Smart glasses are everywhere these days, from Apple Vision Pro to Meta Ray-Bans, but before you pack yours for your next Royal Caribbean cruise, you need to know the rules. After 40+ cruises and watching countless passengers get surprised by policies they didn't know existed, I'm breaking down exactly what's allowed, what's banned, and where you can actually use your tech onboard.
Here's the reality: Royal Caribbean doesn't have a blanket ban on smart glasses, but they're heavily restricted in key areas. The policy varies by location onboard, and honestly, it's more complex than most passengers realize.
Completely Banned Areas:
Restricted Use Areas:
The enforcement is inconsistent – I've seen security approach passengers on Deck 11 of Wonder of the Seas but ignore others wearing identical Ray-Ban Stories on Symphony of the Seas' Boardwalk. Your experience may vary depending on the crew's familiarity with the current policy.
Royal Caribbean's restrictions aren't arbitrary – they're responding to real privacy concerns and legal requirements. On my last sailing on Oasis of the Seas in October 2026, a guest relations manager explained that they've had multiple complaints about passengers feeling uncomfortable around recording devices.
The biggest issue is that most people can't tell if smart glasses are actively recording. Unlike phones, there's no obvious visual cue, which creates anxiety in spaces where people expect privacy. The casino ban specifically stems from gaming regulations – Nevada and other jurisdictions require cruise lines to prohibit recording devices in gaming areas.
International Waters Complications:
Once you're in international waters, different rules can apply. I've noticed that enforcement becomes more relaxed on sea days, particularly in public deck areas. However, don't count on this – policies can change mid-cruise if there are complaints.
The liability factor is huge too. Royal Caribbean's legal team has clearly decided that restricting smart glasses in sensitive areas is safer than dealing with privacy lawsuits from passengers who were unknowingly recorded.
Have questions about specific ship policies? Connect with other cruisers in our Royal Caribbean forum for real-time updates.
Not all Royal Caribbean ships handle smart glasses the same way. Based on my recent experiences across different ship classes, here's what I've observed:
Oasis and Voyager Class Ships:
These larger ships have more security personnel and stricter enforcement. On Wonder of the Seas, I watched crew members specifically look for smart glasses during embarkation screening. The Central Park area on Deck 8 allows them, but the Windjammer on Deck 11 had posted signs saying "No Recording Devices."
Freedom and Radiance Class Ships:
Smaller ships tend to be more relaxed, but the casino and stateroom restrictions are universal. On Mariner of the Seas, I wore my Meta Ray-Bans around the Promenade Deck without any issues, but was asked to remove them when entering Chops Grille.
Icon Class (Icon and Star of the Seas):
The newest ships have the most updated policies. Crew training is more consistent, and there are actual posted signs in restricted areas. The AquaDome allows smart glasses during the day but requires removal during evening entertainment.
Pro Tip: Always check with guest services on your specific ship during embarkation day. Policies can change between sailings, and different crew members may interpret rules differently.
Smart glasses are just part of Royal Caribbean's broader photography policy that many passengers don't fully understand. Here's what you need to know about all camera rules onboard:
Professional Equipment Restrictions:
DSLR cameras with detachable lenses over 6 inches are prohibited in specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. I learned this the hard way trying to bring my Canon EOS R5 with a 24-70mm lens into the Main Theater on Anthem of the Seas.
Drone Policy:
Absolutely prohibited onboard and cannot be launched from the ship, even in international waters. Security will confiscate drones during embarkation and return them at disembarkation.
Live Streaming Rules:
This is where it gets tricky. Live streaming entertainment shows is completely banned, but streaming from public deck areas is generally allowed. However, if other passengers complain about being in your stream, crew will ask you to stop.
Commercial Photography:
If you're planning to sell or publish your cruise photos, you need written permission from Royal Caribbean. This includes social media influencers with large followings – technically, you should declare this during booking.
Staff Photography:
Never photograph crew members without permission. This is taken seriously and can result in being asked to delete photos or videos.
Discuss photography experiences and share tips with fellow cruisers in our Royal Caribbean community.
If you do bring smart glasses, here's how to use them without running into problems:
Day 1 Strategy:
Visit guest services right after boarding and ask specifically about smart glasses policies for your ship. Get names of crew members you speak with – policies can be interpreted differently by different staff.
Safe Usage Areas:
Etiquette Tips:
Even in allowed areas, be considerate. If someone asks if you're recording, be honest and offer to move away from them. I always announce "taking a photo" when using smart glasses in crowded areas – it helps other passengers feel more comfortable.
Battery Management:
Smart glasses drain quickly at sea due to connectivity issues. Bring a portable charger and don't rely on them as your primary camera. I learned this lesson on a 7-day Caribbean cruise when my Ray-Bans died on day 3.
Storage Strategy:
Bring a small case that fits in your pocket. You'll need to remove them frequently, and cabin safes aren't always the right size for glasses cases.
The bottom line: smart glasses can enhance your cruise experience, but they require more planning and awareness than traditional cameras. When in doubt, ask crew members, and always prioritize other passengers' comfort over getting the perfect shot.
Join the conversation about Royal Caribbean's latest policies and share your smart glasses experiences in our Royal Caribbean forum – our community always has the most up-to-date information from recent sailings!
The Current Smart Glasses Policy Across All Royal Caribbean Ships
Here's the reality: Royal Caribbean doesn't have a blanket ban on smart glasses, but they're heavily restricted in key areas. The policy varies by location onboard, and honestly, it's more complex than most passengers realize.
