Royal Caribbean International · CDC inspection record

Symphony of the Seas CDC inspection score

Latest score, full inspection history and the violations CDC inspectors found on Symphony of the Seas.

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

Royal Caribbean InternationalInspected August 29, 2026

Latest CDC sanitation score

Passed

Symphony of the Seas scored 99 out of 100 in its latest CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, on August 29, 2026. It passed: ships pass with 86 or more.

+1 vs previous inspection (98, Feb 19, 2026)

95.4average of the last 5 inspections

86lowest score (February 2025)

8inspections since 2018

0failed inspections

Inspection history of Symphony of the Seas

Every CDC inspection score on record for Symphony of the Seas: 8 inspections from December 8, 2018 to August 29, 2026, 1 perfect score of 100 and no failed inspections.

All scores

Inspection date	Result	Report	Score
August 29, 2026	Passed	findings below	99
February 19, 2026	Passed	findings below	98
July 22, 2025	Passed	findings below	97
February 9, 2025	Passed		86
November 18, 2023	Passed		97
October 29, 2022	Passed		100
March 5, 2019	Passed		93
December 8, 2018	Passed		97

What the inspectors found

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).

August 29, 2026

99Passed

28 findings · 1 point deducted

Points deducted (100 − 1 = 99):

−1 ptItem 21: Nonfood-contact surfaces designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located

All 28 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.

Buffets10 findings

Item 12Deck 16 - Windjammer Carving Station
The carving-station attendant used soiled gloved hands to open several undercounter storage cabinets and refrigeration units, then resumed slicing meat without removing their gloves, washing their hands, and donning clean gloves.
Item 19Deck 16 - Windjammer Deli Station
The passenger self-service utensil for the mortadella was soiled with a thick white substance that did not resemble any food served on the island. No food attendant was stationed at the island to replace the utensil.
Item 21Deck 16 - Windjammer Buffet Islands and Beverage Stations
Thick peeling silicone created difficult-to-clean surfaces in the following areas: -Coffee Station, Portside: the counter-mounted hot water dispenser drain -International Flavors Station: the portside and starboard countertop hot burners -Dessert Station: the portside and starboard cold wells
Item 21Deck 16 - Windjammer Starboard Beverage Station
The doors for the undercounter storage cabinet were damaged, creating a difficult-to-clean surface.
Item 26Deck 16 - Windjammer Americana Station
Food-contact surfaces inside waffle irons used during the breakfast service were still soiled with food residue during the lunch service.
Item 27Deck 16 - Windjammer Portside Beverage Station
More than a day's accumulation of black substance collected on part of the metal trim around the in service counter-mounted ice machine.
Item 33Deck 16 - Windjammer Sliding Fire Door #FD-16-7-07
Excessive debris accumulated on the deck inside the technical area behind the sliding door. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 33Deck 16 - Windjammer Americana Station
More than a day's worth of a thick blue substance accumulated around the top-left corner of the decorative stainless-steel bulkhead panel.
Item 33Deck 16 - Windjammer Americana Station
A bulkhead-mounted plug was excessively soiled with debris and was missing a cover, creating a difficult-to-clean opening.
Item 33Deck 16 - Windjammer Americana Hot Line
The galley entrance door and kick plate were damaged, creating difficult-to-clean surfaces.

Dining rooms2 findings

Item 21Deck 16 - Hooked
A trolley holding silverware was damaged making, it difficult to clean.
Item 21Deck 16 - Hooked Seafood Island
The doors for the undercounter refrigeration units were damaged, making them difficult to clean.

Galleys (kitchens)6 findings

Item 16Deck 6 - Johnny Rockets
A chef cooked hamburgers on the grill but did not measure the internal cooking temperature before serving them to passengers. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 21Deck 17 - Coastal Kitchen
A thick layer of plastic-like material adhered to the countertop beneath the espresso machine, creating a difficult-to-clean surface.
Item 22Deck 17 - Coastal Kitchen
The data plate for the undercounter warewashing machine was detaching from the machine and difficult to read.
Item 26Deck 1 - Wine Pantry
Food debris soiled the food-contact surfaces of five previously cleaned and sanitized glasses. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 34Deck 15 - Solarium
The drain line from the handwashing sink was directed toward the deck instead of the scupper, causing water to pool on the deck.
Item 35Deck 15 - Solarium
The drain line from the handwashing sink was directed toward the deck instead of the scupper, causing water to pool on the deck.

