Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but for pet owners, leaving furry family members behind can be heart-wrenching. The question often arises: Can You Take Pets On Cruise Ships? The answer, while mostly no, has some notable exceptions and important details that every pet-loving cruiser should know.
Generally speaking, most major cruise lines operate under a no-pet policy, primarily due to health regulations, logistical challenges, and the comfort of all passengers. However, for those unwilling to set sail without their animal companions, hope is not entirely lost. Let’s delve into the specifics of pet policies on cruise ships, exploring the limited options available and what to consider if you’re planning a cruise with your pet.
Pet-Friendly Cruises: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Leads the Way
For the vast majority of cruise lines, including popular names like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises, bringing pets onboard is not permitted. These lines generally only accommodate service animals, which we will discuss in detail later.
However, there is one shining exception for those dreaming of cruising with their dogs or cats: Cunard Line. Specifically, their flagship ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2, stands alone in offering dedicated kennel facilities for pets. This prestigious vessel upholds a long-standing tradition of welcoming pets, dating back to the days when cats controlled vermin on ships in the 1800s and when celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor traveled with their beloved animals in the 1900s. Even Pudsey, the famous dancing dog from “Britain’s Got Talent,” has graced the decks of Queen Mary 2.
On select transatlantic voyages between New York and Southampton, UK, Queen Mary 2 provides a limited number of kennels – approximately two dozen – for dogs and cats. These kennels are located in a dedicated area on Deck 12 and include an adjacent Owner’s Lounge, allowing pet parents to spend quality time with their furry friends. The outdoor exercise area is thoughtfully designed with a Liverpool lamppost and a New York City fire hydrant, providing a touch of home for canine passengers.
It’s crucial to note that even on Queen Mary 2, pets are not allowed in passenger cabins, regardless of cabin category, including luxurious suites. They must remain in the kennel area. Despite this restriction, Cunard ensures pets are well-cared for, providing toys, freshly baked treats, feeding bowls, beds, and even pet life jackets. For an extra charge, you can indulge your pet with gourmet treats like liver or steak. Photo opportunities in a Cunard uniform or with a Queen Mary 2 life ring are also available for a memorable souvenir.
A dedicated team, including a “kennel master” and assistant, is responsible for the wellbeing of the onboard pets. This includes regular dog walks and kennel cleaning. Pet owners can visit their animals during designated hours.
Due to high demand and limited space, booking kennel space on Queen Mary 2 requires advance planning, ideally a year ahead of your sailing date. The cost varies depending on pet type and size, starting around $800 for small dogs, $1,000 for large dogs, and $1,600 for cats (as cats require two kennels – one for sleeping and one for a litter box). Strict regulations regarding vaccinations and microchipping also apply.
For passengers not traveling with pets but curious about these pampered pooches, the outdoor kennel area on Deck 12 becomes a popular spot in the late afternoon when dogs are taken out for exercise. A highlight of each transatlantic voyage is the unannounced “dog parade,” a charming spectacle worth checking with guest services for the schedule.
Service Animals on Cruise Ships: Policies and Guidelines
While general pets are largely restricted, service animals are typically permitted on most cruise lines. However, it’s essential to understand the specific rules and regulations, as they vary between cruise companies. It’s important to note that emotional support animals are generally not recognized as service animals by cruise lines and are usually not allowed.
Royal Caribbean, for example, only allows service dogs “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” They provide a dedicated 16-square-foot relief area covered in cypress mulch for service dogs. It’s also specified that service animals should not relieve themselves in areas like Central Park on Oasis Class ships. Pet owners are responsible for providing food and bowls, and service dogs must be leashed in public areas and are not allowed to be left unattended in cabins. Detailed information about Royal Caribbean’s service animal policy is available on their website.
Carnival Cruise Line similarly defines service dogs as “working service dogs, which are legally defined as individually trained to meet disability-related needs.” Examples include guiding the visually impaired, alerting the hearing impaired, assisting with mobility, or providing seizure assistance. Carnival also provides detailed information on their website regarding service animal policies.
Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes service dogs “trained to perform a specific task” but explicitly states that “Emotional Support” dogs are not accepted. Owners need to bring all necessary supplies, including food, medication, and a dog life jacket. A relief sandbox is provided onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line’s website offers comprehensive information on their accessibility and service animal policies.
Regardless of the cruise line, advance notification and reservations for service animals are mandatory. Owners are responsible for researching and complying with regulations for disembarking with a service animal at each port of call, as restrictions may apply. Immunization records and other documentation are also typically required.
It’s also worth noting that owners may be liable for cleaning fees if a service animal makes a mess, and disruptive behavior from a service animal could lead to disembarkation. Given the absence of onboard veterinary care, bringing seasickness medication for service dogs is a prudent precaution.
Puppy Love on Princess Cruises
For cruisers who adore dogs but are not traveling with their own, Princess Cruises offers a unique and heartwarming experience. On Alaska sailings, as part of their “North to Alaska” program, Princess brings professional sled dog racing teams and their adorable husky puppies onboard in Skagway, Alaska.
The “Puppies on Princess” program (formerly “Puppies in the Piazza”) provides passengers with the opportunity to meet and take photos with these charming canines. Guests can also learn from the sled dog handlers about training these incredible animals for races like the Iditarod and the historical significance of sled dogs in Alaska. Historically, before snowmobiles, dog teams were crucial for delivering mail and supplies across remote Alaskan communities.
In addition to onboard puppy encounters, Alaska cruises often feature dog sledding shore excursions in ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Seward. These excursions range from helicopter rides to glacier dog sledding adventures to cart rides pulled by sled dog teams on training trails.
For those extending their Alaska trip with a land tour to Denali National Park, a visit to the park’s sled dogs is highly recommended. These “bark rangers” play a vital role in Denali, hauling supplies within the park during winter, where motorized vehicles are restricted in large areas.
Feline Encounters for Cat Aficionados
While dedicated “cat cruises” are less common, cat lovers can still find feline joy in various ways while cruising. Certain ports, like Istanbul or Dubrovnik, Croatia, are famous for their friendly stray cat populations, offering delightful photo opportunities.
On Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships, passengers might even spot Bug Naked, the hairless sphynx cat belonging to Captain Kate McCue. Bug, often seen in a miniature captain’s uniform and being strolled around the ship, is a unique and charming onboard personality.
For a truly immersive cat-centric cruise experience, the annual Meow Meow Cruise gathers cat enthusiasts for themed events, including cat trivia, scavenger hunts, and opportunities to connect with fellow feline fans.
Setting Sail with or without Pets: Making the Right Choice
In conclusion, while taking pets on cruise ships is generally not possible on most mainstream lines, there are specific exceptions and alternative ways to incorporate animal encounters into your cruise vacation. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 remains the primary option for those wishing to travel with their dogs or cats, offering dedicated kennel facilities on transatlantic voyages. Service animals are accommodated on most lines, albeit with specific regulations and advance arrangements. For animal lovers in general, experiences like puppy programs on Alaska cruises and feline-friendly ports provide alternative avenues for animal interaction during a cruise.
When deciding whether to cruise with a pet, carefully consider your pet’s needs, the specific cruise line’s policies, and the overall travel experience. For many, leaving pets in trusted care at home remains the most practical and comfortable option. However, for those seeking a unique adventure with their furry companions, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 offers a distinctive and memorable pet-friendly cruising experience.
