What happens if you see a ship with a drone on it? You might have just seen a cruise ship! If you are planning to go on a trip and want to capture your adventure with amazing photos and videos with a drone. You want to know, Can you fly a drone on a cruise ship? The answer is yes and maybe no.
Bringing a drone on a cruise ship is complicated because you need to get permission from the cruise company and because US federal laws strictly regulate what types of drones are allowed in US airspace. Read more about the many limitations of bringing a drone on a cruise ship here!
Can you fly a drone on a cruise ship?
If you’re hoping to take your drone on a cruise ship, you might be out of luck. We contacted several major cruise lines to find out their drone policies, and none allowed them onboard.
That being said, there may be exceptions for certain types of drones or specific purposes. For example, some cruise lines allow drones for professional photography or videography services arranged in advance with the cruise line.
So if you’re planning on bringing your drone on a cruise ship, check with the cruise line first to see if they have any restrictions.
Cruise lines that permit drones on Ships:
Not all cruise lines allow drones to be used on board their ships. Here is a list of cruise lines that do allow drones:
Carnival cruise line:
Can you bring a drone on a Carnival cruise ship? Yes, but you can’t fly it. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, onboard cruise ships in U.S. waters.
Carnival Cruise Line has a strict policy prohibiting the use of drones onboard our ships. We understand that some guests may be interested in using drones to capture photos and videos during their cruise vacation. Still, the safety and security of our guests, crew, and ships are always our top priority.
Royal Caribbean cruise line:
Drones are becoming increasingly popular, and many wonder if they can bring them on their Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Yes, you can bring a drone on board, but some restrictions exist. You cannot fly the drone inside the ship or in any of the ports. Additionally, it would be best if you kept the drone within your stateroom when not in use. If you want to fly the drone while on the ship, you must get permission from the captain first.
Norwegian Cruise Line:
Norwegian Cruise Line does not currently allow drones on board their ships. However, this policy may change as the popularity of drones increases. Currently, a few drone-related activities are allowed on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Guests are permitted to bring drones when they embark on a cruise, but they must keep them stored in their staterooms at all times. Also, guests cannot fly drones while the ship is in port.
Princess Cruises:
Yes, you can bring your drone on a Princess Cruises ship, but you will need permission from the captain before you can fly it. This is because drones can be a nuisance to other passengers and interfere with the ship’s operations. If you want to fly your drone, make sure you do so safely and responsibly.
Celebrity Cruises:
Drones have become increasingly popular recently, and many people now use them for recreation and photography. While drones are generally not allowed on Celebrity Cruises ships, there are some exceptions. If you have a drone that is small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage, you may be able to bring it onboard. However, you will need to get prior approval from Celebrity Cruises before doing so.
Once onboard, you may be able to fly your drone in certain areas of the ship, depending on the regulations at the time of your cruise. It is important to note that drone usage is always subject to change, so check with Celebrity Cruises before flying your drone onboard.
MSC cruise lines:
Yes, you can bring your drone on an MSC Cruises ship, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need permission from the captain or guest services before flying your drone. Second, be aware of the ship’s drone policy – some ships have designated areas where you can fly, while others may not allow drone use. Finally, respect other guests and avoid flying your drone near people or areas that could cause a disturbance.
Is Flying a Drone Ever Allowed on a Cruise Ship?
Flying a drone on a cruise ship is not allowed. Many areas on a cruise ship are off-limits to drones, including the pool deck and staterooms. In addition, drones are not permitted in areas where they could pose a safety hazard, such as near the ship’s propellers or lifeboats.
What kind of drones are allowed on a cruise ship?
There are a few things to consider when deciding if you can bring your drone on a cruise ship:
- The size of the drone. Most cruise ships have a weight limit for luggage, and drones can easily exceed that limit.
- The battery size. Many drones use lithium-ion batteries, which are not allowed on cruises due to fire hazards.
- You need to check with the specific cruise line to see if they have any drone restrictions.
Some cruise lines, like Carnival, do allow drones onboard as long as they meet certain criteria. For example, the drone must be smaller than 18x18x8 inches and weigh less than 20 pounds. The battery must also be under 100 watts if you’re planning on flying your drone while on the ship; you’ll need to get permission from the captain first.
Reasons why drones are not permitted to cruise ships?
The reasons drones are not permitted on cruise ships are many and varied. The most obvious reason is that they could threaten the safety of the ship and its passengers. Another reason is that they could interfere with the operation of the ship. Additionally, drones could smuggle contraband onto the ship or take photographs or videos of passengers without their permission. Finally, drones could be a nuisance to other passengers and could cause disruptions to the onboard experience.
Where can you fly a drone on board a cruise ship?
If you’re looking to fly your drone on board a cruise ship, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, drones are not allowed in most areas of the ship. This includes the pool deck, public areas, and cabins. There are also restrictions on where you can fly your drone on shore. That said, there are some places where you can fly your drone on a cruise ship.
The most common place is the top deck. You’ll have plenty of space to take off and land your drone. Just be sure to stay away from the edges of the deck and avoid flying over areas where people are sunbathing or relaxing. Another option is to fly your drone from a tender boat.
These boats are typically used to transport guests to and from shore excursions. If you’re flying your drone from a tender boat, follow all of the same safety rules as if flying from the top deck. Finally, you can also fly your drone while in port. However, you’ll need to get permission from the local authorities before doing so.
Conclusion:
Based on my research, you can bring a drone on a cruise ship, but you cannot operate it while on the ship. This is likely due to insurance reasons and to avoid potential accidents or injuries if you want some great aerial footage. At the same time, on your cruise, it would be best to contact the cruise line ahead of time to see if they have any specific guidelines or restrictions.
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