Are dogs allowed on cruise ships? Below are tours that allow pets

We know that it can be difficult to be away from your four-legged friends when traveling, especially if you’re on a family vacation. After all, they are also part of the family. So can you bring pets on a cruise? There’s good news and bad news.

In general, the answer is no, but there are exceptions. One cruise line has dedicated kennels on its most iconic ship and has space for both dogs and cats. However, you will have to leave birds, hamsters and ferrets at home.

On all cruise ships, service animals trained in specific tasks are generally allowed, with regulations varying by cruise line. (Note that “emotional support” pets are generally prohibited on the high seas.)

Even if you don’t bring your pet, there are still many ways to cuddle puppies on cruise ships and admire dogs and kittens at ports of call.

Here are the details on pet-friendly cruises.

Can you bring a dog or cat on a cruise?

The number of cruise ships that allow pets is extremely limited. In fact, the only cruise line with amenities for your dog or cat is Cunard lineand the only ship in the fleet equipped to carry Fluffy and Fido is the luxury 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 ocean liner. The ship single-handedly maintains the line’s long tradition of being pet-friendly.

Back in the 1800s, cats were “hired” on Cunard ships to take care of vermin. In the 1900s, the rich and famous – including actress Elizabeth Taylor – sailed with their pets. The ship’s list of past famous guests includes “Britain’s Got Talent” jumping dog Pudsey, who sailed with her partner Ashleigh Jade Butler in 2012.

When choosing transatlantic trip Between New York and Southampton in the United Kingdom, Cunard offers two dozen kennels for pet owners. In addition to the cages located in a private area aft of Deck 12, there is also an Owner’s Lounge where guests can spend quality time with their pets. A large, gated outdoor exercise area equipped with antique light poles from Liverpool and fire hydrants from New York City, provides space for dog walkers to relieve themselves.

Your pet must stay in a kennel, not your cabin, and that rule applies even if you book the 2,249-square-foot vessel Grand Duplex or other luxurious Queens Grill. But rest assured, your pet will be properly pampered. Cunard provides toys, freshly baked treats, feeding bowls and beds, and life jackets for pets if needed. If you want to go all out, you can request treats for your pet, such as liver or steak, for an additional fee. Those who want a fun memento can have their pet pose for photos wearing a red Cunard uniform or a Queen Mary 2 lifesaving ring.

Beach pets also get plenty of playtime. The dogs are regularly walked (and cleaned up afterward) by a team that includes a “kennel manager” and an assistant. You can hang out with your furry friend during scheduled visiting hours.

Be aware that space is extremely limited. Cunard recommends booking your pet’s accommodation at least a year in advance – and it doesn’t come cheap. The cost per trip varies based on pet type and size, but starts at $800 for a small dog, $1,000 for a large dog, and $1,600 for a cat (as cats are required two cages – one for sleeping and one for the litter box). ). There are also regulations regarding vaccinations, microchipping and more.

Those not traveling with pets but want to catch a glimpse of the pampered dogs should head to the outdoor area on Deck 12 in the late afternoon when the dogs have some free time. It’s usually not publicized, but you won’t want to miss the dog parade, which takes place once per trip. Check with customer services regarding dates and times.

Are service animals allowed on cruises?

Each cruise line has its own rules for service dogs. ABOVE Royal CaribbeanFor example, only pets that are “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of people with disabilities” are allowed. Royal Caribbean provides a specific 16-square-foot relief area covered in cypress mulch that is shared with any other service dogs on board. The cruise line notes on its website that your dog may not relieve itself among the living trees in Central Park on Oasis Class ships.

Pet owners must bring their own food and bowls, and dogs must be kept on a leash or belt in public areas and must not be left unattended in your cabin. Here’s more Information about bringing pets aboard Royal Caribbean ships.

ABOVE festival shipAny dog ​​on an aircraft must be a “working service dog, which is defined by law as individually trained to meet disability-related needs by performing tasks such as guiding people blind, warn the deaf, pull wheelchairs, warn and protect people in difficulty”. a seizure or perform other special tasks.” Here’s more Information about bringing pets aboard Carnival ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line accepts service dogs “trained to perform a specific task” and states on its website that “‘Emotional Support’ dogs are NOT accepted as service dogs; they CANNOT sail.” You need to bring enough food, medicine and life jackets specifically for dogs. A relief sandbox is provided. Here’s more information about Norwegian Cruise Line’s pet policy.

In all cases, service dog owners need to make reservations for their dogs in advance and are responsible for researching and understanding the regulations on disembarking with dogs at each port of call. (Canine companions may not be allowed to disembark at some ports.) Additionally, there may be specific vaccination and other documentation requirements.

If your dog makes a mess on the train, you may have to pay a cleaning fee. If your dog misbehaves, you may be kicked off the train. Since there is no veterinarian on board, you may also want to bring seasickness medication for your dog as a precaution.

Puppy on princess

For travelers who need to cuddle with a puppy while on a cruise, Princess yacht brings professional sled dog racers and their husky puppies on board in Skagway, Alaska, as part of the line’s North to Alaska immersion program.

Called Puppies on Princess (formerly Puppies in the Piazza), the show gives you the opportunity to take photos with an adorable dog while also hearing from the owner about training the dog for races. winter sled dog racing, such as the annual 1,100-1 mile Iditarod sled dog race. You’ll also learn how dogs played an important role in Alaska’s history. Before snowmobiles (known in Alaska as snowmobiles), dog teams transported mail, medical supplies and other supplies to remote communities.

ABOVE Alaska tripCruise lines also often provide it dog sledding shore excursion where passengers are pulled by a team of sled dogs over the snowy tops of the glacier (you get there by helicopter) or on a cart over a dirt training track. These experiences are available in ports such as Juneau, Skagway and Seward.

If you’re taking a pre- or post-cruise land tour of Denali National Park and Preserve, you may want to visit the park’s resident sled dogs. Affectionately known as “bark rangers,” they are tasked with hauling supplies around the park in the winter. (Motor vehicles are banned in much of the 2 million-acre park.)

For cat lovers

Cat fans will find plenty of opportunities for cat photography in places like Istanbul or the Old Town area of ​​Dubrovnik, Croatia, where the furry wanderers are as popular attractions as the locales. appears as a filming location in HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

If you are sailing on one Famous yachts‘ new Edge class shipyou may recognize Bug Naked. The hairless Sphynx is owned by Captain Kate McCue, who dresses Bug in a miniature captain’s uniform and pushes her around the ship in a stroller.

Or, if you want to show off photos of your cats while wearing cat ears and sipping cocktails or participating in themed events like cat quizzes and cat scavenger hunts, book a trip Meow Cruisean annual gathering at sea of ​​cat fans.

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