How is sanitation on cruise ships monitored? Every ship that
carries 13 or more passengers and has a foreign or international
itinerary with United States ports is under the jurisdiction of
the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This program is monitored
by the CDC. These vessels are inspected (unannounced) twice a
year, and are subject to reinspection, when necessary.
Inspections focus on: The ship's water supply (to determine how
water is stored, distributed, protected, and disinfected) The
ship's pools and spas (to ensure proper filtration and
disinfection) The ship's food (to determine how food is
protected during storage, preparation, and service) The
potential for contamination of food and water (to determine what
interventions are needed for surveillance) The practices and
personal hygiene of the ship's staff (to ensure use of
appropriate hygienic practices and cleanliness) The general
cleanliness and physical condition of the ship (to ensure
cleanliness and the absence of insects and rodents) The ship's