Marijuana Regulations on Cruise Ships: What You Need to Know

Table Of Content

• Nassau Shore Excursions
• Planning a Cruise to the Virgin Islands: Which Line to Choose
• What If My Cruise Visits or Departs From Canada? Can I Smoke Then?
• Relaxing Rules Mean More Acceptance. What About Cruises?
• MSC Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises That Include the Virgin Islands
• Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Drink Package

Cruise lines take this prohibition seriously and actively enforce it to comply with federal laws and maintain good standing with local laws in various countries. Therefore, the voyage with cannabis, even for medical use, on cruise ships hits a solid iceberg of legal and policy restrictions. Adhering to the cruise line’s rules and the laws of the visited countries is not just a matter of compliance but a necessity to ensure a serene, uninterrupted cruise experience. Illegal drugs and substances will be confiscated, and Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to, at its discretion, report violations of this nature to the appropriate authorities. Delta 8 THC is a less potent form and is legal by federal law if hemp-derived.

Nassau Shore Excursions

If you use medical marijuana, cruise lines suggest asking your doctor for an alternative to use during your cruise vacation. An important note, while the Bahamas and Caribbean are known for their pot-friendly culture, weed is illegal in most countries. Cruise lines have policies that prohibit the use of weed on the ship, at the cruise terminal, in ports of call, and during shore excursions. While items like Delta 8 have a quasi-legal status in many states, they too are banned from cruise ships. With countries worldwide taking a progressive stance towards marijuana, and legalization in many US states, you might be wondering if you can bring weed on a cruise ship. Carolyn Latti, a maritime attorney based in Boston, said in an email that cruise lines can inspect cabins and kick travelers off a ship for possession.

Planning a Cruise to the Virgin Islands: Which Line to Choose

There are plenty of special excursion options and popular activities offered by cruise lines when visiting the Virgin Islands. From snorkeling to exploring historic sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a company that offers luxurious amenities and personalized service, consider booking with one of the top-rated cruise lines for your Virgin Islands vacation. These cruise lines provide a wide range of island excursions and top-notch cruise ship amenities that will make your trip unforgettable. Royal Caribbean, known for its luxurious ships and top-notch service, provides a range of itineraries that visit the Virgin Islands. Carnival, on the other hand, offers a fun and lively atmosphere with a plethora of activities for guests of all ages.

What If My Cruise Visits or Departs From Canada? Can I Smoke Then?

Taking Pot on a Cruise Leaves Surprised Passengers Stranded Midtrip - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal

Taking Pot on a Cruise Leaves Surprised Passengers Stranded Midtrip - WSJ.

Posted: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Navigating local laws regarding marijuana in port destinations can be challenging, but it is essential to understand and respect the regulations to avoid any legal complications. Banning marijuana helps the cruise lines stay in the good standing of all local laws, no matter where they sail. Obviously there is some conflict between the laws in many states and the federal rules around the drug. While some states have chosen to legalize marijuana, it’s still illegal at a federal level. It’s true that in the United States, the laws regarding marijuana have eased considerably in the past decade.

Illegal drugs or substances will be confiscated and appropriate action taken, which may include removal from the ship and involvement of appropriate authorities. As rules surrounding marijuana, hemp, and CBD relax in the United States (and other parts of the world), it has put the cruise lines in confusing situation. Cruise companies told Today that they have zero tolerance and passengers can be fined or even serve jail time if they are caught using pot on board.

MSC Cruises

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the off-peak season from May to November. While there may be some rainfall, it is usually short-lived, and you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. During this time, you can also witness the nesting of sea turtles, which is a unique and unforgettable experience. When it comes to Caribbean cruises that include the Virgin Islands, there are several popular cruise lines to choose from.

Marijuana-friendly cruise ports

There seems to be more emphasis on thorough checking of luggage upon returning from a cruise than departing, so worth bearing in mind. Even if your bag is manually checked, security staff are more focused on looking for weapons and alcohol. After a drawn-out debate and after putting strict rules in place, Alaska's Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office in August 2021 approved two venues for on-site consumption. These are among the first places in the nation approved to cater to locals and tourists.

So, whether you’re dreaming of exploring the Caribbean, adventuring in Alaska, or discovering the wonders of the Mediterranean, Celebrity Cruises has you covered. The departure schedule from Mobile includes multiple sailings throughout the year, allowing you to choose the perfect time for your trip. Once onboard, I am always impressed by the array of amenities and activities available. From luxurious spas and fitness centers to thrilling water parks and Broadway-style shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With departure schedule availability and popular departure dates, Norwegian makes it easy for you to plan your dream cruise.

Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Drink Package

The security screening for passengers and luggage may involve using dogs to sniff out drugs. Cruise lines that depart from the United States operate under US federal laws. While many states have moved to decriminalize and legalize marijuana on a state level, weed is still illegal to possess at the federal level.

Worst case scenario, you’ll need to pay a fine and could land a stint behind bars. It's essential for passengers to understand their own limits and be responsible for their well-being while using marijuana during shore excursions. Understanding the potency of the product and consuming it in moderation will help avoid any negative experiences or discomfort during the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line explicitly states in their policies that any prohibited items will be confiscated and not allowed to be transported aboard their ships.

In the next section, we will discuss how to navigate the various cruise options for the Virgin Islands without feeling overwhelmed. With these must-see attractions in mind, let’s now explore the best cruise line for a Virgin Islands vacation. However, the peak tourist season runs from December to April when the weather is dry and temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).

In these cases, from what we have been told is that it doesn’t mean marijuana is allowed on board. Instead, the itinerary is geared towards ports of call and that are focused on cannabis culture, for example, a river cruise in Amsterdam. Pot-smoking cruisers on Alaska sailings might want to begin or end their cruises in Seattle or Juneau, where there are also cannabis-friendly properties. The hotel has a rooftop hot tub among the areas where you might enjoy your purchases. Alaska law bans consuming marijuana in public view, including while walking down the street or in city parks.

Onboard, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout your journey. From Broadway-style shows and live music performances to cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, there’s something for everyone. Now, let’s move on to the next section about Princess Cruises and their offerings from Mobile, AL.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has it all. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lifelong memories on your next vacation. Transitioning into the subsequent section about Viking Ocean Cruises, let’s explore another popular cruise line departing from Mobile, AL.

To take it a step further, select Carnival Cruise Line sailings have drug detection dogs sailing with you, and they could spot-check any time during the voyage or coming back on the ship. These dogs are looking for substances of all kinds, including cannabis and other recreational items. Even if you can have cartridges or other forms of marijuana legally on land, you can not bring them onto a cruise ship. Violating this policy can result in being removed from the vessel and potentially facing legal consequences. If federally illegal narcotics are discovered on board a U.S.-registered cruise ship, the crew or any passenger involved can be prosecuted and fined in line with U.S. drug laws.