When you’re out on the open sea, your cruise ship’s medical center isn’t a hospital. It’s an infirmary - a small, well-stocked clinic designed to handle motion sickness, stomach bugs, minor injuries, and common infections. But if you’re on a two-week trip and run out of your blood pressure pills or insulin, you can’t just walk to the corner pharmacy. That’s where preparation becomes your most important piece of luggage.
Don’t Rely on the Ship’s Pharmacy
Cruise ship medical centers carry a limited selection of medications. Most ships stock common drugs like antacids, antibiotics, anti-nausea pills, pain relievers, and basic heart or diabetes meds. But if you take something unusual - say, a rare thyroid medication, a specialty biologic, or even a controlled painkiller - chances are they won’t have it. Even major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival openly state their medical teams are there to stabilize emergencies, not refill your long-term prescriptions.According to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), ships must carry enough medication to handle two serious cases at once - like a heart attack or severe allergic reaction. That doesn’t mean they have your daily pills. In fact, a 2023 Cruise Critic survey found that 68% of passengers who needed a non-standard medication were turned away because it wasn’t stocked.
Bring More Than You Think You Need
The golden rule: pack enough medication to last the entire trip plus at least five extra days. Why? Delays happen. Storms reroute ships. Ports close. A 7-day cruise can turn into 9 days easily. And if you’re on a 14-day voyage, you should plan for 19 days of meds.One Reddit user, u/CruiseMedFail, shared a nightmare scenario: their 14-day cruise got delayed by three days due to bad weather. Their blood pressure medication ran out on day 11. The ship didn’t carry it. The next port’s pharmacy was closed. They spent two days feeling dizzy and nauseous until they reached a port with an open pharmacy. That could’ve been avoided with just five extra pills.
Don’t forget: if you’re taking insulin, CPAP machines, or injectables, bring extra supplies too. Insulin needs refrigeration - bring a small cooler with ice packs. CPAP users should pack distilled water and an extension cord, especially if you’re on a residential cruise like Storylines, which requires advance notice for specialty equipment.
Keep Meds in Original Containers
Never transfer pills into pill organizers or unlabeled bottles. Cruise ship staff - including security and medical personnel - will ask to see the original prescription label. If your name doesn’t match your passport, or if the bottle looks like it was repackaged, you could be denied access to your own medication.Security checks happen. Not just at the port, but sometimes randomly onboard. In a 2024 Cruise Critic forum poll of over 1,200 travelers, 87% said they were asked to show their meds at least once. Those with unlabeled bottles were questioned more intensely - some even had their meds temporarily confiscated until they could prove ownership.
Pro tip: Keep your medications in your carry-on. Checked bags can get lost or delayed. If you’re flying to your cruise port, your meds need to be with you the whole time. And if you’re crossing international borders, make sure the name on the bottle matches your passport exactly.
Bring a Medication List
Write down every medication you take - name, dosage, frequency, and your doctor’s contact info. Include both brand and generic names. If you take Adderall, write “methylphenidate 20mg daily.” If you take a brand-name drug like Humira, note the generic too.This list is your backup. If your meds are lost, stolen, or confiscated, you can show it to the ship’s doctor. They can’t refill everything, but they can sometimes find a close substitute - like switching from one antibiotic to another with the same effect. Without this list, you’re stuck.
Also, include any allergies or reactions you’ve had. A simple note like “Allergic to sulfa - causes rash” can prevent a dangerous mistake.
Special Cases: Narcotics, Insulin, and Chronic Conditions
If you need opioids, sedatives, or other controlled substances, prepare for disappointment. Even Storylines - the cruise line with the most advanced pharmacy - states these will only be available in “minimal quantities and prescribed only in emergency or extreme cases.”Insulin users: Bring your doctor’s note. Some countries require proof you’re carrying insulin for medical reasons. Even if you’re not leaving the ship, having a note helps if you need to see the doctor. The same goes for blood thinners, seizure meds, or any drug that requires strict monitoring.
Diabetes patients should also bring glucose strips, ketone test strips, and a backup insulin pen. If your pump fails, you’ll need a manual option. Don’t assume the ship has extra supplies.
