Margaritaville-at-Sea cruise ship fails surprise health inspection after officials discovered stomach-churning list of hygiene violations

A Margaritaville cruise ship has been given a failing grade by health officials for a litany of hygiene problems onboard. 

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise fell short of expectations following the unexpected inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 1. 

Officials boarded the ship, owned by the hospitality chain founded by the late Jimmy Buffett, and gave a failing score of 83. A score of 86 is required to pass inspection. 

The report, which highlighted 38 areas of recommendation, pointed out issues including water safety, food handling, maintenance issues and poor sanitation. 

One complaint pointed to the ship's whirlpools, which was designed to hold four people but inspectors found six bathers inside on several occasions. 

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, seen here, fell short of expectations following the unexpected inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Officials boarded the ship, owned by the hospitality chain founded by Jimmy Buffett, seen here, and gave a failing score of 83, 86 is required to pass inspection

The report said this negatively affected water safety, with sample tests going on to show inadequate sanitation. 

It also raised concerns over whether a member of staff had washed their hands while working with food. 

The report stated: 'The gloves worn by the crew member handling the ice making components of the ice machines were stored with tools.

'It was unclear if the crew member washed his hands before putting on gloves. There were glove boxes for food handlers on the bulkhead next to the ice machines that could be used instead.'

Investigators also found water bottles 'stored on soiled pallets', and food preparation areas were found to be soiled or poorly lit. 

A separate crew member was also unable to demonstrate how to properly use a antimicrobial solution for fruits and vegetables on board. 

The CDC said: 'The crew member washing lettuce heads and immersing them in an antimicrobial solution for fruits and vegetables could not demonstrate competency in verifying the concentration of the chemical used. 

'The crew member could not use a test strip correctly to verify the concentration of the solution and did not know what an acceptable test result would be.'

Investigators also found water bottles 'stored on soiled pallets', and food preparation areas were found to be soiled or poorly lit

A separate crew member was also unable to demonstrate how to properly use a antimicrobial solution for fruits and vegetables on board

Inspectors also noted that several kitchen appliances included deep fat fryers and refrigerators were out of service.

Lawyer Spencer Aronfeld said in a TikTok: 'When the inspectors boarded the Margaritaville-at-Sea they found a lot of discrepancies. 

'In fact they got an 83 score which is a failing score. They shut the ship down.  Margaritaville-at-Sea says they are going to get these things fixed. I should hope so, because they can't sail until they do.'

A spokesperson for Margaritaville at Sea told Fox that 'immediate corrective actions' were taken following the inspection.

A statement said: 'Following internal policies, immediate corrective actions have been taken to address the issues identified in the inspection.

'Many of these issues have already been resolved, and we will be working with USPH [United States Public Health] for a re-inspection as soon as possible. We expect this re-inspection will exceed USPH standards.'

Buffett epitomized beach-bum escapism with his hit song 'Margaritaville' and turned the song into a billion-dollar business

Inspections are undertaken when a ship is in a US port and according to the CDC can take between 6-8 hours. 

They can cost ship owners anywhere from $1,495 to $23,920 in fees depending on the gross tonnage in cubic feet. 

Buffett epitomized beach-bum escapism with his hit song 'Margaritaville' and turned the song into a billion-dollar business. He died last September. 

His name became synonymous with a laid-back subtropical party vibe, and his legions of loyal fans, known as ParrotHeads, flocked to his restaurants, resorts and concerts. At his death, Buffet had a net worth of $1 billion, according to Forbes.