This might be surprising, but unfortunately, most cruise ships have a ‘no-pet’ policy and do not allow dogs to be onboard. There are exceptions, but they are quite limited with current pet policies in place. This means your furry friend wouldn’t be snuggling with you in the bed or dipping in the pool. Pet-friendly cruise ships have designated areas for keeping pets where crew members care for them. Dogs usually stay in their kennels and have limited play or walking time outside specific areas.
To understand the exceptions and plan a trip with your dog, we will first look at some of the most popular cruise lines and their pet policies.
Famous Cruise Lines And Their Pet Policies
Every cruise ship has its set of rules when it comes to allowing dogs onboard. Some only allow service dogs, while others have specific areas for kennels. Let’s take an overview of some dog-friendly cruise lines and their pet policies:
1. Cunard
Cunard is one of the most dog-friendly cruise ships that welcomes four-legged passengers. You can take your dogs on Queen Mary 2 during Transatlantic crossings ( Southampton, New York, Hamburg). However, the space is very limited. They have only 24 dedicated dog kennels, and you must book at least 12 months in advance. There are certain weight, height, and breed restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of fellow passengers.
Before departing, your dog must be microchipped for identification purposes with up-to-date tapeworm and rabies shots. Cunard offers two kennel sizes: upper kennels are priced at $ 800, while lower kennels are $1000. If you require two kennels for larger dogs, the total cost would be $2000.
2. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International only allows service animals without any fee. These are the dogs who are trained to perform tasks or assist a person with a disability. The owner must bring enough food for the dog during their stay on the Cruise. Service dogs are welcome on all Royal Caribbean cruises, regardless of the destination (Asia, Mexico, North America, Australia).
People traveling to Europe or the UK must bring a valid EU pet passport with them.To ensure a smooth boarding process, all service dogs must be microchipped with valid rabies and tapeworm vaccinations.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Lines welcomes certified service dogs under ADA ( American Disability Act) guidelines on all of their cruise destinations. As an owner, you will be expected to provide food, medications, and a life jacket for your dog. All passengers planning to travel with service dogs should inform the management two weeks before departure, allowing enough time for proper documentation.
Dog owners must bring their dogs with updated USDA vaccination cards and an EU pet passport (for traveling to Europe). By planning ahead, you and your dog can enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
These are just a few examples of cruise line dog policies. For detailed information, you can check the websites of the cruise lines you plan to travel.
Dog-Friendly Cruises: The Alternatives
The above information shows that no other major cruise service allows pet dogs on board apart from Cunard. Don’t be disappointed; as a pet parent, you can still enjoy an unforgettable cruise experience with your dog by exploring alternative options. There are different dog-friendly ferries and specialty cruises that entertain canine companions and their humans. These ferries offer a memorable experience for you and your dog with different activities that will make your journey enjoyable.
1. Canine Cruise by Mercury
Canine Cruise is one of the most popular dog-friendly cruises that takes place every Saturday and Sunday at the Chicago River. It lets you and your dog sit back, relax, and enjoy the rich history and beautiful architecture while cruising through Chicago’s waterways. The Cruise provides outdoor seating space along with water bowls and a newspaper-lined restroom for your dog. The total duration of the trip is 90 minutes.
2. P&O Ferries
P&O Ferries is another dog-friendly cruise that allows you to take your dogs on their Dover to Calais route. It is a 2-hour trip with a dedicated pet lounge where your dogs can sit, relax, and enjoy the cruise experience. The owners are expected to bring water bowls, absorbent pads, and other essentials to keep the pets comfortable during the journey. Don’t forget to keep a valid AHC or EU pet passport for EU entry requirements.
3. DFDS Mini Cruise
DFDS mini cruise is a great option if you are planning to travel to Europe. They have multiple 2-night mini-cruise options within different cities. These are dog-friendly cruises that let you and your pet enjoy beautiful ports and cities of Europe, cruising in the Baltic Sea. The good thing is that Europe is a dog-friendly destination, and there are so many unique experiences you can enjoy with your dog.
Requirements for Taking Your Dog on a Cruise
Whether you have booked a cruise or a ferry trip, there are specific requirements to ensure a safe and smooth sailing experience for everyone. Here are the details of the preparations you need to make before traveling.
1. Vaccination and Documentation
Your dog must have a valid health certificate for a vaccine against rabies and tapeworm. Dog-friendly cruises for long routes (Queen Mary 2) also prefer the dog to be microchipped for identification purposes. All of these documents should be ready before 1-10 days of departure. For service dogs, you may need to bring an official certificate or proof that validates their status.
2. Pre-Approval
Inform your selected cruise line in advance about bringing an animal on board. Cunard starts the official paperwork five months prior to sailing. This helps the cruise line make necessary arrangements regarding your pet dogs’ food, accommodation, and sanitation.
3. Pet Passports
A valid EU pet passport is a must if you are planning to travel across Europe. It is an official document that certifies the microchip, vaccination, and health information required by different countries. This means your dog is healthy and fit for traveling in Europe.
Tips for traveling with a dog on Cruise
Here are some additional tips to make sure you and your fur friend have a great time on the Cruise.
1. Crate Training
When not in the cabin, your dog is supposed to be kept in an enclosed kennel or crate. Train and help your dog stay inside a crate before a cruise. This will help them feel secure and comfortable in a small space.
2. Packing Essentials
You must bring ample supplies of your dog’s favorite food, snacks, absorbent pads, or medicines. Dog-friendly cruises encourage owners to bring a kennel or carrier, which can be used to keep the dog when they are not in your cabin. Keep some of the toys, scents, or stuff your dog loves to maintain a sense of familiarity in the new environment.
3. Supervision
According to the pet cruise policies of all major cruise lines, you will be held responsible for any damage or irresponsible behavior displayed by your dog. Keep your dog under strict supervision to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. As a responsible pet parent, keep your dog leashed outside designated areas, clean up after them, and be mindful of noise levels.
4. Enjoying Amenities
Cruising is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience for both the dog and the dog’s parents. Look for dog-friendly cruises that offer activities and amenities for dogs. From pet lounge spas to ‘pet on deck’ programs, plenty of interesting activities can keep your dog happy and entertained during the journey. Some cruise lines also offer professional kennel masters who can watch oversee your dog while you swim, dine, or enjoy other activities.
Conclusion
Sailing with your furry best friend might seem like a dream, but strict pet policies on cruise can leave you feeling disappointed. While most major cruise lines are off-limit for dogs, there are a few exceptions and alternatives. Cunard’s kennel program offers transatlantic crossing options for a limited number of dogs.
Besides luxury cruise ships, you can explore specialty dog-friendly cruises and ferries designed to accommodate you and your canine friend. With careful planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure on the open water.
FAQs: Dog-Friendly Cruises
Why don’t cruise ships allow dogs onboard?
There are several reasons. Keeping a ship clean with hundreds of people is challenging, and adding pet waste makes it harder. Diseases, noise disruptions from barking, and limited space for pet care are also major concerns for cruise companies.
Can I bring my small dog on a cruise?
Size is generally not the issue. Most of the cruise lines say no to pets entirely. A few exceptions (like Cunard) exist for specific crossings with size limits. You can explore alternatives such as smaller dog-friendly cruises or ferries for short trips.
How can I travel to Europe with my dog on a cruise?
Europe is a pet-friendly destination for dogs. You can check ferry options for specific routes that entertain pets. These ferries offer a fun journey before you hit those dog parks and beaches.
Are dogs allowed on American Cruise Lines?
Dogs are not allowed on American Cruise Lines unless they are service animals. Their terms and conditions allow no pets onboard except trained dogs that assist guests with disabilities.
