Rx and OTC Meds

[StorybookGirl]

The word in my FB group is that, per DCL, they are now strictly requiring ALL meds, from prescription to vitamins to Pepto, be carried in ORIGINAL marked containers and brought on the ship in your carry-on. Anything not in original containers will be CONFISCATED! So, for those of us who take a lot of meds and use a pill sorter, or buy our vitamins at Costco, we're getting a little screwed. Many seasoned cruisers have never done this before, and I couldn't personally find anything on the DCL website. What has been the recent experience of others lately?

 

[texascutie]

The word in my FB group is that, per DCL, they are now strictly requiring ALL meds, from prescription to vitamins to Pepto, be carried in ORIGINAL marked containers and brought on the ship in your carry-on. Anything not in original containers will be CONFISCATED! So, for those of us who take a lot of meds and use a pill sorter, or buy our vitamins at Costco, we're getting a little screwed. Many seasoned cruisers have never done this before, and I couldn't personally find anything on the DCL website. What has been the recent experience of others lately?

Thanks for asking this We are in the same boat regarding vitamins from Costco. I understand prescription drugs in original container with prescription info but many people take a variety of supplements. Plus, most of my supplements look like horse size pills! Hopefully someone has experienced something lately. Seems like that would be clearly stated somewhere.

 

[o&smom]

When did this go into effect? No issues in February.

 

[shosh1530]

Following and hoping this isn't true. I would literally have to bring more than 15 pill bottles.

Do they have issues with herbs and supplements? My DH is an acupuncturist and always brings a large assortment of herbs and teas wherever he goes (and often acupuncture needles!)

 

[StorybookGirl]

When did this go into effect? No issues in February.

Good to know. A couple people in the FB group for my Mexico cruise next week have called DCL and this is what they are being told. Seems like something that DCL should have emailed us and have on their website in big, red letters of it's the "new" policy! Or, maybe it was always the policy but never enforced? Wondering...

 

[StorybookGirl]

Here is the original post from my FB group:

FYI
We are on the phone with DCL and confirmed all prescriptions and OTC meds and vitamins require original bottles.
We've been on over 10 DCL cruises and never had this issue. Evidently they are being firm on this policy.
Rep said they will confiscate and destroy anything not in original packaging.
Changes our med packing strategy for sure.

 

[StorybookGirl]

Following and hoping this isn't true. I would literally have to bring more than 15 pill bottles.

Do they have issues with herbs and supplements? My DH is an acupuncturist and always brings a large assortment of herbs and teas wherever he goes (and often acupuncture needles!)

I'm with you on the multiple bottles!

"Vitamins" have been specifically mentioned, so assuming herbs and supplements would be the same? As for acupuncture supplies, you might want to call and ask. Non-Rx needles may be a red flag, especially if they are getting picky!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

When we travel, I use smaller bottles that I refill for the vitamins/supplements we take. For the vitamins/supplements I only take enough for 3-5 days longer than the trip as I can always buy more, or ration them out, if I need them. My prescription meds already come in a small bottle.

 

[Mommb]

The Packing List for Disney Cruises page on the Disney Cruise website https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/cruise-packing-list/
does say that medications must be in original containers, so this is not a new policy.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The Packing List for Disney Cruises page on the Disney Cruise website https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/cruise-packing-list/
does say that medications must be in original containers, so this is not a new policy.

Hmmm... link gave me this:


it adds the "does" in the sentence following it.

 

[Girl of the South]

No problem in December. Can’t believe they will hand search everyone’s bag. I brought mine in the Day by Day holder and took photos of the original bottles. Which hold 90 pills.

 

[Marc D]

This is not a new policy, and a similar policy applies to transborder transport of prescription drugs in most countries. When you enter a country, the pills must be in their original containers or, if not, accompanied by their prescription or a doctor’s letter. There are also limits on how much pills you can carry. The goal is, of course, to prevent illegal drugs in pill form to be carried.

Therefore, if someone specifically asks a DCL rep about the policy, it will be stated and they will say they will apply it. However, that does not mean they will really do so at port or that it is a new way of doing things. A lot of older cruisers use dispill boxes to carry their medication and it has never been a problem. The safest way of doing things is to carry a copy of the prescriptions with the dispill.

For OTC meds and supplements, they want to enforce the marijuana restrictions, with edibles often resembling other products. For Costco customers, it would probably be a good idea to find a smaller container for the cruise.

 

[lanejudy]

As PPs state, it's not a new policy. It's standard policy when entering another country, in fact it's Federal law not DCL's policy. As soon as you board the ship you are essentially leaving the US (and subsequently returning). How strictly it is enforced can vary widely depending on security personnel, country and product. Prescription medications are drugs, which may or may not be allowed in another country even if obtained legally by prescription in your home country. Most countries allow an individual to travel with "reasonable" supply but some can be really strict. OTC meds and supplements may fall into the category of "food" depending on the country you visit. If you plan to take anything off with you in port, it's always best to have it properly labeled.

 

[lanejudy]

The Packing List for Disney Cruises page on the Disney Cruise website https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/cruise-packing-list/
does say that medications must be in original containers, so this is not a new policy.

Hmmm... link gave me this:
View attachment 754344

it adds the "does" in the sentence following it.

Here's a corrected link: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/cruise-packing-list/

 

[kiford]

When did this go into effect? No issues in February.

Neither did we have issues in January. I know it's policy but no one even looked in my carry-on - just ran it through the metal detectors. I carry vitamins and allergy pills in daily pill boxes. They'd literally have to hand search every bag which I find hard to believe they will.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

No issues two weeks ago. I have a travel pill organizer, about the size of two decks of cards, for things like vitamins, melatonin, probiotics, and ibuprofen. It was in my carry-on luggage.

 

[Mango7100]

They have always stated this, however no one checks. DH always puts his prescriptions in one bottle for the length of our trip plus 2-3 days in case of delays. Otherwise he would have to take 5 bottles. He takes it in his carryon. We had no problems in March.

 

[RedHead0186]

Therefore, if someone specifically asks a DCL rep about the policy, it will be stated and they will say they will apply it. However, that does not mean they will really do so at port or that it is a new way of doing things. A lot of older cruisers use dispill boxes to carry their medication and it has never been a problem. The safest way of doing things is to carry a copy of the prescriptions with the dispill.

I agree with this. Since it is their stated (written) policy, that's also what you should be told if you call to ask. However, that is not always how things will actually play out at port security.

 

[happycamper47]

It's obviously not Federally Mandated.

• TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

 

[Marc D]

It's obviously not Federally Mandated.

• TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

Not for air travel, but it is required for border crossing :

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Arti...devices,medication entering the United States.