Latest score, full inspection history and the violations CDC inspectors found on National Geographic Sea Bird.
Source: CDC public records
Data checked on October 31, 2026
Pass mark: 86 out of 100
Independent site, not the CDC
Lindblad ExpeditionsInspected August 26, 2025
93out of 100
Latest CDC sanitation score
Passed
National Geographic Sea Bird scored 93 out of 100 in its latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on August 26, 2025. It passed: ships pass with 86 or more.
+5 vs previous inspection (88, Jul 25, 2024)
90.0average of the last 5 inspections
77lowest score (June 1999)
47inspections since 1992
3failed inspections
No CDC inspection in over a year. National Geographic Sea Bird is on the CDC Green Sheet, but its latest published inspection is from August 26, 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 National Geographic Sea Bird
Every CDC inspection score on record for National Geographic Sea Bird: 47 inspections from June 14, 1992 to August 26, 2025, 4 perfect scores of 100 and 3 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).
All 33 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.
Buffets7 findings
Item 19Forward Lounge Beverage Station
A bowl of three apples was stored on the countertop with no suitable utensil or effective dispensing methods to protect the food from contamination. Additionally, it was not protected by a sneeze guard.
Item 27Forward Lounge Beverage Station
The countertop underneath the coffee machine was soiled with more than one day's accumulation of dust and coffee beans.
Item 33Forward Lounge Beverage Station
The bulkhead to the left of the undercounter refrigerator had a four inch high section of carpet near the deck, which was soiled. Additionally, the bulkhead/deck juncture was not coved and a deckhead panel was out of place, which exposed a void space to the plenum.
Item 33Forward Lounge Beverage Station
The deck below and to the left of the undercounter refrigerator was soiled with more than one day's accumulation of dust and debris.
Item 33Forward Lounge Beverage Station
The bulkhead behind the coffee machine was soiled with more than one day's accumulation of dust.
Item 36Forward Lounge Beverage Station
The light intensity behind the counter-mounted coffee machine was less than 110 lux.
Item 39Forward Lounge Beverage Station
One small fly was flying around the undercounter refrigerator.
Food storage (provisions)7 findings
Item 19Freezer
Two packages of sealed fish were on the deck below the shelving. The fish was provisioned a few hours prior to inspection.
Item 21Outdoor Food Storage
The white food storage box containing melons had a rough, difficult to clean surface on the inside right of the container around the air vent.
Item 27Outdoor Food Storage
The white food storage box containing melons had a rough, difficult to clean surface that was soiled on the inside right of the container around the air vent.
Item 27Outdoor Refrigerators
The far-right, starboard side upright refrigerator was soiled with white food residue on the bottom front surface.
Item 33Outdoor Refrigerators
The deck in front of the starboard side upright refrigerators was soiled and water pooled in the two inch recess.
Item 33Freezer
The deck was soiled with paint chips and debris.
Item 40Outdoor Food Storage
The air vent on the right-side of the white food storage box containing melons had large openings that did not protect against pest entry.
Bars8 findings
Item 19Forward Lounge
Alcohol bottles were stored in an undercounter cabinet that was open to a soiled technical compartment.
Item 20Forward Lounge
The soda beverage dispenser had slotted fasteners on the handle's food-splash surface.
Item 20Forward Lounge
The black cutting board stored near the espresso machine was excessively scored.
Item 21Forward Lounge
The laminate material on the right side of the chemical storage box was in disrepair.
Item 27Forward Lounge
The undercounter alcohol bottle storage cabinet had a square opening to a technical compartment that was soiled with more than one day's accumulation of dust.
Item 27Forward Lounge
The top surface of the out of order espresso machine was soiled with more than one day's accumulation of dust.
Item 27Forward Lounge
The underside of the previously cleaned and sanitized storage shelf below the ice well was soiled with a sticky residue. The area was not in operation.
Item 29Forward Lounge
Two spray bottles of cleaning chemicals were stored hanging on the edge of the handwashing sink so the spray nozzle was over the sink.
Medical center5 findings
Item 02Close Contact
No close contact information was noted for a crew member who experienced AGE symptoms on the May 28-June 2 voyage. Staff stated the crew member did not have any close contacts; however, there was no statement in the records indicating this.
Item 02AGE Log
The AGE Log had additional columns listing 'report type' and 'food handler (Y/N)'. Additionally, the AGE Log did not include a Notes/Comments column as specified in the VSP 2025 Environmental Public Health Standards.
