According to a press release, Carnival Cruise Line is expanding its use of facial biometric technology in order to expedite the deplaning process and enhance the customer experience. This move is part of their partnership with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aimed at making disembarkation as simple as possible for guests.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, stated that the expansion of this technology into their US home ports demonstrates their commitment to streamlining processes for guests. She also emphasized the importance of guest security and protection of personal information, which these technology solutions ensure.
Currently, nine out of Carnival’s 14 US home ports are utilizing facial biometric technology. These include popular destinations such as Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Baltimore, Mobile, Galveston, and Long Beach. The implementation of this technology has resulted in an average 30 percent reduction in time spent during the landing process.
The deplaning process involves guests disembarking from the ships and approaching a kiosk equipped with a camera. A photo is taken at the kiosk and within seconds it is compared biometrically to the guest’s passport or visa photo with an accuracy rate exceeding 98 percent. This verification process ensures that each guest’s identity is confirmed swiftly and efficiently.
Diane J. Sabatino, Deputy Executive Deputy Commissioner at CBP’s Office of Field Operations expressed satisfaction regarding the expansion of facial biometrics in cruise operations. She highlighted how public/private partnerships with the cruise industry contribute to securing and enhancing passenger experiences. Furthermore, she mentioned that collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line will continue to improve cruise operations through advanced technology while reinforcing data sharing agreements that protect US seaports.
However, it’s important to note that travelers from the US or select foreign citizens who prefer not to undergo facial biometric processing can still opt for a manual document check conducted by a CBP officer.
The incorporation of facial biometric technology by Carnival Cruise Line is a significant development that aims to streamline the disembarkation process and enhance guest experiences. The partnership with CBP underscores the commitment to utilizing advanced technology solutions while prioritizing passenger security and privacy.
Reportedly, this expansion of facial biometric technology by Carnival Cruise Line marks a notable milestone in the cruise industry’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
