You can expedite your passage through U.S. customs after your next cruise with the help of facial recognition technology.

If you're as frustrated by the cruise disembarkation process as I am, listen up: Cruise lines are collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to streamline your customs experience post-disembarkation by utilizing biometric data and facial recognition.

How it operates

This technology is already implemented in 11 major cruise ports, such as Bayonne, Miami, New Orleans, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Tampa, Galveston, Mobile, Manhattan, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), and Seattle, with plans for further expansion.

Several companies supply this technology to ports on behalf of the cruise lines. For instance, IDEMIA has teamed up with Royal Caribbean to introduce its MFACE facial biometric capture software in Bayonne, Miami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), and Galveston.

Upon disembarking, you'll approach a series of small pedestal kiosks, where a camera will scan your face and match it with the photo associated with your passport or visa displayed on the screen.

This process is incredibly quick and, according to a CBP statement, boasts a 98% accuracy rate. If your identity cannot be confirmed, you will move to a traditional customs line, as will passengers on closed-loop cruises who are using non-passport documentation.

Travelers who prefer not to have their photos taken can request direct identity verification from CBP instead.

The reason for its implementation

Beyond streamlining the process for travelers and border officials, biometric technology serves as a vital safety measure. Since 2018, CBP has reported preventing over 850 imposters from entering the U.S. with legitimate travel documents that weren't theirs.

"Travel and security are intertwined," stated Lisa Sullivan, IDEMIA's VP of Travel and Transport, in an email to TPG. "MFACE... was designed and continues to be refined with no compromises on the safety of travelers."

These facial recognition screenings are already in place at most major U.S. airports and land entry points, with over 88 million travelers having undergone this form of identity verification so far.

Experiencing the screening process

During my last two cruises—one from Miami and the other from Port Canaveral—I experienced this screening method upon disembarking. Both times, there was no waiting; I simply walked up to the camera, saw my face on the screen, and was on my way in just two seconds. The only delay was having to take off my mask and put it back on before continuing.

Privacy concerns

You might feel uneasy about the government having access to your biometric data, but remember that if you possess a passport or Global Entry, that information is already recorded. This is how your identity gets verified when you travel.

Since 2007, all U.S. passports are biometric (also known as e-passports), equipped with a chip containing all details (birth date, full name, etc.) from your passport, as well as your photo. Some e-passports from other nations include additional biometric data, such as fingerprints and even retinal scans.

As stated on CBP's website, "Facial comparison software, hosted in a secure cloud environment, does not retain biographic data for travelers. CBP keeps photos of U.S. citizens for no more than 12 hours post-verification, solely for operational continuity."

In short, you needn't worry about your information being stolen at the cruise port, as it will be deleted after 12 hours.

What officials are saying

"As part of our efforts to recover travel, we provide travelers with secure, touchless, and efficient entry procedures into the United States while ensuring the privacy of all individuals," stated Diane J. Sabatino, CBP's deputy executive assistant commissioner for field operations.

"The health, safety, and security of passengers, crew members, and the communities we visit are the cruise industry's highest priorities. The implementation of biometric technology at cruise terminals is yielding impressive results," said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association, which represents 90% of the world's cruise lines.

"As we work to revive the travel industry, biometric technology will become increasingly vital in creating a modern, secure, and efficient travel system for everyone," stated Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy for the U.S. Travel Association.

Other uses of biometric data on your cruise

I recently discussed how cruise lines are adopting contact tracing on their ships following COVID-19. Some vessels monitor passenger locations and close contacts using facial recognition software that utilizes existing security camera footage.

For years, cruise lines have employed your photo and facial recognition for various purposes—from verifying your identity during embarkation and disembarkation—where your photo appears as you swipe on and off the ship—to helping you locate your pictures in the onboard photo gallery after a photo session.

In summary

Whether you like it or not, as a traveler, the government already has access to your personal information. Skipping biometric screenings won't change that, and opting for them simply means you'll enjoy quicker lines and shorter wait times. Don't be surprised if you encounter this at the terminal after your next sailing that arrives in the U.S.