Key points
Inspecting cruise ship operations is one of the core ways we help address public health issues onboard. We inspect cruise ship operations for their compliance with public health standards.
Why we inspect cruise ships
Our Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspectors conduct operational sanitation inspections.
- These inspections determine how well ships are operating and maintaining sanitation standards in accordance with the current VSP Operations Manual.
- During these inspections, we provide public health guidance to cruise ship staff when items are out of compliance.
About our inspections
Inspections are done while a ship is in a U.S. port. The number of inspectors varies depending on ship size. Inspectors see if conditions on the ship comply with the public health standards found in the current VSP Operations Manual.
Inspections usually take 6-8 hours, depending on the number of inspectors, ship size, amount of time the ship is in port, and issues identified during the inspection. These inspections are periodic and unannounced.
Cruise ships under our jurisdiction are subject to two inspections each year. If a ship sails outside of the United States for an extended period, it may not be inspected twice a year, but it will be inspected again when it returns to the United States.
Learn about the eight areas we inspect.
Looking for inspection scores for specific ships?
Cost
Ship owners pay a fee based on the ship's size for operational inspections and reinspections.
Fee schedule, October 13, 2024-September 30, 2025
| Vessel Size (GT) | Inspection Fee (US$) |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (<30,000 GT) | $8,073 |
| Tier 2 (30,001-110,000 GT) | $16,146 |
| Tier 3 (110,001-180,000 GT) | $32,292 |
| Tier 4 (>180,001 GT) | $64,584 |
GT=gross tonnage in cubic feet, as shown in Lloyd's Register of Shipping.
Operations inspections and reinspections involve the same procedures and require the same amount of time, so they are charged at the same rates.
The fee schedule is also posted in the Federal Register.