Villa Vie Odyssey Fails CDC Health Inspection, Highlighting Age-Related Hurdles

The residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey, operated by Villa Vie Residences, recently failed its first Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program inspection, earning a score of 81 out of 100 during a review conducted on July 9, 2025. The score places the ship below the CDC’s passing threshold of 86, marking it as out of compliance with U.S. public health standards until corrective actions are verified. This inspection, conducted unannounced while the vessel was docked in the United States, revealed a total of 44 violations across potable water systems, food safety, recreational water facilities, and sanitation practices.

Key Findings from the Inspection

The CDC’s inspection report highlighted substantial lapses that could present risks to passengers and crew if not promptly rectified. Below are the most serious findings:

• Potable Water Deficiencies: Chlorine levels during water bunkering operations consistently fell below required minimums, with no documented corrective actions. In June, levels were as low as 0.1 parts per million, far below acceptable standards. Inspectors also flagged an improper connection between a water purification system drain and a gray water tank, creating a risk of cross-contamination. Maintenance logs for potable water tanks similarly lacked necessary test results to verify proper disinfection and monitoring.
• Food Handling and Refrigeration Violations: Inspectors reported 57°F storage temperatures for desserts like cheesecake and mousse, well above the required 41°F or lower. More than 30 pieces of hot- and cold-holding equipment were found inoperative, including dishwashers. A waffle iron covered in grease and debris had been stored as if clean, and several labeling errors and procedural lapses called into question the ship’s adherence to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety protocols.
• Swimming Pool and Recreational Facility Issues: Both onboard swimming pools lacked proper safety signage and depth markers. Safety ring ropes were not sufficiently long to meet compliance standards, and pool drain covers had been painted over. Additionally, the ship's hot tubs were out of service due to missing key safety components like hair strainers.
• Sanitation Challenges: Dead fruit flies were observed in food preparation areas, while standing water and exposed wiring appeared in storage spaces and technical zones. Dust accumulation and general upkeep deficits further underscored insufficient maintenance practices.

Historical Context of the Villa Vie Odyssey

Built more than 30 years ago, Villa Vie Odyssey previously sailed as the MS Braemar for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and as Cunard Crown Dynasty for Cunard. Acquired by Villa Vie Residences in 2023, the ship was retrofitted to serve as a residential cruise ship offering staterooms for full or seasonal ownership. Its inaugural journey as a residential vessel began in October 2024 after delays stemming from mechanical and structural issues during its refit.

The July 9, 2025, inspection was the ship’s first conducted by the CDC since entering U.S. waters. Previously, Villa Vie Odyssey had passed health inspections in jurisdictions outside the United States. Despite those certifications, U.S. CDC standards have proven to be a more stringent benchmark, further complicated by the ship’s age and design shortcomings.

Company Response and Future Steps

In response to the failed inspection, Villa Vie Residences founder Mikael Petterson emphasized that many of the violations were structural in nature, stemming from the ship’s original design, which predates modern U.S. regulatory standards. "Unlike contemporary vessels designed specifically for regular U.S. operations, the Villa Vie Odyssey was built under very different conditions, making direct comparisons somewhat unfair," Petterson stated. He acknowledged the public health and safety concerns raised but stressed that efforts were already underway to address the CDC’s findings.

The company has reportedly undertaken targeted corrective actions, focusing on water purification upgrades, temperature control systems, and maintenance improvements. “We’re confident that a follow-up inspection will yield a passing score and demonstrate our commitment to regulatory compliance and passenger safety,” Petterson added.

Comparative Industry Standards

The CDC has set high standards for sanitation under its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), and modern cruise ships often achieve excellent scores. For example, Disney Cruise Line vessels recently scored between 95 and 100 during inspections, a stark contrast to the Villa Vie Odyssey's score of 81. Older ships like Odyssey, with decades-old designs and infrastructure, face inherent challenges meeting regulations that prioritize modern engineering and updated healthcare practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did the Villa Vie Odyssey fail its CDC inspection?

The cruise ship failed due to 44 recorded violations across potable water systems, food safety practices, recreational water facilities, and general sanitation. Key issues included inadequate chlorine levels in drinking water, refrigeration failures, and missing safety features at onboard pools.

How does the ship’s age impact compliance?

Built 30 years ago, the Villa Vie Odyssey was not designed with contemporary U.S. public health standards in mind. Its retrofitting for residential use introduced additional compliance challenges. Structural limitations, such as outdated sanitation systems, contribute to its struggles with meeting modern regulatory requirements.

What actions has Villa Vie Residences taken to address the deficiencies?

Corrective measures include upgrades to water purification systems, repairs to non-functional kitchen appliances, improved pool safety features, and enhanced cleaning protocols to meet CDC guidelines. The company is working to ensure compliance during the next inspection in U.S. waters.

What does a failed CDC score mean for operations?

A failing score under the Vessel Sanitation Program means the ship remains out of compliance with sanitation standards but can continue sailing internationally. U.S. jurisdiction applies only when the vessel docks at American ports.

When will the Villa Vie Odyssey undergo a re-inspection?

The ship is eligible for re-inspection once it returns to the United States. The CDC will determine if corrective actions have been properly implemented during its next unannounced visit.