Vancouver Marks One Million Biometric Cruise Passengers

The Port of Vancouver has reached a significant milestone, welcoming its one millionth cruise passenger through its facial biometric embarkation system.

The landmark passenger was a member of the Fullerton family from Kentucky, who were traveling to Vancouver to board an Alaska cruise.

The facial biometric technology was introduced at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal in June 2024, just as the Alaska cruise season was gaining momentum. According to Chance McKee, senior trade development account representative for the Port of Vancouver, the system has transformed the embarkation experience and remains unique among cruise ports.

“Previously, we used automated passport control kiosks, but since the implementation of facial biometrics, we have seen the average processing time per passenger through U.S. Customs and Border Protection reduced by about 94 percent.

It used to take around two to three minutes for each cruise passenger to pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but now it takes about 10 seconds per passenger. So, it has significantly improved the overall passenger journey. While the whole embarkation process would take around two hours, we have brought it down to around 30 minutes.”

The increased efficiency comes at a crucial time as Vancouver’s cruise sector continues to expand, with 357 cruise calls and approximately 1.4 million passengers expected during the current season.

“We typically use four stations each day, although we have 12 tables available for peak periods, making sure that the ships can leave on time on a peak day.

“When we have three vessels, we typically see about an average of 1,000 passengers being processed hourly during that 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. window.”

Dedicated staff are also on hand to help passengers navigate the process. Explained McKee: “Staff is there to remind passengers to remove their hats and glasses, and they can adjust the height of the tablets.

“We also have an instructional video that plays right before passengers enter the area, which also prepares them for how to go through the facial biometric process. It is just a kind of heads up for what to expect as they step up to the tablets.”

McKee said the system has operated smoothly since its introduction in 2024. “It has increased our overall efficiency. It has improved border protection, and it has increased and enhanced the overall passenger experience.

“So, from our perspective, from the passenger perspective, from the cruise line perspective and from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection perspective, it has been really positive all the way around.

“Being able to implement new technologies, like facial biometrics, we are able to ensure that the passenger experience is as efficient and enjoyable as possible,” McKee added. “It also needs to be said that initiatives like this come about by industry and government partnering together.”