While cruising with a service dog can be a wonderful way to travel, it comes with a unique set of considerations. Cruise lines generally welcome trained service animals that meet legal definitions – meaning the dog has been individually trained to perform specific tasks for someone with a disability – but the owner is responsible for the animal’s care at all times.
Do Service Dogs stay in the standard cruise ship cabins?
While service dogs can stay in standard cabins, some guests opt for accessible staterooms if they need more floor space for the dog’s bed or equipment. The dog cannot be left unattended in the cabin for long periods – cruise lines expect the handler to supervise their animal at all times.
Please note that accessible cabins are some of the first cabins to become sold out – if you’re needing one, you should book with plenty of time!
What about Service Dogs in intentional countries?
One of the biggest challenges is disembarkation in different countries. Some ports have strict quarantine laws or prohibit animals from going ashore entirely. This means your service dog may be confined to the ship while you explore on land in certain destinations. Always check the specific port regulations well in advance.
What documents do you need?
Cruise lines will request health certificates, vaccination records, microchip details, and in some cases, proof of training or certification (especially for sailings that visit countries with stricter import rules). Submitting this paperwork ahead of time avoids delays at embarkation.
Onboard etiquete
Most guests are respectful, but handlers may still face unwanted attention or questions. Clear communication, and sometimes a polite “please don’t pet my dog”, goes a long way in maintaining the animal’s focus. Remember, the ship’s crew are not responsible for walking, feeding, or toileting the dog.
Navigating Cruise Ship Policies
A Reddit user sparked a lively discussion in r/royalcaribbean after bringing their Chihuahua onboard, claiming it was a service dog. The thread revealed how this situation underscores a common misunderstanding of what constitutes a legitimate service animal.
What the Experts Say: Cruise Line Service-Animal Policies
Service animals onboard Royal Caribbean
According to Royal Caribbean:
“Service animals are permitted on all ships… A service dog is defined as ‘any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.’ Pets are not accepted.”
They also offer 4ʹ × 4ʹ relief areas with cypress mulch (or sod from the U.S. if ordered in advance). Service dogs are allowed in public areas (on leash), including dining venues – but are not permitted in pools, whirlpools, or spas. Care is the owner’s responsibility.
Service animals onboard Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival’s policy states:
“Carnival only permits service dogs on board. A service dog is legally defined and individually trained to meet the specific needs of a person with a disability.
Pets, or service dogs in training, are not allowed aboard. Emotional support dogs, which are not recognized by the US Department of Justice, are also not permitted on Carnival ships.”
Owners must meet documentation requirements, including microchip, health certificates, and CDC/port-specific documentation. A designated relief area using Second Nature dog litter is provided. Service dogs may go in public areas but should not be fed in dining rooms, pools, or steam areas.
Service animals onboard MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises notes:
“No animals are allowed onboard, apart from recognised assistance dogs… Certified service dogs are permitted if all documentation (such as health certificates, microchip, and task explanation) is provided. Emotional support or companion animals are not allowed.”
Guests must submit an Accessibility and Medical Requests form at least 30 days before sailing.
Service animals onboard Cunard Line
Cunard’s policy includes:
“Cunard accepts registered service and assistance dogs on board… as long as they have been specifically trained to assist a disabled person. Dogs must be certified by ADI or IGDF, or owner-trained with ADAA accreditation. All assistance dogs travel free of charge.”
Quoting again: “Emotional support animals are not permitted.” Guests must notify Cunard via the onboard-needs questionnaire (via My Cunard).
Many Cunard ships actually have a dog kennel onboard, but that’s not actually super relevant to service dogs, and don’t take kennels as full on any-dog-allowance!
Reddit Reality Check
The Reddit post that kicked off the conversation shows how quickly confusion can spread. Users debates ranged from “Is that Chihuahua really trained?” to comments like:
“The ship’s staff is not required to care for the dog, nor can the dog be left in the stateroom unattended.
This perfectly captures the tension between guest assumptions and policy reality.
| Cruise Line | Service Dog Allowed? | Emotional Support Animal? | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Yes | No | Advance notice, relief area, owner responsible, proper definition |
| Carnival | Yes | No | Health docs, microchip, CDC/port requirements, designated relief area |
| MSC Cruises | Yes | No | Advance form, documentation, definitions aligned with legal standards |
| Cunard Line | Yes (certified only) | No | ADI/IGDF certification, advance notification, free to travel |
This blog post is not meant to be taken as factual, and the information can be subject to change. I would encourage you all to do additional research if you’re planning on bringing your service dog onto a cruise ship.
