For many travelers, pets aren’t just animals — they’re family. So it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Can I bring my dog or cat on a cruise?”

The short answer? Yes — but only in very limited circumstances.
Pet-friendly cruising exists, but it’s rare, highly regulated, and requires advanced planning.

Here’s everything you need to know before setting sail with your four-legged companion 🐶🛳️

Are There Any Pet-Friendly Cruise Lines?

Most mainstream cruise lines do not allow pets onboard, with the exception of trained service animals. International maritime laws, port regulations, and animal health requirements make cruising with pets extremely complex.

However, there is one iconic cruise ship — and a handful of special event sailings — that truly make pet cruising possible.

🌟 The Pioneer of Pet-Friendly Cruising: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2

When it comes to pet-friendly cruises, only one ocean cruise ship allows dogs and cats:

Cunard Line’s legendary Queen Mary 2 (QM2)

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a legendary ocean liner known for its classic elegance and transatlantic heritage. Built specifically for crossing the Atlantic, it offers a refined onboard experience with grand public spaces, world-class dining, and enriching lectures—plus the unique distinction of being the only ship to offer a dedicated kennel program for pets  exclusively on transatlantic crossings between New York City, USA, Southampton, England and Hamburg, Germany. Sailings typically last 7 or 8 nights, depending on the itinerary.

 

 

 

🐶 Cunard’s Dedicated Kennel Programme (Dogs & Cats)

Cunard’s onboard kennels are designed to offer pets a truly first-class experience.

🐾 What Makes QM2’s Kennels Unique?

• 24 luxury cat and dog kennels located on Deck 12

• A private outdoor sun deck exclusively for kennel guests

• A personal escort for pets during embarkation

• A professional photo shoot with Cunard’s ship photographer

• A dedicated Kennel Master and care team

The kennel area includes an adjoining outdoor deck where pets can enjoy fresh sea air and stretch their legs. This space features:

• A New York fire hydrant

• A Liverpool lamppost
  These iconic touches create a comfortable and familiar environment for pets while at sea.

 

 

 

 

🎁 Complimentary Kennel Amenities

As with all of Cunard’s guest suites and staterooms, their kennels offer a few complimentary flourishes to ensure your pet enjoys every comfort on their voyage. As well as air conditioning to ensure a consistently pleasant temperature and a fleecy blanket they can curl up in, four-legged guests sailing with Cunard will also be gifted to a fitted coat they can take home as a memento of their voyage.

🦺 Pet Safety & Wellbeing Onboard

At Cunard, guest safety always comes first — and that includes pets.

• Every pet is issued its own lifejacket upon boarding

• In the rare event of an emergency, owners may collect their pets from the kennels and bring them to their assigned muster station

• Kennels are supervised from morning until late evening by trained crew

While there is no onboard veterinary service, all situations are handled on a case-by-case basis by the crew.

🍽️ Feeding Pets on Board

Cunard ensures pets’ dietary needs are carefully considered.

• Prior to sailing, Cunard contacts guests with a selection of pet food brands available onboard

• If preferred brands are not available, owners may bring their own pet food and treats

• Pets may be fed by either the owner or the Kennel Master

🍗 On request, Cunard can also provide freshly cooked chicken, vegetables, and broth — a special touch for discerning furry guests.

🕒 Visiting Your Pet During the Voyage

Pets remain in the kennel area at all times and are not permitted in passenger cabins or public areas.

Owners may visit their pets during scheduled visiting hours:

• 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Visiting times may vary slightly by sailing and should be confirmed once onboard.

📏 Kennel Size, Height & Weight Restrictions

To ensure safety and comfort, Cunard enforces the following kennel guidelines:

• Upper Kennels: Pets 25 lbs or less

• Lower Kennels: Pets 25.1 lbs or more

Size limits:

• Maximum pet length per kennel: 34 inches (nose to base of tail)

• Two kennels may be combined for pets up to 59 inches (both kennels charged individually)

• Maximum pet height: 27 inches (measured from shoulder to floor)

Because of these restrictions, kennel availability may vary by sailing.

💰 How Much Does It Cost to Bring a Pet on Queen Mary 2?

Kennels are priced between $800 and $2,000 per sailing, depending on: Upper vs. lower kennel and One kennel vs. two kennels

Cats require two kennels (one for the cat and one for the litter box), though two cats may share a two-kennel space.

📅 Booking Timeline: Why Early Planning Is Essential

Pet reservations open up to two years in advance and are extremely popular.

• Many sailings sell out the day bookings open

• Most remaining spots are gone one year in advance

• Limited last-minute availability may occur if cancellations happen

Pet reservations must be made by phone directly with Cunard — or through your travel advisor, who can also add you to the waitlist once your cabin is secured.

🛂 Does My Pet Need a Passport?

Yes. Cats and dogs sailing with Cunard require a pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Cunard contacts guests at least five months prior to sailing with all required paperwork and instructions Documentation varies by sailing direction and country regulations. Early preparation is essential, as requirements may change.

📸 Special Pet Perks on QM2

Every pet sailing includes:

• A group photo of all pets onboard

• A private portrait of you and your pet

A memorable keepsake from a truly special crossing 🐾

🐶 Special Event Pet Cruises: Margaritaville at Sea (Limited Sailings)

In addition to Cunard, select themed sailings have begun experimenting with dog-friendly cruises.

🐾 Margaritaville at Sea – Special Pet Sailings

• Offered on limited, special event voyages

• Dogs may stay with owners in designated staterooms

• Possible pet amenities include:

  • Relief areas

  • Splash zones

  • Grooming services

  • Pet “butlers”

⚠️ These sailings are not regularly scheduled and should be viewed as special events rather than permanent programs.

🦮 What About Service Animals on Cruises?

Most major cruise lines allow trained service animals, including: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. Advance notice, documentation, and vaccination records are required.

❌ Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted on mainstream cruise lines.

🧭 Is a Pet-Friendly Cruise Right for You?

Pet-friendly cruising is ideal for:

• Travelers relocating overseas

• Long transatlantic crossings

• Pet owners who plan far ahead

• Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences

It may not be ideal for:

• Short cruises

• Port-heavy itineraries

• Guests wanting pets in their cabin

 

 

 

🐾 Final Thoughts

Pet-friendly cruises are rare — but they do exist. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 remains the undisputed leader, offering unmatched care, comfort, and structure for pets at sea. Special event sailings like Margaritaville at Sea offer occasional alternatives for dog lovers seeking something different.

📩 Ready to explore your options?
Contact Tim Cruise today and let us help plan the perfect journey — for you and your pet.