Are 420 Friendly Cruise Lines Really A Thing? What You Need To Know

For any cannabis enthusiast, vacations and weed go hand in hand. But that’s easier said than done, considering the complex web of international laws and even federal laws.

Perhaps you’re wondering if you can sneak weed onto your next cruise vacation. Or maybe you’d rather go the extra mile and find a cruise that not only allows cannabis use but celebrates it.

Well, get ready to start sailing because 420-friendly cruises are more common than you think. But in regards to major cruise ships, they have strict rules against marijuana and other drugs, with consequences ranging depending on which country you’re in.

Here’s what you need to know before you bring marijuana on your next ocean adventure.

Unfortunately, no. Recreational marijuana, medical cannabis, and even CBD products aren’t allowed on cruise ships—even if you’re sailing from a legal state.

Most cruise lines follow federal law, where marijuana is still considered illegal. That means when you step aboard, you’re entering a space where cannabis rules are stricter, regardless of your departure port.

Adding to that, cruise ships travel through international waters and foreign ports, where weed laws can vary and often carry serious consequences. You’ll also go through tight security at terminals—sometimes including drug-sniffing dogs.

Cannabis is banned across all major cruise lines, including:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line

What happens if you’re caught smoking weed on a cruise ship? If you’re caught with weed or cannabis products, you could face:

• Denied boarding
• Removal from the ship
• Involvement with local law enforcement in port cities with strict weed laws

Even medical marijuana card holders aren’t exempt from these rules—so it’s best to leave your stash (and any other illegal drugs) at home and avoid the headache.

Yes! Cannabis-friendly cruises might be rare, but some companies offer private events and boat tours that let you smoke or use cannabis on board. Here are a few reputable ones:

While most cruise lines are cannabis-free, Cannabis Cruises offers full-size cruise ships and specifically targets weed users and those who respect the cannabis culture.

You can find them cruising along the West Coast in Long Beach, Catalina, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Alaska. We’ve heard through the grapevine that Cannabis Cruises are starting to pop up on the East Coast, too.

For beautiful views of DC and the Maryland Harbor, this boat tour also caters to cannabis users in and around the area.

However, cannabis use is banned onboard. They allow passengers to use and enjoy their products before boarding, where they’ll head out for a river cruise down the serene Potomac River.

We know it sounds tempting, and you’re likely looking for the best ways how to sneak weed on a cruise ship. We regret to inform you that it’s simply not the wisest thing to do. Here’s why.

High seas, high stakes. It’s common for cruise ships to have designated areas for smoking, but that doesn’t include cannabis. Consider the entire ship an undesignated area for the following reasons:

• If you smoke marijuana in your cabin or elsewhere, you could face immediate removal at the next port, meaning you’d have to book a flight back home.
• Cruise lines have intense security measures, including drug-sniffing dogs at cruise ports that can sniff out weed and other drugs in luggage
• Bringing weed to other countries is a big no. Those consequences include fines and jail time if you’re caught.
• Even medical marijuana cardholders can’t bring cannabis on cruises because of federal laws

Your absolute best bet? If you happen to dock in ports like Amsterdam, where weed is decriminalized, you could definitely visit coffee shops within walking distance, but leave them behind before you board.

Bringing them back on your cruise is still illegal, no matter where you are—and this includes low-odor cannabis edibles. The same goes for flying with weed, it’s a strict no-go (but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to hide it well).

While marijuana may be legal in your state, cruise lines operate under federal law, where cannabis remains prohibited. That means bringing edibles, CBD products, or any form of cannabis—flower, vapes, or joints—is not allowed on board.

Attempting to sneak weed through security isn’t worth it. Terminals may search your luggage, and you risk being denied boarding or facing local authorities at port, depending on the country’s laws.

If you’re craving a weed-friendly voyage, look into cannabis cruises near you—some local companies host private weed-friendly experiences. Cruise lines like the ones we mentioned above or platforms like Eventbrite are a great place to start your search.

But if you’re sailing on a major cruise line, play it safe and leave that green at home.