The cruise giant worked with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the National Strategic Research Institute to allow independent scientists to examine the HVAC system onboard Oasis of the Seas, including air flow and the movement of aerosol particles inside the ship.
“Scientists found that the risk associated with transmission of airborne particles between spaces, through the HVAC system, is exceptionally low and undetectable both in the air and on surfaces,” said Royal Caribbean.
“The study specifically explored the effectiveness and efficiency of ship air management strategies – ventilation, filtration and supply – and examined air flow across different areas of the ship, including guest staterooms, crew staterooms, lounges and other public spaces.”
The research forms part of recommendations submitted by the Healthy Sail Panel, a group of public health experts assembled by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, to “ensure a healthy and safe global return to sailing”.
Royal Caribbean said it was adopting new practices to add further layers of protection following the findings of the UNMC study and recommendations of the Healthy Sail Panel.
These include changing settings on ships to allow for the maximum air changes per hour and upgrading its filters.
The group has already equipped its medical facilities with an independent ventilation system and has added HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters as an additional precaution.
