see before you book. Below we explain how the VSP works in 2026, then compare it with land-based inspections across eight categories.
How Cruise Ship Health Inspections Work: The Vessel Sanitation Program
The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program covers ships that carry 13 or more passengers and have a foreign itinerary with US ports. In practice that means almost every ocean cruise ship sailing from Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle and other US homeports. Ships that never call at a US port, such as many European or Asian deployments, fall outside its reach.
Unannounced inspections and the 100-point score
Ships within the program usually get unannounced inspections twice a year while they’re in a US port. An inspection typically lasts several hours, and longer on the biggest ships. Inspectors check the galleys and food storage, drinking water, pools and hot tubs, ventilation, pest control, the medical center’s illness procedures, and how clean and well maintained public areas and housekeeping practices are.
Every ship starts at 100 and loses points for each violation, with bigger deductions for critical items. A score of 86 or higher passes and 85 or lower fails. A ship that fails is normally re-inspected soon after and has to submit a corrective action report explaining how each problem was fixed. The standards inspectors work from are set out in the VSP Operations Manual, which the CDC revises with input from the cruise industry and public health experts.
Gastrointestinal illness reporting and the 3% threshold
This is where cruising differs most from life ashore. Ships under VSP jurisdiction send a cumulative count of passengers and crew with acute gastroenteritis (vomiting or diarrhea) to the CDC 24 to 36 hours before arriving at a US port from abroad. That report is required even when the count is zero. A special report is due once cases reach 2% of passengers or crew. When 3% or more of passengers or crew report symptoms to the ship’s medical staff, the VSP treats it as an outbreak and lists it publicly on its website.
Norovirus causes most of these outbreaks. A CDC surveillance report found that about 90% of cruise ship outbreaks with a known cause since 2006 involved norovirus. The same report found that gastroenteritis rates on cruise ships roughly halved between 2006 and 2019.
Is the Vessel Sanitation Program Still Running in 2026?
Yes, but it has changed. In April 2025, HHS restructuring and CDC layoffs hit the VSP hard. According to Cruise Hive’s review of the program a year later, the full-time civilian inspectors were let go and a small team of US Public Health Service officers carried on. Despite that, inspection numbers didn’t collapse. The same report counted roughly 270 published inspections in 2025, more than in 2024. Through 2026, scores have kept appearing on the CDC site, including a small number of failures. Local TV reporting in November 2026 counted three failing ships among more than 150 inspections reviewed for the year.
The program’s standards have also been updated. In early 2026, the CDC added stricter Legionella requirements for cruise ships. These cover documented risk assessments of drinking water and recreational water systems, set monitoring frequencies, remediation when problems turn up, and verifiable records. The change followed Legionnaires’ disease cases linked to ships in recent years.
One caution: with fewer staff, it’s harder to judge from outside how thorough or frequent inspections will be from here. Treat the CDC website as the authoritative, current record, and check the date of a ship’s latest inspection, not just the score.
Hotel rooms are often outside routine health inspections, unlike a cruise ship's cabins and public areas. Photo: Liliana Drew on Pexels
Cruise Ship Health Inspections vs Hotels and Restaurants: 8 Key Differences
On land, restaurant inspections are run by state, county or city health departments. Most base their rules on the FDA Food Code, a model code each state adopts in its own version and on its own timetable. According to the FDA’s adoption report, 37 states were using one of the three most recent editions at the end of 2025, and the rest were on older versions. Hotels are a patchwork. Some states, Florida among them, license and inspect public lodging. In many places, though, nobody routinely inspects guest rooms for cleanliness, even though the hotel’s restaurant and pool are checked.
Category
Cruise ships (VSP)
Hotels and restaurants (typical US)
1. Who inspects
One federal program (CDC VSP)
State, county or city health departments
2. Frequency
Usually about twice a year, unannounced
Varies by jurisdiction and risk level; often one to three times a year for restaurants
3. Scoring
Single national 100-point scale, pass at 86
Letter grades, points, pass/fail or no public score, depending on location
4. Public access to results
All scores and full reports searchable online
Some cities post grades on the door; elsewhere you request records or search local databases
5. Illness reporting
Gastroenteritis counts reported to CDC before each US arrival; outbreaks of 3% or more posted
Relies on doctors, labs and diners reporting; outbreaks often found later
6. Water systems
Drinking water, pools and hot tubs inspected; new Legionella rules
Municipal water supply; pools inspected under local rules; building water management varies
7. Guest rooms and public areas
Housekeeping and outbreak cleaning procedures reviewed
Guest rooms rarely inspected for cleanliness; depends on state lodging rules
8. Medical response
Onboard medical center; illness logs and isolation procedures checked
Guests use local clinics and hospitals; no on-site medical requirement
What the table means in practice
The biggest real advantage of cruise ship health inspections is consistency and transparency. One agency applies one standard, and you can read the full inspection report for any covered ship, down to the individual violations. A restaurant inspection in one county may look nothing like one in the next, and hotel rooms often sit outside the system altogether.
