Featured NewsTrending NewsCommunity NewsMiscellaneousCruising with a Twist: The 2026 Drone Cruise

post1

By The Infinity Experience.

 

Imagine standing on a cliff in the Caribbean, your drone buzzing through the salty air as it captures sweeping shots of turquoise waters and lush green hills. Now, imagine getting there on a luxury adults-only cruise where everything is taken care of—food, entertainment, spa treatments, and now, even drone flying.

   

That’s what we experienced in March 2025, The Infinity Experience hosted their first-ever Drone Cruisein the Caribbean aboard Virgin Voyages. It was a 10-night journey through the islands, visiting seven exotic locations. In six of those destinations, drone flying was permitted—and encouraged!

 

Participants were able to capture breathtaking landscapes, ocean views, and cultural landmarks from above, building unforgettable footage and experiences. And all of this was done with the full support of cruise staff, local port authorities, and a carefully planned itinerary that kept everything legal and seamless.

Yes, you read that right: a Drone Cruise.

This isn’t science fiction—it’s a real, one-of-a-kind experience offered by The Infinity Experience in partnership with Virgin Voyages. It’s the perfect getaway for drone enthusiasts, photographers, adventurers, and travel lovers looking to explore beautiful places with their drones… all while cruising in high style. And if you aren’t a drone enthusiast there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.

So how did this unique idea come about? And what can you expect if you decide to join the next one? Let’s break it down.

 

What is a Drone Cruise?

At its core, a Drone Cruise is exactly what it sounds like—a cruise that welcomes drones onboard and offers travelers the opportunity to fly them legally and safely at various port destinations.

Now, following the overwhelming success of that inaugural journey, the team is at it again—with a brand-new cruise set for September 2026, this time sailing through one of the most photogenic regions in North America during the most colorful season of the year.

 

Next Stop: New England & Canada September 19-27 2026

The upcoming Drone Cruise will depart from New York City and head north to Halifax, Nova Scotia, passing through scenic ports in New England and the Canadian Maritimes. This 8-night adventure will take place during fall foliage season, offering vibrant views of reds, oranges, and golds as nature puts on its most dazzling show.

 

For drone pilots, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture autumn’s beauty from the air—think coastal cliffs draped in fall color, charming seaside towns, and historic lighthouses framed by golden trees. If you love photography, travel, or flying your drone in new places, this is about as good as it gets.

Attend the Virtual Cruise Night – July 23, 2025

 

Curious to learn more? You’re in luck.

 

Virgin Voyages and The Infinity Experience are hosting a Virtual Cruise Night on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 via Zoom. This is your chance to get all your questions answered, meet some of the people behind this innovative trip, and hear directly from Virgin Voyages management about what to expect onboard and at the ports.

You’ll even get a $50 Bar Tab bonus from Virgin Voyages just for signing up and placing a deposit after attending the event!

 

To register for the Virtual Cruise Night, use the QR code included in this article and fill out the registration page. Be sure to include “The Droning Company” or “TDC” as your invitation source.

 

There is no cost to attend the Zoom event—just a lot of valuable info and inspiration.

 

What It’s Like Onboard a Drone Cruise

 

You might be wondering: how exactly does this work? Are drones even allowed on cruise ships?

 

Surprisingly, the process is smooth and simple. On the last cruise, participants were greeted at boarding and given VIP-style treatment. They skipped the long lines and were personally escorted through check-in.

 

Rather than carrying full drone kits onboard, passengers checked in only their drones—no batteries or controllers were needed at that point. At each port where drone flying was permitted, the security team returned each person’s drone quickly and efficiently, making it easy to go explore and fly.

 

Why Choose Virgin Voyages?

The cruise line partner for this adventure is no accident. Virgin Voyages has made waves in the travel industry by offering a completely fresh, adult-only and cheeky experience at sea.

 

Here’s what makes Virgin so different:

 

  1. Adults-Only Environment

Everyone onboard is 18+, creating a relaxed, stylish atmosphere without kids or traditional family programming. It’s perfect for drone pilots who want to focus on creativity, connection, and exploration.

 

  1. No Buffets, No Main Dining Room—Just 20 different eateries.

Instead of mass-market cruise food, Virgin offers 20+ distinct eateries, all included in your fare. Dine on Korean BBQ, upscale Italian, vegan delights, the ultimate steak house or comfort food classics—no extra charge. No stuffy formal nights. (Reservations are required for the specialty resturaunts.) Just eat when you’re hungry and explore flavors along the way even take a binto box to your refrigerator in your cabin for later.

 

  1. Entertainment That Breaks the Mold

Forget the usual cruise musicals. Virgin features immersive cabaret shows, themed parties, Scarlet Night celebrations where the entire ship is all dressed in their red finery, and Red Room performances that push boundaries. There’s even an onboard tattoo parlor for the adventurous. (Make reservations early)

 

  1. Focus on Wellness

With complimentary group fitness classes, outdoor workout spaces, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa, Virgin takes your well-being seriously and does not allow any plastic on board.

 

  1. All-Inclusive Feel

They call it “$1,000 Always Included Luxury,” and for good reason. Your fare covers dining, basic Wi-Fi, all gratuities, group fitness, and all regular coffee, teas and soft drinks. It’s the cruise experience reimagined for adults who want quality without nickel-and-diming.

 

  1. Cool, Tech-Forward Cabins

Rooms are designed with modern travelers in mind—clean lines, mood lighting all controlled by the ipad in your cabin. Sea Terrace rooms even include a red hammock on the balcony—ideal for stargazing or napping between drone flights.

 

Meet the Team Behind the Experience

The brains behind this unique Drone Cruise are Audrey and Bob Dempsey.

 

Audrey leads The Infinity Experience, a boutique travel agency that has been organizing group cruises for nearly a decade. She’s known for going the extra mile and making every traveler feel like family.

 

Her husband, Bob Dempsey, is a seasoned drone pilot and founder of the popular Facebook group and YouTube channel Old Farts with Drones®—a fun and supportive community for drone enthusiasts around the world.

 

Together, Audrey and Bob are also the organizers of the annual Vegas Drone Meetup, a major event happening again on November 7–9, 2025. Last year’s meetup drew many pilots, influencers, and brands. This year’s promises to be even bigger.

 

So, whether you’re a drone pilot looking to travel, a cruiser who loves gadgets, or just someone seeking a truly different kind of vacation—you’re in very good hands with the Dempseys.

 

How to Join

Want to learn more and potentially join the 2026 Drone Cruise?

 

Here’s what to do next:

 

  1. Scan the QR Code in this article for the Virtual Cruise Night on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

  1. Register early, and make sure to write “The Droning Company” or “TDC” as your invitation code.

 

  1. Attend the Zoom meeting, ask your questions, and get all the details you need to decide.

 

  1. Reserve your spot early for a special 10% discount on your Sea Terrace and enjoy a $50 Bar Tab credit when you book your cabin because you attended this virtual cruise night.

 

  1. Reach out to Audrey Dempsey directly at 702-592-2454 to create your booking.

 

Final Thoughts

The idea of a “Drone Cruise” might have sounded wild a few years ago—but now, it’s a real, curated, luxury experience available to those who want to blend their love for flight, photography, and travel.

 

With professional handling, legal flying opportunities, and a community of like-minded explorers, the 2026 Drone Cruise to New England and Canada is shaping up to be a standout experience for drone enthusiasts around the world.

 

So… ready for takeoff?

 

Get Our Newsletter!

Don't miss out on essential news, industry updates, hot videos and photos, gear reviews, and more!