Most major cruise lines do not allow dogs, but a few smaller operators and repositioning cruises do

The short answer: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line all prohibit pets in passenger cabins. However, some smaller cruise operators and certain transatlantic repositioning voyages do accept dogs, usually in kennels rather than cabins. Your options are limited, but they exist — and the cost and logistics differ sharply from a standard cruise.

If you want to bring a dog on a cruise, you are choosing between a handful of specialized pet-friendly sailings rather than booking any ship that appeals to you. The trade-off is that your dog will spend most of the voyage in a kennel, not in your cabin, and you will pay extra for that service.

Key Takeaways

  • Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 allows dogs in kennels on transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton, but not on Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries.
  • Some smaller cruise lines and charter operators accept dogs, but you must contact them directly — no major booking site lists pet policies clearly.
  • Dogs in ship kennels are typically confined during the voyage and let out for brief exercise periods, not given cabin access.
  • Pet-friendly cruises cost more than standard sailings and require health certificates, vaccination records, and advance notice to the cruise line.
  • If your cruise line does not allow dogs, boarding your pet on land or arranging a pet sitter is usually cheaper and less stressful for the animal.

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is the main option for dogs on transatlantic crossings

Cunard Line operates kennels on the Queen Mary 2, the only ship in the major cruise industry that regularly accepts dogs on long voyages. The kennels are available only on transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton — typically 6 to 7 days — and on a few repositioning sailings. Your dog stays in a kennel, not your cabin, and kennel staff let dogs out for supervised exercise periods during the day.

You must book the kennel space when you reserve your cruise ticket, not after. Cunard requires a health certificate dated within 10 days of departure, proof of rabies vaccination, and sometimes additional documentation depending on which countries the ship visits. The kennel fee is separate from your cruise fare and varies by crossing length; expect to pay several hundred dollars for a week-long voyage.

Cunard does not accept dogs on Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Alaska itineraries — only on the transatlantic route and select repositioning cruises. If you are interested in a specific sailing, contact Cunard directly by phone or through their website to confirm the ship accepts dogs that year and to reserve kennel space.

Smaller cruise operators and charter companies may accept dogs on specific sailings

Beyond Cunard, a few smaller cruise lines and charter operators accept dogs, but availability is sporadic and policies vary widely. Some river cruise companies, expedition cruise lines, and private charter operators have carried dogs on specific voyages, but they do not advertise pet policies on their main websites. You have to call and ask.

These smaller operators are more likely to allow dogs in cabins or to have more flexible kennel arrangements than the major lines, but they also have fewer sailings and less predictable schedules. If you find a small cruise line that interests you, contact them directly and ask whether they have carried dogs before and whether they would accept yours on a specific sailing.

What documents and advance notice you will need

Any cruise line that accepts dogs will require a health certificate from a veterinarian, usually issued within 10 days of departure. You will also need proof of rabies vaccination and sometimes proof of other vaccinations depending on the ship's itinerary and the countries it visits.

Some cruise lines require 30 to 60 days' advance notice that you are bringing a dog, so they can arrange kennel space and staff. Notify the cruise line as soon as you book, not a few weeks before departure. If you are booking through a travel agent, tell them about the dog at the same time you book the cruise — do not assume they will remember to mention it to the cruise line.

International cruises may require additional paperwork, such as import permits or microchip registration, depending on which countries the ship visits. Check with the cruise line about the specific countries on your itinerary before you book.

Kennels on ships are small and confining for most dogs

Ship kennels are typically small, climate-controlled spaces designed to hold dogs safely during a voyage, not to provide comfort comparable to a cabin or home. Dogs are usually confined to the kennel except during scheduled exercise periods, which may be only once or twice a day for 15 to 30 minutes. Some ships have small outdoor areas where kennel staff can walk dogs; others have only indoor exercise spaces.

For anxious dogs, dogs with separation anxiety, or dogs unaccustomed to kennels, a week-long voyage in a ship kennel can be stressful. If your dog is not comfortable in confined spaces or away from you for extended periods, a cruise may not be the right choice, even if the cruise line allows dogs.

Boarding your dog on land is often simpler and cheaper

For most people, boarding a dog at a kennel, pet hotel, or with a pet sitter on land is less expensive, less stressful for the dog, and simpler to arrange than bringing the dog on a cruise. A week of boarding at a local facility typically costs $300 to $800, depending on your area and the facility's quality. A pet sitter who visits your home once or twice daily costs $25 to $75 per visit, or $175 to $525 for a week.

Compare that cost to a Cunard kennel fee plus the premium you may pay for a transatlantic crossing, and boarding often comes out ahead. Your dog also stays in a familiar environment or with a caregiver who can give it individual attention, rather than spending a week in a ship kennel.

If you are set on taking a cruise, ask yourself whether the dog's experience on the ship — confined to a kennel, separated from you, in an unfamiliar environment — is worth the cost and logistics. For many dogs, it is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my dog in my cabin on a cruise ship?

No. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is the only major cruise line that accepts dogs, and it requires them to stay in kennels, not cabins. Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian all ban pets from passenger cabins entirely. Some smaller cruise operators may allow dogs in cabins, but you would need to contact them directly to find out.

What if my dog gets sick during the cruise?

Cruise ships have medical staff for passengers, but veterinary care is limited or unavailable on most ships. If your dog becomes seriously ill, the ship may divert to the nearest port or arrange evacuation, both of which are expensive and disruptive. Travel insurance for pets is rare and usually does not cover cruise-related incidents. This is another reason boarding on land is often safer.

Are there any cruises that allow dogs in the cabin?

Not among the major cruise lines. Some smaller expedition cruise companies, river cruise operators, or private charter companies may allow cabin dogs on specific sailings, but you have to contact them directly. Check their websites or call to ask about pet policies before booking.

Do I need a passport for my dog to go on a cruise?

No, but you do need a health certificate and proof of vaccinations. International cruises may require additional documentation such as import permits or microchip registration, depending on which countries the ship visits. Ask the cruise line about the specific requirements for your itinerary.

How much does it cost to bring a dog on a cruise?

Cunard charges several hundred dollars for a week-long kennel space on the Queen Mary 2, in addition to your cruise fare. Smaller operators' prices vary. Compare this to boarding your dog on land, which often costs less and may be less stressful for the animal.