Cruise Line Security
First and foremost the cruise industry’s highest priority is to
ensure the safety and security of its passengers and crew. Cruise
ships are inherently secure because they are a controlled environment
with limited access. Under normal circumstances security programs are
stringent. But, in light of recent events, we have strengthened those
programs even further. In order to maintain an effective and
meaningful security environment our member lines have established
strict and highly confidential security procedures that cannot, for
obvious reasons, be discussed in detail.
Cruise passengers, however, should be very comfortable with the
additional security measures they will see during their cruise
vacation. This includes increased inspections of luggage and carry-on
articles, additional security personnel and controls, and the use of
canine inspections.
Our member lines are working closely with local, state, federal and
international authorities such as the port authorities where our ships
call, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service, the U.S. Customs Service, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and Interpol. This will enhance the safety and security
of everyone onboard our ships. Additionally, our member lines have
Security Officers who are responsible for enforcing security
procedures onboard the ship.
At U.S. cruise terminals, port security includes screening
procedures similar to those found at airports. These procedures
include the use of metal detectors for embarking passengers. Photo
identification is required for all guests, crew members and visitors
who board any of our ships. The following documents are required for
all passengers boarding our member lines:
- US Citizens - A passport or a birth certificate (original
or certified copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal,
state, or local government agency are required. A voter registration
card or Social Security card are not considered to be proof of
citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture
ID card.
- Non-US Citizens - Valid passports and visas (when needed) are required in addition to Alien Registration Cards (ARC or "Green" cards) if an individual is a Resident Alien living in the United States. Certain Canadian and Mexican citizens may travel with alternative documentation depending on their alien status in the United States.
- For customs and immigration purposes, guests are also required to
have necessary visa, passport and other travel authorization
documents based upon their nationality and country of residence.
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