So you’re wondering about marijuana on a cruise. Maybe you’ve seen people sneak vapes onboard or heard stories of cruisers lighting up on their balcony. Here’s the blunt truth — you cannot legally smoke marijuana on a cruise ship. Not in your cabin, not in the smoking area, not even if you’ve got a medical card. Cruise lines follow U.S. federal law, and that means weed is strictly banned at sea.
But before you stash away your rolling papers for good, there’s a loophole. You can smoke marijuana legally on a cruise — just not where you might think. The key lies in where your ship docks. Ports in Alaska, Canada, Jamaica, and even some U.S. states allow it, and if you know the rules, you can enjoy without ending your vacation in handcuffs.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to know before sparking up.
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Cruise Line Rules on Marijuana
If you’re thinking of bringing marijuana on a cruise, here’s the first thing to know: it’s 100% banned. Every major cruise line — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, you name it — follows U.S. federal law. And since marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, it’s treated the same way onboard as any other banned drug.
This means no joints, no vapes, no edibles, no oils, and no CBD products with THC. Even if marijuana is legal in the state you sail from, like California or Washington, those rules don’t apply once you’re on the ship.
Cruise lines spell it out clearly in their contracts and policies:
- Possession of marijuana on a ship is grounds for confiscation.
- Smoking marijuana on a cruise can result in fines (Carnival, for example, lists a $500 penalty).
- In serious cases, passengers can be removed from the ship at the next port — with no refund.
Bottom line? Don’t risk it onboard. Security checks every bag, every time you board, and they have drug-sniffing dogs in certain ports. If you get caught, you’re not just breaking cruise rules, you’re breaking federal law.
Why Weed Is Banned at Sea
So why is marijuana on a cruise such a hard no, even in 2025 when so many states and countries have legalized it? The answer is simple: cruise lines play it safe with the law.
Here’s why you won’t find a designated weed lounge next to the piano bar anytime soon:
- Federal law rules the seas. Cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports must follow federal regulations. Since marijuana is illegal federally, it stays illegal onboard.
- International waters get complicated. Cruise itineraries jump between countries. Each port has its own laws, and no cruise line wants the liability of passengers carrying marijuana across borders.
- Port customs are strict. Even if you buy weed legally in one port (like Seattle), bringing it into another country (like Mexico) is considered drug trafficking. That’s a quick way to end up in serious legal trouble.
- Zero-tolerance policy is easier. Rather than try to navigate dozens of local rules, cruise lines simply say no weed, period.
Think about it: what’s allowed in Alaska might get you arrested in the Bahamas. Instead of dealing with that legal nightmare, cruise lines ban marijuana across the board.
The Only Legal Way to Smoke Marijuana on a Cruise
Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for. While marijuana on a cruise ship itself is off-limits, there is one way to enjoy it legally: wait until you’re in port where it’s legal.
That’s right — the ship is a no-go, but the laws change the second you step off the gangway. If your itinerary includes places like Alaska, Canada, Jamaica, or certain U.S. states, you can buy and smoke marijuana legally while you’re ashore.
A few important things to remember:
- Never bring it back on the ship. Everything goes through security when you reboard, and they will confiscate it if found.
- Know the local laws. Some destinations allow marijuana purchases but ban public smoking. Others may only allow medical use.
- Stick to dispensaries. In legal ports, licensed shops near cruise terminals are the safest place to buy. For example, Skagway, Alaska has the Remedy Shoppe just blocks from the pier.
- Consume responsibly. If you get high in port and return to the ship mellow, that’s usually fine. But show up disorderly, and security might take notice.
Think of it this way: your ship is a floating no-weed zone, but your ports of call may be fair game. That’s your one loophole.
Ports Where Marijuana Is Legal for Cruisers
Not every stop on your cruise will be cannabis-friendly, but some definitely are. If you’re curious about marijuana on a cruise, here are the top ports where smoking is allowed — as long as you follow local rules.
- Alaska (USA): Marijuana is fully legal here, and many towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway have dispensaries just minutes from the cruise port.
- Canada: Nationwide legalization means ports like Vancouver, Halifax, and Victoria allow legal sales. Remember, though, you can’t bring marijuana across the border. Buy it and smoke it locally.
- Jamaica: The island has relaxed its laws, allowing tourists with a medical need to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries. In practice, small amounts are often tolerated, but always stick to the rules.
- Certain U.S. states: Departing or stopping in Washington, California, or New York? These states have full legalization, but again, only ashore — not onboard.
- Mexico (in progress): Marijuana laws are shifting, but regulations are still a gray area. Don’t assume it’s legal unless you’ve verified current laws before your cruise.
⚠️ Important: Even in legal destinations, public smoking may be restricted. Many places only allow use in private spaces, so always check local laws before lighting up.
What Happens if You’re Caught With Marijuana on a Cruise
So what if you ignore the rules and try to sneak marijuana on a cruise? The outcome isn’t usually pleasant, and it can range from embarrassing to life-altering.
Here’s what can happen:
- Confiscation and fines: At minimum, your stash will be taken. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, issue a $500 fine for violating the no-weed rule.
- Removal from the ship: If the offense is serious or repeated, you can be kicked off at the next port. No refund. No second chances.
- Local authorities get involved: If marijuana is found while docked, you could face the laws of that country. That might mean fines, arrest, or worse.
- Banned from future cruises: Cruise lines keep records, and being caught with weed could mean you’re blacklisted from sailing with them again.
And remember — it’s not just flower that gets flagged. Edibles, vape cartridges, tinctures, CBD oils with THC… they’re all treated the same way.
The takeaway? Enjoy legally when you’re in port, but don’t risk your vacation by bringing marijuana back on the ship.
FAQs About Marijuana on a Cruise
Can I smoke marijuana on a cruise ship if I have a medical card?
No. Even with a prescription, cruise lines follow U.S. federal law, which bans marijuana at sea. Medical cards are not recognized onboard.
What happens if I get caught with marijuana on a cruise?
Expect confiscation at minimum, and possibly a $500 fine, removal from the ship, or involvement of local authorities depending on where you are.
Can I smoke marijuana legally while the ship is docked?
Yes — but only if you’re off the ship in a port where it’s legal, like Alaska or Canada. Once you reboard, it’s prohibited again.
Can I bring edibles or vape pens instead of flower?
No. Edibles, oils, and vape cartridges containing THC are all banned and treated the same as raw cannabis.
Will security know if I’m high when I come back onboard?
Probably not. There aren’t drug tests or sobriety checks at the gangway. As long as you’re not disorderly, being high in port isn’t an issue.
Can crew members smoke marijuana in legal ports?
Policies for crew are even stricter. Most cruise lines require employees to remain drug-free at all times, regardless of local laws.
Jim’s Take
Here’s the deal: marijuana on a cruise is never worth the gamble. Cruise lines aren’t messing around when they say it’s banned, and the last thing you want is to get tossed off the ship or slapped with a fine before your vacation even gets started.
That said, if lighting up is part of your lifestyle, you do have options. Ports like Alaska, Canada, and even Jamaica give you the chance to enjoy legally and safely. Just remember — what happens ashore needs to stay ashore. Don’t bring it back onboard, and don’t assume every port is cannabis-friendly.
My advice? Treat it the same way you’d treat alcohol: respect the rules, know your limits, and keep it fun. Your cruise should be about the memories, the ports, and the sea days — not about dealing with cruise security or local police.
And speaking of being prepared, don’t miss our Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Don’t Forget #17!) — complete with a free printable to make sure you’re ready for anything at sea.
