Carnival Cruise Lines’ new 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor received a perfect 100 score during its most recent inspection by the U.S. Public Health (USPH) Service in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dec. 6.  

            In addition, four other Carnival ships earned scores of 99 during their respective USPH inspections over the past few weeks.

            Carnival Splendor, the line’s newest ship, arrived in the U.S. Nov. 22 and received perfect marks on all 42 items that comprise the U.S.P.H.’s comprehensive Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) checklist.

            The unannounced inspections, which are conducted twice a year and required for any cruise ship with an international itinerary calling at a U.S. port, evaluate vessels in a variety of areas, including adherence to proper food handling, preparation and storage procedures, and overall galley cleanliness.  Ships’ potable water supplies used in spas and pools are evaluated, as well.

            Carnival Splendor will operate seven-day Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale through Jan. 31, 2009, then embark on a series of 14- to 18-day South America voyages before repositioning to Long Beach, Calif., to launch year-round week-long Mexican Riviera voyages March 29, 2009.