Cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to vacation, and many travelers are turning to CBD products—especially CBD gummies—for help with seasickness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping on board. But one common question arises: Can you bring CBD gummies on a cruise ship? The answer is not as straightforward as you might expect. Cruise lines operate under international laws and policies that can differ significantly from domestic travel regulations. This article breaks down what you need to know before packing your CBD gummies for your next voyage.
Cruise Line Policies on CBD Products
Even if CBD gummies are legal in your home state, that doesn’t mean your cruise line will allow them onboard. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruises generally prohibit any form of CBD. Their reasoning is based on international law, the potential for legal complications in port cities, and the need to maintain strict control over substances on board.
For example:
- Carnival Cruise Line explicitly states that CBD products—whether for medicinal or recreational use—are not permitted.
- Royal Caribbean maintains a similar stance, noting that even CBD derived from hemp is banned.
- Disney Cruise Line includes CBD in their list of prohibited substances.
This means that bringing cbd gummies onto a cruise ship could result in them being confiscated—or worse, you could be denied boarding or face legal issues in a port of call.
Why CBD is Banned on Most Cruises
The core reason cruise lines ban CBD is legal uncertainty. Although CBD is no longer classified as a controlled substance under U.S. federal law (thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill), it remains heavily regulated in many other countries. For instance:
- In Jamaica, a common cruise destination, CBD is legal only under strict licensing.
- In Mexico, only CBD with 0% THC is legal—and even then, it must be imported with permission.
- The Bahamas and Bermuda treat CBD as a controlled substance, requiring a doctor’s prescription for medical use.
Bringing CBD gummies on a cruise that stops in these countries could put you at risk for criminal charges—even if you never take them out of your luggage.
What Happens If You Try to Bring CBD Gummies Aboard?
If cruise security finds CBD products in your bags during boarding, the items will most likely be confiscated. In some cases, you might be issued a warning. In more serious scenarios, you could be denied boarding entirely. It’s important to remember that you’re subject to the cruise line’s rules once you’re on their ship, regardless of local or federal laws.
Cruise lines treat all substances seriously to maintain a secure and compliant onboard environment. CBD, though legal in many places, still raises enough legal gray areas to make it a banned item in most cruise line contracts.
Alternatives to CBD While Cruising
If you typically use CBD gummies to manage anxiety, sleep, or nausea, there are a few alternatives you can legally bring on a cruise:
- Dramamine or other motion sickness medications
- Melatonin for sleep support
- Herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root
- Essential oils, such as lavender, which are widely accepted and can promote relaxation
Additionally, some cruise lines offer wellness services like massages, meditation classes, and yoga, which can also help reduce stress and promote better sleep.
Final Thoughts
While CBD gummies may be a legal and effective solution for many wellness concerns on land, cruise ships are a different story. Between international laws, port regulations, and strict cruise line policies, the risk of bringing CBD onboard far outweighs the reward. If caught, you could lose your product, be denied boarding, or even face legal trouble in foreign ports.
Instead of packing CBD gummies, consider legal and cruise-approved alternatives that support your health and well-being while you travel. Always check your cruise line’s most recent policy guidelines and port-of-call regulations before departure.
