Oranjestad
Cannabis is illegal in Aruba despite being Dutch. What cruise passengers docking in Oranjestad need to know.
Cannabis access at Oranjestad
Cannabis is illegal in Aruba. This is the most common misconception cruise passengers have — because Aruba is Dutch, many assume Amsterdam-style tolerance applies. It does not.
The #1 mistake cruise passengers make
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but it has its own drug laws. There are no coffee shops. There is no tolerance policy. Possession of any amount is prosecutable with penalties up to 4 years imprisonment.
What cruise passengers need to know
- Illegal. Period. Not decriminalized, not tolerated, not overlooked.
- Drug detection dogs operate at the cruise terminal and airport
- Penalties include fines and imprisonment
- The same applies to Curaçao and Bonaire — Dutch territory does NOT mean Dutch rules
Enjoy the beaches, the flamingos, and the divi-divi trees. Leave the cannabis expectations at home.