Multiple passengers have reported experiencing a pervasive foul odor and unsanitary conditions aboard the Carnival Adventure cruise ship, with some claiming the fumes led to illness. The incidents occurred on a four-day cruise departing from Sydney Harbour in August.
Elicia Squires, a 38-year-old from Queensland, stated that she became ill within minutes of boarding due to a "vile odor" emanating from the ship. Squires alleged that her cabin was not cleaned, with remnants of previous passengers' medication and needles found inside. She described the carpet as "moving" due to fumes and reported a broken refrigerator and a lounge that would not fold down.
"I was forced to sit in the area that had the diesel exhaust because our room wasn't cleaned," Squires told the Daily Mail. "The previous passengers' Mounjaro medication and needles were still in the room."
Squires reported visiting the ship's medical center, where she was placed on an EKG and experienced symptoms including high blood pressure, dry retching, a low heart rate, severe migraines, and difficulty breathing. She described being in shock and experiencing mild hypothermia. After the cruise, her general practitioner reportedly diagnosed her symptoms as consistent with severe carbon monoxide poisoning, attributing it to inhaled diesel exhaust fumes.
Another passenger, identified as Natalie, described a "sewage-type smell" in her cabin so strong that her five-year-old son slept in the ship's foyer on their first night. She characterized the odor as "rotten egg" and noted it was present in various areas of the ship, particularly midship.
When reporting the issue to staff, Natalie claimed they were dismissive, suggesting the smell was common. She was initially moved to another room, which she also found to have a similar odor. Both she and her son felt unwell, and upon visiting the medical center, they found the same smell present. Natalie reported that the nurse and doctor indicated they were accustomed to the odor.
Following her experience, Natalie contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). According to Natalie, an AMSA inspector investigated the ship and identified the smell as hydrogen sulfide resulting from broken plumbing traps that required replacement. She was informed that the ship was instructed to address all plumbing traps, prioritizing cabins where odors had been reported.
An AMSA spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Mail that they received a complaint about an unpleasant odor and boarded the vessel. While the odor was no longer present at the time of inspection, the likely source was identified. As Carnival was undertaking remedial actions, no formal defect was issued. AMSA stated that the findings were communicated to the passenger who filed the complaint.
Other passengers have shared similar complaints on social media regarding strong odors and plumbing issues on the Carnival Adventure. Some reported toilet malfunctions, overflows, and persistent smells at various times and locations on the ship.