If you’ve ever wanted to go on a cruise, but couldn’t fathom leaving your beloved dog at home, keep reading! The first-ever dog-friendly cruise will set sail from Tampa, Florida in November 2025 aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander ship.
The first of its kind, this cruise will offer dog lovers the chance to sail the open waters with their fur babies by their side. This new cruise experience caters to those who want to enjoy a vacation without leaving their four-legged friends behind. It has space for 250 dogs and their owners.
Having been on eleven cruises, and a dog owner for most of my life, I can’t quite imagine being on a cruise ship with 250 dogs, but I’m curious to see how it goes. Today, I’m going to use my cruising and pet ownership expertise to give you all the information you need to decide whether or not this first-ever dog-friendly cruise is for you and your canine companion.
Are dogs of all sizes and breeds allowed on this cruise?
Typically, pets are not allowed on cruise ships at all. Certified service dogs are the only exception to this rule. Until now, that is…
However, not all dogs are allowed onboard. One caveat to note is that the inaugural sailing will only allow dogs under 20 pounds. Sadly, if you have a medium-large sized dog, they aren’t welcome. At least not yet, although their Instagram page says that they hope to welcome dogs of all sizes in 2026.
It is worth noting that you do not have to have a dog in order to set sail on this cruise. There will be space for 250 dogs and their owners, but others are welcome to join in the fun!
If, like me, you love dogs but don’t currently have one, you can still go and enjoy the festivities. Only select cabins with balconies will be designated dog-friendly, the rest will be for dog-loving cruisers. And dogs are only allowed in certain areas so non-dog owners have areas for respite and relaxation.
I can’t say that I’m surprised this cruise is happening. I live in a city where I constantly see people pushing their dogs in strollers. We are living in a time when people treat their dogs like children. I’m actually surprised it took this long for a dog-friendly cruise to set sail, lol!
- Curious about cruising in general? Learn everything you need to know in my article – Expert tips for going on a cruise ship.
What are the requirements for a dog to set sail?
First and foremost, they must be under 20 pounds in size for the inaugural sailing. The dog must also be no taller than 18” (from 4 flat paws to the top of the head, not including the ears). They hope this will change in the future, but it is clearly stated for the November 18-25, 2025 sailing.
Additionally, all dogs must be in good health and have current vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. They also require a valid veterinary health certificate confirming that the dog is free of infectious diseases and is fit for travel. This health certificate must issued within 30 days of the sailing date.
The dog must not be excessively noisy so if your canine companion is known to bark or whine a lot, they will not be welcomed on this ship. If you are already onboard when they become loud, they will be asked to leave the public area. Constantly problematic dogs may be asked to leave the cruise entirely.
You must remain with your dog at all times when in the public areas. If you’re leaving Fido in your cabin, they must be in a crate and not left to roam freely. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their dogs and doggie waste bag stations will be located throughout the ship.
It is also worth noting that dogs are prohibited from entering human-designated dining rooms. Under no circumstances are dogs allowed where people will be eating. They make this very clear in their brochure so rest assured that there are no exceptions here.
And finally, only one dog is allowed per cabin so if you have several furry friends, you’ll have to play favourites or book more than one cabin.
What is included on this dog-friendly cruise?
Unlike traditional cruise ships, this one includes all taxes and port fees as well as staff gratuities! The ship also offers free WiFi, saving passengers big bucks compared to most other cruises. Drink packages are available at an additional cost.
Here’s a list of what their brochure says is included in the price on this inaugural sailing:
- Dog walking adventures
- Cuddle and care pet-sitting services
- Furry fun day camp
- Tasty and interactive learning delights
- Tailored training
- Pet knowledge sessions
- VIP vendor meet and greets with free goodies
- Try exclusive new pet products
- and more
Also included, but only for select cabins, is their Personalized Pet Butler service. I’m not sure it will look quite like this, but a dog can dream 😉
You can take a virtual tour of the available cabins here.
What you should bring on this cruise for your dog
While there will be lots of activities and amenities for dogs on this cruise ship, there are some things you’ll need to pack. Cruise attendees will need to bring the following for their canine companions:
- pet bedding (this one is ideal because it folds up for easy portability)
- dog food
- necessary medications
- toys
- leash
- travel crate
A note about leashes, they must be non-retractable leashes. The retractable ones are not allowed onboard.
Author’s Tip – I love using a hands-free leash that ties around my waist. I have this hands-free dog leash as shown in the picture above. It’s incredible value for the money. It has a bungee feature so your dog can walk freely without sudden movements knocking you off balance. It would be ideal for keeping your hands free on a dog-friendly cruise.
Are there any restrictions for humans?
While you may think this sounds like the perfect family cruise, it’s actually not. Surprisingly, this cruise is for passengers 13 years of age and older. And don’t try and sneak your 12.5-year-old onboard because they will deny them entry and they aren’t giving out any refunds.