The trade-off is density. Thousands of people share dining rooms, elevators and handrails for a week or more, so a contagious bug like norovirus can spread fast. That’s exactly why the reporting system exists. It also explains why ship outbreaks make headlines: they’re counted and published, while similar clusters at resorts or banquet halls on land may never be tallied the same way. So a published outbreak count isn’t a fair head-to-head comparison with hotels.
How to Check Cruise Ship Sanitation Scores Before You Book
Use the CDC search tool. The CDC’s cruise ship inspection search lets you look up any covered ship by name or cruise line and see every past score.
Open the full report, not just the number. A 92 caused by paperwork problems is very different from a 92 caused by food held at unsafe temperatures. The report lists each deficiency and the corrective action.
Look at the trend. One lower score among years of high-90s results says less than a ship that keeps hovering just above 86.
Check the outbreak list. The VSP site lists recent gastrointestinal outbreaks by ship and cause. An outbreak on a previous sailing usually leads to enhanced cleaning, not a long-term problem, but it’s useful context.
Remember the gaps. Ships based entirely outside the US may have no VSP scores at all. That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, but you won’t find the same public record.
If you’re comparing sailings, perhaps while browsing cruise deals for 2027, a quick look at each ship’s last two scores takes a few minutes and can help you decide between similar options.
Soap and water beats hand sanitizer against norovirus, the most common cause of cruise ship outbreaks. Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels
Are Cruise Ships Clean? Practical Tips for Staying Healthy Onboard
Most ships score well, and perfect 100s are common in the CDC data. Still, your own habits matter as much as the ship’s score.
Handwashing vs hand sanitizer
The CDC specifically advises cruise passengers to wash their hands often and not rely on hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based gels work well against many germs but are less effective against norovirus. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Use the sanitizer stations as a backup, not a replacement. You may also want to pack your own small soap or wipes. Just check what’s allowed first, because some everyday items end up on lists of commonly confiscated items at cruise ports.
Simple habits that help
Wash your hands before every meal, including buffet visits, and use the serving utensils rather than your fingers.
Stay hydrated, especially in hot climates and after time ashore.
If someone nearby is vomiting, move away from the area and let crew handle the clean-up.
Be thoughtful about food and water at ports of call, where onboard standards don’t apply.
What to do if you get ill onboard
Report vomiting or diarrhea to the ship’s medical center straight away, even if it feels minor. Early reports are how outbreaks are caught and contained. The medical team may ask you to stay in your cabin for a short isolation period, which is a VSP requirement for certain symptoms, and the ship will usually arrange room service and a deep clean. Drink plenty of fluids and rest. If a child in your group is sick, take them to the medical center too. Check your travel insurance before you sail, since medical visits onboard are usually billed separately and may not be covered by regular health plans.
FAQs
How often are cruise ships inspected by the CDC?
Ships covered by the Vessel Sanitation Program usually receive unannounced inspections about twice a year while in a US port, with follow-up inspections after a failing score.
What is a passing cruise ship sanitation score?
Ships are scored out of 100. A score of 86 or higher passes, and 85 or lower is considered not satisfactory.
Are cruise ships cleaner than hotels?
There’s no reliable data to say so across the board. Cruise ships face more consistent, more public federal inspections, while hotel rooms are often not inspected at all. But crowded ships can spread illness quickly, so personal hygiene still matters.
Do cruise ships have medical staff on board?
Yes. Ocean cruise ships have a medical center with doctors and nurses, and under the VSP its illness logs and isolation procedures are part of the inspection.
Is the CDC still inspecting cruise ships after the 2025 cuts?
Yes. Despite 2025 staffing cuts, the VSP continued inspecting ships through 2025 and 2026 and still publishes scores and outbreak data on the CDC website.
