Most cruise lines do not allow dogs on regular sailings, but a few options exist
The short answer is no—your dog cannot travel with you on a standard cruise. Almost every major cruise line, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian, prohibits pets in passenger cabins and public areas. The only dogs allowed aboard are certified service animals that perform tasks for people with disabilities, and even those have restrictions on where they can go.
If you want to bring your dog on a cruise, you have three realistic paths: book a pet-friendly cruise (rare but they exist), arrange land-based care before you leave, or look into transatlantic repositioning cruises that occasionally allow pets. Each option has different costs, timing, and planning needs.
Key Takeaways
- Service dogs are the only pets allowed on standard cruises, and they cannot enter dining rooms, kitchens, or certain deck areas.
- Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise ship that regularly allows pet dogs on transatlantic crossings, with kennels onboard and a daily fee.
- Boarding your dog on land before departure is the most common and affordable option for most cruise passengers.
- Pet-friendly cruise companies exist but operate smaller ships and run fewer sailings than mainstream cruise lines.
- If you book a cruise and later need to bring your dog, cancellation policies vary—some lines offer full refunds if you cancel far enough in advance.
Service dogs are allowed, but with significant limits
A certified service dog—one trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability—can board a cruise ship. The dog must have documentation proving it is a legitimate service animal, not an emotional support animal or pet. Cruise lines will ask for vaccination records, a health certificate from a veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure, and proof of the dog's training and task.
Even with certification, service dogs face restrictions. They cannot enter dining rooms, buffets, kitchens, or food preparation areas. Many cruise lines also prohibit them from certain pools, hot tubs, and some entertainment venues. The dog must remain under control at all times, and the passenger is responsible for any damage or incidents. If your dog is a service animal, contact your cruise line directly at least 30 days before departure to confirm their specific rules and get written permission.
The Queen Mary 2 is the only mainstream option for pet dogs
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is the only ship operated by a major cruise line that allows regular pet dogs. The ship runs transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, England, typically taking 6 to 7 days. Dogs travel in kennels located on Deck 12, and Cunard charges a flat fee per crossing (the amount varies by season but typically ranges from several hundred dollars). You must book the kennel space when you reserve your cruise, not after.
The kennels are climate-controlled and cleaned daily, but your dog spends most of the voyage in a small space. Cunard provides food and water, but you must bring your dog's regular food if you want to continue the same diet. You can visit your dog twice daily for 15 minutes each time. The ship also has a small outdoor relief area on Deck 12 where dogs can be walked. This option works only if your schedule aligns with Queen Mary 2's transatlantic schedule, which runs primarily in spring and fall.
Pet-friendly cruise lines operate smaller ships with fewer sailings
A handful of smaller cruise operators allow dogs in cabins. Alaskan Dream Cruises, for example, permits dogs on some of its Alaska itineraries, though policies and fees vary by sailing. UnCruise Adventures also allows dogs on select small-ship cruises in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. These are not the large resort ships most people picture when they think of cruises—they carry 40 to 100 passengers instead of 3,000—and they cost significantly more per day.
If you choose a pet-friendly cruise line, confirm the policy in writing before booking. Ask about cabin restrictions (some lines require dogs to stay in the cabin when you are not there), whether your dog can eat in dining areas, and what happens if your dog becomes ill or injured during the voyage. You will also need the same health certificate and vaccination records required by mainstream lines. These cruises book up quickly because they appeal to a small, dedicated group of pet owners, so reserve early if you find a sailing that works for your dates.
Boarding your dog on land is the most practical choice for most travelers
The easiest and most affordable option for most people is to arrange care for your dog before you leave. You can board your dog at a kennel, hire a pet sitter to stay at your home, or ask a trusted friend or family member to watch your dog. Boarding costs vary widely depending on location and facility quality—expect anywhere from $25 to $75 per day at a standard kennel, more for premium facilities with daycare and training.
Start looking for a boarding facility or pet sitter at least two months before your cruise. Read reviews, visit the facility in person if possible, and ask about their experience with your dog's breed or any behavioral issues. Bring your dog's food, medications, toys, and a blanket that smells like home. Leave detailed instructions about feeding times, medications, exercise routines, and your veterinarian's contact information. If your dog has never been boarded before, arrange a short trial stay a few weeks before your cruise so your dog can adjust to the new environment.
Check your cruise line's pet policy before you book
Every cruise line publishes its pet policy on its website, usually in the FAQ or planning section. Read it carefully before you book, because cancellation policies differ. Some lines allow a full refund if you cancel within a certain window (often 75 to 90 days before departure), while others charge cancellation fees that increase as your departure date approaches. If you discover after booking that you cannot arrange care for your dog, you may be able to cancel and get your money back—but only if you act quickly.
If you are booking a cruise and already know you have a dog, call the cruise line's customer service before completing your reservation. Ask them to confirm in writing that pets are not allowed and what your cancellation options are. This protects you if your plans change and you need to cancel later. Keep that written confirmation in case you need to reference it during a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my emotional support dog on a cruise?
No. Cruise lines distinguish between service dogs (trained to perform specific tasks) and emotional support animals (which provide comfort through their presence). Only certified service dogs are allowed. Emotional support animals are treated as pets and are not permitted in cabins or public areas. You will need documentation from a licensed mental health professional and proof of the dog's training to may have access to as a service animal.
What if I book a cruise and then get a dog?
Contact your cruise line when ready. Most lines allow cancellation with a full refund if you cancel far enough in advance—typically 75 to 90 days before departure. The exact window depends on your cruise line and the fare type you purchased. If you are within the cancellation window, you may be able to cancel without penalty. If not, you may lose your deposit or pay a cancellation fee.
Can my dog stay in my cabin if I keep the door locked?
No. Cruise lines enforce a strict no-pets policy in cabins, with the exception of service dogs. If you sneak a pet aboard, you risk being asked to disembark at the next port, losing your fare, and potentially being banned from future cruises with that line. Crew members conduct cabin inspections, and other passengers may report a pet they see or hear.
What if my dog gets sick during a Queen Mary 2 crossing?
The Queen Mary 2 has a medical facility onboard, but it is for human passengers only. If your dog becomes seriously ill, the ship can contact a veterinarian at the nearest port and arrange emergency care, but this happens only in life-threatening situations. For routine illness or injury, you will need to wait until the ship reaches port. Travel with your dog's medical records and the contact information for a veterinarian in your destination port.
Are there cruise lines that allow cats?
The same rules explore to cats as to dogs. Mainstream cruise lines do not allow cats in cabins. The Queen Mary 2 does not have a separate policy for cats, so they would need to travel in kennels under the same rules as dogs. Pet-friendly small-ship operators may allow cats, but you must confirm their specific policy before booking.