Are you considering a cruise holiday this summer? Just have in mind that while cruises are undoubtedly a great choice for your holiday, there are some downsides, like the fact that you have to travel in a confined space where germs can spread much more rapidly than usual.

Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a solution for you: the Vessel Sanction Program. This cruise ship inspection search lets you see the cruise ships’ health rating and you can search for a specific cruise line or specific ship within a date range. Thus, you are able to check the cruise ship’s detailed report, inspection date, and inspection score. An 85 on a 100-point sanitation score is set as the benchmark for being satisfactory or not satisfactory.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention inspectors assess eight main areas of a cruise liner – the medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools and whirlpool spas, galleys and dining rooms, child activity centres, hotel accommodation, ventilation systems and common areas.

Most cruise vessels are pretty clean, according to the CDC, which inspects ships to make sure they maintain proper sanitation. The agency has inspected more than 200 active cruise ships and most of them received passing grades: at least 86 points. However, others earned failing grades for a variety of reasons, including improperly stored food and the presence of flies in food-and-beverage areas. The lowest scoring ship based on current inspections is Japan Cruise Lines’ Pacific Venus, which scored just 76.

Check how dirty your cruise ship is here.