Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but for pet owners, leaving furry family members behind can be heart-wrenching. The question often arises: “Are There Any Cruises That Allow Pets?” For those dreaming of setting sail with their beloved animals, understanding the options and limitations is crucial. While the cruise industry largely restricts pet travel, there are specific exceptions and alternatives to consider.
The Exception: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 – A Truly Pet-Friendly Cruise
For most major cruise lines, the answer to “are there any cruises that allow pets?” is generally no. However, there’s one shining exception: Cunard Line, particularly their flagship ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2. This iconic vessel stands out as a pioneer in pet-friendly cruising, carrying on a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Historically, Cunard ships even employed cats for pest control. In the 20th century, celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor embraced transatlantic voyages with their animal companions aboard Cunard liners. This legacy continues with the Queen Mary 2, offering dedicated facilities for dogs and cats on select transatlantic crossings between Southampton, UK, and New York.
Pet Accommodations and Amenities on Queen Mary 2
The Queen Mary 2 features a dedicated kennel area with space for around two dozen pets, located in a private section on Deck 12. These aren’t just basic kennels; they are designed with pet comfort in mind. Beyond the kennels themselves, there’s an exclusive Owner’s Lounge where pet parents can spend quality time with their furry friends throughout the day. Recognizing the needs of canine travelers, Cunard has created a spacious, gated outdoor exercise area. Adding a touch of transatlantic charm, this area includes an antique lamppost from Liverpool and a fire hydrant from New York City, offering a familiar touch of home for dogs from both sides of the Atlantic.
While pets are pampered, it’s important to note that they must remain in the kennel area. Even guests in the most luxurious suites, like the Grand Duplex, cannot have their pets in their cabins. However, Cunard ensures pets are well cared for, providing amenities like toys, freshly baked treats, feeding bowls, and comfortable beds. Pet life jackets are also available for safety. For an extra touch, owners can order special treats like liver or steak for their pets (at an additional cost). For a memorable keepsake, pets can even pose for photos in a Cunard uniform or with a Queen Mary 2 life ring.
Caring for Pets at Sea
Cunard employs a dedicated team, including a “kennel master” and assistant, to care for the onboard pets. Dogs are regularly walked and the exercise area is meticulously maintained. Pet owners have designated visiting hours to spend time with their animals in the kennel and Owner’s Lounge. One of the highlights for pet passengers is the “dog parade,” a special event held once per transatlantic voyage, though the exact time is not publicly announced; guests should inquire at guest services for details.
Booking and Costs for Pet Cruises on Queen Mary 2
Space in the Queen Mary 2 kennels is extremely limited and highly sought after. Cunard strongly advises booking pet accommodations well in advance, ideally a year prior to sailing. Bringing a pet on a Cunard cruise is not inexpensive. Costs vary based on pet type and size, starting at approximately $800 for smaller dogs, $1,000 for larger dogs, and around $1,600 for cats (as cats require two kennels – one for sleeping and one for a litter box). In addition to the fees, strict regulations are in place regarding vaccinations, microchipping, and other health documentation to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals on board.
Service Animals on Cruises: Navigating Policies Across Cruise Lines
While general pet cruises are rare, service animals are a different matter. Cruise lines are generally accommodating to passengers who require the assistance of trained service dogs. However, policies vary, and it’s crucial to understand the specific rules of each cruise line when considering “are there any cruises that allow pets” in the context of service animals.
Royal Caribbean Service Animal Policy
Royal Caribbean, for example, permits service dogs that are “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” They provide a designated 16-square-foot relief area, typically covered in cypress mulch, for service dogs onboard. It’s important to note that service animals are not allowed to relieve themselves in areas like Central Park on Oasis Class ships, which feature live plants. Owners are responsible for providing food and water bowls and must keep their service dogs leashed or harnessed in public areas. Service animals cannot be left unattended in cabins. Royal Caribbean provides detailed information on their website regarding service animal policies to help guests prepare.
