Norwegian Dawn receives failing score in 2026 sanitation inspection

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn was the only ship to receive a failing grade among 153 cruise ship inspections conducted in 2026 at the time agency figures were published. The vessel scored 84 during a March inspection, below the required passing score of 86.

According to the inspection report, findings included a hair on the food-contact surface inside a coffee urn, a fly resting on bread during crew lunch service and more than a day’s accumulation of black and pink debris in an ice machine.

Norwegian later submitted a report outlining corrective measures, including rewashing coffee urns and discarding the tray of bread where the fly was observed. The cruise line said it acted immediately to address the findings and was continuing to review onboard protocols to ensure the ship met company standards.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says ships under its Vessel Sanitation Program jurisdiction are generally inspected twice each year while in U.S. ports. Reviews cover onboard facilities and operations including galleys, potable water systems and pest-management procedures.