Yes, some cruise lines allow pets, but only on specific routes and with strict rules
Several major cruise lines do carry pets, but they are not pet-friendly in the way a pet-friendly hotel is. Most lines that accept animals limit them to transatlantic crossings — the longer voyages between North America and Europe — and a handful of other specific routes. Cunard Line (which operates the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria) is the most established option. Norwegian Cruise Line also permits pets on select sailings. The number of pet cabins is small on every ship, so booking fills up months in advance.
Pets travel in your cabin with you, not in a separate kennel area. You pay an additional fee — typically $500 to $800 per crossing on Cunard — and your pet must meet health and documentation requirements before boarding. The rules exist because ships are closed environments at sea with no way to disembark if an animal becomes ill or aggressive.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are the primary cruise operators that accept pets, but only on specific routes, mostly transatlantic crossings.
- Pet cabins are limited in number and book up quickly, sometimes months before departure.
- You will need a health certificate from a veterinarian dated within 10 days of sailing, proof of current vaccinations, and sometimes a microchip.
- Pet fees range from $500 to $800 per crossing, and your pet stays in your cabin, not in a separate facility.
- Most other cruise lines do not accept pets at all, so you will need to arrange alternative care or choose a pet-friendly operator before booking.
Which cruise lines actually accept pets
Cunard Line is the most reliable option for pet travel. The Queen Mary 2 regularly crosses the Atlantic and accepts dogs and cats. The Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria also permit pets on select voyages. Cunard allows one pet per cabin and charges a flat fee per crossing (not per night), which makes longer voyages more economical per day.
Norwegian Cruise Line permits pets on a limited number of sailings, primarily repositioning cruises — the voyages ships make when moving between seasonal home ports. These are often longer itineraries and less frequent than regular sailings. Norwegian's pet policy is less established than Cunard's, so availability and rules can change.
Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Princess, and Celebrity do not accept pets under any circumstances. If you see a website claiming otherwise, it is either outdated or misleading. Service animals (dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities) are handled separately and are permitted on all major lines, but they are not pets and follow different rules.
Health certificates and documentation you will need
Before your pet boards, you must provide a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. The certificate must be dated within 10 days of your departure date and confirm that your pet is in good health and fit to travel. The vet will examine your animal in person — you cannot obtain this by phone or email.
You will also need proof of current vaccinations, particularly rabies. The exact requirements depend on your departure port and destination country. If you are crossing to Europe, the destination country may have additional import rules for animals. Check with the cruise line and your veterinarian at least six weeks before departure, because some countries require paperwork to be submitted in advance.
A microchip is not always required, but Cunard recommends one and some routes may mandate it. If your pet is microchipped, make sure the registration information is current and includes your contact details. Bring the microchip number and registration documents with you when you board.
Booking a pet cabin and what to expect onboard
Pet cabins must be reserved directly with the cruise line, not through a travel agent. Call Cunard's reservations line or Norwegian's customer service and ask specifically about pet availability on your desired sailing. Do not assume a cabin is available because the sailing itself shows availability — pet cabins fill separately and quickly.
Once onboard, your pet remains in your cabin. There is no pet daycare, no designated pet area, and no crew member to walk your dog. You are responsible for your animal's care, exercise, and bathroom needs for the entire voyage. On a transatlantic crossing lasting six to seven days, this means managing a pet in a small cabin with no access to outdoor space except what the cruise line provides (usually a small designated area on a lower deck, available at set times).
Your pet cannot visit the dining room, theater, pool deck, or any public area. If your animal becomes ill or injured, the ship's doctor can provide basic care, but serious medical emergencies may require diversion to a port, which can delay the entire ship and result in significant costs to you.
Costs beyond the pet fee
The pet fee itself ($500 to $800) is separate from your cruise fare. Budget additional money for the veterinary health certificate (typically $50 to $150) and any required vaccinations or microchipping if your pet is not already up to date. If your destination country requires advance import paperwork, you may need to hire a pet relocation service or consult an international veterinarian, which adds cost.
If your pet requires medication or special food, bring enough for the entire voyage plus extra. The ship's supplies are limited, and you cannot order pet medications to be delivered mid-cruise. Some travelers also budget for potential veterinary care onboard, though this is not common.
Alternatives if your cruise line does not accept pets
If you want to cruise on a line that does not permit pets, you will need to arrange care for your animal before departure. Options include boarding facilities, pet sitters who visit your home, or trusted friends or family members. Start researching and booking these services at least two months before your cruise, because good facilities and sitters book up during peak travel seasons.
Some travelers choose to skip cruising altogether if they cannot bring their pet. If that is your situation, consider whether a land-based vacation might work better for your household, or whether a shorter cruise on a pet-friendly line fits your schedule and budget.
Transatlantic crossings and repositioning voyages
Most pet-friendly sailings are transatlantic crossings in spring and fall, when ships move between their winter Caribbean home ports and summer European schedules. These voyages typically last six to seven days and cost more per day than a typical cruise, but the longer duration means your pet spends more time at sea and less time in port (where you cannot take them ashore anyway).
Repositioning cruises — the voyages ships make when relocating to a new home port — also accept pets on some lines. These can be longer and less expensive per day, but they are less frequent and harder to plan around. Check the cruise line's website or call directly to see which specific sailings permit pets in the upcoming year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cat or only dogs?
Both cats and dogs are accepted on Cunard and Norwegian. Cunard also permits rabbits and other small caged animals on some sailings. Always confirm with the cruise line before booking, because rules can vary by ship and sailing date.
What happens if my pet gets sick during the cruise?
The ship's doctor can provide basic care and medication. For serious illness or injury, the ship may divert to the nearest port, which delays the entire vessel and can cost you thousands in additional fees. Travel insurance for pets is not widely available, so prevention through a pre-cruise vet checkup is important.
Can I leave my pet in the cabin while I go to dinner?
Yes, your pet can stay in your cabin unsupervised. However, you are responsible if your animal damages the cabin or disturbs other passengers. Some travelers hire a pet sitter to visit the cabin during the day, but this service is not provided by the cruise line.
Do I need a passport for my pet?
Not a passport, but you do need a health certificate and proof of vaccinations. If you are traveling to Europe or other countries with import restrictions, you may need additional paperwork such as an import permit or microchip documentation. Your veterinarian can advise you on what your destination requires.
How far in advance should I book a pet cabin?
Book as soon as your sailing is announced — sometimes six to nine months ahead. Pet cabins are limited and fill quickly. Call the cruise line directly rather than booking online, because the online system may not show pet cabin availability accurately.