A recent CDC inspection of Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas revealed serious food safety and hygiene violations, raising concerns for passengers. Cruise ship lawyer Spencer Aronfeld, known as @cruiseshiplawyer on TikTok, described the report as “absolutely horrifying,” exposing multiple infractions.
Among the most concerning issues, the CDC found that raw eggs and hamburgers were stored at improper temperatures, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, Johnny Rockets’ staff allegedly had open wounds while handling food and touched ice with bare hands, violating sanitation protocols. Even more alarming, several children in the ship’s daycare center suffered from gastrointestinal illnesses, but the cruise failed to follow proper reporting protocols. This failure may have contributed to the spread of norovirus, a highly contagious illness that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
The ship received a CDC score of 86 – just one point above an unsatisfactory rating that could have canceled the cruise. Despite this, Royal Caribbean has yet to submit a corrective report, leaving concerns that these health hazards could still exist on board.
To avoid getting sick on a cruise, practice frequent handwashing, especially before eating and after touching shared surfaces. It’s also wise to avoid undercooked meats, raw eggs, and buffet items that may have been sitting out too long. Keeping an eye on food handling practices and choosing cleaner dining areas can help reduce risk. Drinking bottled water instead of tap water and using hand sanitizer throughout the day can lower infection chances.
While cruises can be a great experience, staying vigilant about hygiene can help you enjoy your trip without worrying about foodborne illness.