Item 11Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Log
A crew member worked after experiencing AGE symptoms. A crew member had onset of AGE symptoms at 0600 on May 28 and did not report to medical until 0815 on May 29. Their last symptom was on May 30 at 0200. The 72-Hour Activity Questionnaire stated the crew member ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining room after experiencing symptoms. No food employee risk assessment was completed for this crew member.
Item 11AGE Log
Two food employees experienced AGE symptoms on the May 28 - June 2 voyage. Both employees were released from isolation after only 24 hours and assigned nonfood handling duties.
Item 13Food Handler Isolation
Two food employees experienced AGE symptoms on the May 28-June 2 voyage. Both employees were released from isolation after only 24 hours from their last symptoms rather than the required 48 hours. These employees were assigned nonfood handling duties.
Housekeeping1 finding
Item 41Onsite Chemical Dispenser
When tested at the dispensing station, the hypochlorous acid did not reach the required effective concentration of 50-200 ppm. Two spray bottles located around the ship were also tested and did not reach 50-200 ppm.
Drinking water3 findings
Item 08Tank Maintenance Records
The halogen flushing value was not recorded for a tank maintenance record from January 16.
Item 08Pipe Disinfection Records
The halogen flushing value was not recorded for a backflow prevention device disinfected on January 24.
Item 08Hose Locker
The ends of one potable water bunkering hose were not coupled or capped.
Galleys (kitchens)2 findings
Item 16Reach-In Refrigerator
A container of whole milk measured 44.1°F with a tip-sensitive thermometer. Staff immediately discarded the milk.
Item 39Galley
One small fly was in the chemical storage compartment below the handwashing sink.
July 25, 2024
88Passed
46 findings · 12 points deducted
Points deducted (100 − 12 = 88):
−5 ptsItem 03: PW bunker / production source; Halogen residual
All 46 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 water10 findings
Item 03Free Halogen Residual Monitoring
The actual halogen values were unknown during three bunkering operations and one production operation. The vessel ran out of halogen sampling media from 01 to 08 April 2024. Bunkering on 01 April 2024 at Astoria, 02 April 2024 at The Dalles, and 06 April 2024 at Clarkston, and production on 03 April 2024 did not measure free halogen residuals from the shore-side water supply before starting bunkering, within 30 minutes to confirm free halogen residual levels for bunkering and production, nor during bunkering/production operations.
Item 06Distant Point
The vessel ran out of sampling media which impacted free halogen residual monitoring and calibration of the distant point halogen analyzer-chart recorder. The distant point halogen analyzer-charts did not have a calibration check from 03 to 08 April 2024.
Item 06Potable Water
The distant point halogen analyzer-chart recorder was malfunctioning between 9 April 2024 and 24 April 2024 and was not fixed within 10 days. Staff did record the free halogen residual every four hours.
Item 07Disinfection Records
Disinfection records were not available for three non-testable backflow prevention devices replaced on 30 April 2024 for the galley sink sprayer, bar gun carbonator, and dining room pitcher filler.
Item 08Bunker Station Potable Water Filling Line
The bunker station potable water filling line was not clearly labeled “POTABLE WATER FILLING.”
Item 08Engine Room
The potable water tanks were not identified with a number. This was corrected before the end of the inspection.
Item 08Engine Room
The sample cock for potable water tank #2 was not identified and numbered with the appropriate tank number.
Item 08Engine Room
The permeate water line after the reverse osmosis unit and prior to the halogenation point was not striped blue/gray/blue per ISO 14726. This was corrected before the end of the inspection.
Item 08Free Halogen Residual Records
The free halogen residuals were not measured and recorded during three bunkering operations and one production operation. The vessel ran out of halogen sampling media from 01 to 08 April 2024. Bunkering on 01 April 2024 at Astoria, 02 April 2024 at The Dalles, and 06 April 2024 at Clarkston, and production on 03 April 2024 did not record free halogen residues from the shore-side water supply before starting the bunkering process, within 30 minutes to confirm free halogen residual levels, nor during bunkering/production operations.
Item 08Records
The bunkering records did not state the time free halogen residual and pH were monitored past the initial sample time to confirm it was measured hourly. Additionally, on 20 February 2024, the bunkering log did not include a stop time, but stated bunkering started at 0700 and the free halogen residual and pH were recorded. It was unknown how long bunkering occurred. Additionally, on 4 June 2024, the production record stated production started at 1930 and ended at 1825 on the same day.
