MSC Cruises Introduces New Ban on Smart Glasses: What to Know

Every cruise line has its own list of prohibited items listed on their public website.  And if you try to break these rules you could either have an item confiscated or find yourself permanently banned yourself.  Both are not ideal outcomes.

As new technology is developed, and even as new trends pop up, this list of no-nos is updated.

MSC Cruises has recently updated their “ban list” to include the use of smart glasses on board their ships.  Online forums and social media sites have lit up with comments and perspectives on the ban, but here is what we know.

The ban on smart glasses centers on devices, such as the new Meta Ray-Bans, that can record or transmit video while being worn. 

In a world where these devices are becoming more common, the line between casual photography and discreet recording is blurring.  The bigger question is what level of privacy a cruise passenger can expect on a cruise ship and if this ban will stand the test of time.

The Official Policy on Smart Glasses

MSC Cruises has added smart glasses to their list of forbidden items under their official policies page.

A direct quote from MSC Cruises’ luggage information section clarifies the rule:

“Devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in ships public areas.”

While the policy is listed under “Items Forbidden Onboard,” the specific restriction to public areas sounds like it might mean that passengers may bring the glasses but will have them confiscated if they are wearing them around the common areas of the ship.

The Online Reaction

The reaction to this new ban really is divided.  While there is a group of people who will playfully suggest extending the ban to cell phones in general (so there is more peace and quiet on the ship), others tout the usefulness of smart glasses, especially for the visually impaired.

A Reddit post about this new ban shows where the line of debate is drawn.   While it’s easy to spot someone taking a video of the ship or taking pictures in the atrium, smart glasses are a little different, with one calling it “creepy behavior”.

Although it should be noted that most smart glasses like Meta Ray-Bans, have a bright light that shines when recording or taking a picture.

“Because one is inherently secretive. Phones having cameras are no longer a secret. If you see a phone in sight, you can imply you’re being recorded. Glasses tho? Unless someone is specifically looking for smart glasses, people won’t notice. Good on MSC for cracking down. Don’t need weirdos walking around a ship recording 24/7 for content on drunk strangers that they will eventually post online,” one user stated.

While cruise ships have public spaces, the ships themselves are owned by private companies.  And passengers have to follow whatever rules are put in place.  In this case, it seems that MSC Cruises is erring on the side of privacy, trying to get ahead of any potential issues that could come from someone unknowingly being recorded.

Finding a Balance

For cruisers, the new policy is a reminder to review all prohibited items and conduct rules before boarding.  Other cruise lines could update their own policies in the future, and you don’t want to start your vacation by having some piece of tech confiscated.

Some see smart glasses as a fun and convenient way to take pictures and videos and even stream content, but if that ease of use makes it harder for others to enjoy a vacation in peace, it becomes an issue.

As someone who has shot a lot of video on cruise ships over the last decade, I always try to avoid having any people in my shots.  After all, I know they’re just on vacation and don’t need to turn into “content” when they’re just trying to relax.  But it’s usually pretty obvious by someone’s posture and how they are holding a phone if it’s recording or not. 

Perhaps in the future there will be a better balance with smart glasses.  But at least for now the cruise line is saying they can’t be worn in public areas.  It’s the law of the land–I mean sea.