Which cruise lines allow pets on board
Most major cruise lines do not allow pets in passenger cabins, but a small number of carriers do permit them under specific conditions. Cunard Line is the most established option—they allow cats and dogs on transatlantic crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2, the only ship in their fleet that carries pets. You can bring one pet per cabin, and they stay in a private kennel during the voyage rather than in your room.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a more limited pet program: they permit service animals and emotional support animals on all their ships, but not standard household pets. If your animal is certified as a service animal (trained to perform a specific task for a disability) or registered as an emotional support animal, you can keep them in your cabin. The rules and documentation required differ between the two categories, so you will need to contact Norwegian directly with your animal's paperwork before booking.
Some smaller cruise operators and river cruise lines occasionally allow pets, but availability changes year to year. Your best approach is to call the cruise line directly rather than checking their website, because pet policies are often not listed online and staff can tell you which sailings currently accept animals.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise ship that accepts household pets, and they stay in a ship kennel rather than your cabin.
- Norwegian Cruise Line permits service animals and emotional support animals in cabins on all their ships, but requires documentation and advance approval.
- Pet policies vary by sailing date and ship, so calling the cruise line directly is more reliable than checking their website.
- If you bring a pet on a cruise that allows them, you will pay an additional fee that typically ranges from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for a transatlantic crossing.
- Most river cruises and smaller operators do not permit pets, though a few regional lines may have exceptions.
How the Cunard pet program works
On the Queen Mary 2, pets travel in a dedicated kennel area rather than staying in your cabin with you. The kennel is climate-controlled and staffed, and your pet receives daily care including feeding, water, and exercise time. You can visit your pet during designated hours each day, typically in the morning and evening, though the exact schedule depends on the sailing.
The fee for bringing a pet on a transatlantic crossing is substantial—it ranges from around $800 to $1,500 depending on the length of the voyage and your pet's size. This covers the kennel space, food, water, and basic care. You must provide your pet's own food if they have dietary restrictions, and you are responsible for any medications or special handling instructions.
Cunard requires a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure, proof of current vaccinations (particularly rabies), and a signed pet agreement acknowledging the kennel terms. You must book your pet's passage at the same time you book your cabin, because space is limited and fills quickly on popular sailings.
Service animals and emotional support animals on Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line distinguishes between service animals and emotional support animals, and the documentation and cabin rules differ for each. A service animal is one trained to perform a specific task related to a disability—for example, a guide dog for blindness or an alert dog for seizures. An emotional support animal provides comfort through its presence but is not trained to perform a specific task.
For a service animal, you will need to provide documentation of the animal's training and your disability. Norwegian allows service animals in your cabin at no additional charge. For an emotional support animal, you will need a letter from a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor) stating that the animal is necessary for your mental health condition. Emotional support animals also stay in your cabin, but Norwegian may charge a pet fee—contact them to confirm the current amount.
Both types of animals must be well-behaved in public areas of the ship. If your animal becomes disruptive, Norwegian reserves the right to confine it to your cabin or, in extreme cases, to deny boarding. You should notify Norwegian when you book and provide all required documentation at least 30 days before your sailing date.
What to bring and how to prepare your pet
If you are traveling with a pet on Cunard, pack enough of their regular food for the entire voyage, even though the ship provides meals. Pets can become stressed by diet changes, and familiar food helps them settle into the kennel. Bring any medications your pet takes, along with written instructions on dosage and timing. Include a recent photo of your pet in case they become lost during boarding or disembarkation.
For service or emotional support animals on Norwegian, bring food, medications, bowls, a leash, and any comfort items your animal uses at home. Your cabin will have a small designated pet area, but space is limited, so pack efficiently. Bring cleaning supplies in case of accidents, and notify housekeeping that you have an animal so they can plan their cabin visits accordingly.
Before you travel, take your pet to a veterinarian for a health check and to obtain the required health certificate. Ask your vet about motion sickness medication if your pet is prone to nausea, and discuss any anxiety your animal might experience in an unfamiliar environment. Some pets benefit from calming supplements or medications during travel, and your vet can advise whether that is appropriate for your animal.
Costs and fees beyond the pet passage
The pet fee itself is only part of the cost. On Cunard, you are paying for the kennel space, care, and feeding, but you must still provide your pet's regular food. If your pet requires special meals or has allergies, those costs are yours to cover. Some pets become stressed during travel and may need veterinary care while at sea—the ship has a veterinarian on staff, but treatment is not included in your pet fee and can be expensive.
On Norwegian, if you are bringing an emotional support animal, confirm whether there is a pet fee before you book. Some sailings charge a fee and others do not. You will also want to budget for any additional supplies you might need during the voyage—extra food, replacement bowls, or cleaning supplies if your animal has an accident in the cabin.
Neither cruise line refunds pet fees if you cancel your booking, so pet passage is non-refundable even if your overall cruise fare is refundable. Check the cancellation policy for your specific sailing before you commit.
Alternatives if your cruise line does not allow pets
If you have booked a cruise on a line that does not permit pets, you have a few options. The most common choice is to arrange for a pet sitter or boarding facility to care for your animal while you are away. Professional pet sitters visit your home daily to feed, water, and exercise your pet, which is often less stressful for the animal than a boarding kennel. Boarding facilities range from basic kennels to luxury "pet hotels" with play areas and cameras so you can check on your pet remotely.
Another option is to ask a trusted friend or family member to stay at your home or visit daily to care for your pet. This is often the least stressful option for your animal, because they remain in their familiar environment with someone they know.
If you are traveling with a service animal that is not accepted by your cruise line, contact the cruise line's disability services department. Some lines have exceptions for service animals even if their general pet policy is restrictive, and they may be able to work with you on accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cat or dog in my cabin on most cruise ships?
No. Only Cunard's Queen Mary 2 allows household pets, and they stay in a ship kennel, not your cabin. Norwegian allows service animals and emotional support animals in cabins, but not standard pets. All other major cruise lines prohibit pets entirely.
How much does it cost to bring a pet on the Queen Mary 2?
The fee ranges from around $800 to $1,500 for a transatlantic crossing, depending on voyage length and your pet's size. This covers kennel space and basic care, but you must provide your pet's food and any medications. The fee is non-refundable if you cancel your cruise.
What paperwork do I need to bring a pet on a cruise?
For Cunard, you need a veterinary health certificate dated within 10 days of departure and proof of current vaccinations, especially rabies. For Norwegian service or emotional support animals, you need documentation of the animal's training or a letter from a licensed mental health professional. Contact your cruise line at least 30 days before your sailing to confirm all requirements.
What if my pet gets sick during the cruise?
Cunard's ship has a veterinarian on staff who can treat your pet, but you will be charged for any medical care. Norwegian cabins have animals present, so you should bring any medications your animal takes regularly. If your pet needs emergency care, the ship's medical staff can information, but costs are your responsibility.
Can I leave my pet in my cabin while I go to dinner or activities?
On Norwegian, yes—your service or emotional support animal can stay in your cabin while you are elsewhere on the ship. On Cunard, your pet stays in the kennel at all times and you visit during designated hours. You cannot leave your pet unattended in a cabin on any cruise line.