Latest score, full inspection history and the violations CDC inspectors found on Norwegian Encore.
Source: CDC public records
Data checked on October 31, 2026
Pass mark: 86 out of 100
Independent site, not the CDC
Norwegian Cruise LineInspected February 14, 2026
92out of 100
Latest CDC sanitation score
Passed
Norwegian Encore scored 92 out of 100 in its latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on February 14, 2026. It passed: ships pass with 86 or more.
−8 vs previous inspection (100, Sep 28, 2025)
96.8average of the last 5 inspections
92lowest score (February 2026)
6inspections since 2023
0failed inspections
Inspection history of Norwegian Encore
Every CDC inspection score on record for Norwegian Encore: 6 inspections from January 3, 2023 to February 14, 2026, 1 perfect score 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).
February 14, 2026
92Passed
26 findings · 8 points deducted
Points deducted (100 − 8 = 92):
−3 ptsItem 09: RWF halogen residuals
−3 ptsItem 24: Sanitizing rinse temperature, concentration, time
−2 ptsItem 10: RWF maintenance, safety equipment
All 26 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.
Pools, hot tubs and water play areas5 findings
Item 09Whirlpool Spa Dk FZ3 S/S F
The crew's measurements for the pH of the whirlpool spa were 7.87 and 8.08 (average 7.97). The inspector's measurements for the pH of the whirlpool spa were 8.07 and 8.4 (average 8.20). Samples were taken from various areas to ensure a representative average. The pH exceeded the maximum allowable level of 7.8 and the pool was closed after the readings were taken. The analyzer's alarm was going off when the team visited the RWF equipment room as the reading was 7.79 (the upper alarm threshold was set below 7.79). The crew's measurement at the analyzer was 8.17 and the inspector's was 8.38.
Item 09Infinity Pool Spice H20
The crew's measurements for the pH of the pool were 7.99, 7.92, and 7.96 (average 7.96). The inspector's measurements for the pH of the pool were 8.19 and 8.16 (average 8.18). Samples were taken from various areas to ensure a representative average. The pH exceeded the maximum allowable level of 7.8 and the pool was closed after the readings were taken. The analyzer displayed the following message: warning, the measuring channel is not yet calibrated. The analyzer's reading was 7.10 (the lower alarm threshold was set above 7.10). The crew's measurement at the analyzer was 7.51 (device #1) and 7.53 (device #2).
Item 10Infinity Pool Spice H20
The crew's measurements for the pH of the pool were 7.99, 7.92, and 7.96 (average 7.96). The inspector's measurements for the pH of the pool were 8.19 and 8.16 (average 8.18). Samples were taken from various areas to ensure a representative average. The pH exceeded the maximum allowable level of 7.8 and the pool was closed after the readings were taken. The analyzer displayed the following message: warning, the measuring channel is not yet calibrated. The analyzer's reading was 7.10 (the lower alarm threshold was set above 7.10). The crew's measurement at the analyzer was 7.51 (device #1) and 7.53 (device #2).
Item 10Antientrapment Covers
For each of the four pools, documentation from the manufacturer confirming compliance with antientrapment covers was not available. Additionally, the covers were not stamped with the required information.
Item 10Whirlpool Spa Dk FZ3 S/S F
The crew's measurements for the pH of the whirlpool spa were 7.87 and 8.08 (average 7.97). The inspector's measurements for the pH of the whirlpool spa were 8.07 and 8.4 (average 8.20). Samples were taken from various areas to ensure a representative average. The pH exceeded the maximum allowable level of 7.8 and the pool was closed after the readings were taken. The analyzer's alarm was going off when the team visited the RWF equipment room as the reading was 7.79 (the upper alarm threshold was set below 7.79). The crew's measurement at the analyzer was 8.17 and the inspector's was 8.38.
Galleys (kitchens)15 findings
Item 12Potwash Three Compartment Sink
A crew member in charge of the rinse and sanitizing step of dishwashing was observed handling a tray that had not yet been cleaned without removing his rubber gloves and then resumed handling dishes in the rinse and sanitize compartments of the sink with the same gloves.