Completely Banned Areas:
- All staterooms and suite areas (including balconies)
- Changing areas and restrooms throughout the ship
- Kids' clubs and teen areas
- The casino floor on all ships
- Specialty restaurants during dinner service
Restricted Use Areas:
- Pool decks: Only allowed for personal photography, not recording
- Main dining rooms: Varies by ship, check with guest services
- Theater venues: Must be turned off during shows
- Spa and fitness areas: Photography prohibited
The enforcement is inconsistent – I've seen security approach passengers on Deck 11 of Wonder of the Seas but ignore others wearing identical Ray-Ban Stories on Symphony of the Seas' Boardwalk. Your experience may vary depending on the crew's familiarity with the current policy.
Why These Rules Exist (And Why They're Getting Stricter)
Royal Caribbean's restrictions aren't arbitrary – they're responding to real privacy concerns and legal requirements. On my last sailing on Oasis of the Seas in October 2026, a guest relations manager explained that they've had multiple complaints about passengers feeling uncomfortable around recording devices.
The biggest issue is that most people can't tell if smart glasses are actively recording. Unlike phones, there's no obvious visual cue, which creates anxiety in spaces where people expect privacy. The casino ban specifically stems from gaming regulations – Nevada and other jurisdictions require cruise lines to prohibit recording devices in gaming areas.
International Waters Complications:
Once you're in international waters, different rules can apply. I've noticed that enforcement becomes more relaxed on sea days, particularly in public deck areas. However, don't count on this – policies can change mid-cruise if there are complaints.
The liability factor is huge too. Royal Caribbean's legal team has clearly decided that restricting smart glasses in sensitive areas is safer than dealing with privacy lawsuits from passengers who were unknowingly recorded.
Have questions about specific ship policies? Connect with other cruisers in our Royal Caribbean forum for real-time updates.
Ship-by-Ship Differences You Need to Know
Not all Royal Caribbean ships handle smart glasses the same way. Based on my recent experiences across different ship classes, here's what I've observed:
Oasis and Voyager Class Ships:
These larger ships have more security personnel and stricter enforcement. On Wonder of the Seas, I watched crew members specifically look for smart glasses during embarkation screening. The Central Park area on Deck 8 allows them, but the Windjammer on Deck 11 had posted signs saying "No Recording Devices."
Freedom and Radiance Class Ships:
Smaller ships tend to be more relaxed, but the casino and stateroom restrictions are universal. On Mariner of the Seas, I wore my Meta Ray-Bans around the Promenade Deck without any issues, but was asked to remove them when entering Chops Grille.
Icon Class (Icon and Star of the Seas):
The newest ships have the most updated policies. Crew training is more consistent, and there are actual posted signs in restricted areas. The AquaDome allows smart glasses during the day but requires removal during evening entertainment.
Pro Tip: Always check with guest services on your specific ship during embarkation day. Policies can change between sailings, and different crew members may interpret rules differently.
Photography Rules Beyond Smart Glasses
Smart glasses are just part of Royal Caribbean's broader photography policy that many passengers don't fully understand. Here's what you need to know about all camera rules onboard:
Professional Equipment Restrictions:
DSLR cameras with detachable lenses over 6 inches are prohibited in specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. I learned this the hard way trying to bring my Canon EOS R5 with a 24-70mm lens into the Main Theater on Anthem of the Seas.
Drone Policy:
Absolutely prohibited onboard and cannot be launched from the ship, even in international waters. Security will confiscate drones during embarkation and return them at disembarkation.
Live Streaming Rules:
This is where it gets tricky. Live streaming entertainment shows is completely banned, but streaming from public deck areas is generally allowed. However, if other passengers complain about being in your stream, crew will ask you to stop.
Commercial Photography:
If you're planning to sell or publish your cruise photos, you need written permission from Royal Caribbean. This includes social media influencers with large followings – technically, you should declare this during booking.
Staff Photography:
Never photograph crew members without permission. This is taken seriously and can result in being asked to delete photos or videos.
Discuss photography experiences and share tips with fellow cruisers in our Royal Caribbean community.
How to Actually Use Smart Glasses on Your Cruise
If you do bring smart glasses, here's how to use them without running into problems:
Day 1 Strategy:
Visit guest services right after boarding and ask specifically about smart glasses policies for your ship. Get names of crew members you speak with – policies can be interpreted differently by different staff.
Safe Usage Areas:
- Open deck areas (Decks 10-15 on most ships)
- Promenade areas during non-performance times
- Exterior walkways and viewing areas
- Embarkation and disembarkation areas
Etiquette Tips:
Even in allowed areas, be considerate. If someone asks if you're recording, be honest and offer to move away from them. I always announce "taking a photo" when using smart glasses in crowded areas – it helps other passengers feel more comfortable.
Battery Management:
Smart glasses drain quickly at sea due to connectivity issues. Bring a portable charger and don't rely on them as your primary camera. I learned this lesson on a 7-day Caribbean cruise when my Ray-Bans died on day 3.
Storage Strategy:
Bring a small case that fits in your pocket. You'll need to remove them frequently, and cabin safes aren't always the right size for glasses cases.
The bottom line: smart glasses can enhance your cruise experience, but they require more planning and awareness than traditional cameras. When in doubt, ask crew members, and always prioritize other passengers' comfort over getting the perfect shot.
Join the conversation about Royal Caribbean's latest policies and share your smart glasses experiences in our Royal Caribbean forum – our community always has the most up-to-date information from recent sailings!
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