If you’re planning a cruise and thinking about bringing your dog along, you’re in luck! Many cruise lines now offer pet-friendly options, allowing you to enjoy your vacation on the open seas with your furry friend by your side. But, bringing your dog on a cruise requires some careful planning to make sure they stay safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the trip. Whether you're going on a short weekend cruise or a longer international voyage, here's what you need to know before setting sail with your dog.
1. Research Pet-Friendly Cruise Lines
Not all cruise lines allow pets, and the ones that do often have specific rules and accommodations. The first step is to find a cruise line that’s dog-friendly.
Pet-Friendly Cruise Lines:
- Cunard’s Queen Mary 2: Known as one of the most famous pet-friendly options, this luxury cruise features dedicated kennels, a kennel master, and even playtime for dogs.
- American Cruise Lines: Some of their smaller river cruises in the U.S. allow dogs, but check for specific routes.
- Private Yacht Charters: If you’re planning a private cruise, many charter companies will let pets aboard.
Before booking, confirm the cruise line’s pet policy, including weight limits, breed restrictions, and any services provided for pets. Some ships may only allow smaller dogs or may have designated areas for pets to roam.
2. Understand Health and Travel Documentation Requirements
Taking your dog on a cruise, especially if it’s an international trip, means you’ll need to prepare proper health documentation. This typically includes:
- Up-to-date vaccination records (such as rabies and Bordetella)
- A health certificate from your vet (usually within 10 days of departure)
- Microchip identification (depending on the cruise line or country regulations)
If your cruise goes to an international destination, be aware of that country’s pet import requirements. Some destinations may require pets to go through quarantine or have a special health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet.
Tip: Contact the cruise line early to confirm their specific pet documentation requirements.
3. Choose the Right Cabin Accommodation
Your dog’s comfort during the cruise depends largely on where you’re staying. While most cruise lines don’t allow pets in standard passenger cabins, some offer kennels or pet-friendly rooms.
Kennel Options:
- Luxury kennels: On ships like the Queen Mary 2, dogs stay in dedicated kennel spaces and can be visited multiple times a day. They also have scheduled playtime and daily walks.
- Pet-friendly cabins: On smaller or private charters, you might be able to book a pet-friendly cabin where your dog can stay with you.
Before booking, ask about whether your dog will have access to indoor or outdoor spaces and how much time you can spend with them.
4. Pack Smart for Your Dog’s Needs
Just like you pack for yourself, your dog needs their own travel essentials to stay comfortable and stress-free during the cruise. Here’s a list of what to bring:
What to Pack:
- Food and treats: Bring enough of your dog’s usual food for the whole trip. Pre-portion meals into travel containers for easy feeding.
- Favorite toys or blanket: Familiar items from home will help ease anxiety.
- Portable water bowl: Keep your dog hydrated, especially when on deck or during shore excursions.
- Leash and harness: Your dog should be leashed when outside of designated pet areas.
- Waste bags: Always clean up after your dog, whether on board or during excursions.
- Dog life jacket: If you’ll be spending time on deck or engaging in water activities, a life jacket adds extra safety.
Pro Tip: Bring high-value treats, like jerky treats from One Spoiled Dog Treat Co., to reward your dog for good behavior.
5. Plan for Potty Breaks
One key consideration when cruising with your dog is where they’ll go potty. Most pet-friendly cruise ships have designated potty stations, which may include artificial grass patches or enclosed pet relief areas.
If you’re on a smaller ship or private charter, you may need to plan for regular potty breaks on land. Be sure to bring:
- Pee pads or portable grass patches
- Plenty of waste bags
- Cleaning wipes in case of accidents in the cabin or common areas
Keeping a consistent potty routine will help your dog feel more comfortable on the cruise.
6. Plan Dog-Friendly Excursions
A big part of cruising is exploring new destinations, but not all ports or shore excursions are dog-friendly. Before booking any activities, check whether pets are allowed or if any excursions cater to dogs.
Dog-Friendly Shore Excursion Ideas:
- Beach days: Many coastal destinations have dog-friendly beaches where your pup can play.
- Outdoor walking tours: Opt for excursions that are outdoors and don’t have indoor pet restrictions.
- Pet-friendly dining: Look up restaurants or cafes in the port area that welcome dogs on their patios.
Keep in mind that some countries have strict pet policies, so make sure you double-check entry requirements if you plan to leave the ship with your dog.
7. Prepare for Motion Sickness
Just like people, dogs can get motion sickness on a cruise. If your dog has a history of car sickness or anxiety, talk to your vet about options for motion sickness medication before your trip.
Signs of motion sickness in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting or dry heaving
- Restlessness or pacing
- Excessive panting
To minimize the risk of motion sickness:
- Avoid feeding your dog right before boarding.
- Offer small, frequent meals instead of large portions.
- Take your dog on a few boat trips before the cruise to help them adjust.
8. Know the Cruise Line’s Emergency Procedures
Although emergencies are rare, it’s important to know what will happen to your dog in case of one. Ask the cruise line:
- Where will pets go in an emergency?
- Do you have pet life jackets available?
- Is there a vet on board or a nearby clinic?
Having this information will give you peace of mind in case of an unexpected situation.
9. Prepare for Possible Quarantine (If Traveling Internationally)
If your cruise involves traveling internationally, be aware that some countries require pets to go through quarantine upon arrival. This is common for destinations like:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Hawaii
Quarantine periods can vary, from a few hours to several days, depending on local regulations. Always check with the cruise line and the destination's government ahead of time.
10. Be Patient and Keep Your Dog Comfortable
Finally, remember that a cruise is a new experience for your dog. They may need extra time to adjust to the ship’s movement, new sounds, and unfamiliar surroundings. Be patient and provide comfort and praise throughout the trip.
Stick to your dog’s usual feeding and sleeping schedule, and take advantage of playtime whenever you can. With the right preparation, your dog will be able to enjoy the cruise just as much as you, creating unforgettable memories together. So, pack your dog’s essentials, grab their favorite treats, and get ready for a wonderful journey across the seas!