Can I Bring My Dog on My Next Cruise?
- Published on:
- By: ASP Team
For many pet owners, the thought of leaving their beloved dog behind during a vacation is simply out of the question.
But what about cruises? Are dogs allowed on cruise ships? The short answer: only in specific circumstances, and typically just for trained service dogs—though there are a few exceptions.
In this guide, we’ll explore which cruise lines accommodate dogs, what qualifies a dog for legal access under the ADA, and how American Service Pets and their iTrain Academy can help you prepare your furry companion for life at sea.
Can You Bring Dogs on Cruise Ships?
Most major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line, have strict no-pet policies.
However, service dogs are welcome on nearly all major cruise ships, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These provisions ensure accessibility for passengers with disabilities who depend on service animals.
For non-service animals, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a notable exception. It is the only major ocean liner offering a dedicated kennel program, allowing pets and emotional support animals to travel in a safe and comfortable environment.
This unique service provides a rare opportunity for pet owners to bring their furry companions along for the journey.
Top Dog-Friendly Cruise Ships
When planning a vacation, many pet owners struggle with the decision of whether to bring their beloved pets along or leave them behind. However, with more and more cruise lines offering pet-friendly options, it’s becoming easier than ever to include your furry friends in your travels.
Here are some of the top dog-friendly cruise ships that allow you to bring your four-legged family members on board:
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1. Cunard Line – Queen Mary 2
Cunard’s iconic ocean liner is the only mainstream cruise ship that carries dogs (and cats).
On transatlantic crossings (New York ↔ Southampton or Hamburg), it offers 24 kennels in a dedicated, climate‑controlled kennel area with its own outdoor deck, fire hydrant, and lamp post.
Each pet has a life jacket, plush bedding, and complimentary amenities. Owners can visit during set hours while a “Kennel Master” cares for the pets. Advance booking is required and documentation (microchip, vaccinations, travel permits) must be provided.
2. Margaritaville at Sea Islander
A specialty cruise departing Tampa in November 2025, hosted on Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander.
This sail-away caters to 250 dogs and their owners, featuring onboard dog-centric activities: parades, costume contests, dog shows, grooming, puppy massages, and private relief stations on balconies.
Each dog receives a “Pet Butler” and a cabin designed for canine comfort. Owners can mix pet time with traditional cruise leisure—casino, spas, pools. Vaccination and behavior approvals are required.
3. Spirit of Tasmania IV & V
While not a traditional cruise, Spirit of Tasmania’s new IV & V ferries (Bass Strait) roll out in 2025 with 18 dog-friendly cabins per ship plus secure, climate‑controlled kennel facilities.
Equipped with CCTV and owner-only access, and a deck area for walks and relief breaks.
Each cabin can accommodate you and your canine, making it a great pet-inclusive sea transfer between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
4. Cunard Queen Mary 2
A deeper look at QM2’s kennels: deck‑12 kennels offer air‑conditioning, plush blankets, life jackets, and even a bell‑boy photo session with your pet. Kennel guests are cared for by a Kennel Master; food is provided, though bringing favorites is permitted.
The space includes a themed outdoor play area with a New York fire hydrant and a Liverpool lamp‑post. Only small to medium breeds are allowed—large breeds need two kennels. Spaces book out up to two years in advance.
5. Cunard Queen Mary 2 – Historic Pet Tradition
QM2 continues Cunard’s 180‑year tradition of travelling with pets—from ship’s cats to celebrated poodles like Elizabeth Taylor’s.
After its £130 million refit, kennel capacity doubled to 24; there’s now a pet owners’ lounge and deep‑clean protocols between sailings.
Pets remain in kennels and a private deck throughout; owners may not bring them into cabins or lounges. The kennel master manages care while you explore onboard offerings.
Are Service Dogs Allowed on Cruises?
Yes. All cruise lines sailing from or within the U.S. must comply with the ADA, which grants access to task-trained service animals.
That means if your dog is trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability—such as alerting to a panic attack, guiding a visually impaired person, or providing balance—they are legally allowed aboard.
Major Cruise Lines That Accept Service Dogs:
- Royal Caribbean
- Carnival
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
Note: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not considered service animals and are not permitted.
What Are the Requirements for Service Dogs on Cruise Ships?
Cruise lines generally require specific steps to bring a service dog onboard. During the booking process, you must notify them in advance and provide documentation of your dog’s vaccinations and health records.
Your service dog is expected to remain housebroken and under control at all times, and you are responsible for bringing food, bowls, and cleanup supplies. Many ships offer designated relief areas with features like artificial turf or gravel to accommodate service dogs.
While most cruise lines do not mandate an official service dog letter or ID, carrying a PSA letter or proof of training can streamline the boarding process and ensure smoother access to onboard facilities during your journey.
Why Proper Training Matters on a Cruise
Cruise ships can be challenging environments for dogs, whether they are service animals or pets on specialty sailings. These spaces are often crowded, confined, and full of potential distractions.
Without proper training, dogs may bark excessively, become anxious or reactive, struggle with leash manners in tight quarters, or feel overwhelmed by noise, motion, and large crowds. Such situations can be stressful for both the animal and its owner.
To ensure your dog is prepared for these unique challenges, we highly recommend a structured and adaptable training program like iTrain Academy. This type of training helps your dog build the necessary skills to remain calm, confident, and well-behaved in any scenario.
Train Your Dog for Public Access with iTrain Academy
iTrain Academy by American Service Pets is a fully digital training solution that helps you:
- Teach obedience and social behavior
- Prepare for public spaces (like cruise ships)
- Train for task-specific service dog work
- Build handler confidence in 15 minutes a day
Whether you’re preparing your dog to become a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA) or just want reliable obedience in high-stress environments, iTrain helps you get there—without in-person sessions.
How to Qualify for a PSA Letter
A Psychiatric Service Animal letter documents your need for a task-trained support dog. Though not legally required for ADA access, it helps simplify travel, housing, and public interactions.
With American Service Pets, the process is simple:
- Complete an online intake
- Get matched with a licensed therapist in your state
- Attend a virtual evaluation
- Receive your PSA letter (if approved)
FAQs
Are dogs allowed in cruise ship cabins?
Generally, no—except on select pet-friendly cruises like Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 or specialty voyages like Margaritaville at Sea. For service dogs, cruise lines typically allow them to stay in the cabin with their handler, as protected by ADA law.
Can I bring my emotional support animal (ESA) on a cruise?
No. ESAs are not recognized as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed on most cruise ships. Only task-trained service dogs are permitted on major U.S.-based cruise lines, with the exception of Cunard’s transatlantic pet program.
Do I need documentation to bring a service dog on a cruise?
While ADA law doesn’t require service dog documentation, cruise lines may ask for health certificates, vaccination records, and advance notice. Having a PSA letter or proof of task-based training can ease the boarding process and prevent complications.
Conclusion
Taking your dog on a cruise is possible—but only under specific conditions. Most cruise ships only allow task-trained service dogs, while only a few specialty sailings accommodate pets or emotional support animals.
If you rely on your dog for psychiatric or mobility support, you have legal protections under the ADA—but preparation is key. That means proper obedience, task training, and confidence in crowded environments like cruise ships.
Whether you’re booking a transatlantic voyage with Queen Mary 2 or sailing with a service dog on Royal Caribbean, the right tools matter. Consider preparing your dog with iTrain Academy and getting a PSA letter through American Service Pets to ensure smooth sailing—for both of you.
The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctor or other licensed mental health providers can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!
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