No, even though cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use in many states, you generally can’t bring weed on a cruise. Cruise ships and ports are often subject to federal laws and regulations just like planes and airports, and that’s why most cruise lines prohibit passengers from carrying cannabis, regardless of where the cruise begins or ends. 

Before boarding, port security may screen your bags, luggage, and other belongings. If security officers discover cannabis or any prohibited substance during the screening process, you may be denied boarding, have the product confiscated, or face legal consequences depending on local laws and port regulations. 

Some ports also use trained K9 dogs to detect drugs. Even if you manage to board a cruise with weed, being caught onboard can lead to serious consequences, including confiscation, fines, removal from the ship, or other penalties imposed by the cruise line or local authorities. 

In this guide, you'll learn why cannabis is prohibited on most cruises, whether there are any exceptions for medical cannabis, if edibles, vape pens, and CBD products are allowed, what happens if you're caught with weed onboard, and whether you can legally travel with cannabis between legal states or while cruising internationally.

Why Can’t You Carry Cannabis While Cruising?

If you’re under the impression that, as cannabis is legal in 24 states for recreational use, and 47 states for medical use, it may be okay to carry weed on a cruise, that’s a big misconception and a mistake that some travelers often make.  

Ports and cruise ships are regulated by federal law and international law, and as cannabis is still illegal under federal law, it is prohibited for anyone to carry it while cruising. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Disney have a strict zero-tolerance policy against cannabis and any other substance that’s federally illegal and prohibited.

Can You Bring Medical Cannabis on a Cruise?

No, you’re not legally allowed to carry medical cannabis on a cruise either, even if it’s prescribed by a licensed physician, and you also have a weed card issued by your state, as it’s illegal under federal law.  

Whether you’re carrying weed for recreational or medical purposes, you’d still face similar consequences. If you're wondering whether the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug could make cruise regulations more lenient, the answer is no. The change doesn't mean you're legally allowed to bring cannabis on a cruise. 

If you use medical cannabis for treatment, it's best to ask your doctor whether there are alternative medications you can use during the voyage.

Is It Possible to Bring Edibles, Vape Pens, and CBD on a Cruise?

Unlike cannabis flower, edibles, vape pens, and CBD products are easier to conceal and carry. So, does that mean you can bring them on a cruise? Again, the answer is no. 

Cruise lines generally prohibit cannabis products regardless of their form. Whether it's cannabis flower, THC gummies, cannabis-infused edibles, or vape cartridges, bringing them onboard can lead to confiscation, denied boarding, fines, or other penalties if you're caught. 

As for CBD products, policies may vary depending on the cruise line and the product itself. If you're considering bringing CBD on a cruise, it's best to check the cruise line's policy beforehand rather than assuming it's allowed.

What Happens If You Get Caught with Weed on a Cruise?

If you get caught with weed on a cruise, you may face anything from a warning and confiscation of the cannabis to fines, removal from the ship, or even an arrest, depending on the circumstances and where the incident occurs. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the possible consequences of carrying weed during a voyage.

The Weed May Get Confiscated

One of the most common consequences of carrying weed on a cruise is having it confiscated by security personnel, cruise staff, or local authorities. This can happen during the boarding process if cannabis is discovered during a luggage screening, or later during the voyage if you're found carrying or using it onboard. 

In some cases, confiscation may be the only consequence, especially if you're carrying a small amount and no other violations are involved. However, having your weed confiscated doesn't necessarily mean the incident ends there, as cruise lines may impose additional penalties depending on their policies and the circumstances.

You May Be Confined to Your Cabin, or Face Movement Restrictions in the Ship

If you're caught carrying or using weed onboard, the cruise line may impose temporary restrictions on your movement throughout the ship. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to remain in your cabin for a certain period or be prohibited from accessing specific areas and onboard activities. 

Cruise operators have broad authority to enforce their policies and maintain order onboard. Even if the incident doesn't result in removal from the ship or legal action, movement restrictions can significantly impact your vacation and limit your ability to enjoy the amenities, entertainment, and excursions included in your cruise.

You May Be Disembarked at the Next Port

In many cases, there's a high chance that you'll be disembarked at the next port if you're caught carrying or using weed onboard. Most cruise lines have strict zero-tolerance policies toward cannabis, and violating those policies can result in your voyage being terminated early. 

If you're removed from the ship, you'll typically be responsible for arranging your own accommodations and transportation back home at your own expense. Depending on the circumstances, local authorities at the port may also become involved, which could lead to additional penalties or legal consequences.

You May Get Fined

If you're caught with weed on a cruise, you may also face a fine, especially if local authorities become involved after you're removed from the ship. In some cases, the cruise line may hand the matter over to law enforcement officers at the port. The exact amount of the fine can vary depending on where the incident occurs and the local cannabis laws.

You May Get Arrested and Even Face Jailtime

In more serious cases, getting caught with weed on a cruise can lead to an arrest and even jail time. While some locations may impose relatively minor penalties for cannabis possession, others may treat it as a criminal offense that can result in arrest, prosecution, and possible imprisonment. 

For this reason, it's important not to assume that cannabis laws at your departure port will apply throughout the entire voyage, especially if your cruise visits multiple destinations in different states or travels internationally.

You May Face a Lifetime Ban by the Cruise Line

There are many cruise lines that maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy against cannabis and other prohibited substances. If you're caught carrying or using weed onboard, the cruise line may not only remove you from the current voyage but also ban you from sailing with them in the future. 

