Can You Take Photos of Crew and Other Guests on a Cruise? The Etiquette
Take all the photos you like of the ship, the scenery and your own group. The etiquette questions come up when other people are in the frame, and the rule of thumb is simple: if they'd notice, ask.
Photographing crew
Crew members are photographed all day, and most don't mind at all. Your cabin steward, a favourite bartender or the waiter who remembered your coffee order will often be glad to pose for a farewell photo.
A few courtesies make it easy:
- Ask first for any posed or close-up shot.
- Pick your moment. Not while they're carrying trays or rushing between cabins.
- Respect a no. Some crew prefer not to appear online, and that's their call.
- Stay out of crew areas. Doors marked "crew only" are off limits, camera or not.
Galley and behind-the-scenes tours, where offered, normally welcome photos. Ship photographers are a different case: you can always decline their portrait, as covered in whether cruise photo packages are worth it.
Photographing other passengers
Fine without asking
Wide shots of the pool deck, the atrium or a sail-away crowd, where nobody is the subject.
Ask first, or skip it
Close-ups of strangers, people in swimwear, anyone dining, and other people's children. If you want to share a group shot online, crop or blur faces you don't know.
Where cameras usually aren't welcome
- Spa, thermal suites, gym changing rooms and saunas
- Kids clubs, where parents generally can't photograph other children
- Casino tables, where many ships restrict photography
- Production shows, which often ban video and flash
- Medical centre and crew areas
Glacier days and scenic moments
When the ship reaches a glacier or sails under the Lions Gate Bridge, everyone heads for the same rail. Take your shots, then step back so others can step in. Leave big tripods in the cabin and keep selfie sticks low. A balcony is the only place you can linger as long as you like (see where to watch glaciers from the ship).
In port
Ask before photographing people in markets, at work or at home. Costumed performers and people posing with animals may expect a tip. At cultural performances in Alaska, such as Tlingit dance presentations, follow any photography guidance from the hosts; Tlingit culture in Alaska ports gives background.
Planning aerial footage? Read drone rules for cruises first. For camera tips, see Alaska cruise photography.
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Ask a cruise expert →Documenting your trip thoughtfully
Ask before close-ups, share the best spots, and keep cameras out of private spaces. Your photos will be just as good, and nobody else's cruise gets worse because of them.
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Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
Can you take photos of cruise ship crew members?
Yes, and most crew are happy to pose if you ask, especially your cabin steward or waiter at the end of the cruise. Ask before a close-up, don't photograph crew who are clearly busy or on a break, and keep out of crew-only areas.
Is it rude to photograph other passengers on a cruise?
People in the background of a scenic shot are unavoidable and fine. Deliberately photographing strangers up close, especially in the dining room, by the pool or anyone's children, is rude without asking, and so is posting their faces online.
Can you film the shows on a cruise ship?
Usually not. Most lines ask guests not to record production shows, and flash is almost always banned because it distracts performers. A quick photo at the curtain call is generally tolerated; check the announcement before the show.
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