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I used to picture myself stretched out on a sun deck with my dog curled up beside me, salty breeze in our faces, watching the coastline drift by. Then I started researching dog friendly cruises and realized the truth: almost no cruise lines allow pets. The fantasy and the reality were miles apart.
Prefer to fly or drive instead? See all my dog travel guides.
Trains are another easy car-free way to travel with a dog, which I cover in my train travel with a dog guide.
Many of these routes land you in France, so it helps to know the rules first in my guide to taking your dog to France.
But traveling by sea with a dog isn’t impossible. You just need to know where the real options are. There’s only one major ocean cruise that welcomes pet dogs, a handful of specialty sailings that are actually designed for them, and a surprising number of ferries that make crossing borders way easier than flying.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every realistic way to travel with your dog by sea, from transatlantic cruises to European ferries. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the world with your dog without putting them in a plane cargo hold, you’re in the right place.
Can You Take a Dog on a Cruise?
Yes, but your options are limited. The only major ocean cruise line that allows pet dogs is the Cunard Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing, which has kennels on board. Beyond that, your best bets are dog friendly ferries, small charter cruises, and some European river barges.
If you’ve ever Googled “dog friendly cruises,” you already know the answer is complicated. Most major cruise lines don’t allow pets on board at all. Not even tiny dogs. Not even “he’s really well-behaved, I promise.” It’s not about how cute your dog is; it’s about international regulations, sanitation standards, and the logistics of moving thousands of passengers through multiple countries. If you end up flying instead, my guide to airlines that allow dogs in cabin covers every option.
Why Most Cruise Lines Say No
Cruise ships stop in ports with strict biosecurity rules, and every country has its own requirements for animals entering from abroad. Managing that for hundreds of dogs would be a logistical nightmare. Add the challenges of shared spaces, health protocols, and emergency procedures, and you can see why pet policies are so restrictive.
That’s why the blanket rule on most cruise lines is simple: no pets allowed. The only exception is trained service dogs, which are protected under disability laws and permitted across most major lines.
Pets, Service Dogs, and ESAs: What’s the Difference at Sea?
Service dogs are allowed on mainstream cruises because they perform essential tasks for their handler. They can accompany their person into cabins, dining rooms, and public areas. Cruise staff are trained on how to accommodate them, and they have designated pet relief areas.
It is worth reading one of those policies in full, because it is more involved than people expect. Royal Caribbean’s own service animals policy says it welcomes service dogs on all ships and does not accept emotional support dogs or pets. Relief areas are four feet by four feet with cypress mulch and they’re shared with any other service dogs on board, so you need to tell the Access Department you need one no later than 30 days before you sail.
A few more things from that policy that catch people out. Service dogs aren’t allowed in pools, whirlpools or spas, you can’t leave one alone in the stateroom, and if you go ashore somewhere the dog has to stay on board you have to arrange for someone to care for it, because the crew won’t. You’re also the one responsible for every entry permit the dog needs at each port and at the final destination, and a copy has to be left with Guest Relations when you board.
Emotional support animals fall into a different category. ESAs don’t have the same legal protection, which means cruise lines treat them as pets, and pets aren’t allowed on board. If you travel with an ESA, you’ll need to look at pet friendly options specifically designed for dogs, not mainstream lines.
Cruising with a dog is still a very niche part of the travel world, but it’s growing quickly. Most cruise lines do not allow pets, yet there are a few standout options, plus some creative alternatives that make traveling by sea possible with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Cruises
| Option | Where your dog stays | Where it sails | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cunard Queen Mary 2 | Kennel on Deck 12, with daily visiting hours | Transatlantic: New York, Southampton, sometimes Hamburg | Kennels book out months, sometimes a year, ahead. Size and breed limits apply and large dogs may need two kennels. |
| Cruise Tails, Tails of the Sea | On board with you, it is a fully dog friendly sailing | Caribbean, on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander | Inaugural sailing with very limited spots, so you sign up for updates to be considered. |
| European river cruises (1AVista Reisen) | In your cabin with you | Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube | Usually one dog per cabin, with height and breed restrictions. These sell out quickly. |
| Viking Line | Pet friendly cabins plus designated pet areas | Finland to Sweden and Finland to Estonia | Dogs are allowed on all regular sailings and check-in is far simpler than an airport. |
Cruising With Your Dog on Cunard Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 is one of the only cruise ships in the world that truly caters to travelers with pets. On its transatlantic routes between New York, Southampton, and occasionally Hamburg, the ship has a dedicated pet program that makes long-distance travel with dogs much easier and far less stressful than flying. Nomad Cruise is even doing a cruise on the Queen Mary 2!