Galleys (kitchens)12 findings
Item 16300 Deck – Aft
The internal temperature of an open ½-gallon container of heavy whipping cream, stored inside the reach-in refrigeration unit, measured 46°F with a calibrated thermometer. The thermometer inside this unit measured an ambient air temperature of 43°F. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 17300 Deck - Aft
The main galley time control plan did not explicitly identify the hot and cold units that were on time control. The plan stated, “all cooling and heating units which area labeled as TC,” but did not identify the specific units. Staff identified the two combination ovens at the aft of the galley were on time control; however, only the top unit was labeled.
Item 21300 Deck – Forward
The air filtration intake for the microwave was defective, so staff engineered a difficult-to-clean plastic, fibrillar, air-filtration device affixed by sticky electrical tape. Dust collected inside the plastic fibers, and the electrical tape was peeling.
Item 22300 Deck – Warewashing Station
The hood-type warewashing machine was not in service for approximately two weeks. Staff identified the replacement part was arriving on 25 July 2024. Staff implemented a three-compartment sink for warewashing.
Item 27300 Deck – Forward
The staff-engineered, difficult-to-clean air filtration intake for the microwave was soiled with more than a day's worth of dust. The black electrical tape affixing this filter to the microwave was peeling and sticky.
Item 27300 Deck – Preparation Line
The white cord over the sanitizing solution was soiled with a sticky brown residue. The inspector rubbed an alcohol wipe over this surface, and a beige residue accumulated.
Item 28300 Deck – Warewashing Station
Four, previously cleaned and sanitized, small ceramic pitchers and one ceramic teacup were stored on the counter upright without protection for sneeze or contamination above. Staff initiated corrections. This area was not in service.
Item 31300 Deck – Warewashing Station
A plastic squeeze bottle ¾ full of a viscous orange chemical was not identified with its contents. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 33300 Deck – Warewashing Station
A ½-inch circular opening penetrated through the bulkhead inside the storage cabinet, above the drying area. This opening was soiled with a brown residue.
Item 33300 Deck – Warewashing Station
The bulkhead on the starboard side of the rolling door was soiled with a dusty residue. Additionally, dust accumulated along the opening adjacent to the port side of this rolling door. This area was not in service.
Item 33300 Deck – Handwashing Station
Slimy black residue accumulated in areas of peeling and recessed caulk, located between the left handwashing sink splash guard and bulkhead.
Item 33300 Deck – Aft
The bulkhead caulking, located behind the convection ovens, was in disrepair and missing in several locations. A gray residue accumulated in the difficult-to-clean areas where caulk was missing or in disrepair.
Buffets7 findings
Item 19300 Deck – Portside Line
Sliced white bread, sliced brown bread, and English muffins were offered for self-service on the buffet line without appropriate serving utensils. This area was in service. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 19300 Deck - Main Buffet Island
Food items offered for consumption on the self-service buffet were not protected from potential contamination from customers, or the supply air vent on the starboard side of the buffet line. The sneeze shield surrounding the buffet was approximately 52 inches high, and no top protection was provided over the ready-to-eat food items out for passenger consumption.
Item 19300 Deck – Starboard Beverage Line
A granular brown substance, removed from its original container and stored in a bowl, was offered for service on the beverage line without identification of its contents.
Item 21200 Deck
Difficult-to-clean pieces of interlocking fastening tape were attached to the 8 doors of the undercounter compartments below the buffet line to secure these doors in place. Additionally, difficult-to-clean pieces of interlocking fastening tape were attached to the 6 doors of the undercounter compartments below the starboard beverage line to secure these doors in place. These pieces of interlocking fastening tape were not visibly soiled.
Item 21300 Deck – Reach-In Refrigeration Unit Portside
The internal thermometer was not maintained in calibration to accurately measure the internal, ambient air temperature. This internal thermometer measured an ambient air temperature of 10°F, while a calibrated thermometer measured the internal, ambient air temperature at 29°F.
A difficult-to-clean, 2 x 2 inch opening through the bulkhead to the void space surrounded the water delivery line for the coffee machine. This opening was not visibly soiled.
Item 36300 Deck – Starboard Beverage Line
The light intensity at the starboard beverage line was insufficient for the storage of food items. The light intensity measured 96 lux with a calibrated light intensity meter.
