Most cruise lines allow pets, but only in specific cabins and with advance notice
You can bring a pet on a cruise, but the rules depend entirely on which cruise line you choose and what type of pet you have. Most major cruise lines — Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, and some sailings on Royal Caribbean — do permit pets in designated pet-friendly cabins. However, you must book these cabins in advance, and availability is limited. The ship will charge a pet fee, usually between $50 and $250 per voyage, depending on the line and cruise length.
The catch is that your pet will spend most of the voyage in your cabin. You cannot bring your pet to dining rooms, theaters, pools, or most public areas. Some ships offer a small designated pet relief area on deck, but your pet will not have the run of the ship. If you are hoping for your pet to enjoy the cruise experience with you, this is not the right choice — the confinement and stress can be hard on animals.
Cruise lines that do not allow pets at all include Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises on most sailings. If you book with one of these lines, you will need to arrange pet care on land before you depart.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, and select Royal Caribbean sailings allow pets in designated cabins, but you must reserve a pet cabin when you book your cruise.
- Pet fees range from $50 to $250 per voyage, and your pet must remain in your cabin except for brief outdoor relief breaks.
- Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises do not allow pets on any sailing, so you will need to arrange shore-based care.
- You will need a health certificate dated within 10 days of departure, and some international sailings require additional documentation.
- Pets with respiratory conditions, very young animals, and certain breeds may be restricted or prohibited by individual cruise lines.
Which cruise lines actually allow pets
Cunard is the most pet-friendly major cruise line. They allow cats and dogs on transatlantic crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2. Pets stay in designated kennels on the ship, not in your cabin, and Cunard staff care for them during the day. You can visit your pet during designated hours. This is the closest you will get to your pet having a "cruise experience," though kennels are still confined spaces.
Disney Cruise Line allows dogs and cats in select cabins on most sailings. Pets stay in your cabin with you. Disney charges $50 per pet per night, which adds up quickly on longer cruises. You must book a pet-friendly cabin category when you reserve your cruise — you cannot upgrade or change to a pet cabin after booking.
Royal Caribbean permits pets on select sailings, primarily on ships sailing from certain ports. Policies vary by ship and itinerary, so you must contact Royal Caribbean directly to confirm whether your specific sailing allows pets. Fees and cabin restrictions also vary.
All other major cruise lines — Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC — do not allow pets in cabins. Some of these lines may allow service animals (dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities), but emotional support animals are not permitted.
Health certificates and documentation you will need
Before you board, you must obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian. This certificate must be dated within 10 days of your departure date and must state that your pet is in good health and up to date on vaccinations. The cruise line will ask to see this document at check-in.
For cruises that stay within U.S. waters, the health certificate is usually all you need. If your cruise visits international ports or departs from a foreign country, you may need additional documents such as proof of rabies vaccination, a microchip number, or an import permit from the destination country. Contact your cruise line at least six weeks before departure to ask what documents explore to your specific itinerary.
Some cruise lines require you to notify them of your pet when you book and again 30 days before departure. Check your cruise line's website or call their customer service to confirm the exact timeline and documentation they need.
Pets that cruise lines will not allow
Most cruise lines restrict or ban certain animals entirely. Birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other small animals are prohibited on virtually all cruise lines. Snakes, spiders, and other exotic pets are never permitted.
Dogs and cats with respiratory conditions — including flat-faced breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Persians — are often banned because the stress of travel and confined spaces can trigger breathing problems. Pregnant animals and very young animals (usually under 16 weeks old) are also restricted. Some cruise lines have breed restrictions or weight limits, so check with your specific line before booking.
If your pet falls into a restricted category, a cruise line will not make exceptions, even with a veterinary note. Plan your vacation around your pet's needs, or arrange land-based care before you depart.
What to pack and how to prepare your pet for the voyage
Bring enough food and water bowls, food, and any medications your pet takes for the entire cruise. The ship will not provide these items, and you cannot rely on finding your pet's specific brand or type of food at ports. Pack at least one extra day's worth of food in case of delays.
Bring a litter box and litter (for cats) or pee pads and waste bags (for dogs), because your pet will spend most of the cruise in your cabin. Some cruise lines provide these items; others do not. Call ahead to confirm. Pack toys, a bed or blanket with familiar scents, and any comfort items that will help your pet feel less stressed in a new environment.
If your pet is not used to being confined or traveling, consider a short trip by car or a night in a hotel before the cruise to see how your pet handles the stress. Anxious or aggressive pets can be removed from the ship at the next port, and you will not receive a refund. A veterinarian can also discuss anti-anxiety medication if your pet is prone to motion sickness or severe stress.
Alternatives if your cruise line does not allow pets
If you have booked a cruise on a line that does not allow pets, you have several options. Pet sitters will visit your home daily to feed, water, and exercise your pet. This is usually the least stressful option for your animal. Expect to pay $25 to $75 per visit, depending on your location and the services included.
Boarding facilities range from basic kennels to luxury pet hotels. Some offer webcams so you can check on your pet during the cruise. Costs vary widely — from $30 to $100 per day — depending on the facility and the level of care. Book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, because good facilities fill up quickly.
Friends or family can stay at your home or visit daily, which is often the cheapest option and least disruptive to your pet. If you go this route, leave detailed written instructions about feeding, medications, emergency contact information, and your veterinarian's phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a service dog on a cruise?
Yes. Service dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities are permitted on all cruise lines, even those that do not allow pets. You will need documentation of the dog's training and a health certificate. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals by cruise lines and are not permitted.
What happens if my pet gets sick during the cruise?
Most cruise ships have a veterinarian on staff or can radio ahead to arrange care at the next port. Veterinary care at sea is expensive and may not be available for all conditions. Travel insurance that covers pets can help offset these costs. Discuss your pet's health risks with your veterinarian before booking.
Can I leave my pet in the cabin alone while I go to dinner?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Your pet will be alone for hours, which causes stress and anxiety. Some cruise lines prohibit leaving pets unattended for extended periods. If you must leave your cabin, arrange for a crew member to check on your pet, or skip the meal and eat in your cabin.
Do I have to pay the pet fee even if my pet stays in the cabin the whole time?
Yes. The pet fee is charged per night regardless of whether your pet leaves the cabin. On a seven-night cruise with Disney, for example, you would pay $350 per pet just for the cabin fee, plus the cost of your cruise itself.
What if I want to bring my pet to a port and explore?
You can take your pet off the ship at ports, but you are responsible for getting your pet back on board before departure. Make sure your pet has a collar with ID tags and is microchipped in case it gets lost. Some ports have pet-friendly areas and parks, but research this before your cruise so you know where you can go.