Carnival Launches New Online Embarkation Portal

To comply with the new data-gathering requirements by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Carnival Cruise Lines has established a new on-line embarkation portal that enables guests to submit the required information for their upcoming "Fun Ship" cruise. The new system will be launched Nov. 25, 2003, and be in effect for all Carnival departures beginning Dec. 15, 2003. Registering on-line prior to the voyage will also serve to streamline the embarkation process. For guests who register prior to 40 days before sailing, cruise documents will include a "FunPass" allowing them to "fast track" through embarkation when they arrive at the cruise terminal. Guests may register up to two days prior to sailing and will also have the option of printing their own "FunPass" once the registration process is complete. The new system is in accordance with the new DHS regulations that require cruise lines to provide specific guest information - first, middle and last name, gender, date of birth, nationality and permanent address - for all U.S. guests prior to the departure of the voyage. Non-U.S. guests must supply additional information such as country of residence, passport and visa details (if applicable), and destination address following the cruise. "With today's stricter security measures and data-collecting requirements, we wanted to develop a system that complies with the new DHS regulations while enabling our guests to board their 'Fun Ship' cruise in the quickest and most efficient manner possible. Our new on-line embarkation portal meets these new requirements while serving to speed up the embarkation process," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.