Depending on the cruise line's policies and the circumstances of the incident, the ban may be temporary or permanent. In more serious cases, you could be placed on the cruise line's internal restricted traveler list and denied future bookings.

Can You Carry Cannabis If You’re Cruising Between States Where It’s Legal?

You might be wondering whether it’s okay to carry weed while traveling between states where it’s legal. Let’s take New York and Michigan as an example. Even though recreational cannabis is legal in both states, that doesn't mean you're allowed to bring cannabis on a cruise traveling between them.  

That's because cruise ships and ports aren't governed solely by the laws of the departure and destination states. Cruise terminals are often subject to federal regulations, under which cannabis remains illegal. In addition, cruise lines typically maintain strict zero-tolerance policies against cannabis regardless of where the voyage begins or ends. 

As a result, the fact that cannabis is legal in both the departure and destination states generally doesn't create an exception that allows you to carry weed on a cruise. If you're caught with cannabis during the voyage, you may still face the same penalties and consequences discussed earlier. 

Instead of going through all these legal risks, you should leave your stash at home and consider purchasing weed from a licensed dispensary. If you’re visiting Michigan, you can explore our menu or drop by our cannabis store in Grand Rapids to explore our selection of flowers, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, vapes, and accessories.

Is it Possible to Carry Weed if You’re a Resident of a Cannabis Legal State?

No, being a resident of a cannabis-legal state doesn't create an exception that allows you to bring weed on a cruise. So, it doesn't matter whether you're a resident of Michigan, California, Colorado, or any other state where recreational cannabis is legal. 

The moment you enter a cruise terminal or board a cruise ship, you're subject to the rules and regulations that apply to the port and the cruise line. This remains true even if your cruise departs from and returns to the same cannabis-legal state. If you're caught with weed, you may still face the same penalties and consequences regardless of where you live.

Is it Legal to Carry Weed While Cruising Internationally?

No, it's generally prohibited to carry weed while cruising internationally due to federal regulations, cruise line policies, and the laws of the countries you may visit. So, you cannot cruise with weed, even if you're traveling from a state in the U.S. like Michigan to a country like Canada where recreational cannabis is legal. 

Many travelers assume that if cannabis is legal at both their departure point and destination, it should be okay to bring it along. However, that isn't the case. Cruise ships operate under their own policies and may travel through multiple jurisdictions, each with different cannabis laws and penalties. 

If you're caught carrying weed during an international cruise, you may face severe legal penalties such as hefty fines, arrest, prosecution, and even jail time. For example, countries such as Japan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates impose severe penalties for cannabis-related offenses.

If you get caught with weed while cruising from the U.S to Japan, within Japan’s territory, you may face a fine of up to $20,000 and up to 7 years of imprisonment. Similarly, if you’re caught cruising in Singapore with weed, you may face a fine of about $16,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

Can You Bring Weed on a Rented Boat or One That You Own?

The answer depends on where you're boating and the cannabis laws that apply in that location. Unlike cruise ships, privately owned and rented boats aren't typically subject to cruise line policies. However, that doesn't automatically mean you're allowed to carry or use weed on board. 

If you're boating in a state where recreational cannabis is legal and you're complying with all applicable state laws, possessing weed may be permitted. However, you should keep in mind that boating under the influence of cannabis is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in fines, criminal charges, or other penalties. 

The rules can become even more complicated if you travel through federal waters, enter another state, or cross into international waters. In those situations, different laws and regulations may apply, and what was legal at your departure point may no longer be legal at your destination. For this reason, it's important to check the laws and regulations that apply to your specific boating route before bringing cannabis on a rented boat or one that you own.

The Bottom Line: Should You Bring Weed on a Cruise?

No, between strict cruise line policies, federal regulations, and the risk of fines, removal from the ship, arrest, or other penalties, bringing weed on a cruise simply isn't worth the risk.  Even if you're traveling between destinations where cannabis is legal, being a resident of a cannabis-legal state, or carrying marijuana for medical purposes generally doesn't create an exception that allows you to bring weed on board.  

The safest option is to leave your cannabis at home and purchase it legally after your trip, where permitted by local laws. If you're planning to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan, after your cruise, stop by our dispensary to explore a wide selection of high-quality cannabis products from some of the industry's leading brands.  

From flower and pre-rolls to concentrates, edibles, and vapes, you'll find premium products along with exclusive daily deals to help you get the most value from your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you smoke weed on a cruise balcony?

No. Cruise lines typically prohibit cannabis use anywhere on the ship, including private balconies and designated smoking areas.

Why is weed banned on cruises?

Weed is generally banned on cruises because cruise ships and ports must comply with federal regulations, international laws, and cruise line policies. Since weed remains illegal under federal law and cannabis laws vary between destinations, most cruise lines maintain strict zero-tolerance policies toward cannabis.

Do they search your bags on a cruise?

Yes. Before boarding, cruise terminals typically screen luggage and carry-on bags using X-ray machines and other security procedures. If security identifies a suspicious or prohibited item, they may conduct a manual inspection of your belongings.

Can cruise drug dogs smell edibles?

Yes, trained dogs may be able to detect cannabis-infused edibles, even if they don't have the strong smell typically associated with cannabis flower. While detection capabilities can vary, you should not assume that edibles will go unnoticed during cruise terminal security screenings.

What happens if cruise security finds weed in your luggage? 

Depending on the circumstances, the cannabis may be confiscated, you may be denied boarding, removed from the ship, fined, or referred to local authorities.

Can you buy weed at a cruise destination and bring it back onboard?

No. Most cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing cannabis onto the ship, even if it was legally purchased at a destination during the trip.