Industry News

How are Cruise Lines addressing Soft Surface Contamination?

When a guest arrives on a cruise ship, they expect their pillows and mattresses to be clean. In fact, it’s one of the few non-negotiables for many travelers. According to the research by Berendsen UK, a staggering 96% of respondents would be less likely to rebook if their bed linen and towels are stained or of a poor quality, with 95% stating that they would tell others about their bad experience. And this was before the onset of COVID-19.

Now more than ever, meeting these expectations for cleanliness will be crucial. Cruise lines are taking every precaution to keep their guests and crew safe by following CDC guidelines, improving sanitization measures, encouraging social distancing, and having more medical resources on-hand. But one issue remains largely unaddressed: soft-surface contamination.

The Problem:

Soft surfaces (pillows, mattresses, throw pillows, sofas, etc.) are prone to contamination by their very design. They are constructed with porous materials and stitched seams, which allow for the accumulation of dust, mold, bacteria, and viruses within their cores. Because there is no way to effectively clean the cores of these soft surfaces, these pathogens are expelled into the air with each use. This not only puts guests at risk, but also the crew onboard the ship.

The Solution:

Spry Therapeutics, a health and wellness technology company with a focus on soft surface contamination, is determined to solve this issue in an effective, affordable, and sustainable way. Its patented technology is designed to keep moisture and pathogens out of the cores of soft surfaces, thereby helping to reduce infection rates while simultaneously increasing product durability and lifespan.

“It is our mission to help not only the cruise industry, but hospitality as a whole, understand and address the dangers of soft surfaces and offer effective and affordable alternatives to keep guests and staff safe,” says Bill Purdy, CEO and Co-Founder of Spry.

Spry’s Breathable Barrier Solution is comprised of three components:

1. The Pneumapure Filter: Spry’s patented Pneumapure Filter technology allows air to pass in and out of the soft surface, while blocking all known pathogens – down to .02 micron – from getting inside.
2. Hermetically Sealed Seams: By welding the seams of its products, Spry eliminates the need for stitching holes that would otherwise allow pathogen ingress.
3. Waterproof Outer Material: The exterior fabric prevents the core from absorbing any moisture, keeping the core clean and dry.

Together, these components enable hotels and cruise lines to ensure that their soft surfaces remain clean and safe for their guests and crew to use.

Improved Sustainability with Increased Efficiency

According to CLIA’s State of the Industry report, the cruising industry’s focus on environmental sustainability has led to a $22 billion investment in the development of new energy efficient technologies, and a commitment to reducing its rate of carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.

Spry is committed to helping cruise lines achieve their goal to become more sustainable. Because Spry products do not need to be laundered (they can simply be wiped down with a topical disinfectant), they help cruise lines conserve both water and energy during their voyages. For outdoor furniture, the waterproof barrier also protects the cushion’s core from the elements. In doing so, it increases the durability and lifespan of the product, reducing the need for frequent disposal and replacement.

As the cruise industry continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, guests will need every reassurance that their health and safety is being prioritized. It is crucial that cruise lines address all facets of infection prevention – from restaurant layouts, to check-in processes, to furniture choices. In the short term, modifying practices and procedures is a daunting task for any industry. The good news is that in doing so, cruise lines are ensuring long-term trust, security, and goodwill among its guests and crew, which will allow it to return stronger than ever after the pandemic is over.

To read the full Seatrade Cruise News article, click here.