Royal Caribbean quietly bans a common smart device from its cruise ships

Another cruise line suddenly updated its prohibited items list to specify that smart glasses are now restricted from certain areas of its ships. 

MSC Cruises was one of the first to ban smart glasses from its fleet back in December. While they didn't issue a statement on the reasoning behind the ban, many assumed that it was enacted to protect the privacy of its guests and crew members. 

"[D]evices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in [the ship's] public areas," reads MSC's website. 

Read more: MSC Cruises' unexpected ban angers passengers

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MSC Cruises has a history of strict technology and privacy policies. In 2024, for example, YouTubers Ben & David were prohibited from filming during a cruise on MSC World Europa. The kicker? They had paid for the entire cruise themselves. 

Although MSC eventually apologized to the couple, the move was a clear demonstration of the cruise line’s willingness to restrict content creators or paying guests, and the smart glasses ban is an extension of that same approach.

Most recently, Royal Caribbean followed suit, updating the verbiage on its prohibited items list to say, "'Smart' glasses from any of several manufacturers that can record video and audio are not allowed to be used in certain areas onboard the ship, including, but not limited to, public restrooms, Youth Program areas, medical areas, as well as the casino."

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That said, passengers began noticing the updated policy weeks before Royal Caribbean made it official on its website. Redditor catlovingcryptofella broke the news on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread in late January, posting a screenshot of a notice found in the Royal Caribbean mobile app:

"Smart glasses with video and audio recording capabilities are not permitted onboard. If a guest fails to abide by this policy, the chief security officer and captain are authorized to confiscate the smart glasses."

Online, the banned items list adds that passengers who have prescription smart glasses should bring a backup pair that is not smart-enabled.

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The decision comes after the cruise line updated its previous "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" clause to be more specific and include "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity."

Businesses are cracking down on digital risks to protect their cybersecurity

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MSC and Royal Caribbean are just two large corporations that have tightened their technology policies to safeguard guests, crew members, and onboard systems and information.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses, according to a survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti. Corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy," Cybersecurity Drive reported. 

"Cybersecurity is the top global risk and investment priority," the report reads. "Not only are cyber threats ranked as the top global near-term risk, but third-party risks (which are linked to cyber concerns) rank second. Cybersecurity also stands out as the top investment priority for organizations to address near-term risk issues."