P&O Arcadia Scores High Hygiene Rating Despite Health Concerns Raised
A major cruise ship operating under P&O Cruises is now under the spotlight after a routine inspection revealed a surprising mix of strong hygiene scores and troubling health and safety lapses onboard. The vessel, Arcadia, widely known for its regular presence in Southampton, has been awarded a strong overall hygiene rating of 96 out of 100. But behind that number, inspectors uncovered a series of issues that are now raising questions about onboard safety standards.
The inspection took place in March 2026 under a routine health review and while the final score suggests a high level of cleanliness, the findings tell a more complex story. One of the key concerns involved the ship’s potable water system. Inspectors noted that it had not been tested for Legionella within the required six-month window. Testing was only scheduled for later in the year, which left a gap in compliance that health officials expect cruise operators to strictly avoid.
Food safety was another major focus of the report. Inspectors observed flies present in several food preparation and service areas, including buffet stations. In one pantry, multiple flies were found around open containers of bread, raising concerns about exposure and contamination risks in areas where passengers are served directly.
Further issues were identified in food storage and preparation equipment. A cracked filter inside a water dispenser had allowed residue buildup, pointing to maintenance weaknesses. A blast chiller used in food preparation had also been out of service for an extended period, raising questions about how properly temperature-sensitive food was being handled during that time.
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The report also highlighted gaps in food safety documentation. Cooling logs for certain meals, including beef lasagne, were incomplete. Inspectors also flagged the absence of clear passenger warnings regarding the consumption of undercooked eggs, an important precaution in preventing foodborne illness.
Despite these findings, the high overall score indicates that many hygiene protocols on board are being maintained at a strong level. However, the contrast between the rating and the detailed violations is now drawing attention from both industry observers and passengers who expect consistent standards at sea.
This case highlights a broader challenge for the cruise industry, where large-scale operations must balance efficiency, guest experience and strict health regulations across multiple onboard systems. Even small lapses can quickly become significant when hundreds or thousands of passengers are involved.
As cruise travel continues to grow globally, scrutiny around hygiene and safety standards is only expected to increase. And for operators like P&O Cruises, maintaining trust will depend not just on high scores, but on closing the gaps that inspections continue to uncover.
Stay with us for continuing coverage as more details emerge and industry responses develop around this latest inspection report.
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