If you’ve swapped your traditional frames for a pair of Ray-Ban Metas or other smart glasses, your next vacation might come with an unexpected “blind spot.”
Following in the footsteps of MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean has officially updated its prohibited items list to include “smart” glasses. For many of us, these devices aren’t just high-tech toys; they are our cameras, our translators, and – most importantly – our prescription eyewear. But as cruise lines move to protect passenger privacy, the rules of the sea are changing fast.
I previously wrote about the MSC Cruises smart glasses ban when it first made headlines, and I have since updated that article to reflect Royal Caribbean’s latest crackdown. Here is what you need to know to stay compliant and keep your tech out of “cruise jail.”
Royal Caribbean’s New Policy: Security and Seizure
While MSC took a hard line by banning smart glasses in all public areas, Royal Caribbean’s new policy targets specific “high-sensitivity” zones. According to their updated prohibited items list, smart glasses are now restricted in:
- Public Restrooms
- Medical Facilities
- Youth Program Areas (Adventure Ocean)
- The Casino
The Accessibility Conflict: More Than Just a Gadget
For the average traveler, smart glasses are about convenience – taking a hands-free video of a sunset or using AI to translate a menu in port, somthing that I have done during a recent trip to Fort de France when many menus were in French. However, for guests with visual or cognitive impairments, these bans can be more than just a nuisance; they are a barrier.
Many users rely on these glasses as essential assistive devices to read text aloud, identify obstacles, or navigate unfamiliar surroundings. By implementing blanket bans or authorizing confiscations, cruise lines risk “blinding” guests who use this technology as a literal aid for daily life. As these policies evolve, there is a growing concern that the need for privacy is colliding with the need for accessibility.
How the Major Cruise Lines Compare (2026)
The industry is currently split on how to handle wearable tech. If you are a fan of smart glasses, your choice of cruise line matters more than ever:
| Cruise Line | Policy on Smart Glasses |
|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | Banned in all public areas; restricted to staterooms only. |
| Royal Caribbean | Restricted in bathrooms, casinos, medical, and youth areas. |
| Carnival | Permitted in public, but must be removed at the gangway. |
| NCL / Princess / HAL | No specific mention (currently permitted). |
| Disney | No specific mention (exploring AR partnerships). |
Smart Glasses Etiquette: How to Stay Compliant
To ensure these devices remain welcome on ships that still allow them, cruisers need to practice common courtesy and etiquette. Use these guidelines to avoid issues with crew or fellow passengers:
Smart Glasses Etiquette Onboard
Smart glasses are convenient tools, but they also require a little courtesy when used around other guests. Follow these simple guidelines to avoid problems and respect privacy.
- Take them off and put them in your pocket when entering the casino
- Remove them when walking through security zones and gangways
- Take them off and put them in your pocket when entering bathrooms, locker rooms, spas, or changing areas
- Do not wear them while crew members are performing safety drills or checks
- Avoid wearing them in kids clubs, youth spaces, or near supervised children
- Only record or take photos in areas where cameras are clearly allowed
- If anyone looks uncomfortable, remove them
- Use them respectfully during entertainment events and avoid blocking views
- When in doubt, slip them off, clip them to your shirt, or tuck them in your pocket
Pro-Tip: Don’t Travel Without a “Dumb” Backup
The biggest risk for smart glass users – especially those with prescription lenses – is confiscation. If security takes your glasses on Day 1 because you wore them into the casino, you may spend the rest of your vacation in a literal blur.
My advice: Always pack a standard, non-smart pair of backup glasses. Until the industry finds a middle ground between privacy and technology, carrying a “dumb” pair of frames is the only way to ensure you don’t miss the views on your vacation.
Have you had an encounter with ship security over your smart glasses? Drop a comment below or contact me to share your experience so I can keep this guide updated for the community.