Carry on cruising……with your dog!

Did you know you can take your dog or cat on board Queen Mary 2 if sailing transatlantic either from or to New York from Southampton?

QM2 has been refurbished and now has 12 kennels on board for your furry friend. There are rules for this so you can’t just take any dog with you.

Certain breeds are not allowed on board due their size or status:-

Afghan, Curly Coated Retriever, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter, Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound), Great Dane, Briard, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Mastiff, Deerhound, New Foundland, Doberman, Pyrenees, St. Bernard, Saluki, Weimaraner, Bull Mastiff and Malamute – are not accepted due to their size.

Some dogs maybe small for their breed so always check as Cunard maybe able to accommodate your dog.

Also Pit Bull Terrier,  Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero or any mix of breed which includes these breeds due to being known as fighting dogs.

There are small upper kennels which can accommodate smaller dogs upto 25lbs & measure 24.5″ x 35.5″ x 35.5″ & larger lower kennels for dogs over 26lbs measuring 36″ x 35.5″ x 35.5″

If you take a cat on board you will need 2 x upper kennels as one is used for the litter box.

The kennels are located at the rear of deck 12, there is also a play area and specific walking area.  Staff look after the animals, feeding them and walking them regularly.

They even get the use of fleece blankets, own dog bowl, Premium food & Dog biscuits. Life jackets are also provided. There is also a special lounge where you can spend time with your pet.

Also a special hydrant for them to do their business…

The costs involved are:-

$800 for upper kennel
$1000 for lower kennel

So for a cat you would pay $1600 for 2 upper kennels & an extra $800 if 2 cats in together.

Pets also need to have a health certificate to show they have been checked by a vet within 30 days of travel entry into USA. They must also have had a Rabies Injection within 6 months of entry.

Your pet must also be micro-chipped & have a FULL pet passport

Cunard also need to know the height of your dog in inches from floor to shoulder, the length from tip of the nose to base of the tail, their weight in pounds and their age.

You can visit your pet whilst on board at certain times of the day.

8-10am
11-12pm
3-6pm
8-8.30pm (to say goodnight)

So do you think you would take your dog on a cruise, I’m not sure I would as my boy Patch likes to sleep with us and they are not allowed in cabins or in public areas on the ship.

Maybe if you were travelling to USA to stay a while with family or friends then this is perfect to take your cat or dog but not for a holiday as what would do with your furry friend whilst visiting the sights and sounds of New York, also would your hotel take pets?

At least it’s good to know you can as some people prefer not to fly.

Have you ever taken your pooch on a cruise? I would love to know.