| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 06/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 33 |
| Copyright: Other |
Computerised check-in
Carnival adds remote embarkation facilities
Report by KIRSTEN BOWLING
CRUISE passengers choosing Carnival Cruise Line holidays will be able to check in before arriving at their ship.
The introduction of a remote embarkation system will allow passengers to check in before actually arriving in port. The hand-held computer system allows agents to travel to airports, hotels or bus terminals and register guests. The system was tested on Destiny’s weekly departures from San Juan because sailings from the port tend to attract a large amount of air to sea guests.
A Carnival spokesman said:”Destiny is a huge ship and this system makes embarkation much easier. The reason behind it is to take some pressure off the whole embarkation process and the results have been quite significant.”
With the new system, guests’ booking information is entered into a hand-held computer and boarding passes are issued on the spot. When they arrive at the pier, all they have to do is show their boarding passes and board the ship.
Carnival president Bob Dickinson said: “This new system provides guests with a quicker, more efficient means for boarding.”
Since the introduction of the system, waiting times at San Juan have been reduced and due to the success of the remote embarkation, Carnival now plans to introduce the technology to all of its other North American home ports.
US ports offering Carnival Cruise Lines include Tampa, Galvaston and New Orleans.