As new technology continues to advance, cruise lines must stay alert to possible security risks and privacy violations. To that end, Royal Caribbean has become the second cruise line to ban “smart” glasses with audio and video recording capability.

The glasses are now listed as part of Royal Caribbean’s prohibited items list as follows:

“‘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.”

The cruise line also advises that guests who do have these high-tech glasses ought to bring a “backup pair” without the recording capability if a prescription is needed.

Royal Caribbean does not list the exact manufacturers that make the now-banned glasses. The vagueness of this language ensures that all smart glasses are prohibited, and guests cannot circumvent the policy by using glasses from a non-listed manufacturer.

The update to the prohibited items list is a recent one, as in late January, there was not yet any mention of smart glasses as not permitted. “Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment” was on the list, but it is debatable how smart glasses might be classified.

Guests noticed much earlier that the Royal Caribbean app also includes information about smart glasses in the Need to Know section, specifically that they are not permitted onboard. In fact, Cruise Hive did reach out to Royal Caribbean when this was first noticed, but did not hear back.

“If a guest fails to abide by this policy, the chief security officer and captain are authorized to confiscate the smart glasses,” the app notification reads.

While the prohibited items list explicitly forbids the glasses only in certain areas, the app notification clearly states that smart glasses are not permitted onboard at all. It would be best if any guest with this equipment were to simply leave it at home rather than risk confiscation.

MSC Cruises made a similar update to its luggage policy in December 2025, as reported by Cruise Hive, which noted that smart glasses are no longer allowed.

Why Are Smart Glasses Prohibited?

There are several reasons why cruise lines are on alert to this type of wearable tech.

Recording others, whether guests or crew members, without permission, could be considered a privacy violation and may be subject to legal challenges. This is especially true if filming were to occur in areas where privacy is generally expected, such as restrooms, spas, the medical center, or locker rooms.

Furthermore, the filming of minors might also be a concern, particularly in children’s areas, pools, or on beaches, where the motives of such filming could be severely questioned.

Read Also: What Can You Not Bring on a Cruise?

Security is another concern with filming. Cruise guests who have taken behind-the-scenes tours know that cameras are often prohibited, especially in areas such as control rooms and crew spaces.

Photos and recordings are also prohibited in most secure areas of cruise ports and terminals as per customs regulations. By banning smart glasses, cruise lines are also protecting themselves against inadvertent violations of those restrictions.

Guests Support the Ban

Most guests are understanding of the ban and agree that smart glasses aren’t necessary. A discussion on Reddit shows overwhelming support for the ban, and even hopes that the ban may be extended to other types of recording.

“Good! We don’t need creeps going around recording on the ship,” one guest commented.

“I truly hope they ban any streamers or anything like that. You wanna record some parts of lunch or your kids jumping into the pool, no problem. If you want to sit and host a show, get off the ship,” another said.

Some less-than-reputable livestreamers may deliberately seek to get negative attention in the hopes of driving up their viewership. In November 2025, two such streamers were removed from Harmony of the Seas in Honduras following an altercation onboard.

Many guests don’t have a problem with phones being used for recordings, because that action is easily visible and others generally know they’re being recorded. This gives other guests the opportunity to step away from the recording.

With smart glasses, however, not everyone may notice or be aware of the glasses and could therefore be filmed without their knowledge and consent. Some guests, more familiar with the technology, do note that they can be useful for those with certain disabilities.

If needed for a medical-related reason, Royal Caribbean travelers should reach out to the cruise line’s customer service special needs department for clarification and to provide any necessary documentation for their glasses.

All cruise lines update their prohibited items lists periodically. Guests should double-check the lists before setting sail, just in case a recent update impacts their cruise packing list.