CDC Health Inspectors Issue Failing Grade to Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Ship

A Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, recently received a failing grade from health inspectors with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The inspection, conducted by officials from the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) on May 1, resulted in a score of 83, falling short of the required 86 needed to pass.

The CDC’s detailed incident report highlighted several issues aboard the ship, including overcrowding in whirlpools, inadequate sanitation practices related to food and drink, and concerns over crew members’ hygiene practices. Specific infractions noted in the report included improper glove usage by a crew member handling ice machine components and the storage of these gloves with tools, raising questions about handwashing and sanitation procedures.

Further findings pointed out significant food safety violations such as improperly stored drinks, soiled and inadequately lit food preparation areas, and multiple out-of-order freezers, refrigerators, and deep fryers. These conditions contributed to the ship’s substandard inspection score and highlighted areas needing immediate improvement.

In response to the inspection results, Margaritaville at Sea provided a statement to Fox News, outlining their commitment to rectify the deficiencies noted by the VSP. “Following internal policies, immediate corrective actions have been taken to address the issues identified in the inspection. Many of these issues have already been resolved, and we will be working with USPH [United States Public Health] for a re-inspection as soon as possible. We expect this re-inspection will exceed USPH standards.”

This incident underscores the importance of stringent health and safety standards in the cruise industry and the ongoing efforts required to maintain those standards to ensure passenger and crew safety.