Food storage (provisions)8 findings
Item 16300 Deck Portside
Cut arugula stored inside an open, plastic bag in the reach-in refrigeration unit was not identified with an appropriate 7-day discard label. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 16300 Deck Portside
Hard boiled eggs stored inside a plastic container were identified with an incorrect 7-day of discard label. This container was identified with a date of preparation of 23 July and a date of discard of 30 July, which is 8 days past the date of preparation. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 16300 Deck Portside
The internal temperature of sliced tomatoes in a metal container, stored inside the reach-in refrigeration unit, measured 45°F with a calibrated thermometer. The thermometer inside this unit measured an ambient air temperature of 41°F. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 19200 Deck Reach-In Freezer Unit
A layer of frozen condensate collected on the entire surface of two, 8-pound containers of plant-based cooking cream. Additionally, a layer of frozen condensate collected on the entire surface of two, 1-quart containers of ice cream. The gasket was in disrepair along the top right corner of the door to the unit.
Item 21200 Deck Reach-In Freezer Unit
The rubber gasket was in disrepair along the top right corner of the door to the reach-in freezer unit. A layer of frozen condensate coated numerous food items stored inside this unit.
Item 33300 Deck Walk-In Freezer Unit
Frozen condensate collected on the deckhead directly above the entrance door. Additionally, approximately 1/4-inch of frozen condensate collected on the downstairs deckhead at the aft of the unit. Numerous frozen food items were stored inside this unit.
Item 33300 Deck Portside
The metal deckhead tiles above stored crackers and other dry goods were not installed flush to the deckhead, creating one-inch openings into the void space above.
Item 36300 Deck Walk-In Freezer Unit
The light intensity at the forward side of the walk-in freezer unit measured 19 lux with a calibrated light meter. Three-gallon containers of ice cream and other frozen food items were stored in this area, directly in front of the staircase.
Medical center2 findings
Item 02Food/Beverage Questionnaire
Multiple crew 72-hour food and beverage questionnaires did not detail what the crew member ate within the last 72-hours. This included crew cases on 15 March 2024 and 3 March 2024.
Item 02Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Logs
The records for an AGE case with symptom onset on 16 March 2024 had multiple inconsistencies with the data. The AGE log stated the crew member became symptomatic at 1430; however, the document of initial symptoms stated the member became symptomatic at 1400. The AGE log stated the crew member reported to medical at 1845, but the close contacts were followed up at 1600 per the close contacts log, prior to the individual reporting to medical. Additionally, the AGE log stated the last symptom was on 16 March 2024 at 1500, but the document of initial symptoms stated the member had symptoms for three days and the medical log stated they were not released until 22 March 2024.
Other areas3 findings
Item 21200 Deck Lounge Coffee Station
The internal thermometer for the milk refrigeration unit on the starboard coffee station was not maintained in calibration to accurately measure the internal ambient air temperature. This internal thermometer measured an internal ambient air temperature of 60°F, while a calibrated thermometer measured the internal temperature at 39°F. Staff initiated corrections.
Item 26200 Deck Lounge Coffee Station
The metal, food-contact chute for the ice machine was soiled with a gray and black residue. This gray and black residue accumulated on either side of the chute. Light gray residue accumulated on an alcohol swab following contact with this soiled surface.
Item 33Lounge Dry Storage Cabinet
A 1-inch gap to the void space was present between the two compromised deckhead tiles inside the dry storage cabinet. Additionally, this surface was covered with difficult-to-clean peeling tape. Packaged nuts and granola were stored inside this cabinet.
Bars2 findings
Item 19200 Deck Lounge Employee Service Area
The plastic scoop for the ice machine was stored directly inside this machine, with the handle touching ice offered for consumption. Staff initiated corrective action.
Item 30200 Deck Lounge Employee Service Area
The paper towels for the only handwashing sink were stored uncovered directly in front of the handwashing sink, subjecting these paper towels to spray from handwashing. These paper towels were visibly moist following handwashing.
Dining rooms1 finding
Item 16Dinner Menu
The 24 July 2024 dinner menu offered Alaskan king crab legs for consumption and this menu item was linked via an asterisk to a consumer advisory identifying it can be purchased and consumed in a raw or undercooked state. Crab legs offered for consumption should not be served raw or undercooked.
Housekeeping1 finding
Item 41Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan (OPRP)
The OPRP identified that an accelerated hydrogen peroxide sanitizer was used to disinfect surfaces during an outbreak. This sanitizer is not safe for food-contact surfaces and this OPRP did not specify this chemical should not be used on these surfaces.
All 24 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.
Other areas12 findings
Item 08Forward Lounge Coffee Machine Area
The coffee machine potable water supply line did not have a backflow prevention device installed. This was noted on the previous inspection.
