CDC Vessel Sanitation Program: How to Use Ship Inspection Scores in Your Complaint
If you got sick on a cruise and suspect it was related to the ship's sanitation, the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program is one of the most powerful tools in your corner.
What Is the CDC VSP?
The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) was established in the 1970s after outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships. It conducts unannounced inspections of cruise ships that call on US ports, evaluating water systems, food handling, food storage, housekeeping, ventilation, pool and spa conditions, and medical facilities.
Ships are scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A score of 86 or higher is considered satisfactory. Scores below 86 trigger a follow-up inspection.
How to Look Up Your Ship's Score
All VSP inspection results are publicly available on the CDC website at cdc.gov/nceh/vsp. You can search by ship name and see the most recent inspection report, including the date, the score, and specific violations noted.
💡 If your ship scored below 86 around the time of your sailing, or if the inspection report noted violations in food handling or water systems, this is powerful supporting evidence for a sanitation-related complaint.
What VSP Inspectors Check
- Potable water systems — testing, disinfection, storage
- Food storage temperatures and labeling
- Galley cleanliness and pest control
- Swimming pool and spa water quality
- Medical center facilities and illness reporting
- Housekeeping and waste management
Using VSP Data in a Cruise Complaint
If you experienced gastrointestinal illness, norovirus symptoms, or suspected food poisoning on a cruise, reference the VSP inspection record in your complaint letter. For example: "According to the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program's most recent inspection of the [Ship Name], conducted [date], the vessel received a score of [score] with noted violations in [area]. This is consistent with the illness I experienced on [date]."
This demonstrates you have done your research and connects your personal experience to documented evidence — significantly strengthening your complaint.
What If Your Ship Was Not Inspected Recently?
VSP inspections are conducted on ships that call on US ports at least twice per year. If your ship has no recent record, you can still cite CDC VSP standards as the benchmark against which the ship's sanitation should be measured, and note that your experience suggests those standards were not met.
Can I report my illness to the CDC directly?
Yes. If 3% or more of passengers on a voyage reported similar gastrointestinal symptoms, the cruise line is required to report this to the CDC. You can also submit a report yourself through the CDC VSP website. A formal report on record strengthens any subsequent complaint or legal action.
Does VSP apply to all cruise ships?
VSP applies to ships with 13 or more passenger berths that call on US ports. Most major ocean cruise ships are covered. River cruises and very small vessels may not be.