Latest score, full inspection history and the violations CDC inspectors found on Celebrity Equinox.
Source: CDC public records
Data checked on October 31, 2026
Pass mark: 86 out of 100
Independent site, not the CDC
Celebrity CruisesInspected January 7, 2025
92out of 100
Latest CDC sanitation score
Passed
Celebrity Equinox scored 92 out of 100 in its latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on January 7, 2025. It passed: ships pass with 86 or more.
−8 vs previous inspection (100, Feb 15, 2024)
97.2average of the last 5 inspections
92lowest score (March 2014)
21inspections since 2009
0failed inspections
No CDC inspection in over a year. Celebrity Equinox is on the CDC Green Sheet, but its latest published inspection is from January 7, 2025. The CDC says that a ship sailing outside the United States for an extended period “may not be inspected twice a year” and is inspected again when it returns (CDC FAQ).
Inspection history of Celebrity Equinox
Every CDC inspection score on record for Celebrity Equinox: 21 inspections from November 23, 2009 to January 7, 2025, 8 perfect scores of 100 and no failed inspections.
The full findings of the last 3 inspections, as written in the CDC reports. Each finding refers to an item of the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program standards; points are deducted by item, for a single significant violation or for a pattern of similar ones (CDC FAQ).
January 7, 2025
92Passed
41 findings · 8 points deducted
Points deducted (100 − 8 = 92):
−3 ptsItem 13: Management, knowledge, monitoring
−2 ptsItem 28: Equipment / utensil / linen / single / service storage, handling, dispensed; Clean frequency
−1 ptItem 21: Nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
All 41 findings the inspectors wrote down, grouped by area of the ship. Findings with a red edge belong to an item that lost points; the others were noted without a deduction.
Food storage (provisions)8 findings
Item 15Deck 2 - Cheese Walk-in Refrigerator
The Eiffel Tower Brie cheese only said 'contains: milk' on the ingredients list. Also, the label of the Paneer cheese did not indicate the kind of milk used. Later during the inspection, staff reached out to the supplier for both cheeses and received documentation stating that both cheeses are made of pasteurized cheese.
Item 21Deck 1 and 2 - Wood Pallets
At least 47 wood pallets with food items were stored in provisions. The pallets had difficult-to-clean features. The last provisioning day was three days before the inspection day.
Item 28Deck 0 - Hotel Stores
Single-use/single service and linen food-service items were improperly stored. Specifically, (1) boxes of single-use gloves, plastic spoons, and plastic plates were stacked directly on the deck, (2) boxes with aluminum foil were stored about 1-inch from the deck, (3) boxes with chef hats were stored along with chlorine bottle boxes, and (4) boxes with cook aprons were stored directly on the deck. The deck was heavily soiled. Corrections started immediately.
Item 33Deck 1 - Miscellaneous Cold Room
Build-up of debris was found near the upper right bulkhead deckhead juncture at the entrance to the room. Corrections started immediately.
Item 33Deck 1 - Dry Store
The deck under the pallets and shelving stands was heavily soiled with more than a day's accumulation of debris.
Item 33Deck 0 - Hotel Store
The deck under the shelving stands and pallets was heavily soiled with more than a day's accumulation of debris. Corrections started immediately.
Item 33Deck 0 - Gift Shop Liquor Store
The deck was heavily soiled under the shelving stands and pallets. Corrections started immediately.
Item 33Deck 0 - Retail Store
The deck was heavily soiled under the shelving stands. Corrections started immediately.
Buffets5 findings
Item 19Deck 2 - Crew Mess Dessert Station
During lunch service, three plates of cakes had no serving utensil. Additionally, the handle portion of a serving utensil was resting on a cake. Corrections started immediately.
Item 19Deck 2 - Healthy Mess
During lunch service, a soup had no serving utensil.
Item 21Deck 14 Oceanview Cafe Waiter Station Portside
The bottom wood trimming for the waiter station was chipped making the area difficult to clean.
Item 33Deck 14 Oceanview Cafe Waiter Station Portside
The deck tiles were chipped or cracked on all three waiter stations.
