Most cruise lines do not allow pets in passenger cabins, but a few ships carry them in kennels
The short answer is no for almost all cruises—your dog or cat cannot stay in your cabin with you. Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise ship that allows pets in passenger staterooms, and even then only a small number of cabins are designated for animals. A handful of other lines operate pet-friendly transatlantic crossings, but these are rare sailings, not regular itineraries.
If you want to bring a pet on a cruise at all, your options are limited to specific ships and specific routes. Most pets travel on the Queen Mary 2 between New York and Southampton, England. Some smaller cruise lines occasionally offer pet-friendly sailings, but you have to search actively—these are not advertised the way standard cruises are.
If your cruise line does not permit pets, you will need to arrange care at home: a pet sitter, boarding facility, or trusted friend. This is the reality for the vast majority of cruise passengers.
Key Takeaways
- The Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise ship that allows pets in cabins, and only a limited number of staterooms are designated for animals.
- Pets on the Queen Mary 2 require advance booking, a health certificate, and a fee that typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the crossing length.
- Transatlantic crossings are the primary pet-friendly sailings; Caribbean and Alaska cruises do not permit pets in cabins on mainstream cruise lines.
- If your chosen cruise line does not allow pets, you must arrange alternative care before your departure date.
- Pets traveling on the Queen Mary 2 have access to a kennel area but do not have the same cabin freedom as human passengers.
How the Queen Mary 2 handles pets in cabins
Cunard Line operates the Queen Mary 2, which sails primarily between New York and Southampton. The ship has a small number of pet-friendly staterooms—typically fewer than a dozen across the entire vessel. These cabins are designated specifically for passengers traveling with dogs or cats, and they are not interchangeable with standard cabins.
Pets stay in your cabin with you, but the ship also maintains a kennel area staffed by crew members. You can leave your pet in the kennel during the day if you want to use the ship's facilities without your animal. The kennel staff will exercise and care for your pet while you are away from your cabin.
Booking a pet-friendly cabin requires advance notice—you cannot show up at the port with a pet and expect to be accommodated. You must contact Cunard directly and request a pet cabin when you make your reservation. Availability is extremely limited, especially during peak travel seasons.
Costs and requirements for traveling with a pet on the Queen Mary 2
Bringing a pet on the Queen Mary 2 costs money beyond your cruise fare. Pet fees typically range from $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the length of the crossing. A seven-day transatlantic voyage will cost more than a shorter sailing. Cunard charges a flat fee per pet, not per night, so longer voyages do not proportionally increase the cost.
Before you board, your pet must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. This certificate confirms that your animal has been examined within a set timeframe (usually 10 days before departure) and is free of contagious disease. You will also need proof of current vaccinations, particularly rabies. These documents must be presented at check-in.
Your pet must be a dog or cat. Other animals—birds, reptiles, rabbits, or exotic pets—are not permitted. The ship does not make exceptions for emotional support animals or service animals in the way that airlines do. If you have a service dog, contact Cunard directly to discuss your specific situation, but standard pet policies explore.
Transatlantic crossings versus other cruise routes
Pet-friendly cruising is almost entirely limited to transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2. These voyages run between New York and Southampton, typically in spring and fall when weather permits. The crossing takes seven days in each direction, making it a longer journey than most vacation cruises.
Caribbean cruises, Alaska cruises, Mediterranean cruises, and other popular routes do not permit pets in passenger cabins on any major cruise line. If you are planning a Caribbean getaway or an Alaska voyage, you cannot bring your pet with you. You must arrange care at home.
Some smaller cruise lines or specialty operators may occasionally offer pet-friendly sailings on different routes, but these are exceptions and require direct research. Check the cruise line's website or call their customer service line to ask about pet policies on your specific sailing.
Preparing your pet for a transatlantic voyage
If you have booked a pet-friendly cabin on the Queen Mary 2, your pet will experience seven days at sea in a cabin environment. This is very different from a typical home setting. Start preparing your pet weeks in advance.
