Drones are one of the hottest travel gadgets out there, and it’s no surprise cruisers want to pack them for sweeping shots of ships, islands, and ports. But cruise lines have strict rules, and the last thing you want is to have your drone confiscated at security or—worse—risk getting kicked off your vacation. Here’s what you need to know before bringing a drone on Royal Caribbean.
👉 Not in the mood to read? No worries, here’s the quick TikTok version ⬇️
Are Drones Allowed on Royal Caribbean?
✅ Yes, you can bring a drone onboard Royal Caribbean ships.
❌ No, you cannot fly it while on the ship. Launching from the deck, balcony, or even private island destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee is prohibited. If you try, the drone will be confiscated, you’ll receive a Guest Conduct warning, and you could even be disembarked at your own expense.
Royal Caribbean allows drones only for use on land at ports of call, subject to local laws.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Fly
- Onboard the ship: ❌ Not permitted.
- Royal Caribbean’s private islands (CocoCay, Labadee): ❌ Strictly prohibited.
- Ports of call: ✅ Sometimes allowed, depending on local regulations. Many countries require drone permits or restrict use near airports, ports, or crowded areas.
- Open beaches or parks away from port property: ✅ Generally the safest option.
Real Cruiser Experiences
- One cruiser shared that in Costa Maya, a guest launched a drone from near the pier, and port security confiscated it within minutes. Not the way you want to spend your day.
- Others note that even when drones are technically legal in port, you may draw unwanted attention. Locals or port officials may stop you and ask questions, even if you’re following the law.
- Some passengers report smooth sailing when using drones away from port property—like on secluded beaches—but emphasize the importance of planning ahead and respecting local rules.
Practical Tips for Bringing a Drone
- Pack it in your carry-on. It’s safer for the batteries and avoids issues if security wants to inspect it.
- Use a fire-safe battery bag. Lithium batteries are a safety concern, and crew are trained to look for proper storage.
- Declare it at security. A quick “I’ll be using this onshore, not onboard” can avoid confusion.
- Research before you fly. Each country has different drone rules. Some require a permit, others ban them outright.
- Always keep line of sight. Don’t fly over crowds, port facilities, or the cruise ship itself—even if you’re technically on land.
- Leave battery margin. Return with at least 20% battery to avoid losing your drone to wind, interference, or a last-minute rush back to the ship.
- Consider drone insurance. Helpful if your equipment is lost, damaged, or confiscated.
Why So Many Rules?
It comes down to safety and privacy:
- A ship deck is crowded, and a falling drone could injure someone.
- Interference with ship systems is a risk.
- Fellow passengers may not appreciate being filmed without consent.
Royal Caribbean’s rules are designed to keep the onboard environment safe and comfortable for everyone.
FAQs About Drones on Royal Caribbean
Can I bring my drone onboard?
Yes, but you can’t fly it on the ship or private islands.
Can I fly my drone at CocoCay or Labadee?
No, both private destinations are no-fly zones.
Do I need to pack it in carry-on?
Yes, especially because of lithium batteries. Checked bags may be flagged.
Do ports allow drones?
It depends. Some Caribbean destinations allow them in open areas, while others require permits or ban them outright. Always check local rules before flying.
Will Royal Caribbean hold my drone?
Only if you misuse it onboard. Otherwise, you can keep it in your stateroom and take it ashore when permitted.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can bring a drone on a Royal Caribbean cruise—but you can only fly it on land, and never from the ship or private islands. Even then, success depends on local laws, port security, and using common sense.
If you want those sweeping aerial shots, plan ahead, know the rules, and always fly safely. That way, you’ll come home with stunning footage—and without any unwanted run-ins with security.
👉 Have you ever brought a drone on a cruise? Did you get the shots you wanted, or did the rules make it more trouble than it was worth?
Want to feel prepared for your cruise?
I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.
Products I Use and Recommend
I keep a list of cruise-approved items I personally use and recommend.
Charity Bradley 
Leave a comment