Viking has opened new expedition cruises in 2028-2029 for bookings that include sailings in the Arctic, Antarctic and the Great Lakes.
The cruises are designed for immersive exploration in some of the world’s most remote areas. The sailings will take place on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, the cruise line’s two expedition ships.
The two ships each carry 378 guests in 189 cabins. They offer more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition cruise ships.
2028-2029 Expedition Cruises
New Viking itineraries that are now open for bookings include the following cruises:
Longitudinal World Cruise IV (62 days; Milwaukee to Ushuaia)
Great Lakes Collection (15 days; Toronto – Duluth)
Arctic to Antarctic Explorer (81 days; Nuuk – Ushuaia)
Great Lakes Treasures (10 days; roundtrip Milwaukee)
Into the Antarctic Circle (15 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia)
Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; roundtrip Nuuk)
Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia)
From now through the end of May, Viking is offering up to 30% off fares and up to free international airfare on select 2026-2029 river, ocean and expedition cruises. All itineraries have a low deposit of just $25 per person.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, gave the following statement:
“Our guests are curious travelers who seek meaningful experiences and a deeper connection to the destinations they visit. Our expedition voyages are designed to bring them closer to the natural world through immersive exploration and discovery, alongside scientists and destination experts. We are pleased to offer even more opportunities in the years to come.”
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Carnival Cruise Line is doing a complete overhaul of the rewards program, and a big deadline is coming up.
As the cruise line prepares to transition from the VIFP Club to the new Carnival Rewards program on September 1, 2026, members are being reminded that their status will not move over automatically.
Don’t Forget to “Enroll & Accept”
The message appearing in emails going out to VIFP members and on member dashboards says this:
“Dont forget to ‘Enroll & Accept’ new Carnival Rewards to carry over your VIFP status.”
Because the new program involves updated legal terms and privacy policies, Carnival cannot transfer your loyalty history without your explicit permission. So yes, you still have to “opt in” so to speak.
According to the notice, if you do not take action by the September 1, 2026 launch date, your VIFP status and accumulated days sailed will not carry over to the new system.
It’s still about four months out, so it looks like Carnival is trying to get as many people as possible to enroll while it’s still early. They must know that some of us cruisers love the last minute, and not just when it comes to finding cruise deals.
For those who haven’t received the email yet, the option to “Enroll & Accept” is also available by logging into your account at Carnival.com.
As soon as I logged in, I saw a banner at the top of the screen with a link that took me to the page where I could read the Terms and Conditions and enroll.
What Is Carnival Rewards?
Starting this September, the loyalty program is shifting to a system where rewards are tied to spending rather than just nights at sea. There was some major pushback from loyal cruisers when the program first rolled out, but the old system was simply not sustainable as more guests climbed the loyalty ladder.
The new system offers a few paths to getting those beloved cruise perks, but the main driver is money spent.
You will earn two different things simultaneously:
Status Qualifying Stars: These determine your loyalty level (Gold, Platinum, etc.). You earn 3 Stars for every $1 spent on cruise fares and onboard purchases.
Carnival Rewards Points: These are a “spendable” currency. You earn 3 Points for every $1 spent, which can be redeemed for onboard treats like specialty dining, spa treatments, or shore excursions.
Why Cruisers Should Act Now
Taking a moment to click “Enroll & Accept” does more than just move your name over. It also locks in several protections:
The 2-Year Status Floor: Carnival has confirmed that for the first two years of the new program (through December 31, 2028), your “guaranteed minimum status level” will match your VIFP status as of August 31, 2026.
Lifetime Diamond Status: In a major win for the truly devoted Carnival cruisers, anyone who hits Diamond status by August 31, 2026, will be granted Lifetime Diamond status in the new program and will never have to worry about requalifying.
The Summer 2026 Window: Carnival intentionally moved the launch date to September 1 to “let your Summer 2026 cruises count toward your final VIFP Club status.” This makes any sailing between now and the end of August the final opportunity to reach a higher tier under the traditional “days-sailed” rules.
The Bottom Line
If you want to keep your hard-earned perks and make sure your sea days are counted, check your inbox or log in to your Carnival account. As the alert says, you are just “one click away” from making sure your loyalty history doesn’t wash away with the tide. After just enrolling myself, I can confirm it really is just one click.
