From Port to Pool Deck: How One of America’s Largest Cruise Lines Manages Record Passenger Flow

The cruise industry — projected to grow 4.5% in 2025 — is riding a wave of unprecedented growth for the third straight year. AAA expects a record 19 million Americans to set sail in 2025. While the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mediterranean remain top destinations, river cruises are adding even more fuel with a $200 million industry. Since 2000, the global cruise fleet has more than doubled from 222 to 515 ships — while super-sized cruise ships are now capable of carrying up to 7,600 guests. 

But more guests means more challenges: heightened security and safety concerns, longer wait times, and congested ship venues. 

For 18+ years, one of America’s leading cruise lines has partnered with Lavi for durable, adaptable queuing solutions that meet the unique demands of life at sea and in the port. Lavi’s customizable systems improve efficiency, helping guests move easily from shore through ship for a superior end-to-end travel experience. As Lavi Account Executive Luis Benitez notes, “The best queuing systems are felt, not seen.”

In this article, we take you behind the scenes to explore the many ways Lavi’s queuing products help the cruise line manage heavy traffic on the high seas.

Dock-to-deck security

Lavi solutions, which set the standard for TSA queue efficiency and security, are similarly used at cruise terminals to create uniform, orderly lanes. “You see our stanchions from check-in and baggage drop all the way through metal detectors and boarding the ship,” says Luis. 

At the Port of Miami terminal, the cruise line uses Lavi’s Beltrac 3000 stanchions with custom signage to keep operations running smoothly. From priority boarding guests with disabilities, all the way through general boarding and staff lines, everyone moves quickly and stress-free.

Portable stanchions and safety barriers — anywhere, anytime

“The line’s initial interest was in traditional post-and-rope barriers,” recalls Luis. Solid brass or stainless steel posts and ropes made from velvet, braided rayon, or hemp, Lavi’s original flagship products stood out for their durable construction, sophisticated design, and versatility. From there, the partnership evolved.

Galvanized stanchion bases, designed for cruise life

“The key to this partnership is our ability to create products that didn’t exist before,” says Luis. “The cruise line works with one direct contact who understands their requirements — a relationship that strengthens over time.”

When the cruise line needed outdoor stanchions to withstand the harsh salt, sun, and sea, they turned to Lavi for a purpose-built solution. “The company asked for a solution that protects the ship’s flooring and maintains a polished look for years,” Luis explains. “That’s why we developed a galvanized stanchion base.”

Custom ADA stanchions enhance accessibility and compliance 

As the cruise line worked to update its fleet, “Lavi adapted rapidly to meet compliance needs,” says Luis.

Lavi’s ADA-compliant velvet rope and retractable belt stanchions began as a Beltrac 3000 ADA customization for the cruise line, and is now widely used across industries. “They’re an integral part of daily activity — used everywhere, and constantly moved around,” Luis says. 

Constructed with an ADA-compliant double-belt design, smooth-braking system, quick-drying rubberized base, and continuous aluminum tubing, these stanchions are reliable and easy to maintain across the cruise line’s entire 27-ship fleet. 

JetTrac barriers meet the demands of large floating hotels

Innovation can also arise from reimagining existing solutions for other use case applications.

Securing restricted areas is a constant necessity on a cruise ship — whether to close a pool or restrooms for cleaning, respond to a medical emergency, or quickly transform event spaces. Crew members previously relied on ropes, cones, or makeshift barriers — until Lavi introduced a game-changer.

Originally designed for stadiums and airports, the dual 65-foot-long belts on the JetTrac portable safety barrier proves a perfect fit for the expansive cruise environment, creating a flexible, effortless barrier for large spaces like decks, hallways, concourses. 

“Staff can roll out a JetTrac unit in seconds, minimizing disruptions and ensuring guest safety,” notes Luis.

Custom signage that directs, informs, and enhances wayfinding 

With several thousand guests onboard, clear visual cues minimize confusion and congestion. Lavi collaborated with the cruise line to create a strategic passenger wayfinding system that frees staff to focus on hospitality, rather than providing directions.  

Lavi’s in-house design team specializes in a wide array of custom signage solutions. For example, overhead signage directs passengers at key junctures like security checkpoints, while post-top sign frames guide guests through customer service lines. Edge tower signs draw attention, helping guests discover shows, restaurants, and activities.

“It’s all about making the flow feel natural,” Luis says. “If a guest doesn’t have to stop and think about where they’re going, we’ve done our job right.”

Hospitality partnerships built to scale

As cruise ship size and passenger volume swell, so does the need for flexible, scalable queue management. "It’s not just about products; it’s about solving real problems," says Luis.

"We’ve spent years perfecting solutions to make the guest experience smoother and more efficient."

Discussions are underway to extend Lavi’s systems to 90 additional ships within the line’s sister brands. There’s also the opportunity to explore new innovative Lavi products — like magnetic stanchions, smart guidance, electronic queuing, and glass wall mounts — which can further enhance operational efficiency and guest experiences on the ships and in the ports. 

Beyond cruise lines, Lavi collaborates with port authorities, tourism departments, governments, and shipbuilders to create safe, attractive, efficient environments throughout the entire passenger journey. From architectural railing systems to retail fixtures, Lavi’s sweeping array of solutions and innovative products help to take cruising to the next level.