Royal Caribbean Group has published research regarding Covid-19 transmission in cruise ships. According to the independent study, the chances of aerosol particles traveling onboard ships through the HVAC system is “exceptionally low”. The study was held in partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the National Research Institute

Royal Caribbean Group is the owner of the world’s giants cruise ships. The company has HVAC systems installed in its ships, designed to enhance ventilation on board by allowing ocean ear to enter ships and then filter it ahead of sending it to rooms.

The study suggests that the HVAC systems were originally designed to reduce the transmission of airborne diseases. Therefore, aerosol particles were eliminated from the air and on surfaces after the HVAC system filtered it. Scientists from the University of Nebraska run tests on airflow on Oasis of the Seas ship—Royal Caribbean’s 362m longship. Since then, the research findings were shared with the Healthy Sail Panel—formed by Royal with Norwegian Cruise Line parent NCLH. Findings included the seventy-four best practices for a return to sailing.

Royal Caribbean announced that it’s “implementing additional layers of precaution to further minimize the possibility of Covid-19 transmission onboard”. The company plans to make it possible by adjusting shipboard settings, allowing maximum air changes per hour. It added that is now “twice what is recommended for land-based venues”.