MSC Cruises' unexpected ban angers passengers

MSC Cruises recently confused many passengers with an unexpected ban. 

Like other cruise lines, MSC has a long list of prohibited items that aren't allowed onboard their fleet, many of which are common sense. You wouldn't, for example, try to smuggle illegal drugs or explosives on your Caribbean cruise. 

Sometimes, however, the line between what's banned and what guests think is harmless isn't too clear. For instance, many guests assume they can bring Bluetooth speakers, but they are actually banned on Carnival ships. Likewise, aerosol cleaning products are also not permitted on board. 

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Recently, a new update to MSC Cruises' prohibited items list has left guests puzzled. According to the cruise line's website, "devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in [the ship's] public areas." 

What's confusing is that smart glasses are listed under "items forbidden onboard"; however, the restriction specifically applies to public areas, such as pools, lounges, and restaurants. 

MSC Cruises has not issued a statement on the reasoning behind the ban, though it's implied that it's because of privacy concerns. 

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Historically, MSC has a reputation for being strict about filming on board its ships. In 2024, popular YouTubers Ben & David were banned from filming during a cruise on the MSC World Europa that they had paid for themselves. 

MSC eventually apologized to the couple. However, the incident underscores why smart glasses, including Meta Ray-Bans or Google Glasses, popped up on the prohibited list. 

Since they can record video and capture audio discreetly, the devices could invade the privacy of passengers and crew in public areas on their ships — especially if they don't know that they are being filmed. 

Confusion about how the ban will be enforced

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MSC's website indicates that smart glasses are only banned from public areas. However, many travel agents have reported that they may not be allowed on board at all. 

One cruiser shared that they just disembarked from an MSC cruise and had no issues bringing their smart glasses on the ship.

"I just got off one of their ships on this past Sunday and I wore mine," wrote Robin Hopkins on Facebook. 

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Frank Furter added, "I just returned from an MSC cruise, and my glasses were NOT seized."

If that's the case, it seems that the smart glasses ban is similar to MSC's rules about drones: you can have them on board, but you can't use them on the ship. 

"Guests are permitted to bring drones, though they must be stored safely in their cabins as their use on board is strictly forbidden: any drones found being used on board will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise," reads MSC's Guest Conduct Policy. 

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Either way, the news has left many cruisers frustrated, with some pledging to never book an MSC Cruises voyage again.

"Won’t be sailing MSC then. I love my [Ray-Ban] smart glasses... They do so much more than photo and video. Translation, calls, music, and so much more. They don’t go? Neither do I," Travis Sage Welp said.

Mark Cee echoed similar sentiments, writing, "Welp… down goes MSC, I guess I’ll travel [Virgin Voyages] from here on out."

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"As a travel agent, my Meta glasses are one of my most valuable tools. I use them to capture authentic photos and videos of my own travel experiences so I can better promote destinations and give my clients real, first-hand insight," Jeremy Roberts Travels added. 

"I understand the reasoning behind the policy, and I absolutely support protecting guest privacy and safety. Limiting wearables in certain areas—like restrooms, spas, kids’ clubs, or other sensitive spaces—makes complete sense. But banning them for the entire cruise feels excessive."