What Really Happens If You’re Caught with Drugs on a Cruise Ship

Trying to sneak recreational drugs onto a cruise ship is a quick way to ruin your holiday. At best, you’ll be escorted off at the next port. At worst, you could end up facing criminal charges – even prison time.

Not everything is prohibited, though. Prescription medications are generally allowed, as long as you keep them in your hand luggage and carry a copy of your prescription.

Medical marijuana is a much trickier subject, with far stricter regulations. If that’s what you plan to bring, make sure to read my full guide to taking marijuana on a cruise ship before you go.

Security personnel thoroughly inspecting passenger luggage, ensuring compliance with cruise line policies against prohibited substances. — Credits: Unplash (photo by CDC)

In this article, we’ll break down how cruise lines screen for drugs, what you’re allowed to bring, and what happens if you get caught.

Do Not Sneak Drugs Onto a Cruise Ship

Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited on cruise ships. If you’re caught trying to bring them on board, expect to be handed over to local authorities, and you could face serious charges, including harsh prison sentences for drug smuggling.

Cruise Ship Drug Searches

Cruise lines use several methods to detect illegal substances, including X-rays, metal detectors, scanners, and sniffer dogs. However, catching drug smugglers isn’t security’s top priority.

Most of the time, security teams are focused on stopping passengers from sneaking alcohol on board (thanks to the high cost of drinks) and preventing dangerous items like weapons or explosives from getting through.

Passengers aren’t usually patted down during embarkation, but you will need to walk through a metal detector. If it goes off, security may scan you with a handheld detector or conduct a quick pat-down.

A security guard in a white shirt with a badge labeled 'SECURITY' attentively uses a walkie-talkie, with computer monitors in the background, illustrating a professional in communication.

Cruise Ship Body Scanners

Unlike airports, cruise ports don’t use the full-body “nude” scanners where you stand with your arms raised. Instead, you’ll walk through a standard metal detector designed to pick up any hidden weapons.

Cruise Ship Bag Checks

All luggage is X-rayed before being loaded onto the ship, mainly to spot alcohol and weapons. In many ports, bags are also inspected by sniffer dogs trained to detect drugs and explosives.

Carnival has previously banned passengers for life after finding CBD gummies during embarkation, so it’s safe to assume they take other drugs just as seriously.

Drug Dogs at Cruise Ports

Close-up of a dog's nose, highlighting the use of trained canines for detecting prohibited substances during cruise ship screenings. — Credits: Unplash (photo by Anastassia Anufrieva)

Not every cruise port uses sniffer dogs, but you’re most likely to encounter them in major ports across Mexico, the United States, Australia, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. Smaller ports are less likely to have them on site.

Interestingly, in 2021, some cruise lines even trialled dogs trained to detect COVID-19. These dogs were reportedly able to identify infected passengers with up to 97% accuracy — even if they had no symptoms.

Carnival Cruise Line has since announced a renewed crackdown on drug use across its fleet. Guests can now expect to see drug-sniffing dogs not only at embarkation ports, but also at destination ports and occasionally on board the ships themselves.

Matt Lupoli, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line, explained:

“The K-9s are part of our security team and are deployed to various locations, so guests may very well see them at terminals, destination ports, or onboard, and their deployment could change at any time.”

Company President Christine Duffy also reminded guests:

“While marijuana and cannabis products may be legal in some states, we are required to follow federal law irrespective of the law in the state where you may be boarding your ship.”

So, while you won’t encounter drug-sniffing dogs on every Carnival sailing, there’s always a chance they could be present, whether at embarkation, in port, or even onboard.

Bringing Medication on a Cruise

Assortment of medication bottles and a blood pressure cuff, highlighting the importance of properly declaring and transporting required medications on cruises.

If you need to take medication during your cruise, always bring it in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. This will make it easy to prove that the medication is legally prescribed to you if security asks any questions.

Smuggling Illegal Drugs

Trying to sneak illegal recreational drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens, and amphetamines, onto a cruise ship is a serious crime. If you’re caught, the consequences can be severe and could have a lasting impact on your life.

Drug Tests for Cruise Ship Workers

All cruise ship employees are drug tested before starting work and may also be subject to random testing throughout their contract. If a cruise line suspects drug use, it can require additional testing at any time.

Cruise lines operate under a strict zero-tolerance policy. Any guest or crew member found in possession of, or using, illegal drugs will be disembarked at the next port. Carnival has even confirmed that guests caught with drugs may be banned from cruising with them in the future.

Wrap Up

If you need medication on your cruise, make sure you have a valid prescription and keep it with you. But remember, even with a prescription, some substances, like medical marijuana, are still prohibited.

If your goal is simply to party and have fun, skip the risk. Buy a drinks package and enjoy as many cocktails as you like, legally, every day of your cruise.