Sanitation At Sea A Key To Healthy Cruise Travel

California‘s 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor earned a 100 score on its United States Public Health Service inspection conducted in Long Beach yesterday.

In its eight U.S.P.H. inspections since entering service in 2008, Carnival Splendor has achieved six 100 scores, as well as two near-perfect marks of 99 and 98 – an unprecedented accomplishment in the cruise industry. The ship’s average U.S.P.H. inspection score during its four years of service is a remarkable 99.6.

Carnival Splendor received perfect marks on all 42 items that comprise the U.S. Public Health Service’s comprehensive Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) checklist. The unannounced inspections, which are conducted twice a year and required for any cruise ship with an international itinerary calling at a U.S. port, evaluate vessels in a variety of areas, including adherence to proper food handling, preparation and storage procedures, and overall galley cleanliness. Ships’ potable water supplies used in spas and pools are also evaluated.

Carnival Splendor, which currently operates seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises from Long Beach, will reposition to New York on year-round eight-day Caribbean/Bahamas voyages beginning March 23, 2013. Prior to its upcoming New York schedule, Carnival Splendor will offer three South America voyages in February and March 2013, visiting some of the continent’s most beautiful and breathtaking destinations.

The CDC says to stay healthy and clean, wash your hands with warm water and soap.

When to wash your hands:

Before:

Touching your hand to your mouth including:
- Eating and drinking,
- Smoking,
- Brushing your teeth,
Helping a sick person.

After:

Going to the bathroom
Changing diapers
Touching high-hand contact surfaces, such as:
- Door knobs
- Railings
Returning to your cabin
Helping a sick person
Blowing your nose

How to wash your hands:

Wet your hands with warm water.
Apply a generous amount of soap.
Rub your hands together for 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands.
Dry your hands with a paper towel.
Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

What about alcohol-based hand sanitizers?

CDC recommends that cruise ship passengers use warm water and soap to wash their hands. Washing is always best.
If water and soap are NOT available (perhaps on excursions), use an ethanol alcohol-based (a minimum 62%) hand sanitizer, preferably in a gel form.

Photo Arlington County via Compfight