For countless households, dogs are far more than mere domesticated animals; they are cherished family members, often treated with the same level of care, devotion and love as human children. This deep emotional bond makes the prospect of leaving them behind in a kennel or with a sitter during vacations increasingly difficult for dedicated owners who want to share every memory with their “fur babies.”
Consequently, the broader travel landscape has shifted dramatically to accommodate this desire. Boutique hotels, luxury resorts and vacation rentals like Airbnb have rapidly evolved, offering amenities ranging from gourmet dog menus to plush bedding. Even the airline industry has taken steps to facilitate pet travel. However, the cruise industry remains a significant outlier in this dog-friendly revolution.
The Reality About Cruising With Your Pup
Despite the rise in dog-friendly travel across hotels and domestic flights, cruise lines have held a firm line when it comes to pets. The vast majority – including Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Disney – do not allow non-service animals on board. This is mainly due to logistical concerns, like onboard sanitation, space limitations, allergies and port regulations. Simply put, cruise ships weren’t designed with animals in mind and changing that would require a full overhaul of facilities, policies and international guidelines.
All major cruise lines allow service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This typically means a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability is allowed to accompany them.
There are some important things to know, such as notifying the cruise line in advance and providing documentation. Service animals must be on leash or harnessed at all times and the cruise line may request your itinerary to make port-specific accommodations (especially for international stops where animals may not be allowed off the ship).
It’s also worth noting that emotional support animals (ESAs) are not classified as service animals by most cruise lines and are not allowed unless they meet ADA criteria.
The Only True Dog-Friendly Cruise
If you’re looking for the only major cruise line that welcomes pets, look no further than Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. This luxury transatlantic ocean liner sails between New York and Southampton, England, and includes kennel facilities just for dogs and cats. There is plenty that makes it unique, including 24 spacious kennels on board, a dedicated kennel master who cares for the pets throughout the voyage, indoor and outdoor walking areas, a welcome gift package for your pet and the option to visit your pet during scheduled hours.
The important thing here is that you’ll need to reserve a spot well in advance. The kennels fill up fast and there’s a waitlist for most sailings. And no, dogs can’t roam freely around the ship, they must stay in the kennel area except during visit hours. Still, for dog parents unwilling to leave their pets behind for a week or more, this is one of the only luxury cruise options available.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives To Cruises
If a traditional cruise won’t work for your dog, you still have travel options. There are some dog-centric river cruises. For example, in Europe, some boutique lines and charter boats offer short trips along rivers like the Seine or Rhine that allow pets. Then there are private yacht rentals available in some locations if you’re rolling deep or planning a special occasion.
Consider chartering a pet-friendly boat with companies that offer custom accommodations. Alternatively, there are dog-inclusive resorts or road trips. This is where you may find more flexibility with a drive-to vacation that doesn’t require international travel or strict health documentation.
What To Pack If You’re Traveling With A Dog
If you’re lucky enough to be sailing with your dog on the Queen Mary 2—or traveling by sea some other way—here are a few essentials:
- Health certificate (usually required within 10 days of departure)
- Vaccination records
- Leash, collar and ID tags
- Waste bags and cleaning supplies
- Comfort items (blanket, toy or shirt that smells like home)
- Food and water bowls
- Prescription medication if applicable
Double check international regulations for ports of call. Some countries require specific paperwork or quarantine rules for arriving animals, even if they never leave the ship.
Will Pet-Friendly Cruises Become More Common?
There’s growing demand for more pet-friendly options in travel. Some experts believe the cruise industry could adapt in the future. As younger generations travel more with pets and as cruise lines compete for market share, there’s a chance we could see more flexibility. For example, in the future there may be pet-themed cruises or sailings, expanded kennel spaces on select ships or luxury lines catering to high-end dog parents.
But until those changes happen, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 remains the only true ocean liner for dogs, making it both iconic and rare in the cruise world.
What To Expect From A Pet-Friendly Cruise Experience
Sailing with your dog isn’t the same as flying with them or checking into a pet-friendly hotel. A cruise, especially one like the Queen Mary 2, is a structured environment with specific protocols for both pets and people. Once on board, dogs are taken to the kennel deck, where a professional kennel master oversees their care. Your dog will be walked, fed and played with daily. And you’ll be able to visit them during scheduled times throughout the day. These interactions are typically limited to designated hours and you’re not allowed to take your dog outside of the pet area.
The kennel deck features indoor and outdoor space, so dogs still get fresh air and exercise. The area is climate-controlled, secure and cleaned regularly. While the pets don’t sleep in your cabin with you, most owners find the setup surprisingly personalized and thoughtful. Also expect to participate in mandatory paperwork and health screenings before boarding. This includes vaccination records and, in some cases, microchip verification and proof of deworming.
For dog lovers, this cruise isn’t just about getting from one place to another. It’s about traveling with your entire family and experiencing the open sea together, paws and all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Norweigan cruise allow pets?
No. Norwegian Cruise Line only allows trained service dogs on board. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted, even in kennels.
Can I bring my dog on a Carnival cruise?
No, unless your dog is a registered service animal that meets ADA criteria. Carnival Cruise Line does not allow pets or emotional support animals.
Does Princess cruises allow dogs?
Princess Cruises does not allow dogs or other pets on board unless they are certified service animals. Be sure to notify them ahead of time if you plan to travel with a service dog.