Carnival Cruise Line Service Animal Policy
Carnival Cruise Line also welcomes “working service dogs,” defining them as dogs “individually trained to meet disability-related needs by performing tasks such as guiding a blind person, alerting a deaf person, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks.” Similar to Royal Caribbean, Carnival requires service dogs to be under the control of their handlers at all times and outlines specific responsibilities for owners. Detailed information about Carnival’s service animal policy is available on their help website.
Norwegian Cruise Line Service Animal Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line accepts service dogs “trained to perform a specific task” but explicitly states that “Emotional Support” dogs are not considered service animals and are not permitted on board. Guests traveling with service dogs on Norwegian cruises must bring all necessary supplies, including food, medication, and even a special dog life jacket. Norwegian provides a relief sandbox area for service animals. Their accessible cruising section on their website offers comprehensive details about their service animal policy.
General Guidelines for Service Animals on Cruises
Regardless of the cruise line, several general guidelines apply to service animals. Advance notification is almost always required when traveling with a service dog. Owners are responsible for researching and complying with regulations for disembarking with a service animal at each port of call, as some ports may restrict animals from leaving the ship. Specific immunization requirements and documentation are also typically necessary. Furthermore, owners may be liable for cleaning fees if their service animal makes a mess, and disruptive behavior from a service animal could lead to disembarkation. Given the lack of onboard veterinary services, it’s also wise to consider bringing seasickness medication for service dogs, just in case.
Alternative Ways to Experience Pets on Cruises
For those who love animals but are not traveling with their own pets, or are on a cruise line that doesn’t allow them, there are still ways to enjoy animal encounters at sea and in port.
Puppies on Princess Cruises in Alaska
Princess Cruises offers a unique program called “Puppies on Princess” (formerly “Puppies in the Piazza”) on Alaska sailings as part of their “North to Alaska” immersion program. This delightful experience brings professional sled dog handlers and adorable husky puppies onboard in Skagway, Alaska. Guests have the opportunity to interact with the puppies, take photos, and learn about sled dog training for races like the Iditarod. The program also highlights the historical significance of dogs in Alaska, where they were essential for transportation and communication before snowmobiles.
Alaska cruises also frequently feature dog sledding shore excursions in ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Seward. These excursions range from helicopter-accessed glacier dog sledding to cart rides pulled by sled dog teams on training trails, providing an exhilarating and memorable way to connect with these amazing animals. For those extending their Alaska trip with a land tour to Denali National Park, a visit to the park’s sled dogs, the “bark rangers,” is highly recommended. These dogs play a vital role in winter park operations, hauling supplies in areas where motorized vehicles are restricted.
Encounters with Cats at Cruise Destinations and Cat-Themed Cruises
Cat lovers aren’t left out of the cruise experience either. Many port cities, particularly in the Mediterranean, like Istanbul and Dubrovnik, Croatia, are famous for their friendly street cats, offering ample photo opportunities and charming encounters. For a truly immersive cat experience at sea, consider a themed cruise like the “Meow Meow Cruise.” This annual gathering of cat enthusiasts features cat-themed events, trivia, scavenger hunts, and opportunities to connect with fellow feline fans. On some Celebrity Cruises Edge Class ships, you might even spot “Bug Naked,” the hairless Sphynx cat owned by Captain Kate McCue, often seen in a custom captain’s uniform and stroller, adding a whimsical touch to the cruise experience for cat lovers.
Conclusion: Cruising with Pets – Limited but Possible
In conclusion, while the answer to “are there any cruises that allow pets?” is mostly negative across the cruise industry, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 provides a notable exception for transatlantic voyages. Service animals are generally accommodated on most cruise lines, but with specific policies and requirements that must be carefully followed. For pet lovers seeking animal interactions on cruises without bringing their own pets, programs like Puppies on Princess in Alaska and exploring cat-friendly ports offer delightful alternatives. Ultimately, careful planning and research are essential to navigating the options for cruising with or around animals, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable voyage for both humans and their (or other people’s!) furry friends.