Here’s what makes it special:
- A full kennel facility on Deck 12 with air-conditioned interiors and an outdoor walking deck
- A dedicated “Kennel Master” who cares for the pets throughout the journey
- Comfortable bedding, blankets, bowls, and space for your dog to settle in
- Daily visiting hours where you can spend time with your dog
- Special touches like dog coats, treats, and souvenirs
For anyone with a medium or large dog, or a snub-nosed breed that cannot fly safely, this cruise is an incredible alternative to flying.
Book early, the kennels usually fill up months (sometimes a year) in advance, especially during peak moving seasons. Sometimes last-minute cancellations come up, so always check.
Dogs stay in the kennel area rather than in passenger cabins, but owners can visit multiple times throughout the day during scheduled hours. There’s also a dedicated walking deck where the Kennel Master brings the dogs out several times daily.
Important notes:
- Only certain dog sizes and breeds are accepted.
- Large dogs may require two kennels.
- Cats are also allowed, but must stay in their assigned kennel.
- You must meet the entry requirements for each port (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, etc).
The crossing takes about a week, but many pet owners prefer that over the stress and risks of flying.
What the Queen Mary 2 kennels are actually like
Cunard is unusually specific about what your dog gets on board, and most roundups skip the details that actually decide whether this trip is right for your dog. The kennels sit on Deck 12 with an adjoining open-air deck, and that deck has a New York fire hydrant and a Liverpool lamp post installed on it so dogs have somewhere familiar to relieve themselves. Capacity is up to 24 animals per sailing, which is why the space goes so fast.
Included with the kennel, at no extra charge: air conditioning, a fleece blanket, a lifejacket issued on boarding, and a fitted Cunard coat your dog keeps as a souvenir. There is also a portrait session with the ship’s photographer and the Kennel Master, who wears the red bellhop uniform for it, with props like a Queen Mary 2 life ring and a miniature bellhop hat. It is delightfully over the top and it really is included.
On food, Cunard contacts you before sailing with the pet food brands they can stock, and you are welcome to bring your own if your dog is fussy or on a specific diet. Freshly cooked chicken, vegetables and broth can be ordered on board on request. You can feed your dog yourself or leave it to the Kennel Master.
Two things worth planning around. Kennels are only available on Transatlantic Crossings sailing to or from Southampton, New York or Hamburg, so a Caribbean or Mediterranean Cunard itinerary will not take your dog. And you cannot book a kennel online: you book the voyage first, then call Cunard or email their kennels team to request a space. Cunard sends the paperwork requirements at least five months before sailing, and they accept either an EU pet passport or an Animal Health Certificate.
If the emergency alarm sounds, you collect your dog from the kennels and bring them to your muster station with you. That single detail is the reason a lot of nervous owners pick this crossing over a cargo hold flight. Kennel details verified against cunard.com on September 13, 2026.
Cruise Tails and the Tails of the Sea Voyage
A new and exciting option in the dog travel world is the Tails of the Sea Cruise, organized by Cruise Tails. This sailing takes place on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander ship, which normally runs regular Caribbean cruise routes but will operate a fully dog-friendly itinerary for this special event.
This is one of the first attempts to create a mainstream cruise experience where dogs are not just tolerated, they’re actually welcomed. The ship will have designated pet areas, dog friendly activities, and a structure in place to keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone on board.
Since this is their inaugural sailing and spots are extremely limited, you’ll need to sign up for updates to be considered. If you’re lucky enough to get a place on the first voyage, it could become one of the most memorable ways to cruise with your dog.
As more companies experiment with pet friendly sea travel, cruises like this may become more common, but for now, Cruise Tails is leading the way.
Dog Friendly River Cruises in Europe
River cruising is a surprisingly dog friendly way to explore Europe, and it’s a great alternative if you want to avoid flying or if your dog is too large to fly in cabin. One of the most established optionsis a German company called 1AVista Reisen that offers dedicated “bring your dog” river cruise itineraries along some of Europe’s most scenic waterways.
