A popular cruise line failed a surprise inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which cited major concerns in “65 different areas.”
The cruise liner, “Margaritaville at Sea Paradise,” had several issues when the CDC conducted its health and safety inspection on May 1, 2024. The ship must correct those issues or else be prevented from sailing, according to the CDC’s vessel sanitation program report.
The 65 issues that the CDC highlighted included food preparation in guest and crew facilities, cleanliness of plumbing, cleanliness of the medical facility, pool maintenance, food storage and cleaning procedures.
For each violation the CDC’s inspection team gave, they also provided a suggested solution to the problem.
On one example, the CDC noted, “On several occasions, up to six bathers were noted in each whirlpool. Each whirlpool is designed to have a maximum bather load of 4 persons.” The CDC noted that this is to “ensure the maximum passenger bather load number is not exceeded, so the proper halogen and pH values are not adversely affected.”
The agency also noted issues with potable water lines serving the medical facility, trash room, engine room and select guest cabin areas.
Food preparation was also lacking, as some freezers and coolers did not keep things at the proper temperature or were out of service.
Sanitation procedures by the crew were also lacking.
In total, “Margaritaville at Sea Paradise” scored an 83 on the CDC inspection. Any score below an 85 is considered “unsatisfactory,” according to the agency.
Now, the cruise liner has to implement as many health and safety options as possible before the CDC does another surprise inspection.
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
