Inspection Issues Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas
Introduction to the Concerns
Recently, a lawyer known for taking legal action against cruise lines has raised serious concerns about the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas. Spencer Aronfeld, who shares insights into the cruise industry on TikTok as @cruiseshiplawyer, discussed alarming findings following an inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Main Issues from the CDC Inspection
During the CDC’s inspection, several problems were identified that could pose health risks to passengers:
Food Safety Violations:
- Raw eggs and raw hamburgers were found being stored at inappropriate refrigeration temperatures, which could lead to foodborne illnesses.
Staff Hygiene Concerns:
- Crew members working at the Johnny Rockets restaurant were reported to have open wounds. Alarmingly, they were handling ice with their bare hands, risking contamination.
- Health Issues Among Children:
- Several children at the ship’s daycare developed severe gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The daycare failed to properly report these illnesses to the medical center and the CDC, which could allow the potential spread of norovirus among passengers.
CDC’s Evaluation of the Symphony of the Seas
The CDC scored the Symphony of the Seas a troubling 86 out of 100 in their inspection report, categorizing it as “barely satisfactory.” According to Aronfeld, just one point lower, an 85, would have resulted in an unsatisfactory rating, likely resulting in the cancellation of ongoing cruises.
Financial Impact on Royal Caribbean
To address the issues highlighted by the CDC, Royal Caribbean might face costs of around $65,000. Aronfeld stated that the cruise line has a limited timeframe to correct these problems and provide a report to the CDC.
In a follow-up video posted on February 21, Aronfeld mentioned that Royal Caribbean had not yet submitted a corrective report, which raised concerns about whether the issues had been resolved. He expressed, “The ship is sailing, and it has passengers on board right now. I hope they have done enough to correct these issues.”
Reactions from the Public
Following Aronfeld’s revelations, many followers on TikTok shared their thoughts in the comments section. Here are some notable responses:
Comparisons to Other Cruise Lines: One user remarked, “Disney Cruise Line would NEVER,” highlighting perceived differences in standards among cruise operators.
Punning on the Ship’s Name: Another commenter humorously referred to the ship as the “Symphony of Disease.”
General Concerns About Cruise Hygiene: A user expressed disbelief in the cleanliness of cruise ships, stating, “Cruises are disgusting….? Is this surprising?”
Disappointment in Royal Caribbean: Another comment reflected disillusionment, stating, “I’m disappointed in RC, I expected more from this cruise line.” Aronfeld echoed similar sentiments, responding with “Me too!”
- Calls for Increased Inspections: One concerned individual urged the CDC to inspect “every single ship docked in the US nonstop,” emphasizing the need for stringent health checks in the cruise industry.
Conclusion
The issues found during the CDC inspection of Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas are concerning and underline the importance of health and safety in the cruise industry. The problems reported range from food safety concerns to potential outbreaks of illness amongst passengers. With significant costs and time constraints looming, it is imperative for Royal Caribbean to swiftly address the CDC’s concerns to ensure passenger safety and satisfaction. The public’s reaction reflects a growing unease with cruise line safety standards, suggesting that transparency and responsive action are crucial for maintaining trust with travelers.
