Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas Narrowly Passes CDC Inspection: What It Means for Cruisers

Royal Caribbean International, a titan in the cruise industry, recently faced a setback when its flagship Symphony of the Seas scored a troubling 86 on a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspection on February 9, 2025. This score—just one point above the CDC’s failing threshold of 85—has sparked concerns about sanitation, crew practices, and passenger safety aboard one of the world’s largest cruise ships. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

CDC Inspection Score Explained: How Did Symphony of the Seas Fare?

The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program evaluates cruise ships docking at U.S. ports on a 100-point scale, focusing on food safety, water quality, hygiene protocols, and facility upkeep. A score of 86 or higher is “satisfactory,” while anything below 85 is a fail, potentially triggering stricter oversight. The Symphony of the Seas, an Oasis-class marvel launched in 2018, barely scraped by with its 86, marking the lowest score among Royal Caribbean ships in 2025 so far. For comparison, sister ships like Brilliance of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas recently aced their inspections with perfect 100s.

What Went Wrong? Key Violations Revealed

The CDC report highlighted several alarming issues aboard Symphony of the Seas. Inspectors found raw eggs stored improperly and hamburgers held at unsafe temperatures—food safety red flags that could lead to illnesses like salmonella. Worse, crew members at the ship’s Johnny Rockets outlet were reportedly handling ice bare-handed and working with open wounds, blatant hygiene violations that stunned observers.

The report also flagged inadequate safeguards against illness transmission, including risks of norovirus—a notorious cruise ship bug—spreading in shared areas, particularly among children. While no outbreak was confirmed, these lapses suggest vulnerabilities that could jeopardize passenger health.

Why CDC Scores Matter for Cruise Passengers

For travelers, CDC VSP scores are a critical tool. Publicly available online, they offer insight into a ship’s cleanliness and safety—key factors in an industry still rebounding from COVID-19’s impact. A low score like 86, even if passing, can sway booking decisions, especially when amplified by social media and critics. In 2025 alone, six gastrointestinal outbreaks have hit various cruise lines, keeping health concerns top of mind.

That said, a passing score doesn’t mean Symphony of the Seas is unsafe. The CDC rarely bans ships from sailing, even after failures, and works with operators to fix issues. Royal Caribbean likely acted swiftly onboard—think stricter cleaning or staff retraining—but without official updates, passengers are left speculating.

What’s Next for Royal Caribbean and Symphony of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean now faces a pivotal moment. A transparent response—detailing fixes like enhanced food safety protocols or crew training—could rebuild confidence. Silence, however, might fuel perceptions of negligence, especially if future inspections falter. For passengers, this is a reminder to check VSP scores before booking and take precautions like frequent handwashing onboard.

The cruise giant has bounced back from challenges before, and its reputation will likely endure. But with Symphony of the Seas still sailing, all eyes are on Royal Caribbean to prove this was a fluke—not a trend. The next CDC inspection will be telling.