Most cruise lines do not allow dogs on board, with one major exception
The short answer is no — almost all cruise lines prohibit pets in passenger cabins. The single exception is Cunard Line, which allows dogs and cats on transatlantic crossings aboard the Queen Mary 2. If you are sailing on any other major cruise line (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, or MSC), your dog cannot travel with you in your cabin.
Some cruise lines do operate pet-friendly programs, but these work differently than bringing your dog aboard. They partner with kennels at departure ports to board your dog while you cruise, or they offer information about pet-sitting services in port cities. This is not the same as having your dog travel with you.
Key Takeaways
- Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise ship that allows dogs in passenger cabins, and only on transatlantic voyages between New York and Europe.
- Dogs traveling on the Queen Mary 2 require a health certificate, microchip, and specific vaccinations, and you must book a pet-friendly cabin in advance.
- All other cruise lines ban dogs from cabins, though some offer information about boarding kennels or pet-sitting services at home ports.
- If you cannot arrange care for your dog at home, you will need to use a boarding facility or pet-sitter before your cruise departs.
How Cunard's pet policy works on the Queen Mary 2
If you are sailing on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 between New York and Southampton or Cherbourg, you can bring a dog or cat in a designated pet-friendly cabin. Cunard allows a maximum of two pets per cabin, and the cabin must be booked as a pet cabin when you reserve — you cannot add a pet to an existing booking.
Your dog will have access to a designated pet relief area on the ship's open deck. You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog and for keeping it in your cabin or on a leash in permitted areas. Cunard does not provide pet food, so you must bring your own supply for the entire voyage. The pet cabin itself costs the same as a standard cabin of that size; there is no separate pet fee beyond the cabin price.
Transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2 typically take five to seven days depending on the route. These are longer voyages than most cruise itineraries, which is why Cunard can accommodate pets — the ship spends enough time at sea that pets can adjust to the environment.
Documentation and health requirements for Queen Mary 2 pets
Before you board the Queen Mary 2 with your dog, you must provide a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of departure. This certificate confirms your dog is in good health and free of contagious disease. You will also need proof that your dog has been microchipped and that the microchip is registered with your contact information.
Vaccination requirements depend on where you are traveling. For transatlantic crossings, your dog must have current rabies vaccination. If you are traveling to the United Kingdom, additional requirements may explore — the UK has specific import rules for pets, including quarantine periods in some cases. Check with Cunard and the UK's Animal and Plant Health Agency before booking to confirm all requirements for your specific sailing.
Bring copies of all documentation with you on boarding day. Cunard will ask to see the health certificate and microchip proof before allowing your dog into the cabin. If documentation is missing or incomplete, you may not be permitted to board with your pet.
What to do with your dog if you cruise on other lines
If you are sailing on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, or MSC, you will need to arrange care for your dog before departure. Your options are boarding at a kennel facility, hiring a pet-sitter to stay in your home, or asking a trusted friend or family member to care for your dog while you are away.
Many cruise ports have boarding kennels nearby, and some cruise lines provide lists of recommended facilities at their home ports. Call ahead to reserve a spot — popular kennels fill up quickly during peak cruise season. Expect to pay $30 to $75 per day for standard boarding, depending on your location and the facility's amenities.
Pet-sitters offer another option: they visit your home once or twice daily to feed, walk, and spend time with your dog. This keeps your dog in a familiar environment and may reduce stress compared to a kennel. Pet-sitting costs vary widely by region, typically ranging from $25 to $60 per visit. Services like Rover and Care.com let you search for pet-sitters in your area and read reviews from other pet owners.
Planning ahead for your dog's care
Start arranging care for your dog at least four to six weeks before your cruise departure. This gives you time to research options, visit facilities if you choose boarding, and make sure your preferred sitter or kennel has availability during your travel dates.
If you use a boarding kennel, visit in person if possible before booking. Ask about the facility's cleanliness, exercise routines, staff training, and what happens if your dog becomes ill while you are away. Confirm that the kennel has your veterinarian's contact information and that you have authorized them to seek emergency care if needed.
If you hire a pet-sitter, meet them before your cruise and leave detailed instructions about your dog's feeding schedule, medications, exercise routine, and any behavioral quirks. Provide your veterinarian's phone number and your own contact information. Ask the sitter to send you photos or updates while you are away — most pet-sitters are happy to do this and it can ease your mind during your vacation.
Bringing your dog to the cruise port
On the day you depart for your cruise, you will need to drop your dog off at the boarding facility or arrange for your pet-sitter to arrive before you leave for the port. Plan to drop off your dog at least two to three hours before your cruise departure time, so you have time to complete the check-in process without rushing.
Bring your dog's regular food, any medications, a favorite toy or blanket, and written instructions about feeding times and any special needs. If your dog has never been boarded before, consider doing a short trial stay a week or two before your cruise — this helps your dog adjust to the new environment and gives you confidence that the arrangement will work.
When you return from your cruise, pick up your dog as soon as possible. Most boarding kennels charge an additional daily fee if you pick up late, and your dog will be eager to see you after several days away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog on a cruise if I keep it in my cabin the whole time?
No. Only Cunard Line allows dogs on the Queen Mary 2, and even then only in designated pet cabins on transatlantic crossings. All other cruise lines prohibit dogs in cabins under any circumstances. Crew members conduct cabin inspections, and bringing a pet aboard an unauthorized ship will result in removal at the port and possible bans from future cruises.
What if my dog has anxiety or is a service dog?
Service dogs that perform tasks for people with disabilities are treated differently than pets on some cruise lines. Contact your cruise line directly to discuss your dog's role and what documentation you will need. Emotional support animals are generally not treated as service dogs by cruise lines and follow the same pet policies as regular dogs. If your dog has severe anxiety about being boarded, discuss medication or calming strategies with your veterinarian before your cruise.
Can I leave my dog alone in my cabin while I go to dinner?
This is not possible on any cruise line that allows pets, because no cruise line allows pets in cabins except Cunard on the Queen Mary 2. On the Queen Mary 2, you should not leave your dog alone in the cabin for extended periods — dogs can become stressed and may damage the cabin or disturb neighbors. Plan to return to your cabin regularly or arrange for crew information if you want to attend evening activities.
Are there any cruise lines that allow dogs other than Cunard?
No major cruise line currently allows dogs in passenger cabins except Cunard on the Queen Mary 2. Some river cruise operators and smaller cruise lines may have different policies, so contact any cruise line directly if you are considering a specific voyage. Always confirm pet policies when booking, as policies can change.
What if I am allergic to the kennel facility or cannot afford boarding?
Ask friends or family members if they can care for your dog while you cruise. Many people are willing to help if you ask in advance and provide clear instructions. If that is not possible, consider postponing your cruise until you can arrange care, or look into pet-sitting services, which may be more affordable than boarding in some areas. Some animal shelters and rescue organizations also offer low-cost boarding or can connect you with affordable pet-sitters.