Carnival expands facial biometric tech to speed disembarkation

Its partnership with US Customs and Border Protection has already improved the experience for more than 3m Carnival passengers.

30% faster

Nine of Carnival’s 14 US homeports are using this secure, streamlined technology, including Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Baltimore, Mobile, Galveston and Long Beach. Across the homeports where facial biometrics is being used, disembarkation has been expedited by an average of 30% in what Carnival said is the cruise industry's largest deployment of the technology.

'Thanks to our partnership with CBP, these technology solutions make the process more efficient, while giving guests a sense of safety and security, knowing their information is protected,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said.

More than 98% accuracy

Passengers disembarking ships at the end of a closed loop cruise (one operating round-trip US) pause at a kiosk with a camera to be photographed. Within seconds, the image is biometrically compared to their passport or visa photo to verify their identity with more than 98% accuracy.

'Through our partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, we will continue to transform cruise operations by leveraging technology and enhanced processes while also strengthening our data-sharing agreement to further secure US seaports,' said Diane J. Sabatino, deputy executive assistant commissioner, Office of Field Operations, CBP.

US travelers and select foreign nationals who opt out of the facial biometric process can request a manual document check from a CBP officer, consistent with existing requirements for admission into the US.