Most cruise lines do not allow pets in passenger cabins, but a few offer kennels or pet-friendly sailings
The short answer is no for almost all cruise lines. Major carriers like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian do not permit dogs or other pets to stay in your cabin or travel with you on deck. However, a small number of cruise lines operate pet-friendly voyages or maintain onboard kennels where your dog can stay during the cruise while you enjoy the ship.
If you want to bring your dog on a cruise, your realistic options are limited to a handful of lines and specific sailings. Cunard Line, for example, allows dogs on certain transatlantic crossings. Some river cruise operators also permit small dogs in cabins. The rest of the cruise industry treats pets as cargo or requires you to arrange shore-based boarding before you leave port.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian do not allow dogs in cabins or on deck with passengers under any circumstances.
- Cunard Line permits dogs on select transatlantic crossings, and a few river cruise lines allow small dogs in cabins on certain itineraries.
- Some cruise lines operate kennels where your dog stays during the voyage, though availability is rare and must be booked well in advance.
- If your cruise line does not permit dogs, you will need to arrange boarding with a pet sitter, kennel, or friend before departure.
- Emotional support animals and service dogs have different rules than pets and may be permitted in your cabin; contact your cruise line directly to confirm.
Which cruise lines allow dogs onboard
Cunard Line is the most well-known option for dog owners. They permit dogs on transatlantic crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2, typically the spring and fall sailings between New York and Southampton. Dogs stay in kennels on the ship, not in your cabin. You must book the kennel space separately, and there are only a limited number of spots available. Cunard also charges a daily fee for kennel care, which varies but typically runs between $50 and $100 per day depending on your dog's size.
River cruise lines are more flexible than ocean cruise lines. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and some AmaWaterways itineraries permit small dogs in cabins on select European river cruises. These are typically shorter voyages—five to ten days—and the dog must be well-behaved and not left alone in the cabin for extended periods. You will need to contact the cruise line directly to confirm which sailings allow dogs and what restrictions explore.
Beyond these options, ocean cruise lines do not operate pet-friendly programs. If you search the websites of Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, MSC, or Princess, you will find explicit policies stating that pets are not permitted in cabins or public areas. Some of these lines do operate kennels, but availability is extremely limited and often only available on specific ships or sailings—you must call the cruise line directly to ask.
How kennels work on ships that offer them
If your cruise line operates a kennel, your dog stays in a climate-controlled compartment below deck, separate from passenger areas. The kennel staff provides food, water, and basic care, but your dog does not have access to outdoor deck space or to you during the day. You typically visit your dog once or twice daily during designated visiting hours, usually in the morning and evening.
Kennel bookings must be made far in advance—often when you book your cruise or during the deposit phase. Spots fill quickly, especially on popular sailings. You will need to provide your dog's vaccination records, proof of health, and sometimes a signed waiver. The cost is separate from your cruise fare and is non-refundable if you cancel.
Kennels are not ideal for anxious dogs, dogs with separation anxiety, or dogs with medical needs that require frequent attention. If your dog becomes stressed in unfamiliar environments or needs medication throughout the day, a kennel may not be the right choice, and you should consider leaving your dog with a trusted caregiver on shore instead.
Service animals and emotional support animals have different rules
Service dogs trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability may be permitted in your cabin on some cruise lines, even if pets are not. The rules vary by cruise line and by the type of service the dog provides. A dog trained to alert someone to a seizure, guide a blind passenger, or retrieve items for someone with mobility issues is treated differently than a pet.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) occupy a gray area. They are not trained to perform a specific task and do not have the same legal protections as service dogs. Some cruise lines permit ESAs in cabins with proper documentation; others do not. You must contact your cruise line in advance with a letter from a mental health professional describing the animal's role. Do not assume your ESA will be permitted—policies differ widely, and showing up at the port with an undeclared animal can result in denial of boarding.
What to do if your cruise line does not allow dogs
If you are booked on a cruise line that does not permit dogs, you have three main options: hire a pet sitter to stay in your home, book your dog into a kennel or boarding facility, or ask a trusted friend or family member to care for your dog while you are away.
A professional pet sitter visits your home daily (or multiple times daily if needed) to feed, water, and exercise your dog. This option is often the least stressful for your dog because they stay in their familiar home environment. Pet sitters typically charge $25 to $75 per visit depending on your location and the services provided. You can find sitters through Rover, Care.com, or local pet care businesses.
A boarding kennel or facility houses your dog for the duration of your cruise. Quality varies widely. Some facilities offer large play areas, socialization with other dogs, and individual attention; others are more basic. Visit any facility in person before booking, and read recent reviews. Boarding typically costs $30 to $100 per day depending on the facility and the level of care.
Asking a friend or family member to care for your dog is often the cheapest option and may be the least disruptive to your dog's routine, but only if that person is genuinely comfortable with the responsibility and your dog is comfortable with them.
Planning ahead if you want to bring your dog
If bringing your dog on a cruise is important to you, book a Cunard transatlantic crossing or a river cruise line that permits dogs. These sailings fill up quickly, and kennel spots are limited. You should research which sailings allow dogs before you book your cruise, not after.
When you contact the cruise line to reserve a kennel spot, ask about vaccination requirements, health certificates, and any breed or size restrictions. Some cruise lines do not accept dogs over a certain weight or certain breeds. Get all requirements in writing, and submit your dog's health records well before your departure date.
If your dog has never traveled by ship or spent time in a kennel, consider taking a short cruise first to see how your dog handles the experience. A one- or two-day cruise is less expensive than a week-long voyage and gives you a chance to assess whether your dog is comfortable with the kennel environment before committing to a longer trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sneak my dog onto a cruise ship in my cabin?
No. Cruise lines conduct security checks and cabin inspections. If your dog is discovered, you will be asked to disembark at the next port at your own expense, and you will forfeit your cruise fare. The risk is not worth it, and it is unfair to crew members who have to manage the situation.
What if my dog gets sick during the cruise?
If your dog is in a kennel and becomes ill, the kennel staff will notify you when ready. The ship's veterinarian (if one is onboard) or the ship's medical staff can provide emergency care, though this is rare. Costs for veterinary care at sea are very high. If your dog has a chronic health condition, boarding on shore is safer than a kennel at sea.
Are there any ocean cruises besides Cunard that allow dogs?
Not regularly. Some cruise lines occasionally offer special pet-friendly sailings or have kennels on specific ships, but these are exceptions, not standard programs. Always contact the cruise line directly to ask about current pet policies, as they change year to year.
Do I have to pay extra for my dog on a river cruise that allows pets?
Yes. River cruise lines that permit dogs charge a daily pet fee, typically $50 to $100 per day. This is in addition to your cruise fare. Some lines also require a refundable pet deposit to cover any damage to the cabin.
What documents do I need to bring my dog on a cruise?
You will need a current vaccination record (usually rabies and DHPP), a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within ten days of departure, and proof of any required microchipping. Some cruise lines also require a signed liability waiver. Ask the cruise line for a complete list of required documents when you book the kennel.