A few weeks ago, the FAA issued an advisory that warned airlines about a surprising tendency for newly released Galaxy Note7 phones to catch fire.
The problem still isn't solved. Although airlines were warned about the risk, they weren't required to ban the phones, and on Wednesday morning, a Southwest Airlines plane was evacuated on the ground in Louisville after a Samsung phone was observed sizzling, popping, and smoking.
Making the matter worse, the allegedly burning phone was one that was supposed to be safe--it had reportedly been replaced by the phone manufacturer after the initial recall.
Since Samsung hasn't been able to reign in the design flaw, cruise lines are coming down harder than the airlines have, reports the Telegraph. Lines are instructing passengers not to use the Samsung Galaxy Note7 while they are aboard their vessels.
Do not turn it on. Do not plug it in. Disable anything that might wake it up, such as its alarms. In short, brick it for your entire cruise unless you're on shore.
Cruise lines that have reportedly admonished guests against using their phones now include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises and Fathom, Azamara Club Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Windstar, and Disney Cruise Line.
While some of the cruise lines allow the use of the device if it has been undergone recall-ordained repair, the incident on Southwest Airlines may cause that provision to be rescinded.
Looks like Samsung customers are back to shelling out for expensive cruise line Wi-Fi.