Item 36Deck 14 Oceanview Cafe Waiter Station Portside
Multiple areas throughout the inspection did not reach the minimum required light intensity. These areas were in operation and include: - Deck 14 Secondo Baccio: The preparation counter did not reach a minimum of 220 lux. - Deck 14 Storage Pantry: The clean utensil storage room did not reach a minimum of 110 lux. - Deck 12 Spa Cafe: The self-service line did not reach a minimum of 220 lux. - Deck 5 Sushi on 5: The preparation counter near the front did not reach a minimum of 220 lux. A crew member was preparing sushi rolls during the inspection. - Deck 4 Wine Cellar: The bar light intensity did not reach a minimum of 220 lux for cleaning purposes. Also, the lighting at the handwashing sink was less than 110 lux. - Deck 2 Starboard Beverage Station: The light intensity was less than 110 lux around the counter- mounted juice machines.
Galleys (kitchens)15 findings
Item 08Deck 4 Warewash
The flight-type potwash machine's atmospheric vacuum breaker was heavily corroded and chipping.
Item 13Variances for Galley Tour
The review of the health questionnaires for the galley tour found incomplete records and it was unclear if the procedures approved in the variance were followed. For example, three questionnaires dated on 29 December 2024 attesting yes/no to gastrointestinal illness symptoms in the last 48 hours were not completed.
Item 16Deck 3 - Walk-in Refrigerator
The cooling process for a tray full of strawberry creme pots labeled as produced on January 5, 2025 was not recorded on a cooling log. It was unclear if the cooling process was done correctly.
Item 16Deck 2 - Walk-in Refrigerator
The cooling process for the Aalo Fry (potato fry) container dated January 6, 2025 was not recorded on a cooling log, so it was unclear if it was done correctly. Staff discarded the pan.
Item 16Deck 4 Fridge 047114
The undercounter refrigerator had two buttercream pans that measured 45°F - 48°F with the crew's and inspector's thermometer. These food items were prepared 6 January 2025 and were immediately discarded. Staff noticed that the unit was on defrost mode.
Item 22Deck 2 - Dishwash
Water leaked onto the deck from under the wash tank area of the in-use flight-type warewashing machine. Corrections started immediately.
Item 25Deck 4 Special Order
A soiled wiping cloth was used to prevent a continuous leakage coming from the hot grill. This was discarded immediately.
Item 29Deck 2 - Rice Station
The handwashing sink was blocked by a large container. Corrections started immediately.
Item 29Deck 14 Mast Grill
The starboard handwashing sink measured a minimum of 125°F and was immediately adjusted.
Item 30Deck 4 - Starboard Toilet Room
The door was not self-closing. Corrections started immediately.
Item 32Deck 2 - Rice Station
A large waste container with rice discards was uncovered. The area was not in operation and corrections started immediately.
Item 32Deck 4 Bakery
A waste receptacle with discarded food items was uncovered. The area was not in operation during the inspection.
Item 33Deck 3 - Walk-in Refrigerator
The deckhead sprinkler was leaking water onto the deck. Corrections started immediately.
Item 35Deck 2 - Dishwash
Water leaked onto the deck from under the wash tank area of the in-use flight-type warewashing machine. Corrections started immediately.
Item 39Deck 2 - Starboard Dishwash
One fly was in the area.
Food preparation rooms3 findings
Item 13Deck 2 - Handwashing Station
The crew repairing the handwashing station was working with spare parts and tools on the food preparation counter immediately next to active food preparation. Both the butcher and the repair man did not see this as a problem.
Item 21Deck 1 - Fish Thawing Room
One of the plastic containers on the shelves was broken and in disrepair. Staff sent the container to be discarded.
Item 30Deck 2 - Handwashing Station
The only handwashing station in this room was in disrepair during active food preparation. Staff was repairing it at the time of the inspection.
A food employee was working while exhibiting AGE symptoms. The employee had an onset of AGE symptoms on 26 December 2024 at 20:00 and reported to medical at 07:00 the next day, 27 December. Per the time card, the employee worked from 26 December at 23:50 until 27 December at 02:18 and again from 02:40 until 06:55. The employee was retrained.
