So far in 2020, two cruise ships have earned perfect 100 health scores during surprise inspections. The first was Viking Sky and now Carnival Valor.
While the health inspection took place last month, the results of the inspection were just recently posted to the CDC’s website.
Cruise ships that carry 13 or more passengers and sail to and from the U.S. are required to have surprise health inspections twice a year by the Vessel Sanitation Program.
The Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assists the cruise ship industry to prevent and control the introduction, transmission, and spread of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships. VSP operates under the authority of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 264 Quarantine and Inspection Regulations to Control Communicable Diseases).
During the inspections, the following eight major areas of cruise ships are checked:
- Medical facilities
- Potable water systems
- Swimming pools and whirlpool spas
- Galleys and dining rooms
- Child activity centers
- Hotel accommodations
- Ventilation systems
- Common areas of the ship
After the inspections are completed, the Vessel Sanitation Program sends a final copy of the inspection report to the cruise line.
This is the third time that Carnival Valor has earned a perfect 100 and the first time since 2017.
Only a handful or cruise ships each year earn a perfect 100. Ships much earn at least a score of 86 to pass the inspection.
