phemmert

Major update from Royal Caribbean, after my inquiry. I am told that drone photography equipment may be boarded, but stored on board, and released to passengers at port calls. Drone pilots are solely responsible for complying with individual country's laws. Their website will be updated to reflect the change. Major good news, especially for those of us who enjoy this burgeoning hobby.

We just came back from a fabulous cruise through western Norway. On more than one occasion I thought about how incredible it would have been to bring my Phantom 4 with me. As a photography and video hobbyist, the opportunities for outstanding footage were endless. While RC prohibits bringing drones on board, I have to speculate that would be to prevent anyone from flying them off the ship while at sea or in port. That's obviously a good reason. However, it is a shame that they've put a blanket prohibition on even bringing them at all. Carnival Cruises do let their customers bring them, but are not allowed to fly them off the ship. Using drones for aerial photography is becoming more widespread. The technology has improved substantially, and the regulations that govern their use (in many countries) are designed to enhance safety while not stifling the ability to use these tools to create truly spectacular photos and videos. I'm thinking it might be worth the effort to formally ask RC to allow people to bring drones on board, but with specified and strict rules. Examples would be, for example, having the ability to securely store the equipment while on board and be able to "check out" the gear during port calls. Other cruise lines allow it, so I can't think of any particular reason why RC chooses not to. Thoughts anyone?