Dining rooms2 findings
Item 08Deck 14 Mast Grill
The starboard side beverage station's backflow prevention device was heavily corroded blocking the vents. A new device was sanitized and installed before the end of the inspection.
Item 27Deck 5 Sushi on 5
Old food stains and residue were on the carpet that was affixed to the deck near the galley entrance.
Bars1 finding
Item 39Deck 4 - Wine Cellar
One fly was in this area.
Other areas1 finding
Item 24Deck 12 Spa Cafe
The chlorine sanitizing solution bucket measured over 200 mg/L (ppm) with a chlorine test strip. This was discarded immediately.
Pantries1 finding
Item 24Housekeeping 07-4-010
The chlorine sanitizing solution measured greater than 200 mg/L (ppm) with both the inspector's and crew's test strip. Staff immediately diluted the chlorine solution.
Room service1 finding
Item 39Deck 9 - Bell Box
One fly was in the area.
February 15, 2024
100Passed
20 findings · 0 points deducted
No points deducted.
Show all 20 findings
All 20 findings the inspectors wrote down, grouped by area of the ship. Findings with a red edge belong to an item that lost points; the others were noted without a deduction.
Bars6 findings
Item 20Deck 5 - Al Bacio
Both coffee machines had slotted fasteners on the filters above the portafilters.
Item 21Deck 12 - Pool Bar
Missing sealant along countertop junctures created open seams and gaps that were difficult to clean The crew stated that the countertop will be replaced during dry dock in April 2024.
Item 21Deck 12 - Spa Cafe
The base of a stainless-steel food transportation cart was painted red, and this paint was chipping and peeling making the cart difficult to keep clean.
Item 33Deck 14 - Oceanview Bar
The technical compartment below the ice well had an open penetration on the deck that led to a void space.
Item 39Deck 5 - Ensemble Bar
A small fly was observed in the center of the bar. The area was not in operation.
Item 39Deck 3 - Passport Bar
A small fly was observed by the coffee machine. The area was in operation, no food was impacted.
Buffets3 findings
Item 29Deck 2 - Crew Mess Section 2
The handwashing station water temperature measured 124°F the temperature could not be adjusted by the user. This was lowered before the end of the inspection.
Item 33Deck 5 - Retreat
Food debris was in the technical space below the handwashing sink. This area was cleaned immediately.
Item 39Deck 14 - Oceanview Cafe Starboard Side
A small fly was observed by the ice cream area. The area was not in operation at the time.
Galleys (kitchens)2 findings
Item 33Deck 9 - Bell Box
Water pooled in the recessed area of a missing deck tile under the utility sink.
Item 33Deck 5 - Sushi on Five
Water bubbled up from in between the deck tiles in front of the chemical locker when stepped on.
Medical center2 findings
Item 02Clinical Specimen Supply
One of the viral specimen containers had an expiration date of 2 February 2024. The inspection took place on 15 February 2024. The viral specimen container was discarded.
Item 11Acute Gastroenteritis Log (AGE)
On 7 February 2024, a non-food worker had an onset of AGE symptoms at 2300 but did not call or report to medical until 1005 am on 8 February. This crewmember was disciplined and retrained.
Pantries2 findings
Item 39Deck 12 - Pool Bar
A small fly was observed behind the ice machine. The area was not in operation.
Item 39Deck 4 - Martini Bar
A small fly was observed in the area. This area was not in operation.
Children’s areas1 finding
Item 42Childs Activity Area (3yrs. - 6 yrs. old)
This area had several books with paper pages that were difficult to clean/disinfect. The crew member stated these books can be used by all children
Other areas1 finding
Item 36Deck 5 - Sushi on Five
At the waiter station, the light intensity was less than 220 lux. This was corrected before the end of the inspection.
Drinking water1 finding
Item 08Cross-Connection Control Log
The backflow prevention device for the incinerator room spray hose was not listed in the cross-connection control log. This was corrected during the inspection.
