Facial recognition technology speeds Port of Palm Beach cruisersFacial recognition technology speeds Port of Palm Beach cruisers

Cruising aboard Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Florida's Port of Palm Beach just got smoother with both self-parking and facial recognition technology now in place.

Record day

The first use of the facial recognition technology Jan. 3 marked a milestone for the port with more than 1,400 passengers off the cruise ship before 10 a.m. on a record day. This is a significant improvement that also allowed passengers embarking on the following cruise to get aboard faster.

Now that cruisers are moving through customs quicker than before, the port also introduced self-parking to further expedite passenger flow.

'We’ve worked closely with Palm Beach Parking to ensure our parking operations are as smooth and safe as possible,' Port of Palm Beach Executive Director Michael Meekins said. 'With their team of attendants on hand to direct passengers, we eliminate any confusion on entering and exiting the premises, and provide a safer, faster and more organized environment for everyone.'

For passengers using ride-share services, the port has designated a specific area directly across from the cruise terminal.

Limited valet parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

'Easy-breezy' goal

'We are excited about the partnership with both the Port of Palm Beach and US Customs & Border Protection to help significantly improve the experience for cruise guests, said Anthony Stice, SVP hotel operations for Margaritaville at Sea. 'We look forward to continuing to find ways to elevate the experience for our guests to make their sailings as easy-breezy as possible.'

For added safety, the port also established a temporary pedestrian walkway between vehicles and the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. This walkway eventually will be replaced with a permanent structure topped by a canopy.

Meekins said further planned improvements include the installation of sidewalks, signage, pavement resurfacing, striping, minor landscaping and new fencing.