Conditions on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise cruise ship, a Jimmy Buffett-themed vessel, have been exposed in a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During a surprise inspection on May 1, CDC officials discovered numerous concerns, resulting in the ship receiving a failing grade.
The inspection revealed 65 different issues across multiple areas of the ship, including food preparation for guests and crew members, cleanliness of plumbing, pool maintenance, and the ship’s medical facility. The CDC gave the vessel an 83 score, falling below the agency’s established threshold of 86. Scores of 85 or lower are considered “NOT satisfactory” by the CDC.
Some of the specific issues identified by the CDC included overcrowding in whirlpools, concerns about food and drink sanitation, and questions about crew members’ hygiene practices. For example, the CDC noted that gloves used for handling ice making components were stored with tools, and it was unclear if the crew member washed their hands before putting on the gloves. The report also found that the ship had improperly stored drinks, poorly lit or soiled food preparation areas, and broken freezers, fryers, and refrigerators.
The CDC report highlighted a crew member’s inability to demonstrate competency in using an anti-microbial product for fruits and vegetables. The crew member was unable to correctly use a test strip to verify the concentration of the solution and did not know what an acceptable test result would be.
Additionally, various physical issues were observed on the ship, such as torn plastic curtains and covers in disrepair. The CDC recommended that the ship operators ensure that the maximum passenger capacity in whirlpools is not exceeded to maintain proper halogen and pH values.
This is not the first time Margaritaville at Sea Paradise has failed a surprise CDC inspection. In 2019, the ship received a score of 81 out of 100, and subsequent inspections in 2023 and 2019 resulted in scores of 87 and 88, respectively. In comparison, other cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, and MSC Cruises have consistently scored 100 out of 100 in 2024, according to CDC data.
The operator of Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, formerly known as Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, stated that corrective actions have been taken since the CDC inspection. The company operates two-day trips from Florida to the Bahamas and underwent a rebranding in 2022 after partnering with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand.
The CDC’s findings on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise come amid reports of multiple outbreaks of stomach-related illnesses on various cruise ships this year. In late April, the CDC confirmed norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas, affecting around 200 people.
This recent report serves as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to health and safety protocols on cruise ships. Cruise operators must prioritize cleanliness and hygiene to ensure the well-being of their passengers and crew members. The CDC plays a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing these standards to protect public health.
