Question: Are pets allowed on cruises? Can I take my pet on a vacation cruise?
People love their pets and often wonder why dogs, cats and other companion animals are not allowed on cruise ships. You can take your pet on other forms of public transportation, so why not take your favorite pet on a cruise?
Answer :
Cruises cannot accommodate pets for two simple reasons. First, pets need to have a place to sleep, exercise, and (most importantly) relieve themselves. Cruises have very strict health and sanitation codes, and compliance with these codes prohibits ships from allowing pets on board. This important issue is likely not to be resolved at any point in the near future.
Second, cruise ships almost always sail to ports in more than one country. Many of these countries have strict quarantine and entry requirements for any animals entering the country, even if they never left the ship. You may need to drop your pet off at the first port of call!
There is an exception to this rule. One cruise line, Cunard, allows cats and dogs (not birds) on certain transatlantic cruises on the Queen Mary 2 (QM2), but many restrictions apply and space is limited and expensive. This is only possible if transatlantic voyages do not have ports of call. Although there are many requirements and restrictions, kennels are so popular that Cunard started with a dozen kennels and added ten more during the renovation of the Queen Mary 2 in June 2016.
A full-time kennel master is responsible for the air-conditioned kennels in the QM2, and the Cunard Line has a list of frequently asked questions about kennels and pet requirements on their website.
Kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open during certain hours for passengers who wish to spend time with their pet in this restricted area. Pets are never allowed in the cabins or outside the kennel area. Kennel reservations can be made at the time of booking and are based on space availability. Kennel fees for dogs start at $ 800, and cats require two kennels (one for the litter box), so fees for them start at $ 1600.
Cats and dogs aboard the Queen Mary 2 receive the same pampering their owners expect on this classic ocean liner, including a complimentary gift package featuring a QM2 logo coat, Frisbee, name tag, food plate and spoon; complementary portrait with pet owners; A crossing certificate and a personalized cruise card. Other benefits for pets include:
- extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
- healthy gourmet dog and cat biscuits freshly baked daily and offered before bed
- wool blankets
- variety of toys for dogs and cats
- poles and scratching posts for cats
- selection of premium pet food from top brands.
History of pets that travel on the Cunard line
Cunard Line’s pet policy dates back to Britannia’s maiden voyage in 1840, when three cats were on board. Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey, and even a boa constrictor have traveled with Cunard.
According to Cunard’s records, even some famous animals and famous pets have interbred with Cunard. Mr. Ramshaw, the only trained golden eagle in the world, made at least 21 transatlantic crossings on mid-20th century ocean liners; Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, traveled in Berengaria; and Tom Mix and his horse Tony, stars of the 1930 western series “Miracle Rider,” rode regularly with Cunard. Tony’s hooves were even fitted with special rubber shoes to prevent the horse from slipping on the catwalk and decks.
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her dogs aboard the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship’s sports deck. He even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved puppy and, at the duke’s urging, Cunard installed a lamppost next to the kennels.
Anyone who has had a pet of any kind understands that pets are important members of the family. However, despite how much we love our pets, it is generally best to stay home. The strangeness of a cruise ship could scare even the kindest, most well-adjusted pet. Even on the QM2, you cannot constantly watch your pet or make it sleep in your cabin. Plus, you’re on a cruise to have fun with your friends and family. The best solution: find a good kennel or pet sitter for your animal, and they will have a great stay while enjoying your cruise!