Food storage (provisions)1 finding
Item 33Deck 2 - Frozen Meat Room
Ice built up inside the housing of four deckhead light fixtures located on the right side of the room.
Pools, hot tubs and water play areas1 finding
Item 10Deck 12 - Sports Pool
The shepherd's hook at the forward pool was not placed in a prominent location. Remediation began immediately.
All 14 findings the inspectors wrote down, grouped by area of the ship. Findings with a red edge belong to an item that lost points; the others were noted without a deduction.
Internal temperatures of chicken confit and fontina cheese taken by the inspector and crew measured temperatures above 45°F. There were several trays of chicken and cheese on each side of the tall refrigerator. Cooling logs for the chicken confit indicated the chicken was prepared and cooled to 41°F on 3 May 2023. The products were discarded and the unit was fixed by the end of the inspection.
Internal temperatures of chicken confit and fontina cheese taken by the inspector and crew measured temperatures above 45°F. There were several trays of chicken and cheese on each side of the tall refrigerator. Cooling logs for the chicken confit indicated the chicken was prepared and cooled to 41°F on 3 May 2023. The products were discarded and the unit was fixed by the end of the inspection.
Item 29Handwash Sinks
Water temperature measured above 120°F at three handwashing sinks in this galley.
Buffets5 findings
Item 21Ice Cream Station
The soft serve ice cream drip tray was broken, which made it difficult to clean.
Item 21Beverage Station - Starboard Side Midship
The product labels for the fruit juice dispensers were peeling and in poor repair.
Item 21Island #2
There were several cracks in the island countertop, which made the area difficult to clean. The cracks were filled with excess silicone and peeling tape was on top of the silicone.
Item 27Port-side Beverage Bar
The area near the hot water valve of the expresso machine was heavily soiled with more than a day's accumulation of food debris.
Item 28Island #4
Clean condiment spoons out for self-service were stored in an open bowl and the food contact surface was not protected from possible contamination.
Dining rooms3 findings
Item 21Tuscan Grille
Three of the four service trolleys were in poor repair with chipped surfaces, which made them difficult to clean.
Item 28Cafe Al Baccio
Condensate accumulated on the back of the refrigerator. Clean and sanitized dishes were stored directly beside this area. It did not appear that any water had dripped on the dishes.
Item 37Cafe Al Baccio
Condensate accumulated on the back of the refrigerator. Clean and sanitized dishes were stored directly beside this area. It did not appear that any water had dripped on the dishes.
Other areas2 findings
Item 26Engine Control Room - Coffee Station Refrigerator
Old food residue was on the unit's shelving and bottom of the undercounter refrigerator below the espresso machine.
Item 27Engine Control Room - Coffee Station
The top storage shelving had a build-up of old coffee residue of more than a day's accumulation.
Medical center1 finding
Item 02Close-Contact Follow-up Records
Interview records for two close-contacts to AGE symptomatic crew during voyage from 4/15 - 4/24/2023 and from 3/27 - 4/6/2023 were not available. Specifically, there were no interview records for an identified close-contact during the voyage beginning on 4/15. Medical staff reported they forgot to identify the case's immediate close contact that used the same bathroom. For the voyage that began on 3/27, there was no record of a close-contact interview follow-up at the 48-hour timeframe. For both accounts corrective actions were taken by ship personnel.
To see this report on the CDC site: open the CDC inspection search, choose Celebrity Equinox in the list of cruise ships, select “All Dates” and press Search, then open “Report” next to the inspection date. (The CDC tool does not allow direct links to a single report.)
Gastrointestinal illness outbreaks
The CDC posts an outbreak when 3% or more of passengers or crew report gastrointestinal symptoms to the ship’s medical staff on a voyage, and may also post other outbreaks of public health significance (CDC outbreak list). Outbreaks posted for Celebrity Equinox since 2023:
3/9-3/18, 2023 · cause: Norovirus · ill: 122 of 2,579 (4.7%) passengers, 14 of 1,222 (1.1%) crew
