Marella Cruises · CDC inspection record

Marella Discovery CDC inspection score

Latest score, full inspection history and the violations CDC inspectors found on Marella Discovery.

Source: CDC public records
Data checked on October 31, 2026
Pass mark: 86 out of 100
Independent site, not the CDC

Marella CruisesInspected December 3, 2024

Latest CDC sanitation score

Passed

Marella Discovery scored 94 out of 100 in its latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on December 3, 2024. It passed: ships pass with 86 or more.

−2 vs previous inspection (96, Mar 11, 2023)

95.0average of the last 2 inspections

94lowest score (December 2024)

2inspections since 2023

0failed inspections

No CDC inspection in over a year. Marella Discovery is on the CDC Green Sheet, but its latest published inspection is from December 3, 2024. 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 Marella Discovery

Every CDC inspection score on record for Marella Discovery: 2 inspections from March 11, 2023 to December 3, 2024, no perfect scores of 100 and no failed inspections.

All scores

Inspection date	Result	Report	Score
December 3, 2024	Passed	findings below	94
March 11, 2023	Passed	findings below	96

What the inspectors found

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).

December 3, 2024

94Passed

20 findings · 6 points deducted

Points deducted (100 − 6 = 94):

−2 ptsItem 10: RWF maintenance, safety equipment
−2 ptsItem 44: Person in charge; Knowledge
−1 ptItem 08: PW filling hoses, caps, connections, procedures; Sample records, valves; PW system constructed, maintained
−1 ptItem 33: Decks / bulkheads / deckheads construction, repair, clean

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.

Drinking water5 findings

Item 05Deck 2 - Lower Far Point
The manual test kit measured greater than 0.2 ppm compared to the analyzer. The analyzer indicated 1.39 - 1.41 ppm. The inspector measured 1.77 and 1.72 ppm.
Item 05Deck 7 - Upper Far Point
The manual test kit measured greater than 0.2 ppm compared to the analyzer. The analyzer indicated 1.18 - 1.19 ppm. The inspector measured 1.72 and 1.81 ppm. The crew measured 0.77, 1.42, and 1.43 ppm.
Item 08Engine Room - Forward Diesel Generator Room
The distillate water line from aft evaporator #2 was striped both blue/brown/blue and blue 'potable water' before the reduced pressure principle assembly. Staff explained this line is for technical water only.
Item 08Garbage Room
Two atmospheric vacuum breakers and three vented double check valve assemblies were installed on the potable water lines to the biodigesters, however, these were not on the cross-connection control log. This was written on the March 2023 inspection report.
Item 44Test Kit
The onboard water test kit used to sample potable water and recreational water facilities continuously measured halogen and pH values greater than 0.2 ppm chlorine and 0.2 pH when compared to the respected analyzers. This was observed at the Deck 2 Lower Far Point analyzer, Deck 7 Upper Far Point analyzer, Aft and Forward Starboard Whirlpool Spa analyzers, and the Aft Pool analyzer.

Pools, hot tubs and water play areas2 findings

Item 10Aft and Forward Starboard Whirlpool Spa Analyzers
Manual pH comparison tests of the aft starboard whirlpool spa analyzer measured a difference greater than 0.2 ppm. The analyzer indicated pH 6.89. Manual pH comparison test to the analyzer by the inspector measured less than 6.5. Manual pH comparison test by the crew measured greater than 8.1. Manual chlorine comparison tests of the forward starboard whirlpool spa analyzer measured greater than 0.2 ppm. The analyzer indicated 4.31 ppm chlorine. Manual chlorine comparison test to the analyzer by the inspector twice measured greater than 10.0 ppm. Manual chlorine comparison test by the crew measured 5.25, 5.6, 5.23, and 5.21 ppm.
Item 10Aft Pool Analyzer
Manual chlorine comparison tests of the analyzer measured greater than 0.2 ppm. The analyzer indicated 2.6 ppm chlorine. Manual chlorine comparison test to the analyzer by the inspector measured 8.74 ppm. Manual chlorine comparison test by the crew measured 3.23 ppm. Manual pH comparison tests of the analyzer measured greater than 0.2. The analyzer indicated pH 7.36. Manual pH comparison test to the analyzer by the inspector measured pH 7.74. Manual pH comparison test by the crew measured pH 7.8, 7.6, and 7.6.

Food safety, general1 finding

Item 33Decks and Deckheads
The deck tiles and grout were in disrepair in the following areas: (1) deck 11 - Surf & Turf; (2) deck 9 - bar pantries, Islands Galley and dishwashing area; (3) decks 4 and 5 - main galleys, and (4) deck 2 - crew galley. Water dripped from the deckhead in the vegetable refrigerator. Additionally, ice accumulated on the deckhead in the following areas: (1) butcher walk-in refrigerator; (2) fish freezer around the fire sprinkler; and (3) frozen vegetables refrigerator. No food was impacted.

