You would possibly suppose that solely brand-new, state-of-the-art, fresh-out-of-the-shipyard cruise ships ace their CDC well being scores. However there’s one ship within the Royal Caribbean fleet that has earned a number of good 100s in simply the previous couple of years.
Whereas performing some analysis on the sanitation scores on cruise ships over latest years, one ship actually stood out.
I checked out 5 years’ price of VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program) numbers, which concerned 723 inspections. Whereas a number of cruise ships scored an ideal 100 throughout that point, Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas, had completed it 3 times simply since 2023.
This Radiance-class vessel launched again in 2004. At 22 years outdated in 2026, it’s one of many older ships nonetheless frequently crusing for Royal Caribbean.
However the staff on board this 2,100-passenger ship are dialed in.
There’s a sample right here. These are the latest scores for the ship’s CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspections:
- January 17, 2026: 99
- September 12, 2025: 100
- April 29, 2025: 97
- September 28, 2024: 100
- April 5, 2024: 97
- September 14, 2023: 100
- November 19, 2022: 97
Three good scores in roughly two years is spectacular for any ship. For a vessel that’s been round for greater than 20 years? It stands out much more.
A Legacy of Cleanliness
This made me dig again even additional than simply 5 years. I checked out each rating the ship has acquired because it got here into service in 2004.
The outcomes? Not solely did the ship rating an ideal 100 throughout its first yr, however it had racked up 14 good scores in a complete of 37 inspections.
The common well being rating for Jewel of the Seas is 97.24 throughout its lifetime.
That doesn’t occur accidentally. And extra work than most cruise passengers may even think about goes into having that form of monitor report.
What Does a Good 100 Really Imply?
The CDC’s VSP inspections are unannounced and occur when the ship is in a U.S. port, which is often about twice a yr.
Inspectors board and spend a number of hours going over the vessel with a fine-tooth comb. The ship begins with 100 factors, and each main situation value factors.
Inspectors test the whole lot that would have an effect on passenger and crew well being.
The eight essential areas they have a look at embody:
- Medical amenities
- Potable (consuming) water methods
- Leisure water amenities (swimming pools and scorching tubs)
- Galleys, meals preparation, and eating areas
- Little one exercise facilities
- Cabins and housekeeping
- Air flow methods and customary areas
- Pest management and normal sanitation
When you’re a cruise nerd like me, perhaps you’ve got learn a few of the well being reviews. They make me really feel like an entire slob after seeing what number of particulars are taken under consideration.
Even a fly in an space it isn’t imagined to be can draw the ire of an inspector.
They’re not simply searching for apparent dust. They test meals storage temperatures, handwashing stations, chemical concentrations in dishwashers, correct labeling of things, backflow prevention on water strains, chlorine ranges within the swimming pools, and even documentation logs.
The main points matter.
A light handwashing signal would possibly draw a remark (I simply learn this in a well being inspection report yesterday).
A fridge that’s a level too heat or a lacking label on a cleansing bottle, can result in some scratching on a clipboard.
These aren’t often main well being hazards on their very own, however they present whether or not the crew is staying on high of each element, each single day.
When Jewel scored 100 3 times in just a few years, it meant the inspectors discovered nothing noteworthy.
How Does an Older Ship Pull This Off?
Jewel of the Seas isn’t model new with all the most recent gear. Older ships can have extra put on on plumbing, galleys, and different methods, which makes constant perfection tougher.
What has helped the ship keep so clear?
- Routine upkeep: Jewel went into dry dock in Might 2024 in Brest, France, for technical work (azipods, thrusters, stabilizers), hull portray, and normal repairs. Royal has stored up with these refreshes over time, even when it hasn’t had one of many large “Amplified” overhauls some sisters acquired.
- Crew habits and coaching: An ideal rating doesn’t occur due to one particular person. It takes the entire staff. The galley workers, housekeeping, meals and beverage, and deck crew are the actual heroes of the story. It’s day in and time out. Correct handwashing, temperature logging, sanitizing schedules, and pest management all need to be second nature.
- Management continuity: Captain rotations occur on all ships, however right here’s who was in command in the course of the latest good inspections (primarily based on obtainable rotation data):
- September 14, 2023: Captain Trond Holm (he began his contract in August 2023 and was aboard for that Greenland crusing interval).
- September 28, 2024: Captain Michael Lindberg (dealing with late summer season/early fall sailings).
- September 12, 2025: Captain Michael Lindberg (nonetheless on rotation for the brief Bahamas itinerary).
Requirements stayed excessive even with totally different captains. Cleanliness appears to be like prefer it’s a part of the tradition on Jewel.
Royal Caribbean as a cruise line additionally deserves some credit score. They’ve had a number of ships hit 100 lately, together with two of the oldest ships within the fleet: Enchantment of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas.
Different Ships with Greater than Two 100s in Final 5 Years
For perspective, different ships that scored a number of 100s lately are a lot youthful. These ships all scored two or extra good scores within the final half-decade.
- Oceania Vista: 3 years outdated (4 good scores)
- Explora I: 3 years outdated (3 good scores)
- Disney Want: 4 years outdated (3 good scores)
- Disney Fantasy: 14 years outdated (3 good scores with one 98)
- Norwegian Bliss: 8 years outdated (3 good scores)
I ought to observe that Oceania Vista has ONLY scored good 100s. It’s like that pupil in 10th grade that simply doesn’t know what it’s prefer to have some extent taken off a take a look at. Besides, it’s annoying in highschool and it’s spectacular on this case.
Why Newer Isn’t All the time “Cleaner”
I say “cleaner” in quotes as a result of a few of the deductions on the VSP scorecard are for particulars extra associated to group than cleanliness.
Newer ships begin with brisker methods, however these methods take time to be taught. When you’ve ever been on a cruise ship’s very first crusing, you understand there are all the time just a few hiccups alongside the way in which.
There are all the time rising pains with a brand new ship, particularly if it’s a completely new class of ship. So, typically factors are taken off for points which are simply mounted afterward.
That being stated, brand-new ships have positively scored good 100s as nicely.
What This Means for Cruisers
On the finish of the day, no ship is proof against occasional points, and outbreaks can nonetheless occur regardless of excessive scores.
Good hand hygiene from passengers helps too. Sure, we have now a task to play within the sanitation recreation as nicely, even should you’re nonetheless attempting to get that “washy washy” tune out of your head.
I really like crusing on older ships. After taking a cruise on Enchantment of the Seas some time in the past I used to be reminded of the attraction and refined simplicity of an older ship.
Jewel of the Seas proves {that a} well-maintained 22-year-old ship can ship cleanliness outcomes. An enormous spherical of applause to the crew of the ship, working tirelessly behind the scenes to be sure to have a tremendous trip.
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