Enforcing smoking policies in entertainment spaces such as cruise ship casinos and cigar lounges has long been a challenge for the maritime industry.

Despite designated zones and signage, smoke frequently drifts into non-smoking areas, affecting air quality and compromising the comfort of guests and crew. With cruise operators under pressure to protect health while preserving the onboard experience, finding a solution that works in real-world conditions has been challenging.

However, VIKAND, the global leader in maritime healthcare and wellness solutions, is helping cruise operators address smoke-related air quality challenges with systems powered by Pyure Technology®. Independent testing shows how their air purification systems dramatically improve the experience for non-smoking passengers and crew members in onboard amenities where smoking is permitted.

Casinos and cigar lounges are some of the few remaining indoor spaces where smoking is permitted on cruise ships. While designated outdoor smoking zones aim to protect non-smokers, smoke often travels beyond these areas, compromising air quality and the overall guest and crew experience.

VIKAND’s solution targets a comprehensive range of airborne and surface contaminants, including bacteria, mold, smoke odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as nicotine, which linger in both air and on surfaces from secondhand smoke. Recently, Pyure Technology® was put to the test by The IEP Group, an independent testing lab, in partnership with Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI), owner of the Kentucky Derby®.

CDI installed Pyure’s hydroxyl-based air purification technology at two major venues which are similar settings to cruise ship casinos – the Churchill Downs racetrack and Newport Racing & Gaming – and invited IEP to test its impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) and surface sanitation, with groundbreaking results.

Despite weeks of interior smoke exposure, no nicotine was detected in the air or on surfaces, confirming that Pyure significantly reduces airborne and surface bacteria, mold and VOCs in complex, high-traffic environments similar to those found on cruise ships. Interior testing further revealed significant bacterial reductions on commonly touched surfaces, including a 93% reduction on bathroom handles, 90% reduction on slot machines, 84% reduction on ATM keypads, and 80% reduction at bar drink stations.

VIKAND has installed Pyure’s advanced air purification technology on over 30 cruise ships, including smoking rooms and cigar lounges across multiple fleets. These installations enable cruise lines to deliver exceptional guest and crew experience while reducing public health risks, improving crew working conditions and enhancing environmental sustainability through energy-efficient purification. According to a peer-reviewed study published in the March 2024 ASHRAE Journal, Pyure’s air purification technology enables greater use of recirculated room air, significantly reducing HVAC energy demand and improving overall fuel efficiency onboard.

With a Pyure solution integrated into a vessel’s HVAC infrastructure, VIKAND helps cruise operators create safer, healthier onboard environments and more energy-efficient operations – all without compromising guest freedom or entertainment options.

“In high-traffic, high-contact spaces like casinos, where air and surface quality are paramount, our solutions help cruise operators protect what matters most – the health and trust of their guests and crew,” said Mattias Hallberg, VIKAND Technical Solutions Director.

According to Dr Connie Araps, Pyure Scientific Officer, “Second hand smoke contains thousands of harmful organic compounds that linger in the air and on surfaces. Pyure’s hydroxyl technology rapidly and safely breaks down these pollutants including nicotine, benzene, and formaldehyde restoring indoor air quality and giving cruise operators a scientifically proven way to improve safety and comfort for everyone onboard.”

As the cruise industry continues seeking innovations that enhance health, sustainability and guest experience, VIKAND and Pyure’s air purification solution delivers measurable results, reliable protection and lasting peace of mind.

Cruise operators can now confidently welcome thousands of guests – both smokers and non-smokers alike – and deliver a safe, healthy and entertaining voyage for all onboard.