Travelers Should Verify Cruise Ship Cleanliness Before Traveling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides reporting on the cleanliness of many cruise ship vessels that hail from United States ports, giving travelers the opportunity to determine the historical cleanliness of cruise ship vessels prior to travel. The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program makes reports available to the public as they are completed.

CDC inspections are unannounced and include examination of typical problem sites, such as swimming pools, dining halls, kids’ clubs, ventilation systems, and water purification systems. The CDC rates vessels on a 100 point scale, and a score of 85 or below is considered failing. For example, the Oceana, operated by P&O Cruises failed its most recent CDC examination for substandard cleanliness, including the food and beverage stations.

Travelers whose plans include taking a cruise should make use of information available through the CDC so they are fully aware of the sanitary history of their cruise ship. Unfortunately, cruise ships have a lengthy history of creating environments where passengers have contracted serious illnesses, such as norovirus. Many sickened passengers incur significant medical bills, and some have experienced permanent injury impacting their personal and professional lives long after contracting the illness.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while traveling aboard a cruise ship, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.