CDC Inspection Scores Revealed for All 14 Gulf Coast Cruise Ships

(KMDL-FM) If you are going on a cruise vacation and sailing out of the Port of New Orleans in Louisiana or the Port of Galveston in Texas, we have some news for you to consider. Health and safety is a major concern at sea, and each of the 14 vessels that will sail out of these ports before the end of the year has sanitation inspection records on file.

Thomas Shea, Getty Images

The scores that we are showing you in this article are those the cruise ships earned during their most recent inspection as part of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program. We want you to know that this is a sanitation rating and not an overall safety score or a reflection on the quality of the cruise or ship you're sailing on.

What Does A Sanitation Inspection Mean for Cruise Guests?

The CDC inspection focuses on food preparation, food storage, and the cleanliness of the kitchen and service areas. The inspection also examines the most frightening item on any cruise ship, the hot tub, followed closely by the swimming pool.

white and blue ship on sea during daytime

Yes, they do inspect those public bath waters, and no, I won't get in any cruise ship pool or hot tub. Think about it, you won't either, even if it's clean.

READ MORE: Newest Itineraries For Gulf Coast Cruise Departures

The third aspect of the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program looks at the overall cleanliness of the ship, especially in the common areas. The inspection takes a close look at children's areas as well.

The inspectors will also run tests on the ventilation system on the vessel. That includes air quality in the common areas as well as in staterooms on board. The CDC also inspects medical facilities for obvious sanitation reasons.

Which Ships Sail Out of New Orleans and Galveston?

Now that you know how the inspection scores were obtained, let's look at the vessels we've covered in this narrative. If you have plans to sail out of New Orleans on Carnival's Jubilee, Valor, Liberty, Dream, Miracle, or Breeze, we have a score for you to see.

A large cruise ship in the middle of the ocean

If your cruise plans include an itinerary on the MSC Seascape, the Disney Magic, or the Norwegian Viva or Breakaway, there is a score for you to see. Also, the Seven Seas Splendor, operated by Regent, a division of NCL, has an inspection score.  And if you have cruise plans on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, or Liberty of the Seas, your ship has earned a score as well.

READ MORE: Gulf Coast Cruise Lines Update Embarkation Policy: What to Know

The good news? All but one of the cruise ships on our list passed with flying colors. The one that didn't- well, there is a backstory, and we've included that for you to consider. Happy cruising; don't forget your passport and seasickness meds, and remember, if they offer free ice cream, say a prayer.