Item 16Deck 15: Walk-in Cooler
A pan of mushroom quesadillas was not properly labeled with the date of the first prepared time/temperature control for safety/potentially hazardous food ingredient. The pan of quesadillas was marked with a preparation date of 13 February; however, the crew member stated the mushrooms in the quesadillas were prepared on 12 February. The quesadillas were re-marked with the correct preparation and discard dates.
Item 18Deck 8: Cagney's Starboard Galley
Five trays of raw crab were stored above watercress and onion. The crab was moved below the watercress and onion.
Item 21Deck 15: Hot Preparation Galley
Two bowls with chipped edges on the non-food contact area were stored in the clean storage rack.
Item 22Deck 16: Flight Type Dishwash Machine
The dishwashing machine was out of order since the day before the inspection. Staff stated they would be able to fix it the day after the inspection.
Item 22Deck 15: Hood-type Potwashing Machine
The hood-type potwashing machine was out of order.
Item 22Deck 15: Three-Compartment Sink
The temperature gauge on the 3-compartment sink was clouded by water and could not be read.
Item 24Deck 16: Flight Type Dishwash Machine
When isolating the final sanitizing rinse, the plate surface temperature did not reach a minimum of 160°F. Using a thermocouple, the maximum temperature measured at plate surface was 156°F. The second measurement reached 143°F. When testing the manifold, the maximum temperature measured was 143°F. The area was in operation at the time of the inspection. The dishwashing machine was retested prior to the end of the inspection, and the temperatures were measured in the appropriate range.
Item 27Deck 15: Hot Preparation Galley
Dried food debris was on the bottom of a previously cleaned and sanitized bowl stored on the clean storage rack.
Item 28Potwash
Several cutting boards were placed on drying racks stacked next to each other, preventing them from fully drying.
Item 33Deck 5: Pastry
The deck grouting was recessed throughout the area.
Item 33Deck 16: Garden Cafe Main Line
The deck grouting was in disrepair.
Item 33Deck 5: Flight-Type Dishwashing machine
Condensate dripped consistently from the deckhead above the soiled side of the dishwashing machine.
Item 37Deck 5: Flight-Type Dishwashing machine
The ventilation above the soiled side of the dishwashing machine was insufficient. Condensate dripped consistently from the deckhead.
Item 39Deck 8: Palamar
One fruit fly was at the entrance to the galley.
Bars2 findings
Item 16Deck 17: American Diner
It was unclear if a can of whipped topping was under time control or temperature control. When the inspection team first entered the area, the can was on a time control counter, but it did not have a time control label. The can was then found in a refrigerator, but it did not have a 7-day discard label. When asked, the crew member working in the area first said it was on time control. Then the crew member said it was on temperature control. The can was discarded.
Item 20Deck 17: American Diner
Liquid ice cream mix leaked out of the bottom of the ice cream machine.
Buffets1 finding
Item 39Serving Line
One fruit fly was observed near the handwashing station next to the serving line in the crew galley.
Housekeeping1 finding
Item 44Jetted Tubs
The housekeeping team indicated that the ship did not have jetted tubs, only tubs that blew air into the tub to create bubbles; however, when the inspector went to observe a tub being cleaned, the tub did have jets. The inspector reviewed the definition of a jetted tub with the team and explained how their tubs met the definition.
Other areas1 finding
Item 19Deck 4 - Starboard Midship Zone 3 Loading Area
A food trolley with water, juice, coffee, creamer, soiled single use cups, and an open box of donuts on the top was stored in the corner of the loading area. The cargo door was open, and the trolley was beside a large wooden box.
Food preparation rooms1 finding
Item 21Meat
One of the thawing cabinets had an excessive amount of water pooled at the bottom of the unit. Water was observed dripping from the evaporator fan to the bottom of the unit. It was found that the door to the unit had not been properly closed, causing excessive condensate to form in the unit.