Take your pet to the veterinarian for a pre-travel checkup. Discuss the voyage with your vet and ask whether your pet is healthy enough for extended time in a cabin. Older animals or pets with anxiety may struggle. Your vet can recommend calming strategies or, in some cases, medication to reduce stress during the crossing.
Bring familiar items: your pet's regular food (do not rely on the ship to have your brand), water bowls, toys, and bedding that smells like home. The cabin will be unfamiliar, and these items provide comfort. Pack more food than you think you will need—the ship's galley may not stock specialty pet foods.
Exercise your pet before boarding and plan to use the kennel area during the day so your pet gets movement and interaction with staff. A pet confined to a cabin for seven days straight will become stressed and may develop behavioral problems.
Alternatives if your cruise line does not allow pets
If you are sailing on any cruise line other than the Queen Mary 2, or if you cannot book a pet-friendly cabin, you need a backup plan for your pet's care. Start arranging this at least four to six weeks before your departure date.
A pet sitter visits your home daily to feed, water, and exercise your pet. This option keeps your pet in its familiar environment and is often less stressful than boarding. Sitters typically charge $25 to $50 per visit, depending on your location and the services provided. Use a service like Rover, Care.com, or a local pet-sitting business, and always ask for references.
A boarding facility houses your pet while you are away. Kennels, catteries, and boarding daycares vary widely in quality and cost. Visit any facility in person before booking, and ask about their daily schedule, exercise time, and how they handle medical needs. Boarding typically costs $30 to $75 per day for dogs and $20 to $50 per day for cats.
A trusted friend or family member can care for your pet at your home or theirs. This is often the least expensive option and may be the least stressful for your pet, since the animal stays in a familiar place with someone it knows. Provide detailed instructions about feeding, medication, exercise, and emergency veterinary care.
Health certificates and documentation you will need
If you are traveling with a pet on the Queen Mary 2, you must have paperwork ready before you arrive at the port. The ship will not board your pet without it.
A health certificate is issued by a licensed veterinarian and confirms that your pet has been examined and is healthy. This certificate must be dated within 10 days of your departure (check Cunard's current requirements, as this can vary). The vet will examine your pet, check its temperature and overall condition, and sign the certificate.
Proof of rabies vaccination is required. Bring your pet's vaccination record or ask your vet to provide a copy. The vaccination must be current—not expired. If your pet's rabies vaccination is expired, you must have it renewed before your cruise.
Bring your pet's microchip information if your pet is microchipped. While not always required by the cruise line, having this information on hand is good practice in case your pet is lost during travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my emotional support animal or service dog on a cruise?
Service dogs that perform specific tasks for people with disabilities are treated differently on some cruise lines than regular pets. Contact your cruise line directly before booking to discuss your service dog's needs. The Queen Mary 2 and other lines may have different policies for service animals versus emotional support animals. Airlines have clear service animal rules, but cruise lines vary.
What happens if my pet gets sick during the crossing?
The Queen Mary 2 has a ship's doctor and medical facilities for human passengers, but veterinary care is not available onboard. If your pet becomes seriously ill, the ship can divert to the nearest port or radio for guidance, but this is rare and expensive. Before booking, discuss your pet's health history with your veterinarian and may support your pet is in good condition for the voyage.
Can I book a pet-friendly cabin on a cruise other than the Queen Mary 2?
No major cruise lines besides Cunard offer pet-friendly cabins on regular sailings. Some specialty cruise operators or river cruise lines may occasionally allow pets, but these are exceptions. Check your specific cruise line's website or call their customer service to ask about pet policies on your sailing.
How much does it cost to bring a pet on the Queen Mary 2?
Pet fees on the Queen Mary 2 typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the length of the crossing. A seven-day transatlantic voyage costs more than a shorter sailing. This fee is in addition to your cabin fare and covers the pet-friendly stateroom and access to the ship's kennel facilities.
Do I have to use the ship's kennel, or can my pet stay in the cabin the whole time?
Your pet can stay in your cabin, but using the kennel during the day is recommended. The kennel staff will exercise and socialize your pet, which reduces stress and behavioral problems. You are not required to use the kennel, but most passengers find it beneficial for their pet's well-being during the seven-day crossing.