Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship Earns Its First Perfect Health Score

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, earned its first perfect health score, according to a report just posted by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).

Although the surprise health inspection took place in June, the results were just published on the CDC’s website.

Disney Destiny debuted in November 2025, and this was the second time that the ship was inspected. The vessel earned a 96 during its first inspection in December 2025.

This was the fifth perfect health score earned by a Disney cruise ship this year. Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Treasure have also aced their health inspections in 2026.

Every ship in Disney’s fleet has scored at least a 98 during their unannounced health inspections this year.

About Cruise Health Inspections

All cruise ships that sail to or from a U.S. port are subject to two announced health inspections each year that are carried out by the VSP.

Cruise lines pay for the inspections based on the size of the ship, and one to five inspectors board the ship to make sure it is meeting health standards.

The inspectors evaluate eight different areas of each ship that range from medical centers to food and water on board.

The eight main areas that are inspected are:

• Medical Center – Documents are reviewed regarding sickness on board, and staff is interviewed to ensure they are well trained.
• Drinking water – Water samples are taken and checked for the correct chlorine and pH levels.
• Galleys and dining rooms – Everything from food storage to dishwashers to employees’ health and personal hygiene is checked.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs – Water samples are taken to ensure halogen and pH levels are correct.
• Housekeeping – Housekeeping manager is interviewed to ensure they are well informed about disinfection and measures to prevent the spread of sickness and disease.
• Pest and insect management – Ensure that pest and insect management procedures are in place.
• Child activity centers – They make sure toys are clean, and they are properly equipped with hand washing stations, toilets, and a place for diaper changing.
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) – Units are inspected to ensure water is not collecting inside the units and that they are clean.

The inspections usually take six to eight hours and are random and unannounced.

The number of inspectors varies depending on ship size. Inspectors see if conditions on the ship comply with the public health standards found in current VSP guidance.

Cruise ships that sail outside of the U.S. for an extended time may not be inspected twice a year. However, they are normally inspected when they return to a U.S. port.

Fees cruise lines pay for the inspections range from $8,073 for small ships, under 30,000 gross tons, to $64,584 for mega ships over 180,000 gross tons in size.

Disney Cruise Line has historically done well during health inspections conducted by the VSP. Over the past three and a half years, they have not had a ship score under 95 during them. A 100 is the highest score a ship can get and anything under an 86 is considered a failing score.