On these cruises, dogs stay with you in your cabin, not in a kennel, and the entire experience is designed to make travel comfortable for both of you. Ships typically include features like a small dog exercise area on the sun deck, access to fresh water, and plenty of opportunities for walks every time the ship docks in a new town.
These itineraries run along rivers like the Rhine, Main, Moselle, and Danube, and the pace is much slower than a traditional ocean cruise. That means lots of stops, calm sailing conditions, and regular breaks, ideal for dogs who don’t do well with overstimulation or long stretches of confinement.
Each cruise has its own rules, but generally you can expect:
• One dog per cabin (sometimes two small dogs)
• Height restrictions for medium or large dogs
• Breed restrictions depending on local laws
• Dogs allowed on most public decks, though not always inside restaurants
• A requirement that your dog is well behaved in shared spaces
Because these trips are specifically designed for pet owners, they tend to sell out quickly. If you’ve ever dreamt of drifting through European towns, vineyards, and river valleys with your dog by your side, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.
For nomads who want a relaxing, flight free option in Europe, river cruising can be a perfect fit, gentle pace, beautiful scenery, and a lot more comfort for your dog.
Viking Line: Pet Friendly Cruises Around Scandinavia
If you want to explore Scandinavia with your dog, Viking Line is one of the easiest and most accessible ferry-cruise options in the region. They operate daily routes between Finland and Sweden, as well as Finland and Estonia, making it a convenient way to move between countries without flying.
Dogs are allowed on all regular Viking Line voyages, and the experience is very straightforward. These ships are a mix between a cruise and a ferry, large, comfortable, and full of amenities, but still designed for short to medium sailings across the Baltic Sea.
A few reasons pet owners love Viking Line:
• Dogs are allowed on board on all sailings
• Certain cabins can be booked specifically for guests traveling with pets
• There are designated pet friendly areas
• Walks are possible during some port stops, depending on the route
• The check-in and boarding process is simple compared with airport travel
Viking Line’s main request is that dogs remain well behaved, stay out of food service areas, and do not disturb other passengers or the crew. As long as your dog can settle calmly, it’s a relaxed and scenic way to move around Northern Europe.
For anyone planning a Baltic itinerary, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, this is one of the most convenient dog friendly transport options, and a great alternative to flying between countries.
Dog Friendly Ferries in North America & Europe
When people think about traveling by sea with their dogs, they picture the big cruise ships. But for most of us, ferries are where the real magic happens.
They’re more flexible, far more pet friendly, and usually let you stay close to your dog instead of relying on kennels tucked away somewhere on the ship. If you’ve ever wished you could skip flying altogether, ferries open doors that cruises simply can’t.
The biggest difference is accessibility. Ferries run shorter routes, which means less time your dog has to be confined. Many offer designated pet cabins, outdoor pet decks, or supervised kennel areas you can visit throughout the trip.
Some even let you keep your dog in your vehicle during the crossing, which can be much calmer for dogs who feel safest in familiar spaces.
| Ferry / Operator | Region / Common Routes | Pet Policy & What Works |
|---|---|---|
| BC Ferries | British Columbia, Canada (mainland ↔ Vancouver Island + islands) | Large & small dogs allowed on all vessels, free of charge; dogs ride in vehicle or use designated pet areas, very convenient for West-Coast pet travel. |
| Cape May–Lewes Ferry (USA East Coast) | Delaware Bay crossing between Cape May, NJ and Lewes, DE | Dogs welcome on all exterior decks. As long as the dog is leashed and controlled, this can be a short, simple, pet-friendly sea route. |
| Washington State Ferries (Pacific Northwest, USA) | Ferry routes in Washington State (coast & islands) | Recent policy update (trial 2025–2026) now allows leashed dogs in most passenger areas (not in food-service zones). Larger dogs must stay on the floor, small dogs may sit on lap or carrier. |
| Marine Atlantic | Eastern Canada (ferries between provinces or islands) | Offers pet-friendly cabins, kennel options, or rides-in-vehicle, owner stays with pet throughout. (Marine Atlantic) |
