Most cruise lines do not allow dogs onboard, 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 regularly transports dogs is Cunard Line, which allows dogs on certain transatlantic crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2. Even then, dogs travel in kennels below deck, not in your cabin, and the program is limited to a small number of sailings each year.
If you have a service dog that performs tasks for a disability — such as a guide dog for blindness or an alert dog for seizures — that dog may be permitted in your cabin on most cruise lines. A pet dog, emotional support animal, or therapy dog does not may have access to under these rules. The distinction matters because cruise lines define service dogs narrowly, following the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of a dog trained to perform specific tasks.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise ship that transports pet dogs, and only on select transatlantic voyages with kennels below deck.
- Service dogs trained to perform tasks for disabilities are permitted in cabins on most cruise lines, but emotional support animals and pet dogs are not.
- If you cannot bring your dog, you will need to arrange boarding, a pet sitter, or a trusted friend to care for your dog while you cruise.
- Smaller cruise lines and river cruise operators may have different pet policies, so contact the cruise line directly before booking.
How Cunard's dog transport program works
Cunard Line operates kennels on the Queen Mary 2 for dogs traveling on transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, England. Dogs stay in climate-controlled kennels below deck and are let out for exercise twice daily. You do not have access to your dog during the voyage — crew members handle all care, feeding, and exercise.
The program accommodates a limited number of dogs per sailing, so spaces fill quickly. You must book your dog's kennel at the same time you book your cabin, not after. Cunard charges a flat fee per dog (the amount varies by sailing length), and you must provide your dog's own food, bowls, bedding, and any medications. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old, up to date on vaccinations, and free of contagious diseases.
This option works only if you are taking a specific transatlantic crossing — not a Caribbean cruise, Mediterranean cruise, or Alaska cruise. Check Cunard's website or call their reservations line to confirm which sailings include the kennel program and whether space is still open.
Service dogs versus emotional support animals on cruise ships
A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Examples include guiding someone who is blind, alerting someone to an oncoming seizure, retrieving items for someone in a wheelchair, or interrupting self-harm behavior. Service dogs are allowed in passenger cabins on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian because they are considered medical equipment under the ADA, not pets.
An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort by its presence alone but is not trained to perform a task. ESAs are not permitted in cruise ship cabins. The same applies to therapy dogs or any dog whose main role is companionship. Cruise lines make this distinction because they need to enforce health and safety rules — a service dog's task training makes it reliable in a shared space, while an untrained dog may bark, have accidents, or react unpredictably.
If you have a service dog, you will need to notify the cruise line when you book and provide documentation of the dog's training. Bring vaccination records and any medical paperwork that explains your dog's role. Crew members may ask your dog to demonstrate its task, so be prepared to explain what your dog does.
Alternatives to bringing your dog on a cruise
If your dog cannot travel with you, you have several options. A professional pet sitter visits your home daily to feed, exercise, and spend time with your dog. This is often less stressful for dogs than boarding because they stay in their own environment. Pet sitters typically charge $25 to $75 per visit depending on your location and the length of the visit.
A boarding facility houses your dog while you travel. Kennels range from basic (a cage and twice-daily outdoor time) to luxury (play areas, webcams, training sessions). Boarding costs $30 to $100 per night depending on the facility and your region. Ask for references, visit the facility in person, and confirm that your dog's vaccinations are current — most facilities require proof of rabies vaccination and often require the DHPP vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza).
A trusted friend or family member can stay at your home or visit daily. This is often the least expensive option and may be least stressful for your dog, since your dog stays in a familiar place with someone it knows. Make sure the person is comfortable handling your dog alone and knows your dog's routine, dietary needs, and any medications.
What to do if you are booking a cruise and have a dog
Start by contacting the cruise line directly — do not rely on the website alone, because pet policies can vary by ship and sailing date. Call their reservations line or use the chat feature on their website. Tell them you have a dog and ask whether it is a service dog or a pet. If it is a service dog, ask what documentation you need to provide and when.
If your dog is a pet and you are sailing with a cruise line other than Cunard, begin arranging care now. Contact local boarding facilities or pet sitters and ask about availability for your travel dates. Book early, especially if you are traveling during peak season (summer, winter holidays, spring break). If you are considering Cunard's Queen Mary 2, check their website for upcoming transatlantic sailings and call to confirm kennel availability before you book your cabin.
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are current and that you have copies of all medical records. If your dog is on medication, may support you have enough for the duration of your trip plus a few extra days. If you are using a pet sitter or boarding facility, leave detailed written instructions about feeding, exercise, medications, and your veterinarian's contact information.
River cruises and smaller cruise lines
Some river cruise operators and smaller cruise lines have different pet policies than the major ocean cruise companies. River cruises on the Danube, Rhine, or other European rivers may allow dogs on certain sailings. Small-ship cruises to Alaska or the Caribbean sometimes permit dogs as well. These policies vary widely, so contact the cruise line directly before booking.
Ask specifically whether dogs are allowed in cabins, whether there are size or breed restrictions, and whether the dog must be a service dog or whether pets are permitted. Some smaller operators may charge a pet fee or require a damage deposit. Get the policy in writing before you book, because phone conversations can be misremembered and website information may be outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my emotional support dog on a cruise?
No. Cruise lines distinguish between service dogs (trained to perform tasks) and emotional support animals (which provide comfort by presence alone). Only service dogs are permitted in cabins. Emotional support animals are not allowed, even with documentation from a mental health professional.
What if my service dog gets sick during the cruise?
Contact the ship's medical staff when ready. They can provide first aid and may be able to radio ahead to the next port so a veterinarian can board the ship or meet you at port. Make sure you have your dog's vaccination records and medical history with you, and know the name and location of a veterinary clinic at your destination port.
Can I leave my dog in my cabin while I go to dinner?
No. Cruise lines do not allow dogs to be left alone in cabins, even service dogs. You must make arrangements for someone to stay with your dog or keep your dog with you at all times. This is a safety and liability rule enforced on all cruise ships.
How much does it cost to bring a dog on the Queen Mary 2?
Cunard charges a flat fee per dog per sailing, which varies depending on the length of the transatlantic crossing. Fees typically range from $500 to $800 for a one-way crossing, but you should confirm the exact price when you book. This covers the kennel space and twice-daily exercise, but you must provide your dog's food and medications.
What if I book a cruise and then realize I cannot find a pet sitter?
Contact your cruise line when ready to see if you can cancel or reschedule your booking. Most cruise lines have cancellation policies that allow you to cancel within a certain window (often 75 to 120 days before departure) for a full refund or future cruise credit. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have.