Diplomacy

Every cruise line has its own list of prohibited items listed on their public website.  And if you try to break these rules you could either have an item confiscated or find yourself permanently banned yourself.  Both are not ideal outcomes.

As new technology is developed, and even as new trends pop up, this list of no-nos is updated.

MSC Cruises has recently updated their “ban list” to include the use of smart glasses on board their ships.  Online forums and social media sites have lit up with comments and perspectives on the ban, but here is what we know.

The ban on smart glasses centers on devices, such as the new Meta Ray-Bans, that can record or transmit video while being worn. 

In a world where these devices are becoming more common, the line between casual photography and discreet recording is blurring.  The bigger question is what level of privacy a cruise passenger can expect on a cruise ship and if this ban will stand the test of time.

The Official Policy on Smart Glasses

MSC Cruises has added smart glasses to their list of forbidden items under their official policies page.

A direct quote from MSC Cruises’ luggage information section clarifies the rule:

“Devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in ships public areas.”

While the policy is listed under “Items Forbidden Onboard,” the specific restriction to public areas sounds like it might mean that passengers may bring the glasses but will have them confiscated if they are wearing them around the common areas of the ship.

The Online Reaction

The reaction to this new ban really is divided.  While there is a group of people who will playfully suggest extending the ban to cell phones in general (so there is more peace and quiet on the ship), others tout the usefulness of smart glasses, especially for the visually impaired.

A Reddit post about this new ban shows where the line of debate is drawn.   While it’s easy to spot someone taking a video of the ship or taking pictures in the atrium, smart glasses are a little different, with one calling it “creepy behavior”.

Although it should be noted that most smart glasses like Meta Ray-Bans, have a bright light that shines when recording or taking a picture.

“Because one is inherently secretive. Phones having cameras are no longer a secret. If you see a phone in sight, you can imply you’re being recorded. Glasses tho? Unless someone is specifically looking for smart glasses, people won’t notice. Good on MSC for cracking down. Don’t need weirdos walking around a ship recording 24/7 for content on drunk strangers that they will eventually post online,” one user stated.

While cruise ships have public spaces, the ships themselves are owned by private companies.  And passengers have to follow whatever rules are put in place.  In this case, it seems that MSC Cruises is erring on the side of privacy, trying to get ahead of any potential issues that could come from someone unknowingly being recorded.

Finding a Balance

For cruisers, the new policy is a reminder to review all prohibited items and conduct rules before boarding.  Other cruise lines could update their own policies in the future, and you don’t want to start your vacation by having some piece of tech confiscated.

Some see smart glasses as a fun and convenient way to take pictures and videos and even stream content, but if that ease of use makes it harder for others to enjoy a vacation in peace, it becomes an issue.

As someone who has shot a lot of video on cruise ships over the last decade, I always try to avoid having any people in my shots.  After all, I know they’re just on vacation and don’t need to turn into “content” when they’re just trying to relax.  But it’s usually pretty obvious by someone’s posture and how they are holding a phone if it’s recording or not. 

Perhaps in the future there will be a better balance with smart glasses.  But at least for now the cruise line is saying they can’t be worn in public areas.  It’s the law of the land–I mean sea.

A 69-year-old cruise passenger on a Royal Caribbean ship was arrested in the Bahamas last week after a gun was found in her possession.  This story is another lesson in checking those bags thoroughly before you leave the country.

The American grandmother, Mary Robinson, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was charged with possession of a firearm.  She was found with a loaded Kel-Tec .380 pistol and four rounds of ammunition in her purse.

The arrest took place on Tuesday, December 2, when Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas was docked near New Providence Island.

On Royal Caribbean’s list of prohibited items it states that “Weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives, incendiaries (including replicas and gun parts)” are all prohibited.

Her attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, confirmed the details to People. The weapon reportedly passed security checks when she boarded the ship in Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Robinson’s granddaughter, Graci Exendine, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for a potential fine and she wrote that Robinson had traveled for her adopted son Johnny’s 12th birthday.

She explained that Robinson usually carries protection on trips but typically leaves it in the car before boarding a ship since firearms are not allowed. In this case, the gun was accidentally not left behind and was discovered in her bag during a security check.

Exendine said that a $10,000 fine would be required for Robinson’s release to avoid her being sent to the Bahamas prison.

The main prison in the Bahamas is Fox Hill Prison in Nassau. A 2021 U.S. Department of State report described the conditions at the prison as “harsh,” mentioning issues such as overcrowding, poor nutrition, and poor sanitation and medical care.

On Thursday, December 4, Robinson pleaded guilty to the possession charges before Magistrate Lennox Coleby.  A local outlet reported that she apologized and said she forgot the gun was in her purse due to her home state’s open-carry laws.

Attorney Ferguson explained to People that entering The Bahamas with a firearm is a serious matter, potentially resulting in a prison sentence of 12 months to 10 years for a firearms possession charge. Ferguson negotiated an $8,000 fine instead of jail time. But the fine could not be paid right away.

“The fine was not paid on the day of the hearing, and so she did in fact have to go to the Bahamas Department of Corrections,” Ferguson stated, saying that Robinson spent five or six days at the Fox Hill facility. Once the fine was paid, she was released.

As of December 9, Exendine’s GoFundMe had raised over $12,000. Robinson’s granddaughter posted on Facebook on December 8 and confirmed her release: “I just talked to Mary, she is OUT!!”

