Traveling with prescriptions can be a stressful thing. Sure, no one will look twice at that antibiotic that you take, but prescription medication can range from relatively benign to extremely dangerous or addictive if taken incorrectly.
Many medicines also run the risk of being abused or may seem suspicious if bringing large quantities.
With cruises going to international destinations, having to deal with customs, and often flying from your home to the port, there are seemingly several potential issues that may arise with bringing a powerful prescription along with you.
The good news is that you don’t have much to worry about. Here’s what to know…
Cruise Lines Seem to Say Very Little About Medications/Prescriptions
First, you should know that your medicines will be allowed on the ship. While federally illegal drugs like marijuana (even in legal states) are against the rules, you shouldn’t have any worries about bringing on your legitimate prescriptions.
In fact, despite that cruises see millions of passengers each year and many of those people bringing aboard prescriptions, cruise lines are relatively quiet on the topic.
Royal Caribbean has the following to say about prescriptions:
“Guests must bring an adequate supply of all medication(s) they require for the entire duration of the voyage. We recommend all persons have an adequate supply of medicine so as to last for several extra days past the voyage end date, in the event of possible delays caused by itinerary disruptions such as adverse weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. The ship’s medical centers may not have a supply of any needed medication and not all medication will be available in the ports of call.”
– RoyalCaribbean.com
But we could find barely any mention of medicine or prescriptions on Carnival nor Norwegian Cruise Line websites.
In other words, judging from the little that cruise lines have to say on the topic, bringing medication aboard the ship doesn’t seem to be a big issue. And after dozens of cruises, we’ve never seen passengers being hassled about their medicines at security during check-in.
That said, there is some advice we suggest to ensure everything goes smoothly — especially if you are traveling with powerful medications like those needed for pain.
The Proper Way to Cruise With Prescriptions
If you’re worried about bringing on your medicine, then there are some simple steps you can take.
First, the absolute best way to bring your prescriptions onboard is to bring them in their original bottles. This ensures that the security staff will be able to identify exactly what the medicine is should there be any question. It also shows that the medication is yours and that it has been legitimately been prescribed.
Second, we’d suggest bringing only enough for the length of your cruise and a few extra days. When you bring on relatively small amounts, it shows that it’s for personal use only. Bringing on a full 90-day prescription for pain medicine for a 5-day cruise, for example, may raise suspicions.
Finally, no matter what you bring you always want to be sure that it’s packed in your carry-on. This way you are never separated from your medicine. As well, if something should happen and your bag get delayed or lost, you will still have your prescription with you.
Our best advice, however? Don’t worry too much about bringing prescriptions on the ship. It happens thousands of times each day and as long as the medicines are yours, there’s no need for concern.