Food safety, general1 finding

Item 21Condition of Food Service Countertops
Countertops in the following areas were cracked, pitted, and chipped, making them difficult to clean: -Deck 16 - Windjammer Buffet Islands (portside and starboard) -Deck 16 - Windjammer Beverage Stations -Deck 15 - Solarium Buffet Islands

Bars2 findings

Item 26Deck 6 - Vitality Café
More than a day's amount of orange pulp residue accumulated on the food-splash zones above the removable trays inside the counter-mounted juicing machine. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 26Deck 5 - English Pub
Lipstick markings soiled two previously cleaned and sanitized glasses stored on the clean-storage rack. Crew initiated corrective action.

Drinking water2 findings

Item 08Nontestable Device Inspection Record
Two nontestable backflow prevention devices were not inspected annually. The 2025 cross-connection control program log listed 64 nontestable backflow prevention devices for the Deck 17 toilets. However, the 8 June 2026 inspection record documented visual inspections of only 62 devices. Crew confirmed the correct number of devices was 64. Crew conducted a visual inspection of the remaining 2 devices.
Item 08Deck TT - Evaporator #2
The dedicated technical water filling line adjacent to evaporator #2 was striped blue/gray/blue. Crew initiated corrective action.

Food storage (provisions)2 findings

Item 15Deck 1 - Dry Storage
A bag of oats was partially opened while stored on a rack. Oats accumulated around the bag opening and on the deck below. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 33Deck 1 - Dry Storage
A bag of oats was partially opened while stored on a rack and oats accumulated on the deck below. Crew initiated corrective action.

Pools, hot tubs and water play areas2 findings

Item 09Deck 15 - Splashaway Bay
The large, decorative interactive water feature bucket inside the children's recreational water facility splashed into and pooled inside the basin of the adjacent Splashaway Bay, designated for babies only. The chlorine residual inside the children's recreational water facility, where the water originated, measured 2.95 mg/L (PPM) with a calibrated test kit. The baby-only water facility was not open to the public at the time of the observation.
Item 10Deck 15 - Spa Pool #5
The antientrapment drain cover inside the forward compartment was missing the starboard fastener. This facility was open for passengers.

Medical center1 finding

Item 11Acute Gastroenteritis Symptomatic Crew Isolation
During voyage #491, a nonfood worker developed acute gastroenteritis (AGE) symptoms on 3 August 2026 at 1100 but did not report to the medical center to begin isolation until 3 August at 1610. This crew member was not on duty.

February 19, 2026

98Passed

29 findings · 2 points deducted

Points deducted (100 − 2 = 98):

−2 ptsItem 22: Dishwashing / equipment washing facilities designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located, operated, TMDs, test kits

Show all 29 findings

All 29 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)21 findings

Item 13Deck 16 Hooked Shellstock Tags
The field 'date when the last shellfish from this container sold or served' on the two shellstock tags for raw oysters served on 16 February 2026 was blank. The tags were affixed to the transportation logs for 16 February. A similar violation was written on the previous report. However, during the previous inspection, oysters were saved up to five days after transportation; the process has changed, so oysters are only served the day the container is transported to the restaurant, and any unused oysters are discarded.
Item 15Deck 16 Hooked Shellstock Tags
The field 'date when the last shellfish from this container sold or served' on the two shellstock tags for raw oysters served on 16 February 2026 was blank. The tags were affixed to the transportation logs for 16 February. A similar violation was written on the previous report. However, during the previous inspection, oysters were saved up to five days after transportation; the process has changed, so oysters are only served the day the container is transported to the restaurant, and any unused oysters are discarded
Item 19Deck 16 Hooked Ice Machine
One black bristle was inside the ice bin. The unit was taken out of service for cleaning.
Item 21Deck 15 El Loco
The cabinet door ledge for the soda multiflow machine was excessively rusted. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 22Deck 4 - Second Galley - Aft
Warewash machine #GPB8041 had been out of order for approximately two months. Crew were waiting for spare parts to arrive.
Item 22Deck 3 - Dish Wash - Aft
The sanitizing solution in the bucket was cloudy and soiled with food particles floating at the surface.
Item 22Deck 17 Coastal Kitchen
Five wash nozzles in the in-use double-rack hood-type machine were soiled with food debris. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 22Deck 16 Windjammer Dishwash
Liquid from the rack-type conveyor dishwash machine wash tank leaked and pooled on the deck. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 22Deck 15 Solarium Bistro Dishwash
The final sanitizing rinse spray arms of the in-use rack-type conveyor dishwash machine did not emit an effective fan-like spray pattern. Water trickled down from the upper spray arm. A plate surface temperature of 160°F was only measured when the thermometer was placed directly below the trickle. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 22Deck 15 Solarium Bistro Dishwash
Twelve nozzles in the final sanitizing rinse spray arms of the in-use hood-type warewash machine were blocked with food debris. The plate surface temperature during the final sanitizing rinse cycle measured 159°F, which was within the margin of error of the thermometer for the required 160°F. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 26Deck 15 El Loco
A small amount of black debris soiled the ice machine along the sealant inside the bin atop the soda multiflow machine. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 27Deck 2 - Soup Station - Portside
Water from an unknown source dripped from the bulkhead onto the counter and onto the top of the closed bain-marie below. No food was affected.
Item 33Deck 2 - Soup Station - Portside
Water from an unknown source dripped from the bulkhead onto the top of the closed bain-marie and pooled on the deck. No food was affected.
Item 33Deck 5 - Hot Service Line - Aft
Water pooled on the deck beneath the hotel pans. The source was unknown.
Item 33Deck 16 Windjammer Dishwash
Potable water from the hose serving the flight-type conveyor dishwash sprayed water which pooled on the deck.
Item 33Deck 5 - Hot Galley - Aft
The light fixture directly above the deep fat fryer had sticky, peeling debris on it.
Item 33Deck 5 - Hot Galley - Room Service - Aft
The deck grouting was recessed.
Item 34Deck 16 Windjammer Dishwash
Potable water from the hose serving the flight-type conveyor dishwash sprayed water which pooled on the deck.
Item 35Deck 16 Windjammer Dishwash
Liquid from the rack-type conveyor dishwash machine wash tank leaked and pooled on the deck. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 36Deck 6 Playmakers
The light intensity near the dry store and cleaning locker did not reach 220 lux.
Item 40Deck 6 Dog House
The pantry swing door behind fire door 06-6-21 (between the pantry and the outdoors) did not fully close. Additionally, there was a gap around the door between the door and the frame.

