How Can I Take My Drone with Me to Alaska

Little c Travel

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Apr 14, 2012
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One of Disney's policies is drones are not allowed. I get this 110%. You cannot have people taking drones off from the outside decks or their verandas and flying their drones while the ship is sailing. (I mean I want to do this because it would be super cool but I understand why you cannot). However, I'm going on an Alaskan cruise next year and would love to do some drone photography while I'm in the ports in areas where it is allowed. I don't want to try and sneak my drone on board, I was just curious if anyone has ever been able to bring one on board and check it in and out with Disney Security when going into ports.
 
One of Disney's policies is drones are not allowed. I get this 110%. You cannot have people taking drones off from the outside decks or their verandas and flying their drones while the ship is sailing. (I mean I want to do this because it would be super cool but I understand why you cannot). However, I'm going on an Alaskan cruise next year and would love to do some drone photography while I'm in the ports in areas where it is allowed. I don't want to try and sneak my drone on board, I was just curious if anyone has ever been able to bring one on board and check it in and out with Disney Security when going into ports.
I recommend calling DCL to ask. Only they would know for sure. A lot of small planes and helicopters fly around the Alaskan ports, so be careful if you do have a drone.
 
I recommend calling DCL to ask. Only they would know for sure. A lot of small planes and helicopters fly around the Alaskan ports, so be careful if you do have a drone.

I think that is the biggest problem. Even if they agree to store it like I have seen lines do for golf clubs and you “check it out” in port, I would check the legalities of having one in Alaska - especially around the ports where there are float planes galore.
 
I would also check to see if they are allowed in Canada since you will be leaving out of Vancouver
 

One of Disney's policies is drones are not allowed. I get this 110%. You cannot have people taking drones off from the outside decks or their verandas and flying their drones while the ship is sailing. (I mean I want to do this because it would be super cool but I understand why you cannot). However, I'm going on an Alaskan cruise next year and would love to do some drone photography while I'm in the ports in areas where it is allowed. I don't want to try and sneak my drone on board, I was just curious if anyone has ever been able to bring one on board and check it in and out with Disney Security when going into ports.
A quick google search found this:
Local Drone Laws in Alaska
These are drone laws that apply only to certain regions, cities, or counties within the state of Alaska. Local Alaska drone laws were created by various authorities within the state.

State Code 33.398 – Salmon Fishing

Drones are not be used for any activity related to commercial salmon fishing operations in Alaska.

11 AAC 20.020

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has established a restriction on drones in Chugach State Park. This law prohibits aircraft in Chugach State Park, except for authorized aircraft flying into/out of Bold Airport.

Federal Drone Laws in Alaska
Drone laws that apply to every state in the U.S., including Alaska were created by the federal government.

To fly a drone as a commercial pilot in the state of Alaska (i.e. for work/business purposes) you are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.

To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the state of Alaska (i.e. for fun/pleasure) you are required to register your drone with the FAA and follow the FAA’s Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

To fly a drone as a government employee in the state of Alaska (i.e., for a police or fire department) you may either operate under the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).

https://drone-registration.net/state-drone-regulations/alaska-drone-laws/

And from Canada:
General Rules for Flying a Drone in Canada
*The following rules are currently in effect. New rules will take effect on June 1, 2019. Click here to scroll down to the new rules.*

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Canada under the current set of rules.

Recreational (i.e., Flying for Fun)
  • The rules listed below apply to those drone pilots flying for recreational purposes with a drone that weighs between 250 grams (.55 pounds) and 35 kilograms (77 pounds). If you’re flying a drone that weighs less than 250 grams (.55 pounds), the TCAA advises you to observe their tips for safe flying.
  • You must fly below 90 meters (295 feet) above the ground.
  • You must fly at least 30 meters (98 feet) away from vehicles, vessels and the public if your drone weighs over 250 grams (.55 pounds) and up to 1 kilograms).
  • You must fly at least 76 meters (250 feet) away from vehicles, vessels, and the public.
  • You must fly at least 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) away from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft take off and land).
  • You must fly at least 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only.
  • You must fly outside of controlled or restricted airspace.
  • You must fly at least 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) away from a natural hazard or disaster area.
  • You must fly away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
  • You must fly during the day and not in clouds.
  • You must keep your drone within your sight at all times while flying.
  • You must fly within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of yourself.
  • You may only fly your drone if it is clearly marked with your name, address, and telephone number.
https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-canada/
 
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There was a discussion on Cruise critic where a guest was sailing on Disney, they took his drone when he boarded, and he was not allowed to pick it up until he disembarked.

Even if Disney does allow you to take it off the boat, be aware that you cannot fly drones in any of the state parks of Alaska or in any of the national parks.
 
IF they let you bring it and then let you have it in the port, you would be very limited in Ketchikan because the port is just across the waterway from their airport. Not to mention all the seaplanes that are flying up and down the channel all day (not just excursion, that is transportation for some people in SE Alaska).
Juneau may also have limitations due to the proximity of the airport (which is closer to Mendenhall than where the ship docks), but you also have some seaplane and helicopter traffic.
Skagway has helicopter traffic you don't want to interfere with.
And then the other restrictions above, such as not flying over some of the parks/natural areas.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I'm versed in regulations regarding drone flight and understand the limitations around flying in the port cities, state and federal land. There are still a lot of great spots to toss a drone up in the air when you head outside the cities centers and hopefully, I can figure out a way to work with Disney to be able to check my drone in and out. If not, no biggie.
 
I believe in Port Canaveral, items confiscated at embarkation aren't even onboard the ship - they are held at the port terminal for embarkation. I don't know if Vancouver is similar, since it is a round-trip, but DCL doesn't own the terminal there.

Enjoy your cruise!
 


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