HornBlower Cruises and Events LLC – FDA 483, Jul 31, 2025

An FDA inspection conducted from July 25-31, 2025, at the New York, NY passenger vessel and vessel watering points, revealed significant deficiencies in water system management and sanitation. The report, issued to Adrian Silvestre, Director of Food and Beverages, outlined several critical and repeated observations. A primary concern was the widespread lack of backflow prevention devices on both potable and non-potable water lines at multiple piers and vessels, which was a repeat violation indicating a persistent risk of contamination. The operator also failed to submit required construction plans for sanitation facilities and for passenger vessels "Serenity" and "Sensation" to the FDA for review and approval, with these vessels never having undergone FDA inspection. Further issues included a lack of records for cleaning, disinfecting, or flushing potable water systems across several vessels. Pervasive problems were noted in the maintenance and identification of water hydrants, hoses, and servicing areas. This encompassed unlabeled potable water hydrants, non-distinctly colored potable and non-potable hydrants, use of unacceptable garden hoses for potable water, and unprotected sewage hoses. Many of these issues were repeat observations from a prior inspection. Additionally, non-potable water outlets lacked proper warning signs, and water connection panels were not clearly labeled. These observations highlight a systemic failure to comply with federal regulations governing water safety and sanitation for passenger vessels, necessitating immediate and comprehensive corrective measures.