Poop on deck!

How many of you have pets who face the organisational nightmare of pet care whilst you jet off to sip cocktails and lie in the sun for a week or two? I have two dogs and if you’re anything like me the thought of putting them in to kennels fills me with dread. For the last 8 years we have been lucky enough to have my husbands parents look after our eldest dog, but last year we brought home another one. Nova is a 1 year old destroyer of all things, a totally bonkers, dig up the garden and thieve anything off the worktop kind of dog! With our next cruise getting ever closer my thoughts are turning to dog sitting and my in-laws aren’t too keen on the idea of having both dogs…so now I have a dilemma. Had I booked with a different cruise line however, I may have had a solution….

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has a fantastic kennel programme on board where guests sailing between Southampton and New York (or vice versa) can take their dogs and cats. Following her $90 million refit in 2016 your pooch (or feline friend) can travel with you in style and have a holiday of their own not to mention a dedicated Kennel Master (and animal welfare expert) who goes by the name of Oliver tending to their every need from walking and feeding to pooper scooping!

The ‘Poop Deck’ as its affectionately known by the crew is equipped with 24 kennels, an extensive play area and a dedicated owners lounge where guests can spend time with their fur babies and meet other owners for a chin wag over a game of fetch! There is even a New York Fire Hydrant and a traditional British lamppost on the walk route, so dogs from both side of the Atlantic feel at home?!! Food is provided (and particular brands can be requested if your pet has a particular taste) and the pampered pets also receive a complimentary gift pack. How fantastic does that sound?

Its not for everyone, but it is extremely popular and the kennels get booked up months in advance so if you are considering a cruise with your beloved furry you will need to book early to avoid disappointment.

What do you think? Is it for you? Or would you rather leave the pets at home? Id be interested to hear your thoughts on this.