Latest score, full inspection history and the violations CDC inspectors found on Explora II.
Source: CDC public records
Data checked on October 31, 2026
Pass mark: 86 out of 100
Independent site, not the CDC
MSC Cruise ManagementInspected February 24, 2026
97out of 100
Latest CDC sanitation score
Passed
Explora II scored 97 out of 100 in its latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on February 24, 2026. It passed: ships pass with 86 or more.
−3 vs previous inspection (100, Dec 20, 2024)
98.5average of the last 2 inspections
97lowest score (February 2026)
2inspections since 2024
0failed inspections
Inspection history of Explora II
Every CDC inspection score on record for Explora II: 2 inspections from December 20, 2024 to February 24, 2026, 1 perfect score of 100 and no failed inspections.
The full findings of the last 2 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).
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.
Galleys (kitchens)9 findings
Item 22Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Dishwash
The clean end of the flight-type dishwash machine was soiled with food debris around and underneath the conveyor. The machine was in operation at the time of inspection. The machine was cleaned immediately.
Item 22Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Dishwash
The hood-type warewash machine's clean landing was soiled with unknown debris and a broken glass. This was cleaned immediately.
Item 22Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Dishwash
Food utensils were overly crowded and wedged into their wash rack, which did not allow the warewash machine spray to adequately reach all surfaces.
Item 26Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Dishwash
Numerous previously cleaned and sanitized food utensils were thickly soiled with food debris and stored in the clean area touching other clean utensils. At least four forks, two spoons, and four knives were soiled. The utensils were sent to be re-cleaned and sanitized.
Item 26Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Dishwash
A previously cleaned and sanitized plate cover had a clear adhesive on the food-contact surface. This was corrected immediately.
Item 26Deck 5 - Sakura
The ice machine deflector panel was soiled with a black residue on the food-contact surface.
Item 28Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Dishwash
Numerous previously cleaned and sanitized food utensils were thickly soiled with food debris and stored in the clean area touching other clean utensils. At least four forks, two spoons, and four knives were soiled. The utensils were sent to be re-cleaned and sanitized.
Item 30Deck 5 - Sakura
The crew toilet room door did not self-close.
Item 30Deck 3 - Ladder Well #2
The crew toilet room door adjacent to ladder well #2 did not self-close.
Bars4 findings
Item 21Deck 11 - Explora Lounge Bar
A wood trolley cart used as a preparation station and for placement of food utensils was in disrepair, creating a difficult-to-clean surface.
Item 26Deck 6 - Crew Lounge
The counter-mounted sparkling water dispenser was soiled with a pink slimy residue on the food-contact surface and food-splash zone.
Item 26Deck 11 - Conservatory Bar
A previously cleaned and sanitized martini glass on the clean storage rack was soiled on its food-contact surface. The glass was sent to be re-cleaned and sanitized.
Item 26Deck 11 - Conservatory Bar - Station 1
The counter-mounted sparkling water dispenser's nozzle was soiled with a pink slimy residue on the food-contact surface and food-splash zone.
Buffets4 findings
Item 17Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace - Starboard Beverage Station
The counter-mounted coffee machine's milk compartment was not labeled as on time control on the exterior of the unit. The time control label was located inside of the milk compartment.
The sealant was in disrepair on the right-facing carving station well's corner, creating a difficult-to-clean surface.
Item 22Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace - Starboard Beverage Station
The bucket of chlorine sanitizing solution was cloudy and soiled. This was corrected immediately.
Item 26Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace - Starboard Beverage Station
The counter-mounted coffee machine's dispensing nozzle was soiled with more than a day's accumulation of coffee debris and milk residue. This was corrected immediately.
For the voyages beginning 15 January 2026 and 22 December 2025, the numbers of total crew and passengers were inconsistent on the 24-hour AGE reports submitted on the same voyage and did not reflect the totals at the beginning of the voyage.
