In April 2023, retired U.S. Army service dog Sarge achieved Diamond status in the Very Important Fun Person Club of Carnival Cruise Line. Sarge’s adventures have taken him on 55 cruises and over 200 nights at sea, where he enjoyed adventures worldwide — from chasing fish in streams in Alaska to hanging out at a beach club in Mexico. This made the 14-year-old Belgian Malinois a veteran and canine cruiser extraordinaire.
Does your furry companion have to serve the army to be welcomed onboard? Not at all! While Sarge’s extraordinary voyage stands out, most cruises today welcome service dogs as indispensable companions for travelers with disabilities. If you plan to embark on an international cruise with your service dog, this guide will help you navigate the process seamlessly.
Dogs on cruises
One of the most common questions of cruisers is whether they can bring their service dogs. The short answer is a resonating yes. However, the long answer is slightly more complicated because pets are typically not allowed onboard to avoid disrupting the experience of fellow passengers. Currently, Queen Mary 2, renowned for its Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, is the sole liner that allows non-service dog animals to travel internationally.
While luxury cruise line Explora Cruises allows service dogs onboard their ships, they also explicitly request that owners call ahead while booking to inform thExplora Cruises allows service dogs onboard their ships, they also explicitly request that owners call ahead while booking to inform them about their service dogs. This step is vital as it initiates the process of recognizing the assistance dog and allows for smoother processing during the boarding process. It also helps to determine whether the dog is subject to national or international regulations, as Explora’s itineraries take passengers to destinations like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and more. While the process may seem unnecessarily bureaucratic, this is standard procedure for most cruise lines when accommodating service dogs.
Preparing the paperwork
Specific requirements may vary between cruise lines and destinations. For the latter, you can search along the drop-down list of the Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the different live animal import rules per country.
Otherwise, a few key documents are typically essential, regardless of destination. Cruises often require documentation such as identification cards, written documentation, or the presence of harnesses and tags. Having your dog’s service certification readily available can also help establish the credibility of your service dog and its importance in assisting with your specific disability. Be proactive about these requirements and start the paperwork process well before the cruise.
Anticipating a smooth voyage
While onboard, service dogs must be appropriately restrained in designated public areas to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. While you and your service dog are welcome to enjoy these shared spaces, precautions are essential to maintain control and responsibility for your dog’s behavior.
In an interview with USA Today, Cornelia Marinussen shares tips on how her service dog, 10-year-old black Labrador retriever Joska, sailed on more than 50 Holland America cruises. For instance, passengers typically cannot feed service animals in restaurant or bar areas, so she would weigh out Joska’s food and pack it in small plastic bags in advance. Doing this can help ensure your pup’s well-being while adhering to cruise line rules and the harmonious cruise atmosphere.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your service dog receives a warm welcome onboard and contributes to the unforgettable experience of international cruises. For more tips on traveling with pets, check out our other blogs on Pet Friendly Travel.