Bars3 findings

Item 21Deck 8 - Trellis Bar
The tape around the multiflow hoses inside the technical space under the soda gun was in disrepair.
Item 26Deck 5 - Crown and Kettle Pub - Mid Ship
One previously cleaned and sanitized glass stored behind the service counter had old food debris on the food-contact surface.
Item 36Deck 5 - Cafe Promenade
The light intensity between the coffee stations behind the service counter did not reach 110 lux.

Buffets2 findings

Item 26Deck 15 Solarium Bistro Starboard Ice Station
A small amount of black debris soiled the inside of the counter-recessed ice bin. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 36Deck 8 - Park Cafe
The light intensity at the right side of the waiter station was less than 220 lux during cleaning operations.

Food safety, general1 finding

Item 39Food Service General
Flies were seen in the following food areas: - Deck 2 Crew Mess: At the beverage station one fly landed on the condiments holder. - Deck 6 Dog House: One fly was observed flying in this area.

Medical center1 finding

Item 02Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Log
During voyage 463, a passenger had a public vomit incident, and the next morning was determined by medical to be an AGE case. This case did not appear in the electronic medical records system or on the AGE log for the voyage. The inspector was told this was due to the evaluation being completed less than an hour before the passenger disembarked. The medical team explained that this was due to difficulties in opening a new case in the electronic medical records system so close to the end of a voyage.

Pantries1 finding

Item 26Deck 5 - Crown and Kettle Pub - Mid Ship
One previously cleaned and sanitized glass with old food debris on the food-contact surface was stored on the clean rack.

July 22, 2025

97Passed

28 findings · 3 points deducted

Points deducted (100 − 3 = 97):

