Crystal Serenity Scores Perfect 100 in Canada Health Inspection

Following an intensive inspection by a team of environmental health officers, Crystal Cruises' luxurious Crystal Serenity received a "perfect" score of 100 from Health Canada. The unannounced audit occurred during Crystal Serenity's May 3 call in Victoria, British Columbia on the final segment of the cruise line's World Cruise.

Scoring is based on 41 inspection items of the potable water system, food preparation and storage areas, and waste management systems, including filters, ventilation devices and sanitizing temperatures. Swimming pools and spas are also inspected. Canada's Federal health department, Health Canada, developed its Cruise Ship Inspection Program (CSIP) to inspect cruise ships that visit Canadian ports. The guidelines were coordinated with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vessel Sanitation Program in 1998. A ship's level of sanitation is satisfactory if its inspection score is 86% or higher. Crystal Symphony also received a score of 100 during her most recent calls in Canada in October 2008.

"Crystal Cruises' record of perfect scores is indicative of our efforts to meet the highest standards of excellence in all areas of our cruise operation," says Joe Valenti, Crystal Cruises' senior vice president, marine operations.

So, how did the Crystal ships fare in their most recent U.S. Vessel Sanitation Program inspections?

• Crystal Serenity scored 97 on 12/1/2008
• Crystal Symphony scored 98 on 3/9/2009

To find out how other ships compare, see Cruise Diva's monthly report for a summary of Sanitation Inspections Scores of International Cruise Ships.