Cruise passengers warned using one popular gadget will get them in big trouble

By Grace Piercy, News Reporter

Most cruise lines ban a popular tech item (Image: Getty)

Cruise ship passengers have been warned that using one popular gadget will get them in big trouble.

Those hoping to bring their drones on holiday to get some aerial shots of the ship may be disappointed to learn that they are banned by many of the lines.

Lines mainly ban drones onboard due to safety concerns like people being hit, privacy issues involved with filming other passengers, navigation interference with the ship’s systems, and local regulations.

Also, cruise ships travel at an average of 23 to 35mph. Drones will have a hard time keeping up given the speed and winds and there is a good chance you'd lose it in the water. 

Those which ban them altogether include Fred Olsen, Cunard, Disney, Hurtigruten, Marella, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, P&O, Costa, and Virgin.

Drones are a danger to passengers and navigation (Image: Getty)

Others will insist they are stored by security and only used when in port – although local laws may mean that’s not advisable either. 

Carnival allows passengers to bring a standard camera drones onboard, however use is restricted only to ports. Drones must be declared to the ship’s Chief Security Officer who will hold it to be checked out.

Royal Caribbean also permits drones in a similar way. Passengers can only use them when on land, away from the port area and not on the company’s private islands. Drones must be kept stored in cabins.

Celebrity allows passengers to bring drones, but only for land use outside the port area. While onboard, drones must be kept in cabins.

Drones can also be taken on Viking cruises, but can only be operated by passengers when on land.

All of the lines urge passengers to be responsible for understanding and complying with local drone laws and regulations during port stops.

This includes obtaining any necessary permits, respecting no-fly zones, and following altitude restrictions when operating a drone.

Consequences for violating a cruise line’s drone policies can lead be serious, including drone confiscation, guest condict warnings, and complete disembarkation at your own expense.