Can You Take a Dog or a Cat on a Cruise?

People often ask me, can I bring my cat or dog with me when I cruise?

I have a cat, Hudson – and a dog, Rolo – and I know how hard it is to be parted from them!

In this article, we look at if, and when dogs and cats are allowed onboard cruise ships, and look at the Cruise lines policies when it comes to animals onboard.

Which Lines Allow Dogs and Cats?

Only one major cruise line welcomes dogs and cats onboard, that is Cunard. They allow them to travel on a single ship, the Queen Mary 2, on transatlantic routes. 

This is helpful for people relocating from one side of the Atlantic to the other, or for those taking extended trips abroad.

Other cruise lines don’t allow dogs or cats. The only exception would be if the dog is a “service” dog.

Transatlantic Travellers
 
Dogs and cats continue to travel in style across the Atlantic on board Queen Mary 2. There are 24 kennels, lots of space to play and a dedicated owner’s lounge.
 
So as not to cause any homesickness, British dogs find familiarity with a lamppost taken from the Cunard building in Liverpool and dogs from the USA naturally enjoy a New York City fire hydrant! 

Cunard

Spaces onboard for dogs and cats book up fast though. Booking twelve to eighteen months in advance is recommended.

Prices aren’t cheap either. Passengers report it costs $800 for a small dog, $1000 for a larger dog, and even more for cats – because they require two kennels, one for the cat and one for the litter tray. That will cost you at least $1600 – but it is possible that if you have two cats, they can share a kennel.

There are set visiting times during the day for you to go and spend time time with your pet.

Strictly speaking, Queen Mary 2 is an Ocean Liner, not a cruise ship. She provides one of the most traditional and formal cruise experiences possible.

Find out how I got on when I sailed on her here:

Service Dogs

All cruise lines will have their own terms and conditions when it comes to allowing service dogs onboard.

Emotional support dogs aren’t allowed on any cruise ships. Service dogs that are trained to assist those with disabilities and are classed legally as service dogs are allowed on all major cruise lines.

Some lines require specific permits, pet passports and up-to-date records of treatments, such as vaccinations.

Royal Caribbean say:

SERVICE ANIMALS 
Royal Caribbean International welcomes service dogs on all ships.* Please note we do not accept pets.

A service dog is defined as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” Service dogs are not considered pets.
Evidence that a dog is a service dog is helpful but not required

Royal Caribbean International

If you intend to take your service dog on a cruise you will need to notify the cruise line well in advance.

There may be a great many rules and regulations regarding where you can take your dog onboard, and what your dog can do.

Every cruise line will issue its own rules and regulations, so it is essential that you read and agree with your cruise line’s T’s & C’s.

Royal Caribbean issues you with a long list of terms and conditions you must follow. You must:

• At the time of booking or 30 days prior to sailing, you must notify the Access Department if you require a service dog relief area.
• Service dogs are allowed in all public areas across the ships, including dining areas. However, they must be on a leash or harness.
• Service dogs are not allowed in the spa, pools or whirlpool areas.
• Guests have to provide food, bedding etc. for their service dog.
• If the dog has refrigerated food, the Access Department must be notified either at the time of booking or 30 days prior to sailing.
• If you choose to disembark at a port where the dog is not allowed, you must ensure your dog is cared for onboard by someone else in your travel party.
• Check the US Department of Agriculture, UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs or any other relevant websites to ensure that you’ve obtained all of the required documents needed for your dog to disembark at ports of call, alongside your final destination.
• A copy of any relevant permits must be both carried on the ship, as well as a copy being left with the Guest Relations Desk when you board the ship.
• A cleaning fee may be charged if the dog causes any mess onboard.
• If the service dog creates a direct threat to safety, it may either be denied boarding or removed from the ship; this will be at the owner’s expense – examples include biting, growling, sitting on furniture etc.
• When returning to the UK, it is essential they meet the rules laid out by the Pet Travel Scheme.
• The service dog will either require a Pet Passport or Health Certificate, proof of vaccination of rabies, tapeworm etc. alongside proof of a microchip.

Cruise lines don’t charge extra if you need to take your service dog onboard with you.

Princess Cruises – Puppies In The Piazza

Princess cruises actually choose to allow dogs onboard on their Alaska cruises, although these aren’t pets.

Princess Cruises incorporate the local community into their cruises by holding a “Puppies in the Piazza” event, where sled dog puppies are bought onboard to meet the passengers.

Dog handlers will explain what it’s like to train these puppies for dog mushing while you get to meet and enjoy their company.

I recently took a cruise to Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line. They didn’t invite any animals onboard, but I did some fantastic excursions, including one dog sled excursion. Find out how I got on with the dogs here:

Small River Ships Or Ferries

Some small, independent river ships will allow dogs or have dog-friendly sailings.

Ferries that offer overnight services often accept dogs and have dog-friendly cabins.

It might be worth doing some research to see if you can make a tailor-made holiday using these methods of transport.

Silja Line ferries hold up to 2800 passengers. The Silja Symphony ferry was the inspiration for the largest Royal Caribbean ships, with the familiar central street in the middle of the ship. Find out more about that here:

Alternatives to Bringing Your Pet on a Cruise

Even if you were allowed to bring your dog and cat on board, I think most would find it extremely stressful due to the confined spaces and unfamiliar surroundings!

It would be better to spend time researching pet sitters or kennel services before booking a cruise, so you can be sure your pet will be well cared for in your absence.

I have pet sitters in my house when I am away from home, and I have a Pet Cam so I can keep an eye on my pets. This puts my mind at rest, I know that they aren’t coming to any harm in my absence.

You could also arrange video calls with the pet sitter so you can see and speak to your pets whilst you are away from home.

If you really can’t bear to be parted from your pets, you may be better to consider a pet-friendly land-based holiday instead.

Before You Go

Find out all about the cat that was smuggled onto a Royal Caribbean ship in a sweatshirt here:

Cat Smuggled onto Cruise Ship in Sweatshirt – Discovered by Authorities

Find out below about six things that used to be allowed on cruise ships that are now banned – for good reason!

6 Things Once Allowed on Cruise Ships But Are Now Banned (For Good Reason!)