Ahoy, drone enthusiasts! If you’ve got a cruise planned and you’re wondering whether your beloved drone can come along for the adventure, you’re not alone. Drones and cruise ships—two of the coolest ways to see the world—sound like a match made in heaven, right? They aren’t always.

In fact, some cruise ships don’t even let you bring your drone onboard — even if it remains in your luggage the whole time. Meanwhile, other cruise ships won’t let you fly on the ship, but are fine with you at least having it. That way you can take it ashore during your shore excursions to document your travels.

This guide to bringing a drone on a cruise ship can navigate you through the choppy waters of cruise drone policies and make sure your flying buddy has smooth sailing:

A breakdown of drone policies by cruise line

Different cruise lines have their own unique drone policies. And while this guide was written in October 2024 and is based off current rules, understand that rules may chage.

Always check with your specific cruise line (and even specific ship, in some cases) before you pack your drone. That said, here are some of the major cruise line operators and their drone rules:

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line lets you bring your drone onboard (yay!), but you can only fly it when you’re onshore. No onboard flying is allowed, even in port. They’re also strict about drones being stored safely in your cabin when not in use.

Disney Cruise Line

Sorry, Mickey Mouse fans! Drones are a no-go on Disney cruises. They’re not allowed onboard at all, so you’ll need to leave your drone at home if you’re setting sail with Disney.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises loves drones. In fact, they even brought in a custom drone show for the Sun Princess debut in North America (which I saw with my own eyes!).

But while it loves drones, that doesn’t mean it’s okay with passengers having one. In fact, it has a stricter policy like Disney’s, with drones not allowed on board. If you’re a cruiser with this line, you’ll need to leave your drone at home or find an alternative.

Though, there are some exceptions, such as if you’re permitted to fly drones for company sponsored events. In those cases, Fleet Security will need to approve your aircraft in advance of you boarding.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean allows you to bring your drone on board, but here’s the catch: you cannot fly it on the ship. Instead, you’ll have to wait until you’re onshore to take flight. Once you’re in port, feel free to find that perfect beach or open space to fly your drone. Just make sure you’re following local regulations.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL follows suit with a “no flying onboard” policy. You can bring your drone along, but it’s for use only when you’re on dry land. Make sure to store it securely when on the ship. Keeping it in your cabin is the safest bet.

Tips for taking a cruise with a drone

Now that you know the policies by major cruise operator, let’s dive into some essential tips to make your drone-cruising experience smooth and stress-free:

Check local drone laws by country

Even if your cruise line allows drones, the country you’re visiting may not! Countries like Cuba and Morocco, for example, have strict drone bans. Always research the local drone laws by country for each port stop on your itinerary so you’re in the know before your drone ever leaves your bag. You don’t want to risk having it confiscated.

Know the rules around flying with a drone, too

Whether you’re flying from home to the cruise port on a roundtrip journey, or flying one way and cruising the other, there’s a good chance your cruise vacation also entails a flight.

Given that, understand the rules around flying with a drone. Those can vary by air carrier, as well as by the airport security in that country. In most cases, you can bring a drone on a plane, but typically only in carry-on (not checked) luggage. If flying out of the U.S., note that the TSA has limits on flying with drone batteries.

Keep your drone secure

When not in use, your drone should be safely stored in your cabin. Some cruise lines may even have restrictions on where you can store it, so check with customer service before boarding.

Get drone insurance

Just like with any other trip, things can happen. Whether it’s rough handling during luggage inspection or an unforeseen accident while flying onshore, purchasing drone insurance is a smart move. It’ll give you peace of mind knowing you’re covered if something happens during your cruise.

Respect others

Drones can be noisy and intrusive, so even when you’re flying onshore, be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid crowded areas and always make sure you’re respecting the privacy of others. Some locations may even have restrictions on where drones can be flown (like near wildlife or private beaches).

What drone pilots can do on cruises instead of flying drones

I know, I know. The idea of zipping your drone around a gorgeous ship at sunset is so tempting! But since you can’t fly your drone while onboard, here are a few alternatives to capture amazing footage during your cruise:

• Get creative with ground shots!
• Use your drone’s camera in handheld mode to capture stable, cinematic video onshore.
• Take advantage of your camera gear. DJI Osmo Action 5, anyone? Mount it and film from the railings or your balcony to capture stunning cruise ship views without breaking any rules.
• Use your phone’s time-lapse mode to capture the sunrise or sunset as you sail into port.

While none of the major cruise lines allow you to fly onboard, your drone can typically still join in on your adventures when you reach dry land on most providers (Princess and Disney being a couple exceptions).

No matter which cruise line you choose, follow the cruise line’s rules, research local laws, and pack smart to ensure your drone travels safely. Now go enjoy your cruise and fly high (when allowed, of course)!

Happy flying (and cruising)!

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