Most cruise lines do not allow dogs in passenger cabins, but a few lines carry dogs on transatlantic crossings
The short answer is: almost never on regular Caribbean or Alaska cruises. Cunard Line is the only major cruise operator that allows dogs in cabins, and only on specific transatlantic voyages between New York and Europe. Those dogs travel in climate-controlled kennels during the crossing and have scheduled time on deck with their owners. Every other major cruise line — Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess — does not permit dogs in cabins or on regular itineraries.
If you own a dog and want to cruise, you have three realistic options: leave your dog with a pet sitter or boarding facility, book a Cunard transatlantic crossing if your schedule allows, or choose a land-based vacation instead. This guide explains what each cruise line permits, what Cunard requires if you do book, and how to plan ahead so your dog is cared for while you travel.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard Line permits dogs only on transatlantic crossings between New York and Europe, housed in kennels and not in your cabin.
- Service dogs and emotional support animals are treated differently — service dogs trained to perform tasks are permitted, but emotional support animals without task training are not.
- If you book a Cunard voyage with your dog, you must reserve kennel space in advance, provide vaccination records, and pay a daily kennel fee.
- For all other cruise lines and itineraries, your dog must stay on land with a pet sitter, boarding facility, or trusted friend or family member.
- Booking a pet sitter or kennel before your cruise date is essential because availability fills quickly during peak travel seasons.
Cunard Line's kennel program for transatlantic voyages
Cunard operates kennels on the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Anne — the three ships that cross the Atlantic between New York and Southampton, England. Dogs stay in climate-controlled kennels below deck, not in your cabin. Cunard staff feed and water your dog twice daily, and you have scheduled time on deck to walk and exercise your dog during the crossing.
The kennel fee runs approximately $15 to $20 per day, depending on the ship and voyage length. Transatlantic crossings typically last 7 to 14 days, so the total kennel cost ranges from roughly $105 to $280 for the voyage. You must reserve kennel space when you book your ticket, not after, because space is limited. If kennels are full, you cannot bring your dog on that sailing.
Before boarding, you must provide proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure. Cunard does not accept dogs with aggressive behavior histories or dogs that cannot tolerate being kenneled. If your dog has separation anxiety or has never been kenneled, a transatlantic voyage is not a good fit.
Service dogs versus emotional support animals
Cruise lines make a legal distinction between service dogs and emotional support animals. A service dog is trained to perform a specific task — guiding a blind passenger, alerting a diabetic to blood sugar changes, or interrupting a panic attack. Emotional support animals provide comfort through their presence alone but are not trained to perform tasks.
All major cruise lines permit service dogs in cabins because federal law (the Americans with Disabilities Act) requires it. You do not need special paperwork, but you should notify the cruise line when you book so they can note your reservation. Bring documentation of your dog's training if you have it, though cruise lines cannot legally demand it.
Emotional support animals are not permitted in cabins on any major cruise line. The ADA does not classify them as service animals, so cruise lines treat them the same as pet dogs. If you have an emotional support animal, you must arrange land-based care before your cruise, just as you would for a regular pet.
Arranging care for your dog while you cruise
For any cruise line other than Cunard, or for Cunard voyages where kennel space is unavailable, you need a care plan for your dog before you book your cruise. Start planning at least four to six weeks before your departure date, especially if you are traveling during summer or holiday weeks when pet sitters and boarding facilities fill up quickly.
A professional pet sitter visits your home daily (or multiple times per day) to feed, water, walk, and play with your dog. Sitters typically cost $25 to $60 per visit depending on your location and the sitter's experience. You can find sitters through Rover, Care.com, Wag, or local veterinary offices. Always meet the sitter in person before you leave, provide detailed instructions about your dog's routine, and leave emergency contact information and veterinary records.
A boarding facility houses your dog overnight in a kennel, cage-free room, or sometimes a home environment (called "in-home boarding"). Boarding costs range from $30 to $100 per night depending on the facility's quality and your location. Ask whether the facility provides exercise time, socialization with other dogs, and what happens if your dog becomes ill. Request references from other pet owners and visit the facility in person before booking.
A trusted friend or family member who knows your dog is often the least stressful option for your dog, though it requires someone willing to stay at your home or visit multiple times daily. Provide written instructions about feeding, medications, exercise, and emergency procedures. Leave your veterinarian's contact information and authorization for emergency care.
What to do before you leave your dog
Two weeks before your cruise, schedule a veterinary checkup to may support your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. If your dog takes medications, ask your veterinarian for a written list and enough medication to cover your absence, plus a few extra days. Leave this list and the medication with whoever is caring for your dog.
Create a written care sheet that includes your dog's feeding schedule, portion sizes, any dietary restrictions, exercise routine, behavioral quirks, and how to recognize signs of illness. Include your veterinarian's name, phone number, and after-hours emergency clinic information. Leave your cruise ship contact information (your cabin number and the ship's phone number) and a backup contact — a friend or family member who can authorize emergency veterinary care if the primary caregiver cannot reach you.
If your dog has never been boarded or left with a sitter, arrange a trial visit or overnight stay before your cruise. This helps your dog adjust to the caregiver and gives you confidence that the arrangement will work. If your dog shows extreme anxiety or behavioral problems during the trial, reconsider your plans or work with a trainer to prepare your dog before you travel.
Cruise lines' pet policies at a glance
| Cruise Line | Dogs in Cabins | Service Dogs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cunard | Kennels only on transatlantic voyages | Yes, in cabin | Reserve kennel space in advance; $15–$20 per day |
| Royal Caribbean | No | Yes, in cabin | Notify at booking |
| Carnival | No | Yes, in cabin | Notify at booking |
| Disney Cruise Line | No | Yes, in cabin | Notify at booking |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | No | Yes, in cabin | Notify at booking |
| Princess Cruises | No | Yes, in cabin | Notify at booking |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog on a Disney cruise?
No, Disney Cruise Line does not allow dogs in cabins. Service dogs trained to perform tasks are permitted. For regular dogs, you must arrange care on land before your cruise through a pet sitter, boarding facility, or trusted caregiver.
What if my dog gets sick while I'm on the cruise?
If your dog is with a sitter or boarding facility, they should contact your veterinarian when ready. Leave your vet's name and number with the caregiver, along with authorization for emergency care. If your dog is in a Cunard kennel, ship staff will notify you and provide veterinary care at your expense.
How far in advance do I need to book a Cunard kennel?
Book kennel space when you reserve your transatlantic voyage. Kennels fill quickly, especially on popular sailings. If kennels are full, you cannot bring your dog on that sailing, so confirm availability before paying your deposit.
Is my emotional support animal allowed in my cabin?
No. Cruise lines do not recognize emotional support animals as service animals under federal law. Only dogs trained to perform specific tasks (service dogs) are permitted in cabins. Emotional support animals must stay on land with a caregiver.
What if I cannot find a pet sitter before my cruise?
Contact local veterinary offices, animal shelters, or boarding facilities — they often have referrals for sitters or can board your dog themselves. If you are cruising during peak season, start looking six to eight weeks ahead. If you cannot arrange care, consider rescheduling your cruise or choosing a land-based vacation instead.