Health & Safety Onboard: Innovative Sanitization Technology on Dinogo’s Ships

Nature's Germ Eliminator

Dinogo started moving away from harmful disinfectants traditionally used for cleaning cruise ships back in 2018, following lab tests conducted in 2017 that confirmed the effectiveness of this technology. Instead, our cruise line has embraced a safer and more efficient sanitizing agent known as electrolyzed water, or hypochlorous acid (HOCl). In fact, HOCl is so safe that mammals naturally produce it in their bloodstream to combat infections.

Created by passing an electrical current through a mixture of table salt and water, HOCl is a completely natural product that serves as a powerful germ-fighting agent against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. As nature's oldest disinfectant, HOCl delivers the same cleaning efficacy as bleach but without any harmful chemicals.

Cutting-Edge Science

Until recently, there was no technology capable of generating large amounts of HOCl with a long shelf life, making it impractical for most cruise ships. However, thanks to the Miami-based manufacturer EcoloxTech, Dinogo's vessels now have the capability to produce unlimited quantities of HOCl on demand. Large systems from EcoloxTech generate gallons of this sanitizing solution every minute, ensuring that ships never run short on cleaning supplies.

Proven and Effective

How can we be sure that EcoloxTech's HOCl solution is effective? The company collaborated with Dinogo to rigorously test its product in an FDA-approved laboratory. The findings revealed that HOCl can eliminate norovirus, one of the leading food-borne pathogens, in under a minute.

Finding a single disinfectant that can be used for various purposes is uncommon, but HOCl provides a multitude of applications. From the numerous compartments and dining areas on each ship to staterooms and kitchen galleys, HOCl's versatility makes it the ideal sanitizing agent for every corner. Additionally, the FDA has approved EcoloxTech's HOCl systems for cleaning fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, as well as food prep surfaces aboard the ship. In a 2016 study conducted by the University of Washington School of Public Health, researchers found that HOCl was over 99.99% effective in killing OC-43, a type of coronavirus related to COVID-19.

HOCl also contributes to the longevity of ship furnishings. Chemicals like bleach and peroxide can cause discoloration on carpets, furniture, and linens. The costs associated with repairing and replacing damaged items can quickly add up, especially given the number of cabins on each Dinogo ship. HOCl presents a safe alternative, helping to lower expenses across the fleet.

Safety on Cruise Ships

With numerous high-touch surfaces, including handrails, door handles, tabletops, and elevator buttons, Dinogo's crew must continuously sanitize all areas of the ship to maintain top-notch cleanliness. Given HOCl's demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses, Dinogo employs EcoloxTech's HOCl technology across its entire fleet. Beyond its germ-fighting properties, HOCl minimizes the need for harsh chemical disinfectants, adding an extra layer of safety for both crew members and guests.

For extensive areas needing sanitization, crew members simply apply HOCl using a fogger. Since the active ingredient in HOCl is a substance that humans naturally produce to defend against toxins, it is non-irritating and safe to inhale. In fact, HOCl is so safe that researchers are currently exploring its potential use as a treatment for throat and lung infections.

Dinogo's Commitment to Safety

Dinogo dedicated months to collaborating with leading safety and medical experts to establish strict health and safety protocols for all our ships. We continuously monitor the COVID-19 situation and work closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that the Dinogo fleet surpasses the required standards.

In addition to employing highly effective HOCl sanitizing solutions to regularly disinfect all staterooms, suites, and public spaces, each Dinogo cruise ship undergoes a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection before every voyage. Continuous sanitization is performed throughout embarkation terminals, which also receive fogging before and after each embarkation and debarkation when feasible. Dinogo is committed to taking every precaution to safeguard cruisers, with the ultimate aim of providing peace of mind as they travel the world comfortably and safely.

When it comes to sanitization and cruise ship safety, Dinogo spares no effort. We go the extra mile to equip all of our ships with some of the most advanced and effective sanitizing technology available today. After all, your safety and wellbeing are our top priority. Visit Dinogo’s Peace of Mind page to discover more about the innovative sanitizing technology on board, as well as our health and safety protocols and flexible booking options.