Most cruise lines do not allow dogs on board, with one major exception
The short answer is no—you cannot bring your dog on most cruises. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line all prohibit pets in passenger cabins. The only major cruise line that allows dogs is Cunard Line, which permits dogs on transatlantic crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2. Even then, the dog must stay in a kennel on the ship, not in your cabin, and you will pay a fee for the service.
If you are planning a cruise and have a dog at home, you will need to arrange care for your pet before you leave. This means finding a pet sitter, boarding facility, or trusted friend or family member to watch your dog while you are away.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard Line is the only major cruise operator that allows dogs aboard, and only on Queen Mary 2 transatlantic voyages, with dogs housed in an onboard kennel rather than your cabin.
- Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line do not permit pets in passenger areas under any circumstances.
- Service dogs and emotional support animals are treated differently from pets and may be allowed on some cruise lines, though policies vary by operator.
- You will need to arrange alternative care for your dog before your cruise, such as a pet sitter, boarding facility, or a trusted caregiver.
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 kennel service and what it costs
If you are sailing on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, you can bring your dog, but with strict conditions. Your dog will be housed in an onboard kennel facility, not in your cabin. The kennel staff will care for your dog, provide food and water, and let your dog out for exercise at scheduled times during the day.
Cunard charges a fee for kennel services. The cost varies depending on the length of your voyage. You must book the kennel space in advance when you reserve your cruise—kennels fill up quickly on popular sailings. You will also need to provide your dog's vaccination records, particularly proof of rabies vaccination, before boarding.
The Queen Mary 2 primarily runs transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, England, so this option is only available if you are planning that specific route. Cunard's other ships do not have kennel facilities.
Service dogs and emotional support animals have different rules
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities—guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone to a seizure, or retrieving items for someone in a wheelchair. Service dogs are working animals, not pets, and most cruise lines allow them in passenger cabins under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
However, you will need to provide documentation that your dog is a legitimate service animal. The cruise line may ask for a letter from your doctor or a service dog organization confirming the dog's training and the task it performs. Do not confuse a service dog with an emotional support animal (ESA). Emotional support animals provide comfort through their presence but are not trained to perform specific tasks. Most cruise lines do not recognize ESAs as service animals and will not allow them in cabins.
If you have a service dog, contact your cruise line directly before booking to confirm their specific policy and what documentation you will need to bring.
How to arrange pet care before your cruise
Since you cannot bring your dog on most cruises, you will need to find someone to care for your pet while you are away. Your options include hiring a professional pet sitter, using a boarding facility, or asking a friend or family member to help.
A pet sitter visits your home once or twice a day to feed your dog, provide water, take your dog outside, and offer companionship. This option is often less stressful for dogs because they stay in their familiar home environment. Pet sitters typically charge a daily rate, which varies by location and the services provided.
A boarding facility is a kennel or pet hotel where your dog stays overnight. Your dog will have a space, regular meals, and supervised playtime or exercise. Some facilities offer additional services like grooming or training. Boarding costs vary widely depending on the facility's location and amenities. You should visit the facility in advance to make sure it is clean, well-staffed, and a good fit for your dog.
If you ask a friend or family member to watch your dog, provide them with written instructions about feeding schedules, medications, emergency contact information for your veterinarian, and your dog's normal routine. Leave your cruise contact information so they can reach you if something goes wrong.
What to do if your cruise is cancelled and your dog is already boarded
If your cruise is cancelled and your dog is already at a boarding facility or with a pet sitter, contact them when ready to let them know you will be picking up your dog earlier than planned. Most facilities will accommodate a change in pickup date, though you may lose the boarding fee you already paid, depending on their cancellation policy.
Before you book a cruise, ask your boarding facility or pet sitter about their cancellation and refund policy. Some will refund your money if you cancel within a certain number of days; others will not. Understanding this policy in advance helps you make decisions about when to drop off your dog relative to your cruise departure date.
Traveling with your dog to the cruise port
If you are driving to the cruise port, you can bring your dog in the car with you. However, do not leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle, especially in warm weather. If you are flying to the port, your dog will need to travel in the cargo hold or cabin as a pet, which requires advance booking with the airline and may cost several hundred dollars.
Many people choose to drop their dog off at a boarding facility or pet sitter's home a day or two before their cruise, then pick up their dog when they return. This eliminates the stress of traveling with your dog and the risk of leaving your dog in a car at the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cat on a cruise instead of my dog?
No. Cruise lines prohibit all pets, including cats, in passenger cabins. The same rules explore: Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has a kennel for cats as well as dogs, and service animals are treated differently. You will need to arrange alternative care for your cat before your cruise.
What if I have a small dog that fits in a carrier?
Size does not matter. Cruise lines do not allow dogs in cabins regardless of how small they are. The policy applies to all pets equally. Your only option is Cunard's kennel service on the Queen Mary 2 or arranging care at home.
Can I bring my dog if I book a private suite?
No. Even passengers in the most expensive suites cannot bring dogs into their cabins on most cruise lines. The pet prohibition applies across all cabin types and price points. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is still the only exception.
Do I need to tell the cruise line about my service dog when I book?
Yes. Contact the cruise line before or when ready after booking to inform them you will be traveling with a service dog. Provide documentation of the dog's training and the task it performs. This gives the cruise line time to note your reservation and prepare any accommodations you may need.
What happens if I try to sneak my dog onto a cruise?
Cruise lines have security screening at embarkation, and staff will discover a hidden pet. You will be denied boarding, and you will lose your cruise fare. You may also be banned from future cruises with that cruise line. It is not worth the risk or expense.