For many families, a cruise feels like the ultimate holiday — but if you’re a pet lover, one big question looms: can my dog or cat come with me at sea?
The reality is that almost all cruise lines limit pets. Service dogs are welcome, emotional support dogs face strict limits, and cats rarely make the cut at all.
But there are exceptions, experiments, and even a few furry celebrities already part of cruise life.
Here’s everything you need to know — from Cunard’s famous kennels, to Disney’s clear-cut rules, to the dogs who are making their mark on Royal Caribbean.
Why Pets Rarely Sail
Cruise ships are close, controlled environments where thousands live together for days or weeks at a time. Pets raise unique challenges:
- hygiene standards and allergies for fellow passengers,
- entry rules and quarantines at international ports,
- limited medical care at sea if an animal falls ill,
- and simple issues of space and exercise.
Because of these reasons, almost all cruise lines enforce a strict “service dogs only” rule. But there are cracks in the door — and those cracks are growing.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2: The Original Pet?Friendly Ship
The legendary Queen Mary 2 remains the only major cruise ship with a full pet program. On its classic transatlantic voyages between New York and Southampton or Hamburg, up to 24 cats and dogs enjoy a specialized kennel facility, supervised by a full-time Kennel Master.
The kennels are located on Deck 12 with a connected exterior area where dogs and cats can breathe fresh sea air and stretch their legs.
To make them feel at home, the space features a whimsical New York fire hydrant and an old-fashioned Liverpool lamppost — representing both sides of the ocean crossing and serving a practical purpose when nature calls.
Cunard certainly makes sure that their dog and cat guests are well cared for:
“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 us will also be gifted a fitted coat they can take home as a memento of their voyage.” — Cunard Line
And that isn’t the only perk.
Every pet is invited to a portrait session with the Kennel Master (in signature red bellhop uniform) and the ship’s photographer. Props include a miniature Cunard jacket, a QM2 life ring, or even a bellhop hat, turning the portraits into delightful souvenirs. Owners receive a group shot of all animal guests, plus a personal keepsake of their own cat or dog at sea.
The Cost
Cunard charges per kennel, and the type of kennel depends on the size of your pet.
- Small dogs (think Yorkies, Maltese, or other small breeds) can cozy up in a small kennel for around $800.
- Larger breeds, such as golden retrievers, need the bigger kennels, which are $1,000 each. Only one dog is allowed per kennel.
If your pup is on the bigger side and measures more than 34 inches in length, you’ll actually need to book two lower kennels together.
Not every breed can sail. Among those that aren’t permitted are Bloodhounds, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Dobermans, St. Bernards, and Pit Bull Terriers. It’s always smart to check Cunard’s FAQ before you reserve.
Cats can travel too, but they take extra space because one kennel is for the cat and a second is for the litter box. That means the price comes to $1,600 total, but two cats can share.
Looking ahead, there’s one more thing to know: starting in 2026, kennel prices are going up. Upper kennels will cost $1,300, while lower kennels will run $1,500.
And as with all cruise pricing, fares are subject to change.
1AVista Reisen: A River Cruise for Dogs
For dog owners who want closer companionship, 1AVista Reisen (a German river line) offers cruises where dogs — including emotional support pets — can remain with their humans almost all the time.
Dogs can relax onboard, enjoy exercise meadows, and even benefit from dog trainers.
Dog Friendly Future: Margaritaville at Sea
Coming in November 2025, a groundbreaking cruise will sail from Florida.
The Margaritaville at Sea Islander will host the world’s first truly dog-integrated cruise at sea, with around 250 pups expected onboard.
Dedicated pet butlers, relief stations, and canine?themed activities will make it a first of its kind. If successful, it could inspire other brands to create permanent dog?friendly voyages.
Disney Cruise Line: Service Dogs Only
For Disney fans, the rule is clear: only trained service dogs are allowed to join the fun. Pets, cats, and emotional support animals cannot board.
Service dogs can stay in staterooms and most public areas, but owners must provide food, cleaning supplies, and paperwork. Importantly, not every port will allow a dog to go ashore, which may restrict plans on land.
Royal Caribbean Goes to the Dogs (In a Good Way!)
Royal Caribbean has captured headlines by having a Chief Dog Officer on their new ships.
In 2024, Icon of the Seas — welcomed Rover, a golden retriever, as its first full-time “Chief Dog Officer.”
Rover lives onboard, greeting families daily.
And the story doesn’t stop there. In 2025, sister ship Star of the Seas followed suit, introducing its own resident retriever, Sailor.
Together, these seafaring pups show how much joy dogs can bring to guests, even if passengers can’t bring their own.
Do you think that other cruise lines should follow suit and have resident Chief Dog Officers?
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.