Dr Richard Hastings, a microbiologist for BioCote, says that by adopting antimicrobial silver ion technology into highly populated areas on-board, it can help lower levels of bacteria by up to 99.99%, dramatically reducing the possibility of cross contamination, Various studies have shown silver ions to be ant-viral.

“Cruise ships are characterised by high population densities, crowded public rooms and living accommodation, shared sanitary facilities and common water and food supplies.  Because of this, passengers and crew are at particular risk from outbreaks of infectious disease,” said Dr Hastings.

“This obviously makes strict hygiene practices paramount to avoid gastrointestinal illnesses like Shigella, Salmonella, E.coli, Norovirus and Campylobacter breaking out.  These can be highly contagious and can be spread quickly through a number of ways, particularly if passengers suffer sickness and diarrhoea and they do not properly sanitise.  Contaminated food, hand-to-hand contact and bacteria living on surfaces like door handles, kitchen worktops, light switches and stairway rails also present hazards where cross contamination can occur.

“The impact an outbreak could have can be devastating.  Shigella and Norovirus for example can be particularly dangerous for the elderly or very young, especially if passengers have underlying health problems.  Then there is the damage this can do to a cruise liners reputation, especially if it becomes a PR disaster once it’s out in the wider public domain.”

To combat this, Dr Hastings believes manufacturers of products for the cruise line industry should think seriously about adopting silver ion technology into their products at the manufacturing stage.  He also believes that those with the purchasing power for ships should insist the products they buy feature this type of technology.

“It is proven through independent laboratory testing that silver ion technology is highly effective against a wide range of disease causing bacteria.  At BioCote, we work with manufacturers to incorporate our unique technology at the production stage, providing built-in antimicrobial protection for the lifetime of the product.”