September 28, 2025
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.
Galleys (kitchens)8 findings
Item 08Deck 7 - Manhattan Room Galley
The backflow prevention device for the water filling station was continuously dripping onto the deck. Corrections started immediately.
Item 18Deck 6 - Time Control Refrigerator 6
Raw ground beef patties were stored above raw pork. The patties were moved below the pork.
Item 20Deck 8 - Onda Galley
Two cutting boards stored on a clean rack were scored and were not easily cleaned. The cutting boards were immediately discarded and replaced with new cutting boards.
Item 21Deck 5 - Hot Galley
The small metal panel on the back of the black wheel handle was pulling away from the handle, creating a difficult-to-clean seam. The seam was sealed.
Item 26Deck 6 - Pantry
Black debris was on the inside of two previously cleaned and sanitized plate covers. They were sent to be rewashed.
Item 26Deck 16 - Garden Cafe Aft Galley
The ice machine had black debris on the backside of the deflector shields. The machine was taken out of service to be cleaned and the ice was discarded.
Item 27Deck 8 - Food Republic Forward Work Station
The back bulkhead exhaust hood overhang had more than a day's worth of dust. This was cleaned immediately.
Item 33Deck 8 - Cagney's Show Galley
The deckhead light fixture was not flush to the deckhead above the handwashing station. This was fixed before the end of the inspection.
Food safety, general4 findings
Item 19Deck 16 - Garden Cafe
The protective cover was peeling off multiple light bulbs above food on the buffet hot line. The bulbs were replaced before the end of the inspection.
Item 33Deck Grouting
The deck grouting was recessed and in disrepair in the following areas: Deck 5 - Crew Galley - Hot Galley Deck 6 - Main Galley - Soiled Potwash Entrance Deck 6 - Main Galley - Soup Station
Item 36Deck 16 - Garden Cafe Hot Line
The protective cover was peeling off multiple light bulbs above food on the buffet hot line. The bulbs were replaced before the end of the inspection.
Item 39Flies
Flies were seen in the following areas: Deck 16 - Garden Cafe - One fly at ice cream station. Deck 7 - Manhattans Room - One fly starboard side aft waiter station. Deck 6 - Atrium Bar - One fly in the back bar area. Deck 6 - Savor - One fly port side waiter station.
Bars1 finding
Item 30Deck 7 - Casino/Sports Bar
The passenger handwashing station near the small self-serve buffet did not have hand soap. The area was not in use.
Dining rooms1 finding
Item 21Deck 6 - Teppanyaki Station 16
A gap was on the right side of the flat top grill where the grill connects to the countertop. This was corrected immediately.
Medical center1 finding
Item 44Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Log
The medical team was unfamiliar with the electronic medical record system’s AGE log function and relied on maintaining a manual version, resulting in discrepancies. For example, two AGE cases recorded in the system were missing from the manual log during the most recent voyage.
Drinking water1 finding
Item 08Engine Room
The bunkering line after the chemical injection point was not striped every 5 meters (16.4 feet). This was corrected before the end of the inspection.
All 35 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)13 findings
Item 18Deck 6 - Room Service Station
A metal container of raw tilapia was stored underneath a tray of raw hamburger patties inside an undercounter refrigerator. This was corrected.
Item 20Deck 5 - Soup
The shaft of an in-use metal mixing paddle was badly bent and cracked. This was discarded and replaced.
Item 22Deck 16 Garden Cafe - Dishwash Area
A significant accumulation of soiled dishware was observed at the presoak/scrubbing station, impeding effective removal of food debris. At the time of inspection, only two of the five rinse stations were in use; the remaining stations were obstructed by stacked soiled dishware. Additionally, waste receptacles were full, resulting in spillage of solid and liquid waste onto the deck. These conditions were noted during the breakfast breakdown, and crew members indicated that soiled dishware would be diverted to the main galley.
