Cruising with Canines

You have finally found the cruise of your dreams, it suits you perfectly and the cost of the cruise is well within budget, you go to find your card details so you can book and as you do you four legged friend is looking at you wondering what about me. Please bare with me , then in all of the excitement  you suddenly remember what about the dog , who is going to look after the dog.

Well look no further , your dog, cat or any other of your beloved pet can now go with you?

The Queen Mary 2 operated by Cunard Lines is an approved carrier in connection with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) on their Transatlantic Crossings. Passage in the kennels is subject to size restrictions, availability and the  requirements of the Pet Scheme. Pets are only accepted on Transatlantic crossings, but not on the first and last transatlantic crossing of the year.

Cunard’s “Pets on Deck” program, includes adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat. As part of the enhanced program, travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card

Does all this seem a little crazy to you, well apparently not, a week doesn’t go by without a customer wondering what they will do with their pet whilst away and I have been asked a few times whether pets are actually allowed to go on a cruise. You will find that this is used more so for customers that maybe emigrating to the states or from the states to the Uk as flying your pet across can be stressing and very costly.

Cunard Line’s pet-friendly policy dates back to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840, when three cats were on board. Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey and even a boa constrictor have travelled Cunard.

Many celebrities have used this service in the past In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her dogs on board the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ship’s sports deck. She even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also travelled with a beloved pup and, at the Duke’s request, Cunard installed a lamp post beside the kennels.

Kennels are located midships, yes , no extra charge either for a midship location. There are 12 kennels , 6 small and 6 large kennells. If you have more than one pet a customer can bring up to 5 on the sailing with them

The pet’s measurements from tip of tail to tip of nose, or feet to head cannot exceed the sizes listed above. Kennels can be used for cats, dogs and other small animals It is not normal procedure to put more than one pet in a kennel, but this can be done if the customer requests it. Food is provided and any special requirements can be prepared by the kennel attendant. The shielded, open-deck area, fitted with a lamppost and fire hydrant is available to exercise pets. Animals are not permitted on any other open deck, public area or staterooms. Prior to sailing, necessary documentation must be presented to the ship before livestock can travel. Guests may provide own bed/bedding for their pets.

So all in all it seems Pets are treated just as well as us the customer. Will more cruise lines operate this in the future, due to health and safety restrictions I doubt it , but it does seem to be a growing trend as Kennels on the Queen Mary are now booked up until 2015.

Let me know what you think, if you are a pet lover would you take your pet away with you?