Can You Bring A Drone On A Cruise Ship?

Drones have quickly become a technology favourite for capturing stunning aerial photos and videos, especially in picturesque destinations, like those visited on a cruise. Naturally, many travellers wonder if they can bring a drone on a cruise, and if so, can they fly it whilst onboard. The answer is yes, on certain cruise lines, however, with strict limitations.

In this guide, we’ll explore the cruise lines that allow drones, the policies you’ll need to follow, and important tips to ensure a smooth experience if you’re bringing a drone along for your next cruise.

Currently, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Celebrity Cruises allow drones onboard, with clear restrictions in place. For most other cruise lines, drones are prohibited entirely.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival allows guests to bring standard camera drones onboard. However, the use of drones is restricted to ports, and you’ll need to declare your drone to the ship’s Chief Security Officer. Your drone will be held in their custody and can only be checked out for use in certain ports. Flying your drone while on the ship is strictly prohibited, and it must remain securely stored when not in use.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean permits drones but follows a similar structure to Carnival. You’re free to bring a drone, but it can only be used on land, outside of the port area, and not at the cruise line’s private destinations, such as CocoCay or Labadee. Drones can only be used outside port areas, so you’ll need to venture beyond port to operate your device. While onboard, drones must be safely stored in your cabin, and they cannot be flown from the ship at any time.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises also allows guests to bring drones, but only for use on land, outside of the port area. While onboard the ship, drones must be stored safely in your stateroom. As with other cruise lines, passengers are responsible for understanding and complying with local laws in the destinations they visit.

Which Cruise Lines Don’t Allow Drones?

While a few cruise lines do permit drones, many have strict no drone policies. Here’s a rundown of some popular lines where drones are prohibited:

• Fred Olsen Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Hurtigruten Cruise Line
• Marella Cruises (TUI)
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Virgin Voyages

If you’re sailing with one of these operators, leave your drone at home to avoid issues with security or potential confiscation.

Why Do Cruise Lines Prohibit Drones?

The policies banning drones come down to several key concerns:

• Safety: Drones can be of serious risks if they collide with people or property, especially onboard a crowded ship.
• Privacy: As drones are equipped with cameras, they can infringe on the privacy of other passengers.
• Navigation Interference: Drones have the potential to interfere with a ship’s communication or navigation systems, which could compromise onboard safety.
• Local Regulations: Many ports and coastal areas have strict drone laws that cruise lines must follow. Additionally, the noise and presence of drones can disrupt the peaceful environment that passengers expect on a cruise.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violating cruise line drone policies can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Drone Confiscation: If you’re caught flying a drone in unauthorised areas, your device could be confiscated for the remainder of the cruise.
• Guest Conduct Warnings: Violating drone policies may result in formal warnings, and repeated violations could result in further penalties.
• Disembarkation: In severe cases, you could be asked to leave the ship at the next port, potentially at your own expense.

Please be aware to always research the local drone laws of each destination, and be prepared for restrictions on where and when you can fly your device. Please also check the up to date rules and regulations surrounding drones on the Cruise Line website before Embarking. All information was correct as of 2nd October 2024.