Costs Are High - But Sometimes Worth It
If you do need to buy something onboard, expect to pay 200% to 300% more than you would at home. A 10-day course of amoxicillin might cost $35 on the ship. At your local pharmacy? $12. But here’s the catch: if you’re stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean with a bad infection, $35 for antibiotics is cheap.Some ships offer complimentary seasickness pills or basic pain relievers. You’ll often find them at the medical center or even at the front desk. But don’t count on it for anything beyond that. If you’re on a luxury cruise, they might have a slightly better stock - but still not your specific meds.
What Cruise Lines Actually Stock
Here’s what you’re likely to find onboard:- Antacids and anti-nausea meds (like Dramamine or Zofran)
- Antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin)
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antihistamines (for allergies or rashes)
- Anti-diarrheal meds (loperamide)
- Basic blood pressure and heart meds (some ships carry a few types)
- Insulin (rarely - only on larger ships or Storylines)
- Seasickness patches and pills (often free)
What you won’t find: antidepressants, birth control, asthma inhalers (unless it’s an emergency), HIV meds, cancer drugs, or anything requiring refrigeration beyond basic insulin. Even then, it’s hit or miss.
Plan Ahead - Especially for Residential Cruises
If you’re planning a long-term cruise like Storylines - where people live onboard for months or years - you can’t wing it. They require you to submit your full medication list 6 to 12 months in advance. Their pharmacy can compound custom doses and stock specialty meds, but only if you give them time.Even then, they won’t stock everything. Narcotics? Still limited. Experimental drugs? Not a chance. But they’ll do more than any other cruise line. If you’re thinking of living on a cruise ship, treat your meds like your housing: plan early, document everything, and confirm with them directly.
Final Checklist Before You Board
Here’s what you need to do before you step on the ship:- Fill all prescriptions at least 2 weeks before departure.
- Bring 150% of the amount you’ll need (trip + 5 extra days).
- Keep every pill in its original bottle with the pharmacy label.
- Match the name on the bottle to your passport.
- Carry a printed list of all meds, dosages, and your doctor’s contact info.
- Put all meds in your carry-on - never checked luggage.
- For insulin, CPAP, or injectables: bring extra batteries, water, or supplies.
- For narcotics or controlled substances: accept that you likely won’t get a refill.
- Check your cruise line’s website for their medical policy - Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian all have different rules.
If you follow this, you’ll avoid the stress, the panic, and the days of discomfort that come with running out of meds at sea. The ship’s medical center is there to help - but not to replace your own preparation.
Can I get my regular prescription refilled on a cruise ship?
Usually not. Cruise ship medical centers carry only a limited selection of common medications. If your drug isn’t in their inventory - which is true for most specialty, chronic, or controlled medications - they won’t be able to refill it. Always bring enough for the entire trip plus extra days.
What if my medication is stolen or lost on the cruise?
If you brought a printed list of your medications with dosages and your doctor’s contact info, the ship’s medical team may be able to help you find a similar drug or provide a short-term substitute. But they can’t order new prescriptions. That’s why packing your meds in original bottles with labels is critical - it proves ownership and helps them act faster.
Are seasickness pills free on cruise ships?
Yes, most cruise lines offer complimentary seasickness pills or patches at the medical center or guest services. Many also have them available at the front desk or even in cabins. Don’t wait until you’re vomiting - take them early, even if you’re just feeling a little queasy.
Do cruise ships carry insulin or diabetes supplies?
Some larger ships may carry a small supply of insulin, but it’s not guaranteed. You should never rely on it. Always bring your own insulin, syringes, test strips, and a backup pen. Bring a doctor’s note for insulin, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Keep it refrigerated with ice packs in your carry-on.
Can I bring my own medications in a pill organizer?
It’s risky. Cruise security and medical staff may ask to see the original prescription label. If your pills are in a plastic organizer without labels, they could be confiscated or questioned. Keep your meds in original bottles. You can transfer them to a pill organizer for daily use, but always keep the originals with you.
What should I do if I need a narcotic painkiller on the cruise?
Don’t count on it. Even Storylines, the cruise line with the most advanced pharmacy, says narcotics are only available in minimal amounts and only for emergencies or extreme cases. If you rely on opioids for chronic pain, bring enough for the entire trip plus extra. There’s no guarantee you’ll get a refill, even if you’re in pain.
How do I know what medications a specific cruise line carries?
Most cruise lines don’t publish their full pharmacy inventory. Your best bet is to contact their medical services department directly. Ask: “Do you carry [medication name]?” and request a written response. If they say no, bring your own. Never assume they have it.
