Beda Pavek Royal Caribbean announced updates to its cruise ship health inspection protocols after Symphony of the Seas received a poor inspection score.
These changes come as part of the cruise line’s ongoing commitment to improving onboard health standards and ensuring a safe and enjoyable cruising experience for all guests.
The cruise industry operates under stringent health and sanitation guidelines, ensuring passenger safety and maintaining compliance with global health regulations.
In recent months, Royal Caribbean International has faced significant scrutiny due to health and safety concerns aboard its vessels. Notably, Symphony of the Seas has been at the center of attention following a series of incidents and a particularly alarming health inspection report.
Symphony of the Seas’ disturbing health inspection findings
In early 2025, Symphony of the Seas underwent a routine inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
The VSP conducts unannounced inspections of cruise ships to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, aiming to prevent outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus and salmonella.
During this inspection, the ship received a score of 86, just above the failing threshold of 85. Areas of concern were:
- Inadequate food storage practices
- Insufficient sanitation measures in public areas
- Incorrectly storing refrigerated foods at the correct refrigeration temperature
- Making sure food is under the sneeze shield and protected from possible contamination
- Employees with open wounds working in the food areas
- A known symptomatic child was allowed to stay in the child activity center. The staff did not follow their illness exclusion policy.
Five children came down with vomiting and diarrhea and were not appropriately handled by the children’s activity staff. Consequently, symptomatic children were not assessed or were incorrectly assessed for meeting the AGE (Acute Gastroenteritis) definition and were not isolated.
By not following the protocols, it possibly led to these kids spreading a potential norovirus to their parents and other passengers.
Understanding the health inspection process
Cruise ships operating from U.S. ports are subject to the VSP, which is managed by the CDC. Under this program, unannounced inspections are conducted to assess various health and sanitation areas, including:
- Food preparation and storage
- Potable water systems
- Swimming pools and spa facilities
- Housekeeping and cleanliness
- Pest control measures
- Medical facilities and disease outbreak prevention
Ships receive a score based on a 100-point scale, with 85 being the minimum passing score. A ship failing to meet this threshold must take immediate corrective action.
While Royal Caribbean has consistently maintained high scores, the company remains dedicated to enhancing its protocols to ensure compliance and guest satisfaction.
Broader implications for the cruise industry
The issues faced by Royal Caribbean are not isolated incidents within the cruise industry.
In 2024, several cruise ships experienced norovirus outbreaks, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses among passengers and crew. That same year, the CDC conducted 151 unannounced inspections of cruise ships as part of its VSP, aiming to prevent and control the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus.
For passengers, these incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of personal hygiene and vigilance while on board. The CDC advises frequent handwashing and proactive reporting of symptoms to mitigate the spread of gastrointestinal diseases on cruise ships.
Additionally, passengers are encouraged to review a ship’s sanitation scores and health records before booking to make informed decisions about their travel plans.
What this means for future cruising
Symphony of the Seas’ recent health inspection failures highlight ongoing challenges within the cruise industry regarding health and safety standards. As the industry moves forward, maintaining high sanitation standards will be crucial in restoring passenger confidence and safeguarding public health.
The cruise industry continues to evolve, with guest safety remaining a top priority. Royal Caribbean’s updated health inspection process reflects a broader trend of increased transparency and accountability in the industry. As cruise lines continue to refine their protocols, passengers can expect cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable vacation experiences.
For travelers, staying informed about a cruise line’s health policies can help them make better decisions when booking a trip. Passengers should also play their part by following onboard health guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and reporting any concerns to ship staff promptly.
