A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that the Vessel Sanitation Program of CDC (CDC), which is a part of their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has laid off its entire full-time employees. CBS News.
In 1975, the VSP was created to protect the health of cruise passengers. The program inspects ships, responds when outbreaks such as gastroenteritis occur, and trains industry personnel on the best public health practices. The cruise industry is responsible for funding the program. Cruise lines are invited to participate.
News of the outbreak comes as cruise lines are facing an increase in outbreaks on board. VSP website reports currently 12 outbreaks Norovirus has been the cause of all but two cases in 2025. In 2024 there were 18 outbreaks.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of Health and Human Services and has announced a more extensive culling of CDC employees. The U.S. Public Health Service has retained 12 officers despite the reduction of full-time staff.
CLIA’s spokesperson said Travel + Leisure Its current understanding of the CDC is the VSP will operate. The spokesperson stated that public reports noted that the VSP is staffed and administered primarily by U.S. Public Health officers. We expect the program to continue at least in part.
Iain Hay is a cruise ship and public health specialist who works in hospitality.. Hay, Hay, the managing Director of Anchor Hygiene Services, said.
“The VSP exists because the cruise industry wanted a higher standard of inspection than the U.S. Food & Drug Administration could offer hotels and clubs in the United States at the time,” Hay continued. The industry wants the VSP, and will fight to maintain it.
CLIA’s spokesperson reiterated that the cruise sector is a leading model in health and wellness practices. He also stated that the VSP’s comprehensive cleaning practices, frequent inspections, and passenger screenings that are the hallmarks of VSP, are unlike anything else.
The spokesperson added that cruise lines are the only travel sector that routinely reports illnesses to the CDC—and as such, cautions against confusing the wider availability of cruise health data with a higher incidence rate on cruise ships compared to settings like restaurants, hotels or airplanes.
Ships taking part in the VSP are subjected to two unannounced visits every year. The inspections cover eight areas: medical facilities, potable-water systems, swimming pools, whirlpools spas and galleys/dining rooms, child activity centers and cabins.
Public access to the findings is available at cdc.govScores of 86 are considered satisfactory. Anything below is considered unsatisfactory. Twelve vessels were inspected over the past six months. Disney Magic Virgin Voyage’s Valiant Lady. Explora IHave you? scored a perfect 100. The average rating CLIA has reported that for the past 24 year, 95.95 percent of all CLIA members have been able to achieve this level.
