A popular Carnival ship has been hit with a less-than-stellar inspection health inspection score and, while the ship has passed, it must take immediate action to rectify some serious issues.
Carnival Sunshine underwent an inspection on 8th March as part of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) – a system designed to monitor the sanitation and hygiene practices aboard cruise ships calling on U.S. ports.
Sunshine received a score of 89 out of 100, just barely above the program’s passing threshold of 86.
26 violations noted onboard
According to the CDC’s official report, 26 separate violations were found during the inspection, including several serious infractions that raised immediate concern.
Among the most troubling:
- A crew member continued working while experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, a clear violation of standard health protocols.
- Cockroaches and fruit flies were found in various food service areas, including around dishwashing stations, under equipment, and even in the crew galley near rolling flour bins.
- Several refrigeration units were malfunctioning, allowing potentially hazardous foods like raw meatballs and sandwiches to rise above the required safe temperatures.
- Inspectors also cited worn and cracked gaskets on ice machines, leaking water lines, damaged flooring, and food-contact surfaces in visible disrepair.
While the ship technically passed the inspection with its 89 score, Carnival is required to submit a corrective action plan to address the issues found onboard.
The Carnival Sunshine inspection comes just weeks after Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas was also flagged during a VSP inspection.
Symphony received a lower score of 86 in February, with inspectors noting 57 violations, prompting Royal Caribbean to review its illness protocols and sanitation procedures fleetwide.
Cruise lines must implement corrective measures after inspections fall below expectations or result in widespread concerns. If problems persist, the CDC can conduct follow-up visits, which can impact public perception and even sailing schedules.
Carnival Sunshine had just returned to service in mid-February 2025 following a two-week dry dock in Marseille, France, where the ship received general maintenance and upgrades.
Despite her refresh, the 102,853-gross-ton vessel – originally launched as Carnival Destiny in 1996 and rebranded as Carnival Sunshine in 2013 – is clearly still facing operational challenges behind the scenes.
Currently homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, Sunshine is offering a series of Bermuda and Bahamas cruises, with the spring and summer 2025 season expected to be a busy one.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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