Several major cruise lines have imposed a ban on the use of Galaxy Note 7 inside the ships owing to the fears of dangerous explosion due to overheating. The ban applies to both passengers and crew members. The development emerges a couple of days after Samsung resumed sales of new Note 7 globally.
The ban has been called by some of the world's largest cruise lines including Carnival and Royal Caribbean International. A few other cruise lines that have banned use of Note 7 are AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises , CDF Croisieres de France, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, P & O Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and TUI Cruises, according to Crew Center – a website run by ex-crew members.
"Guests and crew in possession of an applicable Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone must take the following precautions while onboard: turn off device, disconnect device from any charging equipment, disable all applications that could involuntarily activate the device (e.g., alarm clock) and finally protect the power switch to prevent its unintentional activation," Carnival noted a precaution notice on its website.
It also said: "Consumers are being advised by Samsung to immediately stop using and power down the recalled Galaxy Note 7 devices purchased before 9/15/2016 and to contact this wireless carrier, retail outlet or Samsung.com to receive a new Galaxy Note 7 with a different battery, a refund or new replacement device on or after 9/21/2016. Replacement Galaxy Note 7 devices will have batteries from other suppliers."
The latest development was noticed by the Telegraph, which states even Windstar, a luxury cruise, has joined the list of other cruise lines. The Note 7 has been facing in-flight bans by various airlines operating in different countries across the globe.
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) even posted signs in the terminals and notice on the personal navigators asking passengers not to use the device during the voyage. In its official blog it said: "If you own a Galaxy Note7 and have not replaced your recalled device, please power it off and do not charge it for the duration of the cruise. We recommend storing electronics and valuables in your stateroom safe."
German cruise line AIDA issued safety information note about Note 7 saying, "Your safety is our priority. Therefore, we would like to point strongly to the risk of using your Samsung Galaxy smartphones Note7 aboard. Because of faulty lithium-ion batteries can overheat, it can lead to dangerous explosions in this model."
"If you are in possession of such a device, we strongly recommend against using during your trip. Please turn your device off immediately and get no charging cable. Pay attention to the deactivation of any apps that can turn the phone automatically, such as the alarm function," added AIDA.