−3 ptsItem 13: Management, knowledge, monitoring

Show all 28 findings

All 28 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)16 findings

Item 13Deck 16 - Hooked
All the tags for the raw oysters served inside the restaurant did not always identify the last date when the last oyster was served. Each oyster tag maintained inside the galley had a field 'date when the last shellfish from this container sold or served,' which some were left blank. Crew provided transportation logs which identified the date these oysters were removed their containers and brought to the galley. Crew identified most of the oysters are served raw on the date of transportation; however, some oysters not used for service would be placed in temperature control and served within five days. There were no records or documents provided to validate the last date any oysters maintained after the transportation date were served.
Item 15Deck 16 - Hooked
All the tags for the raw oysters served inside the restaurant did not always identify the last date when the last oyster was served. Each oyster tag maintained inside the galley had a field 'date when the last shellfish from this container sold or served,' which some were left blank. Crew provided transportation logs which identified the date these oysters were removed their containers and brought to the galley. Crew identified most of the oysters are served raw on the date of transportation; however, some oysters not used for service would be placed in temperature control and served within five days. There were no records or documents provided to validate the last date any oysters maintained after the transportation date were served.
Item 16Deck 15 - Solarium Cafe Hot Service Line
The internal temperature of cooked onion, eggplant, bell pepper hot holding inside a metal container measured 121F with a calibrated, tip-sensitive thermometer. Crew identified this hot holding unit on temperature control. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 19Deck 5 Soup Kettle Station
Three bins of some type of granular substances that were outside the original packaging were unidentified.
Item 21Deck 5 Beverage Station
The black tape wrapping the drain lines were in disrepair and peeling inside the undercounter technical compartment.
Item 22Deck 2 Potwash
An excessive amount of soiled pots, bins, and pans overloaded the soiled potwash operations. Three deck stands were brought into handle the soiled equipment. In addition, the presoak/scraping area was overloaded making it difficult to fully scrape food. Trolleys were sent to help divert the soiled dishware to other galleys.
Item 23Deck 2 Potwash
An excessive amount of soiled pots, bins, and pans overloaded the soiled potwash operations. Three deck stands were brought into handle the soiled equipment. In addition, the presoak/scraping area was overloaded making it difficult to fully scrape food. Trolleys were sent to help divert the soiled dishware to other galleys.
Item 23Deck 2
The undercounter dishwash wash cycle temperatures measured 147°F using the inspector's thermocouple. A technician immediately serviced the machine.
Item 24Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Potwashing Area
The chlorine sanitizing solution inside the red bucket measured greater than 200 mg/L (PPM). Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 26Deck 4 Dishwash Area
The ice machine had black debris on the food splash zone of the deflector panel.
Item 29Deck 16 - Hooked
The water temperature delivered through the mixing valve of the sensor-controlled handwashing sink, located at the forward entrance, measured 123°F with a calibrated thermometer. The galley was in service. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 29Deck 8 - Park Cafe
The water temperature delivered through the mixing valve of the sensor-controlled handwashing sink, located at the galley entrance, measured 124°F with a calibrated thermometer. The galley was in service. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 29Deck 8 - Chops Grill Show Galley
The water temperature delivered through the mixing valve of the sensor-controlled handwashing sink, located at the far end of the show galley, measured 126°F with a calibrated thermometer. The galley was in service. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 33Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Hot Preparation Area
The grouting between the juncture of the deck and metal landing surrounding the combination oven was damaged and missing, with water and grease accumulating inside areas of recess.
Item 39Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Pantry
A small black insect was crawling inside the technical compartment for undercounter refrigeration unit # U/C 1660418. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 39Deck 6 Johnny Rockets
Two flies were near the ice machine.

Buffets8 findings

Item 16Deck 8 - Park Cafe Portside Grab-N-Go Unit
No consumer advisory was provided for the packaged salmon, dill, and cream cheese sandwiches offered inside the grab-n-go time control unit. These sandwiches used cold-smoked salmon as an ingredient. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 21Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Aft Desert Station
The silicone between the metal cold well and the counter was peeling, creating a difficult-to-clean surface. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 21Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Portside Freestyle Beverage Machine Station
The plastic housing on the right freestyle machine's bottom compartment was cracked, creating a difficult-to-clean surface. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 26Deck 8 - Park Cafe Portside Coffee Station
Internal food-contact surfaces of the counter-mounted ice dispenser's chute were soiled with a pink residue. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 30Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Aft Service Line
No single-service paper towels were provided for the handwashing station inside the employee service area. Crew initiated corrective action.
Item 33Deck 15 - Solarium Cafe Starboard Waiter Station
The metal coving at the exterior corner of the waiter station was cracked and damaged, creating a difficult-to-clean recessed surface. Dust and debris accumulated inside areas of recess.
Item 39Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Aft Hot Show Galley
One fruit fly was on the bulkhead above the portable hot plate.
Item 39Deck 16 - Windjammer Cafe Aft Show Galley, Portside
One fruit fly was on the bulkhead above the three plastic cereal dispensers on the counter.

Pantries2 findings

Item 218
One trolley cart was soiled with food debris and the wheels were in disrepair.
Item 278
One trolley cart was soiled with food debris.

Dining rooms1 finding

Item 28Deck 5 Sorrento's
The eating utensils out for passengers were not protected by a sneeze guard or other means. The area was in operation during the inspection.

Pools, hot tubs and water play areas1 finding

Item 10Deck 15 Main Pool
The posted bather load was 39 persons; however, when the inspector arrived to the area, 56 persons were in the pool. The chlorine and pH were within range. The other two pools were closed for fecal/vomit accidents and staff were aware and trying to manage the amount of bathers in the one open pool.

To see this report on the CDC site: open the CDC inspection search, choose Symphony of the Seas 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.)

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