Buffets4 findings

Item 29Deck 9 - Islands Buffet Starboard Side Hot Line
When the inspector was in the area, the handwashing station was not functioning. The crew stated the workers will either use the handwashing station on the portside hot line, omelet station, or in the galley behind a closed door. The inspector and crew discussed that using the handwashing station behind the closed door is not acceptable and that the crew should be directed to use the other two handwashing stations. The handwashing station was fixed before the end of the inspection.
Item 36Deck 9 - Islands Buffet Carving Station
The protective coating was missing on the far-left heat lamp bulb.
Item 39Deck 9 - Islands Buffet Starboard Side Beverage Station
Two flies were inside the technical space under the beer dispensers.
Item 39Deck 9 - Islands Buffet Portside Deli Station
A small fly was in the area.

Galleys (kitchens)3 findings

Item 21Deck 4 - Sauce Station
The technical space cover behind the grooved grill was in disrepair which created a difficult to clean area.
Item 27Deck 5 - Italian Galley
A small amount of grease residue was on the previously cleaned exhaust hood overhang for the hot plate cooking area. This was re-cleaned immediately.
Item 39Deck 5 - Gallery 47 Room Service
A small fly was near the coffee station.

Bars2 findings

Item 19Deck 6 - The Coffee Port
The dipper well was not protected from possible contamination from passengers who could stand less than one meter away.
Item 39Deck 4 - Live Room
A small fly was around the handwashing station in the corner.

Other areas1 finding

Item 21Deck 9 - Spa Beverage Station
The sealant at the countertop/bulkhead juncture was in disrepair which created seams along the edge. This was corrected immediately.

Food preparation rooms1 finding

Item 39Deck 1
A small fly was around the potato peeler.

Food storage (provisions)1 finding

Item 36Deck 1 - Breakfast Thawing
The light intensity measured less than 110 lux in the corner opposite the condenser.

March 11, 2023

96Passed

49 findings · 4 points deducted

Points deducted (100 − 4 = 96):

−1 ptItem 02: Medical logs maintained
−1 ptItem 08: PW filling hoses, caps, connections, procedures; Sample records, valves; PW system constructed, maintained
−1 ptItem 21: Nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located
−1 ptItem 33: Decks / bulkheads / deckheads construction, repair, clean

Show all 49 findings

All 49 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)27 findings

Item 07Deck 4 Pastry
The utility sink's spray hose spring was in disrepair which allowed the sprayer head to hang below the sink flood level rim. The utility sink's faucet did not have a backflow prevention device.
Item 17Deck 9 Snack Shack
The upright standing refrigerator #1 was designated as a time control unit via a label, but it was not listed on a time control plan. Staff stated the refrigerator was only for non-potentially hazardous beverages. Staff removed the time control label from the refrigerator.
Item 19Deck 4
An uncovered pan of sausage links in the bain marie was stored below condensate, which had collected on the underside of the lower shelf above the bain marie. The inspector did not observe condensate dripping into food.
Item 20Deck 4
A sticker was on the food-contact side of the ice machine's deflector panel which created a rough and difficult to clean surface.
Item 20Deck 4 Pastry
The counter-mounted mixer had two slotted fasteners in the splash zone above the mixing bowl.
Item 21Deck 4 Pastry
The quadruple-stacked deck oven was missing multiple fasteners on the bottom front edge of each oven.
Item 21Deck 11
The door hinge on the undercounter refrigerator P51E4-5 was in disrepair.
Item 21Deck 11
The water dispensing machine's mounting plates had circular indentations that were soiled and difficult to clean.
Item 21Deck 4 Hot Galley
The cleaning material locker's door hinge was in disrepair.
Item 21Deck 9 Islands
The combination oven was missing a door gasket and has been out of service for over one month. A work order has been placed for a new gasket.
Item 21Deck 9 Glass House
The stacked pizza ovens were missing fasteners at the front bottom edge of the oven which created a crevice and difficult to clean surface.
Item 26Deck 4
A sticker was on the food-contact side of the ice machine's deflector panel. The edges of the sticker and deflector panel surface around the sticker were soiled. Staff immediately removed the sticker and cleaned and sanitized the deflector panel.
Item 27Deck 4 Hot Galley
Condensate was collecting on the underside of the lower shelf above the bain marie and the uncovered pan of sausage links. The inspector did not observe condensate dripping into food.
Item 27Deck 11
The water dispensing machine's mounting plates had circular indentations that were soiled.
Item 27Deck 2
The ice machine's backflow prevention device was heavily soiled with a green substance.
Item 27Deck 4
The utility sink's faucet head was dripping and pooling water on the preparation countertop.
Item 33Deck 9 Glass House
The deckhead/bulkhead juncture in the show galley was in disrepair, which created gaps in multiple areas and difficult to clean surfaces.
Item 33Deck 4
Condensate collected on the deckhead above the standing combination oven in the roast section.
Item 33Deck 2
The deckhead above the soup kettles was missing multiple fasteners, which created a difficult to clean surface.
Item 33Deck 2
Near the tilting pans, the base of the handwashing sink's water line was in disrepair and created a difficult to clean surface.
Item 34Deck 4 Pastry
The utility sink's spray hose spring was in disrepair which allowed the sprayer head to hang below the sink flood level rim.
Item 34Deck 4 Hot Galley
The utility sink's faucet head was dripping and pooling water on the preparation countertop.
Item 37Deck 4 Hot Galley
Condensate was collecting on the underside of the lower shelf above the bain marie and the uncovered pan of sausage links. The inspector did not observe condensate dripping into the food.
Item 37Deck 4
There was steam above the standing combination oven in the roast section and condensate collected on the deckhead.
Item 38Deck 4
There were blue plastic tarps placed over the dry provisions in the back left corner. Staff stated condensate collects on the deckhead because of the poor insulation between the dry storage room and the freezer room above. The inspector did not observe any condensate during the inspection.
Item 39Deck 9 Islands
Three live, small flies were near the ice machine.
Item 40Deck 9 Islands
The two doors to the galley had temporary curtain doors. Staff stated the doors were removed during a Coast Guard inspection two weeks prior for fire purposes and will be replaced when new doors arrive.

