Cruise & Ferry

Cruise Ship Failed CDC Inspection, ‘Soiled With Grease’

Published

18 hours ago

August 9, 2025

The Villa Vie Odyssey, a residential cruise ship sailing a 3 ½-year around-the-world itinerary, has failed a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) health inspection. The vessel received a score of 81 on its July 9 inspection, well below the passing mark of 86, raising questions about onboard sanitation and safety as it continues its journey.

Dream Cruise Hits a Dirty Reality

The CDC report flagged numerous violations, including food preparation issues, unsanitary storage practices, and missing pool safety features. One example: a grease-covered waffle iron stored alongside clean equipment in a galley. Elsewhere, inspectors noted pooled water under a refrigerator in the wine cellar and dead fruit flies inside a light fixture.

Pool Problems and Food Prep Concerns

The ship’s pools were cited for lacking safety signs, visible depth markers, and properly equipped rescue rings. These basic lapses in passenger safety protocol stood out alongside other issues, like refrigerators leaking without a known source and debris buildup in food areas.

The inspection is part of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which enforces hygiene standards for cruise ships making U.S. port stops. Villa Vie Odyssey, originally built as MS Braemar in the 1990s, hadn’t been to the U.S. in over two decades before its recent arrival.

Company Responds to Inspection

Villa Vie Residences founder Mikael Petterson responded to the failed score, emphasizing that most deficiencies stemmed from structural issues tied to the ship’s age and original construction. “Unlike modern vessels designed specifically for regular U.S. operations, the Odyssey was not originally built for this market,” Petterson said in a statement to USA Today.

He added that since its 2023 purchase, the ship has passed multiple inspections abroad, and improvements have already been made in response to the CDC’s findings. “We’re confident that a follow-up inspection would result in a passing score,” he said.

A Rocky Start to a Long Journey

The Odyssey was slated to begin its three-and-a-half-year cruise in May 2024, but delays pushed the timeline. Petterson previously acknowledged the difficulty of restarting a 30-year-old vessel after a long layup, calling the reactivation process humbling.

Cruise Ship Failed CDC Inspection, ‘Soiled With Grease’ first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 7, 2025

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Cruise & Ferry

Disney Destiny Ship Floats Out of Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany

Published

2 hours ago

August 9, 2025

Jackie Gailey

This morning marked a significant milestone for Disney Cruise Line as the Disney Destiny floated out of the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The event drew shipyard workers, Disney Cruise Line representatives, and onlookers excited to see the newest ship in Disney’s fleet make its debut by touching water for the very first time.

The float-out is a maritime tradition that signals the end of the main construction phase. The Disney Destiny, part of the Wish-class series, now moves into the next stage, outfitting the interiors with Disney’s signature blend of storytelling, technology, and guest comforts. Over the coming months, crews will install dining venues, entertainment spaces, staterooms, and themed areas designed to immerse guests in favorite Disney stories.

Like its sister ships, the Disney Destiny will offer Broadway-style shows, imaginative kids’ clubs, adults-only retreats, and a variety of dining experiences. While Disney has not yet revealed all of the ship’s features, fans can expect surprises inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved characters and films.

The float-out also marks the beginning of preparations for sea trials, where the ship will be tested in open waters to ensure everything operates smoothly. Once complete, the Disney Destiny will make its way to its homeport and welcome its first guests.

The ship’s maiden voyage is embarks on November 20, 2025, giving Disney Cruise Line fans just a few months to anticipate her debut. With her arrival, the Destiny will join the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and other fleet favorites, bringing even more magical vacation options to families around the world.

For Disney Cruise Line, today’s float-out isn’t just about a new ship; it’s about continuing the tradition of delivering unforgettable adventures at sea. The Disney Destiny is well on its way to becoming part of that story.

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