Why are Drones not allowed?

[thunter1224]

Why are Drones not allowed to be brought onboard ? I understand not using them on the ship, But why can't I use it while in ports?

[RobInMN]

Depends on the cruise line. And even on those that allow them to be brought on, you may be limited on their use, and then it's up to you to be aware of the rules in any country you visit.

 

From the Royal Caribbean FAQ:

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/can-guests-bring-drones-onboard

[peety3]

In the grand scheme of things, past cruisers probably ruined it for present cruises, but two main reasons come to mind:

 

1) Privacy: people think they can walk around their cabin nekkid with the blinds open not expecting a drone peeking in. (or they think they'll be able to enjoy their balcony without the buzzing of a drone overhead).

 

2) "Return to launch site" doesn't work well from a moving vessel.

[MacMadame]

Drones can be annoying and run into people and stuff causing damage too.

 

I have a drone and I would never think of bringing it on a ship. For one thing, I'd be afraid I'd lose control of it and it would end up in the ocean!

[pierces]

I would almost guarantee that someone has:

 

• Lost an expensive drone flying it while at sea and complained.

• Crashed one in a pool area and others complained.

• As peety3 said, flew one past an un-curtained cabin window, triggering a complaint.

• Had their drone confiscated for flying a drone in a no-fly zone in a port.

• Was arrested for same. 

 

Easier to just say no. 

 

Dave

[Heidi13]

On 9/12/2024 at 7:29 AM, thunter1224 said:

Why are Drones not allowed to be brought onboard ? I understand not using them on the ship, But why can't I use it while in ports?

 

To be used onboard, drones would need to comply with International Maritime Radio Regulations and the Flag State's Regulations, for both the drone and operator certification, as applicable. Since some cruise lines have more than 1 Flag State, different ships in the same fleet could have different requirements.

 

To use them in other countries, you would need to research the applicable regulations and whether any certification is required. When certification is required, other countries most likely will not accept US certification.

[rjp50]

I don’t think anyone actually answered the original question which was why are drones not allowed onboard as long as you don’t fly them while on the ship.  If they are afraid of scofflaws breaking this rule they can make the penalties as draconian as necessary to prevent it.  
 

Yes, flying them in other countries requires additional registration efforts but most drone owners understand this.  It doesn’t seem like it is the cruise lines’s responsibility to enforce different country’s regulations any more that it is an airline’s responsibility.

Edited 3 hours ago by rjp50