The rules of being on a cruise ship may or may not be exactly the same as when you’re traveling from place to place by land or by air. And the rules for one cruise line may be different from the rules of another cruise line. We’ve gone over some of them in the past:
- Each cruise line’s policy for saving lounge chairs (and how to get around it)
- The cruise ship that quietly banned Bluetooth speakers
- The cruise lines that do & don’t let you cruise if you have a criminal record
Over the past few years, drones have become popular as a way to make “bird’s eye” videos. On land, there are rules about where someone can and cannot use a drone. In the U.S., the FAA has their own set of rules, and then there are local regulations you’re supposed to follow, as well.
Drones on cruise ships?
So what about using a drone on a cruise ship? Or in one or more of your ports of call?
Not surprisingly, “it’s complicated.”
Cruise rules
Each cruise line has its own rules about drones. Here’s what 10 of the major cruise lines say, as of August, 2025:
Carnival Cruise Line
Drones are not permitted for use onboard Carnival cruise ships. The technology is listed under the “Items for Port Use Only” section of Carnival Cruise Line’s prohibited items list.
Keep in mind that each port and each country will have its own rules about drone use.
Celebrity Cruises
- Guests are welcome to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time.
- 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. Royal Caribbean assumes no liability for guest 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 till 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.
- Drones are not to be operated on either of Royal Caribbean’s private destinations: CocoCay or Bahamas
Cunard
Drones are listed under their Prohibited Items list: “Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones”
Disney Cruise Line
Drones are listed under “Appliances, Electrical Items and Electronics/Remote-controlled devices” of their Prohibited Items list.
Holland America Cruise Line
Drones are listed under their Prohibited Items list: “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).”
Norwegian Cruise Line
Drones are listed under their Prohibited Items list: “Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones”
MSC Cruises
Guests are permitted to bring drones, though they must be stored safely in their cabins as their use on board is strictly forbidden: any drones found being used on board will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. Drones can be used off the ship and outside of port areas where allowed (NOT at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve). Important: Guests are fully responsible for understanding and complying with all local authority regulations related to drone usage and for obtaining any necessary permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage resulting from drone usage, is the guest’s responsibility. MSC Cruises assumes no liability for drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accidents or injuries resulting from drone flights.
You can find more information on their Guest Conduct Policy Here.
Princess Cruises
Drones are included in their Prohibited Items list: “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).”
Royal Caribbean
Onboard the ship
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area.
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.
Private destinations
No, drones may not be operated at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas or Labadee®, Haiti.
Virgin Voyages
As seen in their FAQ:
In conclusion
A loophole?
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
