02/26/2025
Can I bring my pet along on my cruise vacation?
It depends on the cruise line and the specific ship you're traveling on. Some cruise lines do allow pets, but usually under specific conditions. Here are some general guidelines:
1. **Pet-Friendly Cruise Lines**: Some cruise lines, like **Cunard Line**, allow pets (primarily dogs) to travel in special pet-friendly areas, but there are often restrictions and additional fees. **Viking Ocean Cruises** also allows pets in certain situations, but it's more rare.
2. **Pet Policies**: Most cruise lines do not allow pets to travel, with the exception of service animals. These service animals are typically allowed on board but need to be registered in advance.
3. **Pet Care Options**: If your cruise line doesn’t allow pets, they may offer pet-sitting services, or you might need to arrange for your pet to stay at a boarding facility or with a caregiver while you're on the trip.
4. **Preparation**: If your pet is allowed, make sure you understand the ship’s specific rules, such as where pets are allowed, what kind of accommodations they offer, and if they have a designated area for exercise or relief. You'll also need to provide your pet's health records and possibly undergo a veterinary check before departure.
It’s a good idea to reach out directly to the cruise line you're considering to get the most up-to-date details on their pet policy.
Which Cruise Lines Are Pet-friendly?
Several cruise lines are known for being pet-friendly, though the policies and accommodations vary. Here are some of the major ones that allow pets:
1. **Cunard Line**:
- Cunard is one of the few luxury cruise lines that allows pets. They have a **Pet Program** where dogs can travel in special kennels on board.
- Pets must be kept in the kennel during the voyage, but owners can visit them during certain times.
- This is typically available on transatlantic crossings, and advanced booking is required.
2. **Viking Ocean Cruises**:
- Viking allows pets on a case-by-case basis, but it’s limited. Typically, they only accept smaller pets, and you’ll need to check with the line for specific details.
- They allow emotional support animals or service dogs in certain circumstances.
3. **MSC Cruises**:
- MSC offers pet-friendly cruises on select ships, primarily for small dogs (up to a certain weight limit).
- They offer pet-friendly cabins and provide a designated area on the ship for pets.
- Booking well in advance is recommended, as space is limited.
4. **Norwegian Cruise Line**:
- Norwegian Cruise Line allows service animals aboard, but pets are generally not allowed.
- They do offer some flexibility for emotional support animals, but check with the line directly for specific requirements and policies.
5. **Princess Cruises**:
- Like Norwegian, Princess Cruises generally does not allow pets, but they do allow service animals.
- They may make exceptions for specific sailings or private charters, so it’s worth checking with them.
6. **Royal Caribbean**:
- Similar to Princess and Norwegian, Royal Caribbean doesn’t typically allow pets on regular sailings, but they allow service animals.
- Some ships have certain pet-friendly options for private charters or special events.
**Carnival**
Carnival Cruise Line **does not allow pets** onboard, with the exception of **service animals**. This policy applies to both dogs and other pets, including emotional support animals. If you're planning to bring a service animal, you'll need to inform Carnival in advance so they can make the necessary accommodations.