While this isn’t a restriction, it is a necessity. When booking this cruise for yourself and your dog, you must pay a non-refundable pet registration fee of $1,500. This fee covers the amenities and services that will be provided for your pet. It also covers staff, cleaning fees and room care.
Cruise passengers bringing a dog must also pay a mandatory human and pet insurance fee, which is approximately 5-7% of the cost.
Benefits of a dog-friendly cruise
Enough of the fine print, let’s get to the fun stuff about why you may wish to embark on a dog-friendly cruise. It offers a multitude of benefits for both pups and their owners. First and foremost, it eliminates the stress and anxiety that often accompanies leaving a beloved pet behind but let’s explore some other benefits.
Emotional benefits of cruising with your dog
Many pet owners experience separation anxiety when they travel, worrying about their furry friends’ well-being. A dog-friendly cruise allows for a worry-free vacation, where both you and your pet can enjoy the journey together, forging new memories while exploring the open sea.
I recall the time I left my dog for a week while I went on vacation and when I returned to the kennel to pick him up, he was very upset with me. I learned the hard way that leaving him with strangers was not okay! It was heartbreaking to see him so upset, even though I know he was relieved that I came back for him.
Social benefits to a cruise that is dog friendly
In addition to emotional benefits, a dog-friendly cruise opens up a world of social opportunities for both dogs and their owners. Onboard activities designed specifically for dogs create a vibrant community atmosphere, allowing pet owners to meet and connect with fellow dog lovers.
Dogs can socialize and play with each other, which is essential for their well-being, especially for those who might not have regular playdates at home. This social interaction can lead to new friendships and a sense of camaraderie among passengers, making the cruise experience even more enjoyable.
This dog-friendly cruise will have photo spots set up, shopping geared towards dogs, seminars by pet experts and more. There will be lots for you and your canine companion to do together and with other dog owners. They even have themed nights planned so you can bring your dog’s favourite outfits and costumes.
Moreover, a dog-friendly cruise caters to the unique needs of pets, ensuring that they are well cared for throughout the journey. With dedicated amenities and services, owners can relax knowing that their pets are being pampered and entertained.
This level of care allows pet owners to fully immerse themselves in the cruise experience while ensuring their furry companions are happy and comfortable, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Ready to go? Not so fast, you can’t simply book this cruise – you have to apply. If you’re interested, you can apply on their website here.
Tips for travelling with your dog on a cruise
Travelling with your dog on a cruise might be a delightful experience, but it requires some preparation to ensure a smooth journey. First and foremost, it’s a good idea to familiarize your dog with the cruise environment. Dogs are creatures of routine and a cruise will be anything but.
Before setting sail, I recommend taking your dog on short trips to places where they can experience new sights, sounds, and smells. This will help them acclimate to the idea of travelling on a ship, reducing anxiety and ensuring they’re comfortable during the cruise.
Another key tip is to pack wisely. Create a travel kit for your dog that includes all the essentials, such as food, water bowls, leashes, waste bags, and any medications they may need. Don’t forget their favourite toys or blankets to provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
A note about bringing toys, I would recommend bringing toys that don’t squeak or make a lot of noise. Please be considerate of the other cruise passengers when selecting which toys to bring with you. Chew toys would make a great choice as they will help to keep your dog busy.
Consider bringing a dog life jacket if your dog enjoys swimming or if you’re planning activities near the water. Being well-prepared and bringing their favourite blanket or toy will help your dog feel at home on the ship and minimize any stress associated with travel.
Lastly, make sure you have your dog’s vaccination records and the necessary paperwork, as noted above, to avoid any last-minute issues. By being informed and prepared, you can ensure that your dog enjoys every moment of the adventure at sea.
Where does this ship sail?
Now that you know all about this dog-friendly cruise, you might want to know where it sails. This inaugural cruise will sail from – and return to – Tampa, Florida. The planned stops include Key West, Progresso, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico with two days at sea.
The cruise is a partnership between Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando. The company Cruise Tails is new, having only launched its Instagram page in November 2024, teasing that something new was coming. Now we all know what that something is.
Conclusion – What to know about this dog-friendly cruise
This dog-friendly cruise offers a unique and enriching vacation experience that caters to the needs of both pets and their owners. With a multitude of benefits, including the opportunity to strengthen the bond with your furry friend, meet like-minded pet lovers, and explore new destinations together, this new trend in travel is set to become a favourite for dog owners everywhere.
The onboard amenities and activities tailored for dogs ensure that both you and your pet will have an unforgettable adventure on the high seas. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the inclusion of dog-friendly options reflects the growing demand for pet-inclusive experiences. Cruise Tails is already banking on the success of this first cruise and hopes to include dogs of all sizes in 2026.
If you’re a dog lover looking for a new way to travel, this dog-friendly cruise may be the perfect choice. Bon voyage to a new era of travel where our four-legged companions can join us on unforgettable journeys!
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