A routine inspection by two inspectors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uncovered unsanitary conditions aboard the Carnival Cruise Line’s ship, the Triumph. The CDC gave the 2754-passenger ship a rare failing grade for more than two dozen violations. Most cruise ships owned and operated by the major cruise lines routinely pass health inspections, scoring 86 points or more out of 100.

Inspectors found flies in food prep areas and at beverage stations, food items like milk, eggs, and cheese stored at temperatures above the 41-degrees-or-less guidelines, soiled water fountains, and general disrepair in food areas. These issues all led to an inspection score of 78 out of 100 for the cruise ship.

The cruise line, based in Doral, Florida, issued a statement saying that it has corrected the issues noted in the report and has requested an immediate re-inspection. People may remember that the Carnival Triumph was in the news in 2013, when it suffered engine failure at sea, stranding guests on board and leading to unsanitary conditions. That fateful event led to extensive media coverage and negative publicity for the ship and the cruise line.

The Triumph now sails from New Orleans, and while the cruise line claims the issues have been addressed, we are still monitoring the situation. It is the responsibility of cruise lines to protect guests from harm and keep conditions as sanitary as possible for those aboard. If they fail to do so and you become ill as a result, you may be eligible to pursue legal action.

For more on this story, read more at The Miami Herald. We will keep you updated on any new developments.