Item 11Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Case Isolation
A food employee continued to work on non-food handling duties after experiencing symptoms of AGE. A food employee had an onset of AGE symptoms at 0100 on 9 February 2026 but did not report to medical until 0800. After reporting, the dining room where they worked was cleaned and sanitized, and the employee was retrained.
Pantries1 finding
Item 27Deck 11 - Conservatory Bar
A clean storage rack adjacent to the ice machine was soiled with food debris. Food equipment was not impacted.
December 20, 2024
100Passed
16 findings · 0 points deducted
No points deducted.
Show all 16 findings
All 16 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.
The flight-type dishwash machine was under maintenance during the inspection. Additional potwash and glasswash machines were being used in the meantime.
Item 24Deck 4 - Medyacht - Potwash
A crew member was observed sanitizing one pan for less than 7 seconds in the three-compartment sink chlorine solution. This pan was returned to be rewashed and sanitized.
Item 38Deck 5 - Sakura
Three counter-mounted sushi makers were wrapped in plastic and have not been used since the delivery of the ship. Crew stated they have no intention to use the equipment.
Item 38Deck 4 - Bakery
A dough divider machine and baguette cutter machine were wrapped in plastic and have not been used since the delivery of the ship. Crew stated they have no intention to operate both machines.
Drinking water3 findings
Item 08Nontestable Devices Results
The visual inspection results for nontestable backflow prevention devices were not documented for more than one year. The engineers explained they only recorded when devices were installed or replaced. The list showed a few examples of recent device replacements. The devices were inspected in November 2024.
Item 08Engine Room
The backwash line for the mineralizer was striped blue/green/blue, indicating potable water. This was immediately corrected to blue/gray/blue as production water is used to backwash the system.
Item 08Tank Sample Cocks
Potable water tank sample cocks were labeled 'sample point' and were not identified with the tank number.
Pools, hot tubs and water play areas3 findings
Item 10Deck 11 - Main Pool
Some of the depth markers were difficult to read. The small font signs at the ends of the pool could not be seen when inside the pool. One small sign was blocked by the ADA chair.
Item 10Deck 11 - Main Pool
The shepherd’s hook could not be seen from the full perimeter of the pool. The silver pole was behind the glass wall and blended into the bulkhead. By the end of the inspection the pole was painted red.
Item 10Deck 11 - Port Whirlpool
The safety sign was not located at the entrance to the facility. The sign was located between the garbage bin and the large decorative feature.
Bars1 finding
Item 20Deck 11 - Conservatory
Slotted fasteners were on the food splash zone of the soda gun. This was immediately corrected.
Buffets1 finding
Item 17Deck 11 - Emporium Marketplace Terrace
'Heat lamp 1' had a time control label on the unit. However, this unit was not listed on the time control plan. The unit was not in operation during the inspection. The time control plan was corrected.
Dining rooms1 finding
Item 16Deck 5 - Sakura
The 'Jumbo lump crab salad' with Baeri Cavier was not asterisked to direct the reader to the consumer advisory on all restaurant menus. According to crew, the Baeri Cavier is served raw or undercooked.
Food safety, general1 finding
Item 21Food Service General
Multiple nonfood contact pieces of equipment were out of order or in disrepair. These included: -Deck 11 Chef's Kitchen: One induction hot plate was cracked, and one induction hot plate was out of order. -Deck 5 Sakura: A salamander griddle was out of order since 15 September 2024. -Deck 5 Pastry: A 'pastochef' was out of order since 22 September 2024. -Deck 4 Medyacht Galley: A salamander griddle was out of order, and a double-stacked combination oven was out of order.
Medical center1 finding
Item 11Crew Isolation
A food employee had an onset of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) symptoms on 28 November 2024 at 0600, but did not report to the medical center until 0820 that morning. He went to the Team Restaurant that morning at 0630. He received a written warning.
Pantries1 finding
Item 29070102
The water at the handwashing station measured 138°F. The user could not adjust the temperature.
To see this report on the CDC site: open the CDC inspection search, choose Explora II 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.)
