Recent inspections by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program reveal sanitation scores among three ships with ties to Jacksonville’s cruise terminal.
The scores at a glance
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Carnival Elation, which is based in Jacksonville, earned the highest marks of the three ships. The vessel scored a 98 out of 100 during a May 7, 2026, inspection — a “satisfactory” rating under VSP standards.
Norwegian Gem, which was homeported in in Jacksonville from October 2025 through April 2026 was close behind with a score of 94 during a March 23, 2026, inspection — also rated “satisfactory.”
Norwegian Dawn, however, fell short. The ship scored an 84 during its March 29, 2026, inspection — one point below the VSP’s minimum passing threshold of 85 — earning a “not satisfactory” rating. Norwegian Dawn is scheduled to homeport from Jacksonville during the 2026-2027 season, running November 2026 through March 2027, according to JAXPORT.
What the scores mean
Under CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, any cruise ship scoring 85 or below is rated “not satisfactory.” Ships scoring above 85 receive a “satisfactory” designation, signaling the vessel is meeting public health standards across the program’s key inspection areas.
VSP inspections assess how well ships operate and maintain public health standards across eight major areas aboard each vessel. Inspection scores and reports — including any violations found and recommendations for addressing them — are publicly available for passengers who want to review a ship’s health record before booking.
What passengers can do
Travelers are encouraged to check VSP inspection scores before booking a cruise. Full inspection reports, including specific violations and corrective recommendations, are available through CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program website.
Passengers with questions can visit CDC-INFO or call (800) 323-2132.