Carnival Corporation is turning a not-so popular cruise port into a must-visit destination that will have everything from thrill rides to relaxing swimming pools.

Carnival Cruise Line has been working on transforming the Ensenada cruise port for over six years. Now, the cruise line has finally revealed their big plans for the port on the West Coast.

Construction on Ensenada Bay Village will take approximately 24 months and cost over $26 million. It will be able to accommodate up to 9,000 cruisers a day and create new opportunities for local artisans, vendors, and tour operators.

It will be designed to complement the existing port and draw from 18th-century California-style architecture reminiscent of old California towns, celebrating Baja’s coastal character and spirit of discovery.

The destination will include high-energy attractions such as zip lines, river rides, a scenic boat ride, and the signature Dune Rally.

Artisan crafts, and relaxation and wellness experiences including thermal springs, the Baby Beach adult pool area and spa offerings will also be available at the port.

Of course, it will also have family-friendly areas that will invite visitors of all ages to connect with Baja’s vibrant culture and coastal charm.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about this new port project:

“This presentation reflects our shared vision to create destinations that inspire pride and prosperity.

“Together with our partners — ITM Group and Hutchison Ports ECV — we are proud to highlight a project that celebrates Baja’s culture, supports the local community, and offers guests family-friendly, authentic, and memorable experiences.”

Carnival is in the middle upgrading and expanding many of the cruise ports that they visit. Half Moon Cay is in the middle of a massive construction project that will not only add a pier to the island, but also a new section just for Carnival cruise ships.

This past summer, they opened their newest private destination in The Bahamas, Celebration Key.

Royal Caribbean has just announced where their lineup of ships will be heading for the 2027-2028 cruise season.

In the announcement, the cruise line unveiled where 13 ships across a variety of 3- to 9-night itineraries will be homeporting and sailing.

The new schedule, which begins in April 2027, is highlighted by the highly anticipated arrival of the new Legend of the Seas.   This new Icon-class ship will head to Port Everglades for the winter season after debuting in July 2026.   

The new deployment also reveals Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, with cruises featuring visits to the upcoming Perfect Day Mexico (debuting late 2027) and the new Royal Beach Clubs.

Also in the announcement, Grandeur of the Seas will continue to sail Latin American homeports, sailing from Colon, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia, for the winter season.

Here are the details about where Royal Caribbean ships are headed in the not-too-distant future.

Legend of the Seas

The third Icon-Class ship, which features the largest waterpark at sea, 28 dining options, and all-new entertainment, is scheduled to sail from Port Everglades, starting in November 2027 for the winter season.

The ship will offer 6- and 8-night Southern and Western Caribbean adventures, with calls at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cabo Rojo (Dominican Republic), and the Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

Allure of the Seas

This amplified Oasis Class ship will split its time, sailing out of Port Everglades for the summer with 6- and 8-night Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries, and then moving to PortMiami, in November 2027 for 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.

A few ports include Willemstad, Curaçao, Falmouth, Jamaica, and the new destination of Samaná, Dominican Republic.

Freedom of the Seas

Sailing year-round from PortMiami, Freedom of the Seas will offer 4-, 5-, 7-, and 9-night itineraries to destinations such as Curacao, Aruba, Nassau, and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Adventure of the Seas

The ship will spend both the summer and winter seasons sailing from Port Canaveral. Cruisers can choose from a mix of 4-, 5-, and 9-night vacations to destinations that include Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cozumel.

Enchantment of the Seas

Operating out of Tampa, Florida, Enchantment of the Seas will offer 5- and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, starting in April 2027. Beginning in November 2027, the ship will switch to shorter 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean sailings.

Grandeur of the Seas

Grandeur of the Seas will operate a pretty diverse schedule. It will kick off the summer season from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 7-night Southern Caribbean voyages to destinations like Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia.

For the winter season (from December 2027), it will pivot to sail 7-night adventures to the ABC islands from the unique Latin American homeports of Colon, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia.

Oasis of the Seas

Following its summer season in Cape Liberty, the original Oasis Class ship will call Port Everglades home starting in November 2027. It will offer short 3- and 4-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, with passengers able to purchase passes to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas will sail 6- to 8-night winter adventures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Everglades starting in November 2027. Itineraries will include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Falmouth, Jamaica, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Independence of the Seas

Operating from PortMiami during the winter and spring seasons, Independence of the Seas will offer 4- to 8-night Eastern and Western Caribbean getaways. Port calls include Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; George Town, Grand Cayman; and the Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cozumel.

Brilliance of the Seas

Sailing from Tampa, Florida, starting in November 2027, Brilliance of the Seas will offer 7-night warm weather escapes to Western Caribbean hotspots such as Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize.

Mariner of the Seas

Mariner of the Seas will return from Europe to homeport in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 2027-2028 winter and spring seasons. It will offer 6- to 9-night Western Caribbean adventures to destinations including Belize City, Roatan, and Cozumel (featuring the Royal Beach Club Cozumel).

Rhapsody of the Seas

Starting in November 2027, Rhapsody of the Seas will spend the winter and spring seasons in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will offer 6- to 8-night Southern Caribbean getaways to idyllic spots such as St. Croix, St. Johns, Antigua, Castries, and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis.

Jewel of the Seas

From April to November 2027, Jewel of the Seas will operate out of Port Everglades, offering short 3- and 4-night weekend getaways to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.