CRUISE RULES: What Will It Cost You If You’re Not a Smart Cruiser?

CRUISE RULES: What Will It Cost You If You’re Not a Smart Cruiser? === === CRUISE RULES: What Will It Cost You If You’re Not a Smart Cruiser? Every cruise line publishes a list of prohibited items on its official website. If passengers intentionally violate these rules, the consequences can include having items confiscated or even being permanently banned from the cruise line—neither of which is an ideal way to begin a vacation. Let's find out on today's episode of Cruise Now: As new technology develops and trends evolve, these “do-not-bring” lists are regularly updated. Recently, MSC Cruises updated its prohibited items policy to include the use of smart glasses onboard. This decision quickly sparked widespread discussion across online forums and social media, raising questions about privacy and passenger rights. Here’s what we currently know. CRUISE RULES: What Will It Cost You If You’re Not a Smart Cruiser? The ban specifically targets devices such as Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, which are capable of recording or transmitting video while being worn. As these devices become more common, the line between casual photography and discreet recording continues to blur. This raises a larger question: how much privacy should cruise passengers reasonably expect, and can such a ban realistically be enforced long term? According to MSC Cruises’ official luggage policy: “Devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data are not allowed in ships’ public areas.” While smart glasses are listed under prohibited items, the wording suggests that passengers may still bring them onboard, but may not wear or use them in public areas of the ship. Failure to comply could result in the device being confiscated. CRUISE RULES: What Will It Cost You If You’re Not a Smart Cruiser? Public response to the new policy has been sharply divided. Some passengers jokingly suggested that cruise lines should ban mobile phones altogether to restore peace and quiet onboard. Others, however, pointed out that smart glasses can be extremely useful, particularly for individuals with visual impairments. The core concern, however, lies in how these devices can be used. Spotting someone filming with a smartphone in a ship’s atrium is easy—but smart glasses present a different challenge. One commenter described the practice as “creepy.” It is worth noting that most smart glasses, including Meta Ray-Ban models, feature a visible LED light that activates during photo or video recording. Still, many passengers may not recognize or notice this indicator.