| Viking Line | Baltic Sea, Finland ↔ Sweden / Finland ↔ Estonia / Stockholm ↔ Åland ↔ Helsinki | Pets allowed on all regular voyages; many routes allow pet-friendly cabins or kennels for overnight crossings. |
| Tallink Silja Line | Baltic routes (Stockholm ↔ Helsinki ↔ Tallinn) | Pet-friendly cabins or kennels available; pets allowed on outdoor decks or in crates, good for overnight ferry travel in Northern Europe. |
| Stena Line | UK ↔ Netherlands / Scandinavia / Baltic & Irish Sea routes | Pet-friendly cabins or kennels on select ferries; pets travel with you, not in cargo, with defined policies for medium/large dogs. |
| Brittany Ferries | UK ↔ France / Spain, Spain ↔ Ireland / UK, etc. | Offers pet-friendly cabins, kennel or car-vehicle options; flexible depending on route and pet size. |
| DFDS Seaways | Northern Europe, UK ↔ EU crossings, Baltic Sea crossings | Allows pets in car-vehicle, kennel, or pet cabin depending on route; some crossings allow foot passengers with pets too. (DFDS A/S) |
| Fjord Line | Scandinavian sea routes / Norway & northern Europe | Accepts dogs under certain conditions, kennels or car deck, depending on the journey. |
| Tirrenia | Italy (mainland ↔ islands, Mediterranean routes) | Offers pet travel with required documentation; pets allowed on outside decks or in pet cabins on some ferries. |
| Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) | Italy, Mediterranean, island routes (Sicily, Sardinia, Spain, France), Tunisia | Pet-friendly cabins on some ferries; outdoor deck access for pets, with restrictions in shared passenger areas. |
| P&O Ferries | Hull to Rotterdam | Pet lounges or designated areas on certain routes; allows pets, good for short crossings or foot passengers traveling with dogs. |
| Caledonian MacBrayne | Scotland & UK internal sea routes / islands | Recognized among ferries allowing dogs, useful for domestic UK sea travel with pets. |
| Wightlink / Hovertravel | Isle of Wight / UK short-sea routes | Some shorter crossings allow small dogs (carried or leashed), especially on foot-passenger ferries, convenient for regional trips. |
| Greek Ferries | Greece, various mainland ↔ islands ferry routes | Most operators accept dogs and cats, must be leashed or in carrier, and follow basic hygiene rules. Good option for island-hopping in Greece with a pet. |
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Practical Tips for Cruising or Taking Ferries With a Dog
Traveling by sea with your dog can be smooth, even enjoyable, when you prepare for the parts that feel unfamiliar to them. Ships are full of new sounds, tight spaces, metal floors, and inconsistent routines. The more you plan for your dog’s comfort before you board, the easier the entire journey becomes, for both of you.
What to Pack for Your Dog at Sea
Much of this overlaps with my full packing list for traveling with a dog, but sea travel has a few extras worth calling out.
A well-packed bag makes long sailings feel manageable. Start with the essentials you use every day, then layer in things that help your dog settle in strange environments.
Bring:
- A comfortable harness and a secure, non retractable leash
- Your dog’s bed or a blanket that smells like home
- Collapsible bowls and extra water
- Meals pre-portioned in airtight containers
- Treats, chews, and a few familiar toys
- Wipes, poop bags, and a quick-dry towel
- A travel carrier if required on certain parts of the ship
- Photos and hard copies of all paperwork
I always pack a lick mat, a long-lasting chew, and a soft toy Puglo loves, and those three things alone can turn an anxious moment into a calm one.
Training and Prep Before You Sail
The same conditioning that works before a flight works before a sailing. I covered my routine in my tips for flying with your dog in cabin, and most of it applies at sea too.
If your dog has never spent time in a kennel, on metal staircases, or in crowded spaces, build in a little prep before the trip. Even a few days of practice can make a noticeable difference.
- Do short kennel training sessions so the space feels familiar
- Walk them on metal or grated surfaces to remove hesitation
- Practice leaving them alone for the same length of time as scheduled kennel breaks
- Spend time near traffic, engines, or new noises if they’re sound sensitive
The goal isn’t perfection;it’s giving your dog enough exposure that the ship doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Onboard Routines That Keep Your Dog Calm
Once you’re on the ferry or cruise, consistency is your best friend. Try to keep feeding times, walk breaks, and enrichment moments close to your home routine. Dogs relax when the rhythm feels familiar.
