Are Pets Allowed on Princess Cruises Ships?

Planning a cruise vacation often involves more than choosing destinations and excursions—it also means deciding what to do with your pets while you’re away. For many travelers, pets are family, and leaving them behind can be difficult. This raises an important question: Are pets allowed on Princess Cruises ships?

While some cruise lines have special pet programs or kennels, most—including Princess Cruises—maintain strict rules about animals onboard. Understanding these policies is essential before booking your trip. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Princess Cruises’ pet policy, exceptions for service animals, alternative travel options for pet owners, and practical tips to ensure your vacation goes smoothly while caring for your furry friends.

Princess Cruises’ Official Pet Policy

Princess Cruises, like most mainstream cruise lines, does not allow pets onboard. This means that cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and other animals typically kept as companions cannot sail with passengers.

The primary reasons behind this restriction include:

1. Health and Safety – Maintaining sanitary conditions on board is critical. Pets can introduce allergens or spread diseases.

2. Passenger Comfort – Not all guests are comfortable around animals, and some may suffer from allergies.

3. Space Limitations – Cruise cabins and public areas are not designed to accommodate animals.

4. International Regulations – Since cruise ships visit multiple ports and countries, quarantine and import rules would make traveling with pets extremely complicated.

In short, while passengers may want to bring their furry companions, Princess Cruises does not permit pets onboard as part of their general policy.

Exception: Service Animals on Princess Cruises

While pets are not permitted, Princess Cruises does allow service animals that are trained to assist guests with disabilities. This exception complies with accessibility laws and ensures that all passengers can travel comfortably.

What Qualifies as a Service Animal?

• Service animals must be trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability.

• Dogs are the most commonly recognized service animals.

• Emotional support animals and therapy pets do not qualify under Princess Cruises’ policy.

Requirements for Bringing a Service Animal

Passengers who wish to bring a service animal onboard must:

1. Notify Princess Cruises in Advance – Provide documentation during booking or at least several weeks before sailing.

2. Prepare for Port Regulations – Since each country has different rules for animals, owners must ensure their service animal complies with all import and quarantine requirements.

3. Provide Vaccination and Health Records – Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and a clean bill of health is mandatory.

4. Bring Supplies – Guests are responsible for bringing food, bedding, waste bags, and any other items their service animal needs.

Princess Cruises staff works with guests to provide reasonable accommodations for service animals, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the owner.

Why Emotional Support Animals Are Not Allowed

In recent years, many travelers have asked about bringing emotional support animals (ESAs) on cruises. Unlike airlines that previously allowed ESAs under certain conditions, cruise lines—including Princess—restrict this to trained service animals only.

The reasoning is that ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks, and their presence can create complications with safety, sanitation, and international laws.

Alternatives for Pet Owners While Cruising

Even though you cannot bring pets onboard Princess Cruises ships, there are plenty of ways to ensure your animals are cared for while you travel.

1. Boarding Kennels

Many pet owners choose professional boarding facilities where animals receive supervision, exercise, and interaction with other pets.

2. Pet Sitters

Hiring a trusted pet sitter to stay at your home can provide comfort and consistency for your animal. This option allows pets to remain in their familiar environment.

3. Family and Friends

Asking a trusted family member or friend to look after your pet can be a reassuring and cost-effective solution.

4. Specialized Pet Hotels

In some cities, luxury pet hotels offer services like grooming, training, and webcams so you can check in on your furry friend while cruising.

Cruise Lines That Do Allow Pets

While Princess Cruises does not permit pets, there are a few exceptions in the cruise industry worth mentioning. For example, the Queen Mary 2, operated by Cunard Line, offers an onboard kennel program for dogs and cats during transatlantic crossings. This is one of the only mainstream cruise options that cater to pet owners.

However, such programs are rare and usually come with high demand, limited availability, and strict rules. For most travelers, finding pet care at home remains the best option.

Tips for Traveling as a Pet Owner on Princess Cruises

If you’re planning a Princess Cruise and own pets, here are some tips to make the experience stress-free:

1. Plan Pet Care Early – Secure a kennel, sitter, or caregiver well before your sailing date.

2. Leave Detailed Instructions – Provide feeding schedules, medical needs, and emergency contacts for caregivers.

3. Update Vaccinations – Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current before boarding at a kennel or leaving them with a sitter.

4. Stay Connected – If your caregiver offers photo or video updates, it can provide peace of mind while you’re at sea.

5. Pack for Your Pet – If someone else is caring for your animal, prepare their favorite toys, bedding, or food to make the transition easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bring my dog or cat on Princess Cruises?

No, pets are not allowed. Only trained service animals are permitted.

2. What documentation is required for a service animal?

You must provide vaccination records, health certificates, and advance notice to Princess Cruises.

3. Are emotional support animals allowed on Princess Cruises?

No, emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals by the cruise line.

4. Do any Princess ships have kennels?

No, Princess Cruises does not offer kennel services for pets.

5. Can my pet meet me at a port of call?

No, international regulations prevent pets from joining guests mid-voyage.

Conclusion

So, are pets allowed on Princess Cruises ships? The answer is no, with the exception of trained service animals that meet specific requirements. While this may be disappointing for pet lovers, the policy exists to ensure passenger safety, comfort, and compliance with international regulations.

For most travelers, the best solution is to arrange reliable care for pets at home through boarding facilities, pet sitters, or family and friends. By planning ahead, you can enjoy your Princess Cruise knowing your furry companion is safe and well cared for.

Although pets cannot sail with you, Princess Cruises offers countless ways to create a memorable and relaxing journey at sea, leaving you free to enjoy the experience fully before returning home to your beloved animals.