Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, which made its U.S. debut late last year, earned a perfect 100 score on its first full United States Public Health (U.S.P.H.) inspection conducted in Port Canaveral, Fla. This marks the second time this month that a Carnival ship has earned a perfect score; Carnival Splendor also earned a 100 score on its U.S.P.H. inspection just two weeks ago.
To earn 100 score, cruise ships must receive 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 wide 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 evaluated, as well.
Carnival Dream launched year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral in December. It is expected to carry 200,000 passengers annually from that port.