PORTLAND, Maine — One of the worst cruise ship inspections the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it’s ever seen is hitting close to home.
CBS 13 Investigates dug up a report that gave the Nova Star, which travels between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, a failing grade.
Every cruise ship needs to be inspected by the CDC. Anything less than 85 is considered not satisfactory and failing. A CDC report showed the Nova Star scored just 52 out of 100.
President and CEO Mark Amundsen said it’s not as bad as it sounds. He beamed with pride as he took us aboard the 528 foot, $165 million ship. With its 14-foot windows, casino, bars and restaurants, the Nova Star made its maiden voyage in May.
Inside and out, the ship sparkles like the sea on which it travels. But a report reveals back in July the Nova Star hit choppy waters with the CDC.
“Most of the report and the points on that report were because we had a European compliant ship. We had to change it to be compliant with U.S. public health standards,” Amundsen explained.
Inspectors found 44 violations, from issues with disease reporting and medical logs to missing equipment that keeps seawater off the ship.
“We’re a new ship. We’re learning as we go,” Amundsen said.
There also were problems reported in the kitchen: a refrigerator “not maintaining the correct temperatures,” “water temperature at the hand-washing sinks below minimum requirements” and “slicer blades with old food residue on many surfaces or a heavy layer of dust and dirt.”
Amundsen said most of the issues cited in the report are fixed, and they’re ready for re-inspection.
A perfect score is possible. Holland America’s Eurodam, which was in Portland last week, got all 100 points.
It is important to note, these CDC inspections are about preventing problems. The Nova Star had no cases of reported food borne illnesses this season.