Drinking water8 findings

Item 08Garbage Room
For the bio-digester units, two atmospheric vacuum breakers and three vented double check valve assemblies were placed on potable water lines but were not in the cross-connection control log.
Item 08Garbage Room
Two potable water lines for the aft handwashing sink were not striped blue/green/blue or blue designating potable water. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Garbage Room
Near the forward handwashing sink, two continuous pressure backflow prevention devices and two atmospheric vacuum breakers were in disrepair. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Bunker Station Portside
The backflow prevention device at the handwashing sink was in disrepair. Additionally, this device was not entered in the non-testable backflow prevention device log. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Cross-Connection Control Log
The testable and non-testable backflow prevention assembly and device sections of the cross-connection control log were difficult to understand and not accurate. Testable assemblies were designated to be tested in December of 2022, but did not stipulate an actual original test date, nor a test due date. Staff found actual dates from a work order in another log. Additionally, multiple devices were not listed or incorrectly listed, which made verification that the inspection occurred when scheduled difficult to figure out.
Item 08Distribution Disinfection Control Log
Staff stated a disinfection residual of 200 ppm for 1 hour was used as an emergency exemption for the distribution disinfection post dry dock in 2022; however, the records stated this process began at 9:56 am on 8 February 2022 and was completed at 10:00 am the same day. Additionally, the records did not show when the 200 ppm was achieved, nor what the residual level was when the system was placed back into service.
Item 08Deck 9 Aft - Poolside Beverage Station Starboard Side
The backflow prevention devices for the countertop juice dispenser and water dispenser units were dripping water and in disrepair. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Pool Rooms
For all pool rooms, the potable water filling line did not have a sufficient air gap above the respective compensation tanks. Remediation began immediately.

Pantries4 findings

Item 08Deck 11
The backflow prevention device in the soda machine cabinet was heavily soiled with a green substance that blocked the vents. The inspector discussed proper disinfection prior to installation of a new backflow prevention device.
Item 21Bridge
The refrigerator unit measured an inside ambient temperature of 63°F with a thermal pen that has a +/- of 0.2°F accuracy level. At the time of the inspection, no potentially hazardous food was stored inside.
Item 26Deck 5 Squid and Anchor
One glass that was previously cleaned and sanitized and stored in the clean area was visibly soiled. Staff immediately removed the glass to be cleaned and sanitized.
Item 33Deck 5 Squid and Anchor
A brown liquid was on the deck near the entryway. The area was not in operation.

Medical center3 findings

Item 02Viral Specimen Supplies
During the inspection, the ship did not have collection containers for viral specimen agents. Staff stated they were ordered on 3 March 2023. Staff was able to acquire these agents from a ship docked close by.
Item 11Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Log
A food handler became symptomatic on 21 February 2023 at 1310 but did not report to the medical center until 1730 on the same day. A food handler risk assessment was conducted and the crew member was talked to according to ship protocol.
Item 22Dishwasher
The dishwasher had not been working for some time and was in disrepair. Staff stated it was not needed for daily operations. This machine was removed and the water lines were sealed during the inspection

Other areas2 findings

Item 21Deck 9 Aft - Beverage Station
A wood serving cart was in disrepair. The cart was removed from service during the inspection.
Item 32Garbage Cold Storage Room
A hole was in the portside bulkhead making the area difficult to clean. The juncture between the back bulkhead and deckhead was in disrepair. Remediation began immediately.

Food storage (provisions)2 findings

Item 33Deck 0
The painted deck inside the soda dry store entryway was in disrepair.
Item 36Deck 0 Dry Store
The light intensity in the far back left corner was less than 110 lux. The deckhead lights in this area had been removed.

Food preparation rooms1 finding

Item 33Deck 0
The deckhead/bulkhead juncture and deck tiles near the potato peeler were in disrepair.

Bars1 finding

Item 39Deck 5 Squid and Anchor
One small fly was near the back bar at the farthest end from the entrance.

Buffets1 finding

Item 39Deck 9 Islands
Two live, small flies were near the alcoholic beverage station.

To see this report on the CDC site: open the CDC inspection search, choose Marella Discovery 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.)

Other Marella Cruises ships

No other ships of this cruise line are in the CDC list.

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