A few easy onboard habits:
- Visit kennel or pet areas during quieter times
- Offer a chew or lick mat during stressful transitions
- Use outdoor relief areas early, before they get busy
- Watch your dog’s body language and adjust as needed
Every sailing has its quirks, but when your dog feels supported, the whole experience becomes lighter. Some of my favorite memories with Puglo have been on ferries because he settles quickly once he knows I’m close by. When the environment feels predictable, dogs usually surprise you with how adaptable they are.
FAQ: Dog Friendly Cruises
If the flight is the part making you nervous, that is exactly why I created my Flying With Your Dog guide. It walks you through everything you need to take your first flight with your dog!
Can Dogs Go on Cruises?
Yes, but real options are limited. The one mainstream ship with a dedicated dog program is Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which carries pets in staffed kennels on its transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. Most standard Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise lines do not allow pet dogs at all, only trained service dogs, so a genuine dog-friendly cruise usually means the Queen Mary 2 or a small private charter.
Are Dogs Allowed on Cruise Ships?
On mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and Disney, only trained service dogs are permitted in cabins and public areas, and emotional support animals no longer qualify under current cruise policies. Pet dogs are not allowed to sail. The Queen Mary 2 stays the standout exception thanks to its at-sea kennels, which book up months ahead.
Are Dogs Allowed on Cruises to the Caribbean?
Not as pets. No major Caribbean cruise line currently allows pet dogs onboard, so if you are set on a warm-weather trip with your dog, a land-based beach destination beats a cruise. My guides to the best Caribbean islands for adventure and the best dog breeds for travel can help you plan a dog-friendly version instead.
Prefer to fly with your pup rather than sail? Compare cabin rules in my roundup of airlines that allow dogs in the cabin, and browse every pet-travel resource on my dog travel guides hub.
Flying With Your Dog on the Same Trip?
Cruises are one piece of the puzzle, but most dog trips involve a flight too. My Cabin Guide is the step by step system I built after flying with Puglo to 17 countries. It covers picking an airline compliant carrier, the paperwork most people miss, and how to keep your dog calm in the cabin. Grab the Cabin Guide here.
Can I bring my dog with me on a cruise?
Most cruise lines don’t allow pets, but a few exceptions exist, like Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and specialty dog-focused sailings. Ferries are a much more accessible option for traveling with your dog by sea.
Where does a service dog go to the bathroom on a cruise?
Cruise lines set up designated relief areas, usually small turf boxes or sand patches, in an outdoor or low-traffic section of the ship.
Are dog-friendly cruises a thing?
Yes, but they’re limited. The Queen Mary 2 accepts pets in kennels, and a small number of themed or river cruises also welcome dogs.
Does Royal Caribbean allow dogs?
Royal Caribbean only allows trained service dogs on board; pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
What are the popular dog-friendly cruise lines?
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the only major ocean liner that accepts pets, while smaller operators like 1AVista Reisen and specialty dog cruises offer limited pet friendly options.
How much does it cost to take a dog on a cruise ship?
Kennel fees on the Queen Mary 2 typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on kennel size and season, and specialty cruises may price their packages differently.
Do cruise ships provide food for dogs?
No. Even on pet friendly cruises, you’re responsible for bringing your dog’s food.
Does Norwegian cruise line allow dogs?
Norwegian only allows trained service dogs; pets and ESAs aren’t permitted.
Why are dogs not allowed on cruise ships?
Cruise routes cross international borders with strict animal import laws, and managing pets on board creates sanitation, safety, and logistical challenges that most cruise lines aren’t equipped to handle.
Final Thoughts: Is a Dog Friendly Cruise or Ferry Worth It?
The more I’ve traveled with Puglo, the more obvious it’s become that big cruises just aren’t designed with dogs in mind. Long days at sea, limited access to your pet, and strict border rules make most traditional cruises a tough fit for the average dog. And that’s why so many people end up thinking sea travel with a dog is impossible.
But the industry is changing. Slowly, yes, but changing. Ferries are becoming more pet forward, river cruises are starting to offer actual dog amenities, and even full-blown themed dog cruises are popping up. It’s not the wide-open menu of options we all wish existed, but it’s a huge step from where things were even a few years ago.
For most dogs, ferries still make the most sense. They’re shorter, more flexible, and give you way more control over your dog’s comfort. And that’s what really matters. When your dog feels safe and settled, the whole experience becomes something you can actually enjoy together instead.
Traveling with a dog? Check out these posts!
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