Key Aspects:
- MSC Cruises has now banned smart glasses and the wearable tech will be confiscated.
- The ban is to safeguard guests’ privacy as well as security operations onboard.
- No other cruise lines have yet banned smart glasses but policies are always under review.
Many cruise guests don’t think twice about snapping an onboard selfie, whipping out a camera to capture that fabulous ocean sunset, or getting a quick pic of a delicious dinner or dessert.
Some guests go even further with digital recording, creating videos of contests or activities or sending recorded greetings back to landlocked family members and friends.
In these types of videos, it’s not unexpected to capture the smiles of strangers on a crowded cruise ship. But does everyone appreciate being filmed?
MSC Cruises is now cracking down on one type of filming device to safeguard guests’ privacy. According to the cruise line’s luggage policy, smart glasses are not permitted in public areas.
“Devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in ships’ public areas,” the policy reads.
This includes Google Glass, Meta/Ray-Ban Stories, AI glasses, or any discreet wearable technology that may be able to record, regardless of brand.
What will happen if guests do try to pack along smart glasses?
“Port Security has the duty to search Guests and luggage to confiscate any article internationally known as dangerous for the safety and security of Guests, Crew and ship,” the policy explains.
It is arguable whether smart glasses constitute a security risk, but they certainly be considered an unreasonable invasion of privacy if guests are filmed without their knowledge.
Why the Smart Glasses Ban?
Why would MSC Cruises ban smart glasses when other recording devices, including smartphones and regular cameras, are easily permitted?
The difference may be in how filming technology has advanced and the risk is poses to unsuspecting guests or crew members.
Because this technology may not be immediately recognizable, it is possible that smart glasses could be used for filming in restrooms, spa facilities, and other areas, or else used to record secure areas such as the gangways or cruise terminal security checkpoints.
“We are committed to ensuring that all guest feel comfortable and safe on our ships without concern that they might be recorded without their knowledge or consent, especially in private or communal areas,” a post to travel advisors explained.
Another possibility is the desire to avoid unsavory incidents that may be staged just for the purpose of online views, hits, and shares.
Vloggers and content creators who want to “go viral” with a controversial video post may resort to more discreet recording options, such as smart glasses, in order to capture incidents, or even to stage such behavior and record it with less notice so onboard security guards do not delete it.
Of course, most smart glasses do have lights that indicate when they are actively recording. Depending on the brand and one’s technical expertise, however, there may be workarounds to make recording less obvious.
Read Also: What Can You Not Bring on a Cruise?
The ban may also be a liability issue for the cruise line. If such technology is permitted and someone is filmed in violation of privacy policies, it is possible that MSC Cruises might be named in future litigation.
By banning the technology, the cruise line is limiting its risk, at the same time making an attempt to ensure guests’ privacy is preserved.
Will Other Cruise Lines Ban Smart Glasses?
At the moment, no other cruise lines outright prohibit smart glasses. It is possible, however, that more cruise lines will adopt similar policies, particularly if the technology is used for unsavory incidents.
Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas in early November 2025, two livestreamers were kicked off the ship in Roatan, Honduras for fighting.
The two men and others traveling with them are well-known for generating controversial videos, and the fight incident may have been an attempt to do just that.
While smart glasses were not part of that situation, it is possible as technology evolves the wearable cameras could become much more widespread and problematic.
Guests sailing with any cruise line should always check the prohibited items list in the weeks leading up to their departure date, as policies are frequently updated as needs and concerns change.
