Pet owners looking to set sail with their furry friends can rejoice as a new dog-friendly cruise is set to launch in late 2025. Organized by Cruise Tails and Orlando-based Expedia Cruises, the unique voyage aboard the Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander ship promises a pawsome experience for both dogs and their humans.
Details of the canine cruise
Departing from Tampa, Florida, the Islander ship will accommodate up to 2,650 passengers, with dedicated space for 250 dogs. While pricing and specific itinerary dates have not yet been announced, guests eager to participate can apply through the Cruise Tails website. Applications require proof of up-to-date vaccinations and a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. Once approved, each family will receive their own “pet butler” to cater to their dog’s needs. Onboard perks for pets include grooming and massage services, private relief stations on room balconies, dog shows, training sessions, costume contests, and parades.
Rules and restrictions
To ensure a smooth voyage, dogs must be kept on a leash in public areas and are restricted from dining venues, the casino, pool decks, entertainment areas, and the spa. Despite these rules, pet-friendly features promise an enjoyable and comfortable experience for canine companions. For those without dogs, the cruise offers unique job opportunities as onboard dog walkers or groomers.
A growing trend in pet-friendly travel
The Islander cruise isn’t the first to cater to pets. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, a transatlantic liner, accommodates cats and dogs in 24 kennels with a dedicated owners’ lounge. However, pets are restricted from public spaces and must remain in designated areas. Other major cruise lines, such as Disney, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian, allow service or assistance dogs to support passengers with disabilities.
Phil Evans, managing director at Cruise Nation, highlighted the benefits of dog-friendly cruises: “A dog-friendly cruise is an ideal alternative for those who don’t like flying or don’t like the idea of their dogs being in a plane’s hold for long periods. Introducing more dog-friendly cruises will allow families and their much-loved dogs to enjoy the magic of a cruise holiday together, a truly memorable experience.”
Challenges ahead
Cruise blogger and dog owner Jenni Fielding, also known as Cruise Mummy, expressed excitement about the initiative but noted potential challenges: “Having one or two [dogs] actively working on a ship will be completely different than having hundreds of pet dogs doing everything that pet dogs do. The main one I think is hygiene.” Fielding raised concerns about enforcing bathroom rules for dogs, particularly on outdoor decks, but remains optimistic about the concept.
While the Islander cruiseship caters to dogs, feline enthusiasts can look forward to the annual Meow Meow Cruise. While pets aren’t allowed onboard, the cat-themed event offers activities like a scavenger hunt and opportunities to showcase kitty-inspired outfits. The next Meow Meow Cruise, a seven-night journey aboard Discovery Princess, departs Seattle on August 31, 2025, and tours Alaska.
Setting sail with a new vision
The 2025 canine cruise aboard Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander ship is a landmark development in the pet-friendly travel industry. Whether for relocation, a unique vacation, or a chance to avoid air travel with pets, this voyage offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for pet-loving families.