Item 08Dining Room Beverage Station
The potable water supply line for the coffee machine did not have a backflow prevention device installed. This was noted on the previous inspection. Remediation began immediately.
Item 19Dining Room
The shelves for the wine bottle storage cabinet were soiled with dust. Additionally, the wine bottles had dust on them as well. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 19Forward Lounge
A bowl of apples was on the buffet countertop unprotected and without a serving utensil. No passengers were present at the time of the inspection in this area. Remediation began immediately.
Item 26Forward Lounge
The starboard side undercounter refrigerator unit was soiled on the outside nonfood-contact area and on the inside food-splash area of the door. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 27Forward Lounge
The starboard side undercounter refrigeration unit was soiled on the outside nonfood-contact area and on the inside food-splash area of the door. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 27Dining Room
The shelves for the wine bottle storage cabinet were soiled with dust. Additionally, the wine bottle had dust on them as well. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 28Dining Room
A total of 20 previously cleaned cups, used for passenger cabins, were stored upright and unprotected. Remediation began immediately.
Item 33Forward Lounge
The deck underneath the starboard side refrigerator was heavily soiled with dust and debris. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 36Forward Lounge Beverage Area
The light intensity at and behind the ice machine and water dispenser was insufficient for cleaning purposes. The intensity was measured at 7 lux and 12 lux respectively. Remediation began immediately.
Item 36Forward Lounge Coffee Machine Area
The light intensity at and behind the coffee machine was insufficient. The intensity was measured at 11 lux. Remediation began immediately.
Item 36Dining Room
The light intensity at the coffee maker was insufficient. The light intensity was measured at 30 lux at the serving area and 25 lux on both sides during the inspection. Remediation began immediately.
Drinking water4 findings
Item 03Potable Water Bunker
The automatic halogenation pumping device for the bunker line was not working consistently during the inspection. The pump could be manually started, but when placed in automatic position, the pump would not work. Active bunkering was not being conducted during the inspection. A new pump was on board; however, staff stated it was a digital pump that does not work with the ship's paddle wheel assembly. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Engine Room Hose Bibb
The hose bib used for filter cleaning process did not have a continuous pressure backflow prevention device attached to the potable wter supply line. The hose used for the cleaning process had a pressurized nozzle attached. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Deck Potable Water Hose Bib's
The potable water hose bibs used for deck cleaning did not have continuous pressure backflow prevention devices installed on the potable water supply line. Staff stated that hoses with pressure nozzles are used to wash the deck. Remediation began immediately.
Item 08Potable Water Bunker Log
The potable water bunkering log stated the source halogen level and the time when bunkering began; however, the manual log did not state when the minimum 2.0 ppm halogen residual level was met. The inspector helped staff to insert a time column into the manual spread sheet for reference. Bunkering was not being conducted during the inspection.
Galleys (kitchens)4 findings
Item 18Undercounter Refrigerator Unit - Left Side
Raw, packaged, uncooked fish and meat was stored next to each other above ready-to-eat packaged food. The packaging for the fish and meat was not compromised and was not dripping during the inspection. Staff stated provisioning had occurred prior to the inspection. Remediation began immediately.
Item 20Hot Grill Area
The doors for two combination ovens had slotted screws in the food splash area. This was noted in the previous inspection.
Item 30Handwash Station
The handwash sink did not have a proper paper towel dispenser. The paper towel roll was suspended with a rope next to the sink. As the inspector approached the galley, many of the towels on the roll were wet with water. Remediation began immediately
Item 36Dishwash Machine Area
The light intensity at the dishwashing machine was insufficient. The light intensity was measured at 12 lux. Remediation began immediately.
Bars3 findings
Item 27Forward Lounge Portside
The undercounter refrigerator unit was heavily soiled with dust on the outside nonfood-contact area. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 27Forward Lounge Portside
The liquor storage racks on the backside of the bar were soiled with dust. Cleaning began immediately.
Item 33Forward Lounge Portside
The deck beneath the undercounter refrigerator unit and in many areas of the bar was soiled with more than a day's worth of accumulated debris and glass. Cleaning began immediately.
Food storage (provisions)1 finding
Item 18Refrigerator - Right Side
Packaged smoked salmon and uncooked meat were stored above ready-to-eat packaged food (cheese, butter, sour cream and raw vegetables). The smoked salmon packaging was not compromised and no dripping was observed during the inspection. Remediation began immediately.
To see this report on the CDC site: open the CDC inspection search, choose National Geographic Sea Bird 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 National Geographic Sea Bird since 2023:
