Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that it will be rolling out the use of the secure travel pass app VeriFLY fleetwide, meaning it will now be used at all of the cruise line’s US homeports. The cruise industry giants, who are celebrating their 50th year in the industry this week, have made the decision to widen the use of the app following a short, successful trial period that started back in January.
Designed to make the process of traveling on Carnival Cruise ships and presenting their Covid-19 related credentials much easier for travelers, those using VeriFLY can expect to benefit from a faster, more convenient boarding process that removes the need to carry an assortment of documents. Here’s everything you need to know about the app, how to use it on Carnival Cruise sailings and what the alternatives are for travelers.
VeriFLY Use Extended – What Travelers Should Know
Originally designed with airlines in mind, VeriFLY is an application that allows travelers to verify their travel credentials prior to taking a trip. These credentials, such as Covid-19 test results, proof of Covid-19 vaccination and passenger locator forms, are then stored securely in the app, allowing travelers to easily retrieve them when required. Use of the app can save travelers the time and hassle of carrying various documents with them wherever they go, allowing them to check in much quicker and much easier.
Whilst it may not be universally accepted at present, the use of VeriFLY has steadily been adopted by a range of different airlines and travel providers. Several leading businesses in the industry such as American Airlines and British Airways have already begun to allow travelers to use VeriFLY for their flights – and Carnival Cruise Line is the latest big name to adopt wider use of the time-saving app.
Carnival Cruise Line first began using the app in January on a trial basis. The cruise line reported a significant uptake in the number of cruise goers using the app to board the Mardi Gras ship from Port Canaveral, with more than 85% of the 2,000 passengers who opened an email invitation to use the app going on to download it. Following this successful pilot program, the app can now be used for all cruises departing from US homeports.
The app can be downloaded for free from both the Google Play store and the Apple App Store. Once downloaded, passengers must simply search for Carnival Cruise Line within the app and follow the necessary steps, which will include submitting documentation regarding a passenger’s Covid-19 vaccination status and test results. Upon completion, travelers will be provided with a VeriFLY pass, which can be presented during embarkation.
Speaking about the decision to roll out the use of VeriFLY. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy spoke of the impact the app will have on the boarding process – with the length of time taken to complete the health assessment process during embarkation expected to be cut in half. “VeriFLY helps our guests easily and securely complete pre-embarkation tasks right from their smartphone. Guests can save time at the port and get on board faster by completing the process via VeriFLY,” Duffy said.
However, whilst the app may provide a faster and secure embarkation experience, its use is not compulsory. Travelers who would prefer not to use the app can still board the old fashioned way, which will include completing the necessary tasks on Carnival’s website and providing all the Covid-19 related documents when embarking.
