Enhancing Air Flow in Cruise Ship Dining Areas: A Call to Action for Disease Prevention

In a study published in Science of the Total Environment, a research team from the University of Surrey assessed the indoor air quality (IAQ) on a large cruise ship during a trip between the UK and EU in August 2023. Their findings indicate that crowded dining areas are critical zones for enhancing air circulation to help avert potential disease outbreaks.

The team, involved in the European Union’s (EU) HEALTHY SAILING project, measured carbon dioxide (CO2) levels over 24 hours in various indoor settings, including the buffet, gym, bar, restaurant, pub, and theater, as well as in three passenger cabins. The assessment aimed to evaluate factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and airborne infection risk.

Using CO2 levels as an indicator, researchers calculated the risk of airborne disease transmission under typical conditions. They explained that an infected individual continuously exhales virus-laden particles, and the risk of infection arises when these are not effectively diluted through proper ventilation.

The researchers referenced the Diamond Princess cruise ship outbreak during the early COVID-19 pandemic, where passengers endured quarantine after a major infection spread, leading to 712 confirmed cases and 13 fatalities. This incident highlighted the cruise industry’s vulnerabilities to viral transmission, with ships often described as "hotspots" for such events.

Dr. Prashant Kumar, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the necessity for improved ventilation strategies in densely populated areas and energy optimization in spaces that are excessively ventilated.

Overall, the study found that the IAQ aboard the cruise ship was generally acceptable, with CO2 levels mostly below the 1,000 parts per million (ppm) threshold, indicative of good ventilation in many areas. However, in bustling locations like pubs and restaurants where patrons often raise their voices, CO2 levels exceeded 2,000 ppm, signifying potential risks for airborne disease transmission.

Additionally, the research revealed that environments such as cabins and theaters displayed signs of over-conditioning, which not only affects comfort but also represents an opportunity for energy efficiency improvements. Elevated CO2 in dining areas reflected pollution from marine traffic and port operations, raising concerns about the adequacy of air filtration and ventilation systems both at sea and docked.

Ho Yin Wickson Cheung, the lead author of the research, stated that the study offers practical solutions based on scientific findings, aiming to enhance the well-being of everyone on board cruises.

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