AIDA, TUI Cruises: Cannabis consumption remains taboo on cruises

There is still a zero-tolerance rule for drug use on board cruise ships. And there doesn’t seem to be any easing in the foreseeable future due to new legal regulations.

The regulations for the “recreational use” of cannabis vary widely across the EU. The regulations range from “illegal” as in Sweden to a classification according to different tolerance limits for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (psychoactive ingredient) between 0.2 percent (Italy) and 1 percent in Switzerland to partial legalization as in Germany or an area-specific one Legalization as a “novel food” like in Great Britain.

Cruise operators must comply with both the regulations of the flag state and the legal regulations in the destination areas. Finding a consistent line here seems largely impossible.

Overview of the regulations on the consumption of cannabis in European countries, based on the currently available information (as of April/2024):

In addition, cannabis is usually smoked. Smoking on board is already severely restricted. As soon as children are on board, the consumption of cannabis products would also be excluded under the new legal regulations in Germany.

Cannabis remains prohibited on AIDA and TUI Cruises

AIDA has already reacted on its website and states: “Despite the partial legalization of cannabis in Germany, cannabis/THC remains prohibited on board AIDA.” The fleet sails under the Italian flag and is bound to the regulations of the flag state in certain areas. This also includes regulations on dealing with drugs.
A spokeswoman for AIDA adds: Possession of cannabis is still prohibited in Italy. Carrying this drug on board all AIDA ships is therefore generally prohibited. A violation can lead to exclusion from the trip. Furthermore, any guest found with illegal drugs or other prohibited items must expect legal sanctions depending on the legal situation in our destination areas.

With regard to the use of medically prescribed cannabis, AIDA’s guidelines are currently being examined. However, the zero tolerance rule applies until a decision is made.

It is forbidden to take drugs with you on TUI Cruises. No distinction is made between legal and illegal drugs. Only the information that medically prescribed marijuana/THC is also subject to the ban can be found in the current travel advice.

Zero tolerance on the river too

The German market leader for river cruises, A‑Rosa, comments on this topic: “Most of our trips have minors on board, for whom we offer a kids club program at various points on the ship. Therefore, the consumption of cannabis on our fleet would violate the above legal regulations. For this reason, it is still prohibited to bring or consume cannabis on board.”