National Geographic Sea Lion Barely Passes 3rd CDC Inspection With 86 Score
Updated
Updated · Cruise Hive · Aug 17
National Geographic Sea Lion Barely Passes 3rd CDC Inspection With 86 Score
3 articles · Updated · Cruise Hive · Aug 17
Summary
44 violations pushed Lindblad Expeditions’ 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion to the minimum passing CDC score of 86 on June 21, its third straight inspection at that threshold.
Inspectors cited food-safety lapses including about 50 dairy containers discarded after refrigerators hit 42-49F, frozen fish stored on freezer stairs, and meat boxes placed directly on the deck.
Sanitation problems also included soiled dish storage, rusted vegetable peelers that were thrown out, and dishwashers with a broken spray arm or unable to reach the required 160F sanitizing rinse.
CDC reviewers also found acute gastroenteritis reporting failures, including mistimed Alaska port filings, missing crew follow-up interviews, and a symptomatic crew member returning to work before full isolation ended.
The 630-gross-ton vessel is now sailing Alaska itineraries and later Pacific Northwest river cruises; Lindblad must file corrective actions, while another fleet ship has already logged four gastrointestinal outbreaks this year.
How can a cruise ship with 42 sanitation deficiencies and a history of outbreaks still receive a passing grade from the CDC?
With sister ships facing recent norovirus outbreaks, what hidden health risks await passengers booking these borderline-passing luxury expedition cruises?