Views ran rampant online this week regarding the failed sanitation inspection by what many regard as one of the world’s most regal liners, Cunard’s QM2.

Something that seemed to be missing from online reports I read when the news hit last weekend was that this was actually a voluntary inspection, not a surprise one as reported on several major international websites.

The QM2 has regularly rated very highly in their VSP inspections with a perfect score of 100 reported three times since her launch.

It begs the question; doesn’t the line warrant one pardon?

Cunard has since released a statement acknowledging the result and confirming that all discrepancies have been addressed and corrected. One can expect that this will never occur again.

Onto more positive things with a flash mob hitting Carnival Paradise this week. Passengers and crew got into the spirit and brought even more life to the pool deck onboard!

There are christenings galore in the coming days with Viking Prestige being named in Amsterdam overnight as the first vessel in the line’s fleet expansion program.

A ‘fairytale beginning’ is also planned for Costa Favalosa when she is christened in Venice on 4 July by stunning Italian actress Margareth Madè.

Yours in cruising,

	QM2 fails sanitation inspection Cunard’s QM2 has been reported as failing her recent voluntary Vessel Sanitation Programme (VSP) inspection in New York earlier this month, with an unsatisfactory grading of 84.
	Norwegian Epic offers dual embarkation options Norwegian Cruise Line announced a second embarkation option to their newest liner, Epic’s, seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries earlier this month.
	Management shifts at Silversea Silversea Cruises has shuffled around its management team, appointing Steve Odell and Karen Christensen to executive roles as an approach to achieving the company’s desired international growth.
	Princess Cruises goes Zumba crazy Princess Cruises is keeping its passengers in shape, announcing plans to roll out Zumba classes across the entire fleet before the end of the year.