New App Speeds Up Process of Re-entering U.S. While on Cruise

Arguably, one of the most unpleasant aspects of a vacation cruise is the inevitable wait through a long U.S. customs line following an expedition. However, cruise passengers can now rejoice in the introduction of an app called Mobile Passport Control (MPC), which will allow passengers to digitally declare their U.S. customs paperwork and disembark with the assistance of their phones rather than enduring a lengthy waiting period. MPC will make its debut at Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades seaport, one of the top three most popular ports in the world for the number of passengers that pass through. MPC will be used by U.S. citizens re-entering the country and requires them to input biographical information that will then be presented to custom officials with an encrypted code, along with the traveler’s passport.

The Port Everglades stop is home to Royal Caribbean International’s largest ships, Oasis and Allure of the Seas. Both ships carry over 7,000 passengers, a number that is impressive but could make traditional disembarking a tedious and unpleasant process. MPC’s implementation into the cruise system will no doubt speed up the process for these large fleets—just in time for the arrivals of the port’s newest ships, Harmony of the Seas and Koningsdam. Both of the additions boast an approximate 7,000 passenger capacity and the app is expected to significantly enhance guest experience.

Cruise ships are an unforgettable experience, but sometimes these experiences are not always positive. If you find you need to exercise your legal rights following an incident on a cruise, contact our cruise ship injury attorneys at Louis A. Vucci P.A. for knowledgeable counsel. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at (786) 375-0344.