4 minute read
If you have ever been on a cruise, you know the heartbreak. You are standing on the top deck. The sun is setting over the ocean. The ship looks magnificent. It is the perfect moment for a drone shot.
But you can’t take it.
Cruise lines have strict “No Drone” policies. If you try to sneak one on board, best case scenario: they confiscate it until the end of the trip. Worst case? You get kicked off at the next port.
For years, I dragged around a heavy backpack filled with a DSLR, three lenses, and a GoPro, trying to capture the scale of these massive ships. I usually ended up with shaky footage and a sore back.
That was until my last trip, where I left the heavy gear at home and brought just one device: The Insta360 X5.
The “Invisible” Cameraman
The X5 isn’t just an action camera; it’s a 360-degree camera. But the magic trick is the software. When you screw it onto the “Invisible Selfie Stick,” the camera automatically stitches the stick out of the footage.
The result? It looks like a camera is floating 5 to 10 feet away from you.
I was able to hang the camera over the railing (safely!) while walking the jogging track. The footage looks exactly like a drone flying alongside the ship. I got that epic, cinematic “at sea” establishing shot that used to be impossible for regular travelers.
Why The X5 (And Not The Older Models)?
I’ve used previous versions of this camera, but the X5 fixes the two biggest complaints travel creators had: Lighting and Durability.
- The “Dinner Date” Sensor Upgrade Cruise ships are bright during the day, but dim at night. Old 360 cameras used to get grainy as soon as the sun went down. The X5 packs massive 1/1.28″ sensors with a new 5nm AI chip. I took this thing to the neon-lit deck party and the dimly lit main dining room. The footage was crisp, colorful, and clean. No noise.
- The “Clumsy Tourist” Proofing Excursions can be rough. Sand, salt water, and rocks are dangerous for glass lenses. The X5 finally introduced removable lens guards that don’t ruin the image quality. I wasn’t terrified to take it snorkeling in Cozumel or ATV riding in the jungle. If I scratched a lens guard, I could just twist it off and buy a new plastic guard for $20, rather than replacing a $500 camera.
“I Don’t Know How To Edit”
This is usually where people tune out. 360 video sounds complicated.
Here is the truth: You don’t need to know how to edit.
The Insta360 app has an “AI Edit” button. You connect the camera to your phone, hit one button, and the AI finds the best parts of your day, adds music, and cuts a reel for you to post on Instagram or TikTok immediately using the ship’s Wi-Fi.
The Verdict: Is It The Only Camera You Need?
If you are a professional photographer shooting for a magazine, keep your DSLR.
But if you are a traveler who wants to actually enjoy your vacation while still getting shots that make your friends back home jealous? Yes.
It fits in your pocket. It’s waterproof to 49ft. And it gets the “drone shot” without breaking the rules.
Where to get it: If you want to grab one before your next sailing, I highly recommend the “Get-Set Bundle.” It comes with the Invisible Selfie Stick (which is mandatory for the drone effect) and an extra battery (essential for long port days).
