Is it permissible to bring marijuana on a cruise ship?

If you're planning to smoke or consume cannabis in any form during your cruise vacation, there are several important regulations you should be aware of.

Crucially, cruise ships are governed by federal law. While some states and countries allow marijuana use, it's illegal to have cannabis on a cruise, meaning you can't get high while at sea.

So, does that mean you can't smoke marijuana during your cruise? Not necessarily. It really depends on your cruising destination.

Cruise ships often stop in states where private cannabis use is legal, like Alaska, California, Washington, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. Moreover, Amsterdam is a popular port on many European cruises. While you may have a chance to enjoy cannabis on land, it doesn't mean you can disembark and light up immediately.

Cannabis regulations on cruise ships

Understanding the regulations on cruise ships is crucial, as breaches can lead to severe consequences, as many caught passengers have discovered.

If you choose to smoke, for instance, on your cabin balcony, your fellow passengers might be the ones to inform on you. Additionally, the crew is trained to detect and report any illegal substances.

That's when the enjoyment comes to a halt. According to the cruise contract you sign when boarding, cruise lines have the authority to search your cabin, remove you from the ship, and hand you over to local authorities for any infractions. This could result in fines and even jail time, abruptly ending your cruise vacation.

But what about CBD on cruise ships?

Cruise lines clearly state that cannabis in any form is prohibited on board. It doesn't matter if medical marijuana is legal in Florida or if you possess a medical card; you cannot bring marijuana or edibles — including CBD products — onto a cruise ship.

For example, Virgin Voyages explicitly states that "all illegal drugs, non-prescription controlled substances, medically prescribed marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and CBD products are banned." You'll find similar language on every other cruise line's website.

As you embark on your cruise at the pier, you may notice customs or security personnel with dogs. One of their tasks is to sniff out drugs in carry-on luggage. Cruise lines also utilize technology to detect drugs in checked bags, although they do not publicly disclose this information.

What are the consequences if you 'forget' that marijuana is prohibited on your cruise ship and get caught?

Take, for example, a woman from Pennsylvania who, in 2018, was discovered by customs officials carrying two bags of marijuana in her purse as she boarded Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas in Bermuda. A subsequent search of her cabin revealed pipes, additional paraphernalia, and cannabis oil. Bermuda authorities arrested her, and she was detained before pleading guilty to four charges of drug possession. She was fined $4,000, which she had to pay immediately, and then sent home — her cruise was over. The authorities rejected her claim that she was unaware of the items in her bags.

In a more recent incident in 2023, a nurse from Texas received a lifetime ban from sailing with Carnival Cruise Line after port officials discovered CBD gummies in her luggage.

If you believe you can outsmart the system, remember that drug trafficking charges can be applied for bringing marijuana into international waters.

Marijuana at the port

Ports of call may have more relaxed regulations. For example, despite Amsterdam's mayor Femke Halsema's attempts to prohibit tourists from visiting the city's renowned "coffee shops," you can still legally enjoy cannabis in these establishments. Their menus often include loose flower, pre-rolled joints, hashish, and various edibles like muffins, cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. Some places even offer infused gelato. Just keep in mind: no takeout is permitted.

During your ocean or river cruise from Amsterdam, you might want to check out the local scene on a ganja walking tour, which typically includes snacks.

Contrary to popular belief, Jamaica is not a free-for-all for cannabis. Smoking in public is illegal, and while violations carry a fine, it's usually minimal — around 500 Jamaican dollars, approximately $3. To truly experience the local culture, consider booking a marijuana tour, where you can visit a private cannabis farm and enjoy ganja tea alongside ganja cake.

Cannabis culture in Alaska

Alaska has been leading a movement in the U.S. to create spaces where both tourists and locals can socialize while enjoying cannabis.

In 2014, Alaska legalized marijuana for personal use. Shops selling locally grown cannabis (and sometimes edibles) for adults aged 21 and over opened throughout the state, including popular cruise ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. However, these products were restricted to private use, leaving cruise passengers without options.

Following extensive discussions and the implementation of strict regulations, Alaska's Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office granted approval for two venues to allow on-site consumption in August 2021. These locations are among the first in the nation designed to serve both locals and tourists.

The regulations for on-site consumption allow you to purchase raw or edible cannabis products (with up to 10 milligrams of THC) for use on the premises — either in a lounge behind a secured entrance or in a separate building.

Consumption lounges are emerging throughout Alaska, including in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Fairbanks, though they may not always be within walking distance of the cruise ports.

Tourists are still prohibited from taking cannabis products off-site. Alaska law forbids consuming marijuana in public spaces, including while walking on the street or in city parks. If you're caught, you could face a fine. Additionally, it's illegal to smoke in any U.S. national park — and much of your cruise through the Inside Passage in southeast Alaska takes place in national park territory.

Avoid trying to bring your purchases back onto your cruise ship.

Cannabis options after your cruise

To ensure you can enjoy smoking during your cruise vacation, consider booking a stay at a cannabis-friendly hotel before or after your cruise, especially if you're in a port city where marijuana is legal. A quick Google search can help you find options.

For travelers departing from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, check out Eaze, a prominent California cannabis delivery service that offers deliveries to select hotels.