Can I take my drone on holiday? The cruise line drone policy guide

Are you planning a cruise this summer? Thinking about taking your drone? Wondering if you can take your drone on board with you? In this article we give you the information you need with the drone policies for the top 14 cruise lines. You should also check out our post covering rules and regulations in all European countries Can I take my drone on holiday? The European country drone policy guide. And, if you're taking a flight to or from your cruise start or end destination, you should also check out our post Can I take my drone on holiday? The airline drone policy guide.

General Drone Policies on Cruise Ships

Overall, it's not great news if you want to take your drone on your cruise with you. All cruise lines prohibit the operation of personal drones on their ships and you'll find that almost all port areas restrict the use of drone too. The primary reason for this ban is safety, both for passengers and the ship itself. And of course the cruise destinations you visit outside of the port areas will have drone regulations that you'll need to be aware of and adhere to also. Nevertheless, some cruise lines will allow you to bring drones on board or make exceptions for professional drone operators with specific permits and approvals.

Dangers of Not Complying with Cruise Line Drone Rules

When cruise operator prohibit drones being brought on board, they make some pretty serious warning about the consequences of ignoring the rules. Some will confiscate the drone if found during the luggage screening and some cruise lines, like Cunard for example even go so far as to say "if you are found in possession of any of these items they may be permanently confiscated". So our advice is not to risk it. If the cruise operator you're going on holiday with says no drones allowed, respect their rules and leave your drone at home.

Cruise Operator Drone Policies Summary (as of July 25, 2024)

Note: Information may change, so it's always best to check the cruise line's website directly before your cruise - we've included links to the source information where possible.

Carnival Cruises: Great news, you are allowed to take your drone on a Carnoval Cruise. However, you must declare your drone and it must be held in the custody of the Chief Security Officer and then checked out/in by the owner for port use only. Source

Celebrity Cruises: You are welcome to bring drones on a Celebrity cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time. Celebrity's guidance goes on to say "Different countries may have different rules. Guests assume full responsibility for understanding all local authority rules related to drone usage and for obtaining any required permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage from drone usage is the guest's responsibility. Celebrity Cruises® assumes no liability for guests drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accident or injury resulting from a guest drone flight. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated until the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage." Source

Fred Olsen Cruises: Drones and any other types of flying objects regardless of size or propulsion system are prohibited on Fred Olsen cruise ships. If any item is confiscated and deemed that it can be lawfully returned, the item will be given back at the end of the cruise. Any illegal items will be confiscated and the appropriate authorities advised. Source

Cunard: You are prohibited from taking your drone on a Cunard cruise ship. Cunard's policy states "The safety and security of our ships is paramount and, as such, you are prohibited from carrying certain items onto our vessels. Security screening of you and your baggage will be conducted each time you board the ship and if you are found in possession of any of these items they may be permanently confiscated. Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or aerial drones." Source

Disney Cruise Line: You are prohibited from taking your drone on a Disney cruise ship. Disney's policy states "For the safety of all Guests on board, electrical appliances are restricted and therefore prohibited from being brought on board. Should any of these items be found in your baggage during the security screening process, they will be confiscated and result in a delay of your luggage delivery until late evening on embarkation day. [...] please leave these items at home. Source

Hurtigruten: Whilst Hurtigruten doesn't explicitly state you're not able to bring a drone on board, it does say "The use of passenger-operated drones is not permitted during your voyage. Drones can hinder the user’s safety, disturb vulnerable wildlife, and affect other guests’ personal security." Source

Marella Cruises (TUI): Drones are classed by Marella Cruises as a prohibited item and you are not able to bring them onboard. "Prohibited items are those which Marella, our agents or security staff consider pose a risk or inconvenience to the safety and security of the ship." Source

MSC Cruises: You are prohibited from taking your drone on an MSC cruise ship. MSC's policy states "Port Security has the duty to search Guests and luggage to confiscate any article internationally known as dangerous for the safety and security of Guests, Crew and ship. Such items will be confiscated and not returned. Alcohol, firearms, sharp objects such as blades and scissors, flammable and explosive material, items with heating elements, open flames (e.g. clothing irons, kettles, hotplates, candles, incense), and drones." Source

Norwegian Cruise Line: You are prohibited from taking your drone on a Norwegian cruise ship. Norwegian's policy states "Guests are not permitted to bring drones onboard for safety of other guests, as well as the welfare of the vessel." Source

Princess Cruises: You are prohibited from taking your drone on a Princess cruise ship. Princess's policy states "Guests are advised not to bring any prohibited items to the ship. Prohibited items will not be allowed or stored on board the vessel with no exceptions. Guests are fully responsible for either storing these items ashore or disposing of them prior to embarkation. Drones also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys. (The exception is when permitted for company sponsored events when approved in advance by Fleet Security)." Source

P&O Cruises: You're out of luck if you want to take your drone on a P&O cruise. In answer to an FAQ on their website asking "What am I not allowed to take on board", as part of their answer, P&O are very clear and simply state that "Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones" are prohibited. Source

Royal Caribbean Cruises: Your are allowed to bring drones on a Royal Caribbean cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. But be warned, "Drones used on the ship will be confiscated until the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued, and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage." Source

Viking Cruises: This is an interesting policy in that Viking list drones in their prohibited items policy but, the policy states "Aerial drones not allowed to be operated from the ship" which implies you are able to take a drone on board, just not fly it from the ship. We recommend you check with them before packing for your cruise. Source