Item 22Deck 6 - Potwash
Excessive soiled pots and pans overwhelmed the soiled drop area, the soiled landing of the three-compartment sink counter, including the pre-wash stations, and the adjacent solid storage shelving on the working side of the flight-type potwash machine. Additionally, three trolley carts and two deck stands were brought in to handle the extra soiled ware. Furthermore, the water in the in-use three-compartment sink's wash tank was dark brown and had floating pieces of food on the surface. The crew member went to drain the wash tank, however, the drain was clogged and would not drain.
Item 23Deck 16 Garden Cafe - Dishwash Area
A significant accumulation of soiled dishware was observed at the presoak/scrubbing station, impeding the effective removal of food debris. At the time of inspection, only two of the five rinse stations were in use; the remaining stations were obstructed by stacked soiled dishware. Additionally, waste receptacles were full, resulting in spillage of solid and liquid waste onto the deck. These conditions were noted during the breakfast breakdown, and crew members indicated that soiled dishware would be diverted to the main galley.
Item 26Deck 6 - Port Beverage Station
Old food soil of more than a day's accumulation was in the recessed track on the underside of both juice machines' dispensing nozzles.
Item 26Deck 6 - Port Beverage Station
Three previously cleaned and sanitized glasses stored on a trolley had old food soil and lipstick on the food contact surface.
Item 33Deck 5 - Hot Galley
Condensate collected on the deckhead above the left combination oven. Steam escaped from the lower left side of the oven's door and was not completely removed through the hood exhaust. Condensate dripped onto the deck in a few areas. No food was impacted.
Item 33Deck 5
Sections of deck grouting throughout this galley were in poor repair. Specifically, this included around deck drains and steel platforms.
Item 33Deck 6 - Hot Galley
Sections of deck grouting throughout this galley were in poor repair. Specifically, this included around deck drains and steel platforms.
Item 34Deck 6 - Potwash
The three-compartment's wash tank drain was not able to drain effectively.
Item 37Deck 5 - Hot Galley
Condensate collected on the deckhead above the left combination oven. Steam escaped from the lower left side of the oven's door and was not completely removed through the hood exhaust. Condensate dripped onto the deck in a few areas. No food was impacted.
Item 39Deck 6 - Potwash
Two fruit flies were flying around the soiled landing areas.
Food storage (provisions)3 findings
Item 22Deck 4 - Pot Wash Room
Food debris was in the bottom drain of the empty three-compartment wash sink that was not in operation. Staff reported they previously used the three-compartment sink earlier in the day. Additionally, soiled plastic bins were stored on the clean landing counter of the three-compartment sink.
Item 26Deck 4 - Pot Wash Room
Over 50 metal pans of various sizes were stacked wet on the clean shelving racks inside this room. Approximately 15 pans were observed with food soil as the inspector randomly pulled pans off the stacks.
Item 28Deck 4 - Pot Wash Room
Over 50 metal pans of various sizes were stacked wet on the clean shelving racks inside this room. Staff reported these were cleaned earlier in the day and needed to be separated to air dry, however, there was not enough space to properly air dry the pans.
Food preparation rooms5 findings
Item 20Deck 5 - Bakery
The metal water filling hook to the right deck mounted mixer was badly bent and difficult to clean.
Item 21Deck 5 - Bakery
The surface of the stainless preparation table had 3 tiny indentations that had rough grooves that were difficult to clean.
Item 26Deck 3 - Seafood
Old food soil of more than a day's accumulation was in difficult to clean areas of the band saw's blade track.
Item 33Deck 5 - Bakery
Sections of deck grouting throughout this area were in poor repair. Specifically, this included around deck drains and steel platforms.
Item 39Deck 5 - Bakery
A tiny fruit fly was observed near the deck mounted mixers.
Buffets4 findings
Item 21Deck 16 Garden Cafe Omelet Station Starboard
The sticker on the crepe machine was chipped and peeling making the surface difficult to clean.
Item 26Deck 5 -Beverage Station
Old food soil of more than a day's accumulation was in the recessed track on the underside of the left juice machine's dispensing nozzles. Additionally, old coffee residue was in the difficult to clean dispensing head of the coffee machine.
