Top Dog-Friendly Cruise Ships

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2

When it comes to Dog friendly Cruise Ships, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a standout. This is the only major cruise ship that allows pets, making it a top pick for pet owners.

Transatlantic Sailings: The Queen Mary 2 offers transatlantic sailings between New York, Southampton, and Hamburg. This route is perfect for those looking to travel between the U.S. and Europe without leaving their pets behind.

Kennel Services: The ship features specialized kennels located on Deck 12. These kennels are well-equipped to ensure your pet’s comfort. There are 22 kennels available, and they can accommodate both dogs and cats.

Booking in Advance: Due to its popularity, you’ll need to book at least 12 to 18 months in advance. This ensures you secure a spot for your pet in one of the kennels.

Costs: There are costs associated with these accommodations. A lower kennel costs $1,000 for a seven-day crossing, while an upper kennel costs $800. Dogs must have their own kennels, but cats can share kennels if you book two adjacent ones—one for the cat and one for the litter tray.

Pet Accommodations: The kennels are managed by a kennel master who ensures pets are walked and cared for. There are set times during the day when you can interact with your pet, and designated areas for fresh air breaks.

River and Canal Cruises

If you’re in Europe, river and canal cruises offer another great option for traveling with pets.

European Options: Canal cruises in the UK and France often allow pets. You can hire a canal longboat and bring your dog along for the journey. This is a fantastic way to explore the scenic waterways of Europe with your furry friend.

MS Normandie: For river cruises, the MS Normandie offers pet-friendly voyages at certain times of the year. These cruises take you along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, offering beautiful sights like castles and picturesque towns.

Rhine Cruises: The MS Normandie’s pet-friendly cruises on the Rhine are particularly popular. Imagine cruising past stunning castles and historic landmarks with your pet by your side.

These options make it easier for pet owners to enjoy a cruise without having to leave their beloved pets behind. Whether it’s the luxury of the Queen Mary 2 or the charm of European canal cruises, there are ways to make your travels pet-friendly.

Next up, let’s dive into the policies and accommodations for service animals on various cruise lines.

Service Animals on Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is a top choice for travelers with service dogs. The cruise line has specific policies to ensure both the service animals and their owners are comfortable and safe.

Service Dog Policies: Royal Caribbean only allows dogs that are “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” Emotional support animals are not classified as service animals under these guidelines.

Relief Areas: The cruise line provides a designated 16-square-foot relief area covered in cypress mulch. This area is shared with other service dogs on board. Dogs are not allowed to relieve themselves among the live trees in Central Park on Oasis-class ships.

Leash Requirements: Service dogs must remain on a leash or harness in public areas. They should not be left unattended in your cabin. Owners are responsible for bringing their dog’s food and bowls.

For more details on Royal Caribbean’s service dog policies, check here.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line also welcomes service dogs, but with specific rules to ensure a smooth experience for everyone on board.

Service Dog Policies: Norwegian Cruise Line accepts service dogs “trained to perform a specific task.” The cruise line explicitly states that it does not accept emotional support dogs as service dogs. Make sure to bring all of your pet’s food, medication, and a special dog life jacket.

Relief Sandbox: A relief sandbox is provided for service dogs on board. This ensures that your service dog has a designated spot to relieve itself.

For more information, you can review Norwegian Cruise Line’s pet policy here.

Alternative Pet-Friendly Cruise Experiences

Puppies on Princess

If you love dogs but can’t bring your own, Princess Cruises offers a unique experience that might be perfect for you. Through their “North to Alaska” program, you can interact with sled dog puppies during select shore excursions in Alaska.

Imagine playing with adorable sled dog puppies while learning about the lives of mushers and their dogs. It’s a fantastic way to get your dog fix while enjoying the beauty of Alaska. These excursions are available in various ports and are sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Regional Ferry Services

For those looking for more flexible pet-friendly cruise options, regional ferry services in Europe offer excellent alternatives. Many of these ferries are pet-friendly and allow you to bring your furry friends along for the ride.

Overnight Ferries and Mini-Cruises

Regional ferries, such as Brittany Ferries and Tallink Silja Line, offer pet-friendly cabins, making it easy to travel with your dog. These ferries operate like mini-cruises, complete with restaurants, entertainment, and comfortable cabins.

• Brittany Ferries: Travel from the UK to Spain or France with your dog in a pet-friendly cabin. Routes like Portsmouth to Bilbao or Le Havre are popular choices.
• Tallink Silja Line: Cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki, Tallinn, or Riga with your pet. These ferries provide pet-friendly cabins and designated areas for walking your dog.

Booking in advance is essential, as pet-friendly cabins are limited. These mini-cruises are a great way to explore multiple destinations while keeping your pet by your side.

Shore Excursions and Pet-Themed Activities

Even if you can’t bring your pet on board, many cruises offer pet-themed shore excursions and activities.

• Horseback Riding: Enjoy horseback riding in Mexico and the Caribbean. These excursions allow you to interact with animals and explore beautiful landscapes.
• Musher’s Camp Visits: In Alaska, visit a musher’s camp and play with sled dog puppies. It’s a unique experience that lets you learn about dog sledding culture and meet the adorable dogs.

These activities provide a way to indulge your love for animals while enjoying your cruise vacation.

Whether it’s playing with sled dog puppies in Alaska or taking a mini-cruise with your dog on a regional ferry, there are plenty of ways to enjoy pet-friendly experiences while cruising.

Conclusion

Planning a dog-friendly cruise can be a bit tricky, but with the right preparation and information, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are some essential tips to make your pet-friendly travel smooth and enjoyable:

Plan Ahead

Booking in Advance: Pet-friendly cabins and services are often limited, so it’s crucial to book early. Make sure to check the availability of pet accommodations as they can fill up fast.

Check Policies: Different cruise lines have varying policies for pets and service animals. Make sure to reach out to the cruise line’s accessibility department to understand the specific requirements and provisions for your furry friend.

Pet Passports: If you’re traveling in Europe, consider getting a pet passport. This document allows you to move your pets around different countries with ease.

Pet-Friendly Travel Tips

Pack Essentials: Don’t forget to bring your pet’s bed, food, and any medications they might need. While some cruises provide essentials like bowls and beds, it’s always better to have your own.

Exercise and Relief Areas: Look for cruises that offer designated areas for pets to relieve themselves and get some exercise. Many cruise lines have specific relief areas for service dogs.

Enjoy Pet-Friendly Activities

Even if you can’t bring your pet along, many cruises offer pet-themed activities and shore excursions. Whether it’s playing with sled dog puppies in Alaska or enjoying horseback riding in the Caribbean, there are plenty of ways to indulge your love for animals.

By planning ahead and making informed choices, you can ensure a fantastic and pet-friendly cruise experience. Whether you’re sailing with your pet or enjoying animal-themed activities, there’s something for every pet lover on the high seas.