Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 has failed a hygiene inspection by the American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, scoring a shock 84 out of 100.
Fruit flies and cockroaches in a storage locker, sediment in ice-making machines, and a “filthy” swimming pool were among more than 60 violations cited in the report on the inspection, carried out when the ship was berthed in New York on June 10.
The 3,000-passenger ship has passed every previous CDC inspection, scoring a perfect 100 on three occasions. It has only once before scored less than 92 in 15 checks carried out during the last seven years. Anything below 85 is counted as a fail.
The unwelcome visitors were found in a locker in the Kings Court buffet restaurant. Ice machines in Kings Court and in the Commodore Club bar needed cleaning, and a human hair was found under the lid of an ice maker in a crew galley.
Draught beer lines in the casino bar and Golden Lion pub were found to be “heavily soiled,” and the inspectors criticised the storage of food on wine directly on open decks. and various chemicals stored near napkins, paper cups and utensils.
Tiles and water in the Minnows splash pool were said to be “filthy with dark materials and hairs.”
Cunard say some staff have been disciplined and re-trained as a result of the inspection. A spokesman said: “The poor assessment resulted largely from one small area of the ship’s overall operation. All the issues raised in the report were immediately addressed and have now been corrected.
“Ship and shore management have now redefined certain roles and responsibilities to clarify accountability and the company’s already rigorous training schedule has been stepped up.”
The CDC carries out surprise Vessel Sanitation Program checks twice a year on all ships using American ports. No other cruise ship operated by a major line has failed a CDC inspection during the past three years .
Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of Cruise Critic, says: “”What really bothered me was the use of the word ‘filthy’ five times,” but adds that she would not be worried about travelling on the QM2. “I’m sure after this, it’s probably the cleanest ship out there,” she said.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
Thank goodness for the “American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention” I believe things have been slipping with Cunard for the past 2-3 years.
This article concerns me due to the fact that I/we have booked a cruse on the QM2 that will depart on 13th July 2011, this will be the firs time with Cunard for us.
My friend is a Cunard platinum cruiser with the line and he has noticed a decline in the attitude of the staff and found something nasty in his bread roll.
He reported this to Cunard but never had a replay from them.
It’s disappointing to see headlines like these for something that’s so easily avoidable. The QM2 should NOT be having these issues.