Item 27Deck 16 Garden Cafe Omelet Station Starboard
Three portable induction hot plates had an accumulation of black charred food debris. These plates were taken away to be immediately cleaned.
Item 38Deck 16 Garden Cafe Waiter Station Portside
A hair clip was observed on the 'clean' side of the waiter station, placed next to clean serving utensils. It was promptly removed.
Bars3 findings
Item 20Deck 6 - Starbucks
Five slotted fasteners were on each of the dispensing heads of the two coffee machines. Each coffee machine had two dispensing heads. The slotted fasteners were soiled with an accumulation of old coffee residue greater than a day's accumulation.
Item 26Deck 6 - Starbucks
The slotted fasteners were soiled with an accumulation of old coffee residue greater than a day's accumulation.
Item 36Deck 8 District Brewhouse
Lights for cleaning bar service counters were not operational. This was resolved before the end of the inspection.
This area was installed during the November 2024 dry dock, but it was not completed. As of March 2025, this area had not been used. The following areas do not comply with the 2018 VSP Construction Guidelines and pose a public health concern: -The showers were located directly next to the whirlpool spas. Water from passenger use could splash into the spa tubs. A spray hose was attached to the shower handle and was long enough to reach inside the spa tub. The water from both the shower and spray hose could affect the water chemistry inside the spa tub. -There was no drainage inside the vertical shower supports, resulting in standing water at the shower bases. -The machinery space below the whirlpool tubs was not accessible to perform routine maintenance. The massage pumps and safety vacuum release system (SVRS) were on the opposite side of the access hatch. -There was no documentation that the drain cover housings were ASME compliant.
Item *Deck 18 - Infinity Beach Pool and Whirlpools
This area was installed during the November 2024 dry dock, but it was not completed. As of March 2025, this area had not been used. The following areas do not comply with the 2018 VSP Construction Guidelines and pose a public health concern: -Water from deck washing could enter the pool's recirculation system and mix with pool water. -The pool floor coating was chipped and pitted in many areas. -There were no safety signs. -There was only one drain on the port side of the pool, which may not be sufficient to drain the pool completely. -There was a 1-2 cm gap around the pool drain cover, which poses an entrapment concern. -There was no documentation that the pool drain cover was ASME compliant. -A utility sink for the infinity pool and whirlpools was missing inside the pump room. -There were no directional arrows inside the pump room for the infinity pool and whirlpools.
Item *Deck 15 - Spice H2O Whirlpool Spas and Infinity Beach Pool Machinery Room
This area was installed during the November 2024 dry dock, but it was not completed. As of March 2025, this area had not been used. The following areas do not comply with the 2018 VSP Construction Guidelines and pose a public health concern: -Seven deckhead water lines were positioned in close proximity, making it difficult to determine which line corresponded to which facility. All pipes were labeled with directional arrows indicating 'pool fresh water,' adding to the confusion. -Flow diagrams were not provided for the recirculation systems. -There was no utility sink and hose-bib tap supplied with potable water in this room.
Other areas2 findings
Item 19Deck 3 - Shops Liquor Storage - FWD FZ 3
Unopened and opened boxes of liquor were stored inside this storage room which had an open deckhead with open cable trays, ventilation ducting, and other difficult to clean deckhead features.
Item 33Deck 3 - Shops Liquor Storage - FWD FZ 3
Unopened and opened boxes of liquor were stored inside this storage room which had an open deckhead with open cable trays, ventilation ducting, and other difficult to clean deckhead features.
Dining rooms1 finding
Item 16Deck 18 Haven
The consumer advisory footnote on the breakfast menu was partially obscured by the menu holder, making it hard to read.
Drinking water1 finding
Item 08Deck 2 / Staircase 42 / WTC 14
The technical water line directed to the vacuum system for flushing was striped blue/gray/blue.
To see this report on the CDC site: open the CDC inspection search, choose Norwegian Encore 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.)
