National Geographic Quest CDC inspection score

There was no record of a 24-hour AGE report submitted before the vessel arrived in Petersburg, Alaska on 16 May 2023 after they visited a foreign port.

There was no 3-day assessment documentation for crew members prior to boarding the vessel. Staff stated that corporate maintains documentation which is provided to the crew members and may get turned in up to 5 days prior to boarding. Staff had paper copies of a document which asked new and returning crew members if they have had any symptoms within the last 72-hours, but staff were not providing crew the document upon embarking.

The crew AGE case on 4 July 2023 for voyage 102320 was missing their patient ID and age. The crew AGE case on 28 June 2023 for voyage 102319 was missing the date they reported to medical.

There was no follow-up documentation for any close-contacts of the acute gastroenteritis (AGE) case on 4 July 2023. There was only one follow-up documented for the close contact of the AGE case from 28 June 2023. The form only documented the date of 29 June and did not indicate the time.

During voyage QT-102318, a crew member reported to medical on 13 June 2023 with a history of 'nausea and six plus episodes of non-bloody diarrhea, mild lower abdominal cramps'; however, this case was listed as 'GI-Non Reportable' in the Medical Logbook and was not listed on the Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) log. During voyage QT-102317, a guest reported to medical on 7 June 2023 with a history of 'diarrhea'; however, this case was listed as 'GI Non-Reportable' in the Medical Logbook and was not listed on the AGE log. During voyage QT-102316, a guest reported to medical on 2 June 2023 with a history of 'abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea'; however, this case was listed as 'Guest Illness' in the Medical Logbook and was not listed on the AGE log.

The person in charge of medical operations did not clearly demonstrate knowledge of the requirements per the VSP 2018 Operations Manual. Staff stated doctors rotate every week. The consistent crew member in charge of the medical center did not accurately state the definition of an acute gastroenteritis (AGE) case or time frames to follow up on close-contacts.

For June 2023, there were no records of the four potable water samples being collected and analyzed for the presence of E. coli. The ship had been sailing to/from the United States since April 2023.

There were no microbiologic results listed in the report for bunkering in Juneau, Alaska on 11 June 2023. Microbiologic testing had not occurred in Juneau. AK within the previous 30 days.

The pipe leading from the sea chest to the reverse osmosis system was striped blue/green/blue. Additionally, the pipe between the reverse osmosis system and the chemical injection point was striped blue/green/blue in multiple locations.

There were no sample cocks located on the potable water tanks. This was noted on the previous inspections. It was not determined how water is sampled from these tanks.

Staff were not aware that disinfection records for the potable water distribution system (e.g., backflow prevention devices, potable water pipes) were required.

In this area, three over-sized plastic bags with boxed chocolate pieces, and 1 lb. bags of coffee beans were resting in metal buckets used for buffet display purposes. These buckets were placed on settee cushions in the main dining room. The chocolate and coffee were removed and stored properly during the inspection.

The espresso machine heated milk dispenser spouts had milk residue inside both spouts. The area was not in operation at the time of the inspection. Cleaning began immediately.

Six coffee urns stored in the clean utensil storage area had coffee residue inside on the food contact surface. Cleaning began immediately

Two drink dispenser units, one with old coffee and the other with old juice inside, were resting on the deck in this area. Both dispenser units were removed, washed, and stored properly during the inspection.

The deck under the upright refrigeration unit at the entrance to the galley was heavily soiled with glass and food residue. Cleaning began immediately.

Multiple ready-to-eat food items (whole tomatoes, Lettice, grapes and peppers) were stored uncovered inside this unit. Additionally, these containers had other food container resting on top of them. Remediation began immediately.

The dishwashing station was overflowing with soiled dishes, utensils, and food cooking equipment when the inspector entered the galley area. Staff stated these dishes were from both breakfast and lunch serving periods. Additionally, food debris was on the deck and surrounding area. At this time, dinner was being prepared in the galley. This was noted on the previous inspection. Staff stated that this is due to a lack of resources on turn-around days and more staff is needed.

The ice machine evaporator, plastic housing, and water tray were heavily soiled with black and pink residue. The machine was closed for cleaning.

The deck had an excess amount of food residue in front of the ice machine, preparation counters, and under the dishwashing machine. Cleaning began immediately.

In the dry food storage cabinet, one 3 lb. bag of peanuts and one bag of potato chips were stored open. Additionally, one previously opened container of maraschino cherries was stored out of refrigeration. In this same cabinet, an aluminum container of cookies was stored on top of ready-to-eat bags of peanuts and potato chips. The open bags of potato chips, peanuts, and unrefrigerated cherries were discarded immediately.

The door for the undercounter dishwashing unit would not close tightly causing an excessive amount of steam to escape from the door area. Remediation began immediately.

The temporary sneeze guard assembly used for this area did not have side sneeze shields and food on display was unprotected from the sides. Bread and condiments for the adjacent buffet were served in this area. Remediation began immediately.

There were no sample cocks located on the potable water tanks. This was noted on the previous inspection. It was not determined how water is sampled from these tanks.