Shocking Investigation Unveils Hazardous Conditions: Beer Tap Sludge and Maggot Infestations on Cruise Ships

The dirtiest cruise ships operating in the United States have been identified, highlighting shocking problems such as live maggots, a deceased bird, and a “thick brown residue” surrounding a beer tap.

Among these, Hapag-Lloyd’s Hanseatic Inspiration has been designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most unsanitary cruise ship at present.

The Vessel Sanitation Program conducts inspections of cruise ship operations to ensure compliance with sanitation standards and assist the cruise industry in preventing and managing the transmission of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses which can result in diarrhoea, stomach pain, and fever.

These inspections are conducted unexpectedly while a ship is docked at a US port, and inspectors provide advice and training whenever they uncover any concerns.

Ships are evaluated using a scoring system out of 100, where a score of 86 and above is deemed satisfactory, while a score of 85 and below is viewed as unsatisfactory.

In September, the Hanseatic Inspiration received a disappointing score of 62, as the CDC identified numerous violations of their regulations.

Among the concerns were maggots discovered on a rotting bird beneath an outdoor grill, various live and dead insects found in different food areas aboard the ship, and an absence of records showing disinfection of the swimming pool hair and lint strainer over a two-week period. Additionally, food was improperly stored and not cooled adequately.

Inspectors noted that the pot washing operations were “chaotic” and “disorganised,” uncovering brown residue and debris present in areas such as a beer tap and a sink.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that there was a lack of adequate supervision over critical and high-risk food processes, which allowed unsafe practices to persist in the food preparation areas on the cruise ship.

In reaction to this report, a spokesperson from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises shared with The Independent: “The well-being of our guests and crew has always been our foremost concern at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

“For many years, we have adhered to hygiene standards that significantly exceed the basic requirements.

“The recent occurrence does not reflect the operational excellence that our vessels are known for.”

The representative mentioned that the German cruise line, which also functions as a shipping enterprise, promptly commenced an investigation into the problems reported on the vessel and took steps to rectify the violations. They also engaged experts to propose new strategies for maintaining high standards.

Another cruise liner, Margaritaville at Sea’s Paradise, was also deemed unsatisfactory with a score of 83. The identified issues included an out-of-service walk-in freezer, refrigerator, and deep fat fryer, as well as the lack of soap in the handwashing station.

Several other cruise ships just managed to meet the satisfactory criteria, including Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess, Carnival Cruises’ Carnival Breeze, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima, and MSC Cruises’ Magnifica, all scoring 86 in their latest inspections.

In a communication to The Independent, MSC Cruises stated that they “rigorously adhere” to health and sanitation protocols, and although their score was satisfactory, they have implemented additional enhancements aboard their ships.

This year, a total of 19 cruises achieved a perfect score of 100, among them were Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas and Carnival Cruises’ Carnival Spirit.

Carnival Cruises announced that every one of their 30 fleet inspections concluded successfully, with 27 of those scoring 90 or higher, including two perfect inspections in the past year.

“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of sanitation and take prompt corrective measures, often even while the CDC inspectors are still onboard. We also utilize the results of these inspections to enhance our training for the teams,” they stated.

The Independent has reached out to Margaritaville at Sea and the other cruise lines that received an 86 for their remarks.

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