A lawyer known for suing cruise lines has raised concerns about a recent inspection of Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. The inspection, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), revealed serious health violations, prompting Spencer Aronfeld to describe the findings as “absolutely horrifying.” The inspection took place in February 2025, and Aronfeld’s video detailing the report has garnered significant attention online.
- Lawyer criticizes Royal Caribbean's inspection results
- Serious health violations reported on cruise ship
- CDC inspection score was barely satisfactory
- Royal Caribbean faces $65,000 in corrections
- Passengers still on board amid concerns
- TikTok comments express disappointment and concern
The CDC’s inspection of the Symphony of the Seas highlighted critical health concerns that could pose risks to passengers. Among the most alarming findings were the improper storage of raw eggs and hamburgers, which were not kept at the correct refrigeration temperatures. Additionally, reports indicated that crew members at the onboard restaurant Johnny Rockets had open wounds and were handling ice without gloves, raising significant hygiene issues.
Further complicating matters, several children reportedly experienced severe gastrointestinal problems while at daycare on the ship. Aronfeld noted that the daycare failed to follow proper protocols for referring these cases to medical staff and reporting them as gastrointestinal illnesses to the CDC. This oversight could have allowed illnesses, potentially including norovirus, to spread among passengers.
The CDC scored the Symphony of the Seas an 86, which is considered barely satisfactory. A score of 85 or below would have resulted in an unsatisfactory evaluation, potentially leading to the cancellation of cruises. Aronfeld estimated that addressing the cited issues would cost Royal Caribbean approximately $65,000. As of February 21, 2025, he stated that the cruise line had not yet submitted a corrective report to the CDC, suggesting that the health risks may still persist.
In summary, the CDC’s inspection of Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas uncovered serious health violations that could endanger passengers. The cruise line’s response to these findings remains unclear, raising concerns about the safety of those currently aboard.
The findings from the CDC inspection serve as a reminder of the importance of health and safety standards in the cruise industry. With ongoing concerns raised by legal experts, passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant regarding the conditions aboard cruise ships.