MSC Cruises imposes new ban on smart glasses: What to know

Each cruise line maintains its own list of prohibited items on its public website. If you attempt to violate these rules, your items may be confiscated or you may find yourself permanently banned. Neither is a desirable outcome.

This list of no-nos will be updated as new technologies develop and even new trends emerge.

MSC Cruises owns Latest updates Their “ban list” includes the use of smart glasses on ships. Online forums and social media sites are abuzz with comments and opinions about the ban, but here's what we know.

The ban on smart glasses has focused on devices like the new Meta Ray-Ban glasses, which can record or stream video while worn.

In a world where these devices are becoming more commonplace, the lines between casual photography and discreet recording are becoming blurred. The bigger question is what level of privacy cruise passengers can expect on board, and whether the ban will stand the test of time.

Smart Glasses Official Policy

MSC Cruises has added smart glasses to the list of prohibited items under its official policies page.

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

“The use of devices capable of secretly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (such as smart glasses) is prohibited in public areas of the ship.”

While the policy is listed under “Prohibited Items on Board,” the specific restrictions are public area It sounds like this may mean that passengers can bring glasses, but if they wear them in public areas of the ship, they will be confiscated.

Online reaction

Reaction to the new ban has been truly divided. While one group would jokingly suggest extending the ban to regular cellphones (so boats would be quieter), others touted the usefulness of smart glasses, especially for the visually impaired.

a reddit postal The debate over this new ban shows the boundaries of debate. While it's easy to spot someone taking video of a ship or taking photos in the atrium, smart glasses are a little different, resulting in what some call “creepy behavior.”

But it's worth noting that most smart glasses, like Meta Ray-Bans, emit a bright light when recording or taking photos.

“Because a person is inherently mysterious. Phones with cameras are no longer a secret. If you see a cell phone, it probably means you are being recorded. Still wearing glasses? Unless someone is specifically looking for smart glasses, people won't notice. Great for MSC strikes. No need for weirdos walking around the boat 24/7 recording content from drunken strangers who will eventually post it online,” said one user.

While cruise ships have public spaces, the ships themselves are owned by private companies. Passengers must comply with any regulations. In this case, MSC Cruises appears to have erred on the side of privacy, trying to avoid any potential issues that could arise from someone being recorded without their knowledge.

Find a balance

For cruise ships, the new policy is a reminder to check for all prohibited items and rules of conduct before boarding the ship. Other cruise lines may update their policies in the future, and you don't want to be confiscated of certain technology when you start your vacation.

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

As someone who has shot a lot of video on cruise ships over the past decade, I always try to avoid having anyone in my footage. After all, I know they are just on vacation and don't need to be “content” when they just want to relax. But it's usually judged by someone's posture and how they're holding their phone (whether they're recording or not).

Maybe there will be a better balance with smart glasses in the future. But at least for now, cruise lines say they can't be worn in public. This is the law of the land – I mean the law of the sea.