Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Silversea Cruises Responses to CDC’S Discovery of Organized Effort to Hide Expired Food in Crew Cabins

Silversea Cruises made its first formal response to the Centers for Disease Control’s surprise inspection of Silver Shadow in Alaska wherein the cruise ship received failing cleanliness grade. The CDC’s cruise ship inspection report reads, “An organized effort was made to physically remove over 15 full trolleys of dry foods, spices, canned foods, cooked foods, milk, raw meats, pasteurized eggs, cheeses of all types, baking goods, raw fruits, raw vegetables, and a variety of both hand held and counter model food equipment, pans, dishware and utensils to over 10 individual cabins shared by two or three galley crew members in order to avoid inspection by VSP staff.” In response to such appalling activates undertaken by its employees the company said, “Our investigation indicates that, in the Silver Shadow situation, some of our staff made an impulsive decision, and we need to look at what happened, who found it necessary to authorize such activity and how we can avoid having this situation happen again.” The Florida based cruise line also stated it will continue crew training on proper food handling and enforce its policy of “no food or food equipment is, at any time, permitted in cabins or non-designated areas.” As part of its corrective measures the cruise line is installing CCTV in a number of corridors to ensure no food trays or other equipment is brought into the cabins.

Sydney, Austria – Police Investigate Death Aboard the Holland American Veedam

Law enforcement was dispatched to the Holland America Veendam to investigate a death while the ship was docked at Sydney. Cape Breton Regional Police spokeswoman Desiree Vassallo indicated that the death did not appear suspicious.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – Former Holland American Entertainer Plead Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

Former Holland America Line musician plead guilty to possession of child pornography in violation of Canada’s Criminal Code and Customs Act. Sean Bell, 37, from Manitoba was arrested on June 3, 2013 after a routine search by the Canadian Border Services wherein approximately 70 images and videos of mostly naked teenage boys were discovered aboard the Veendam. Bell received a three-month sentence and one year probation.

Florence, Italy – Lifeboat Troubles Aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner Leaves Guests Stranded in Italy

The Regent Seven Seas cruise ship Mariner experienced lifeboat malfunctions on August 29 while at the port of Livorno. This delayed the ship’s arrival at the disembarkation port of Civitavecchia causing many passengers to miss their flights. Regent arranged complimentary hotel rooms and $100 meal stipend only for the stranded guests who booked their flights through the cruise line leaving other guests to fend for themselves.