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If you are planning a cruise with your dog, cat, or another pet, it is important to understand Royal Caribbean International's animal policy before booking your trip. Many travelers assume that pets may be allowed if they remain inside the stateroom, but Royal Caribbean generally does not permit pets onboard its cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean International does, however, allow service dogs that meet its service-animal requirements. These dogs are treated differently from ordinary pets because they are individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals are not accepted under the current policy.
This guide explains the Royal Caribbean pet policy, what happens if you want to travel with a service dog, whether emotional support animals are permitted, what documentation may be required, and what travelers should arrange before sailing.
No. Ordinary pets are not allowed on Royal Caribbean International cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean's prohibited-items guidance specifically states that pets are not permitted onboard. The exception is for service animals that meet the cruise line's service-animal requirements. Animals that do not meet those requirements can be denied boarding or removed from the vessel.
This means passengers generally cannot bring a:
Pet dog
Cat
Rabbit
Bird
Hamster
Guinea pig
Other companion animal
The rule applies even when the animal is normally well behaved or kept inside the passenger's stateroom.
If you are considering bringing an animal because of a disability, it is important to determine whether the animal qualifies as a service animal rather than assuming that a pet or emotional support animal will be accepted.
Yes. Royal Caribbean welcomes qualifying service dogs on its ships.
The cruise line defines a service dog as a dog that is individually trained to perform work or tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. Royal Caribbean specifically states that service dogs are not considered pets under its policy.
Service dogs may accompany the person with a disability in public areas of the ship, including dining venues. However, the dog must follow Royal Caribbean's onboard requirements, including being under control and using an appropriate leash, harness, or other restraining device in public areas.
The main distinction is the dog's function and training.
A regular pet may provide companionship, but that alone does not make the animal a service animal. Royal Caribbean's published definition focuses on a dog that has been individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability.
For example, a dog trained to perform a specific disability-related task may qualify as a service dog, while a household pet that provides comfort or companionship does not automatically qualify.
No. Royal Caribbean does not currently allow emotional support animals onboard its ships.
Royal Caribbean explains that its policy distinguishes emotional support animals from service animals trained to perform a function for a person with a disability. Service animals continue to be welcomed, while emotional support animals are no longer accepted.
Therefore, having an emotional support animal designation does not by itself allow the animal to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
This distinction is particularly important when preparing for a cruise because a traveler should not assume that documentation for an emotional support animal will provide the same access as a qualifying service dog.
Generally, no.
If your dog is simply a family pet, companion animal, or emotional support animal, Royal Caribbean's current policy does not permit it onboard. The cruise line's prohibited-items policy states that pets are not allowed, with an exception for service animals.
Before making travel arrangements, passengers should contact Royal Caribbean if they are uncertain whether their animal qualifies under the company's current service-animal policy.
It is better to clarify the situation before sailing rather than arrive at the terminal expecting the animal to be accepted.
A qualifying service dog can accompany its owner in public areas, including dining venues, subject to Royal Caribbean's rules and applicable health regulations.
However, there are certain areas where service dogs are not permitted.
Royal Caribbean states that service dogs cannot enter pools, whirlpools, or spas because of health regulations.
Passengers traveling with a service dog should therefore plan alternative arrangements while using these facilities.
Royal Caribbean provides service-dog relief areas measuring approximately 4 feet by 4 feet and using cypress mulch. These areas are shared among service dogs onboard.
The cruise line notes that Central Park on Oasis-class ships is not designated as a service-dog relief area.
If a specific relief arrangement is needed, passengers should notify Royal Caribbean's Access Department in advance.
Passengers should not assume that the ship's crew will care for their service dog.
Royal Caribbean states that the care and supervision of the service dog is the owner's responsibility. The ship is not required to provide food or care for the dog.
Royal Caribbean also states that a service dog cannot simply be left unattended in the stateroom if the owner leaves the ship at a port where the dog must remain onboard.
Therefore, passengers should make appropriate arrangements before leaving the vessel.
No. The owner is responsible for the dog's food and care.
Royal Caribbean permits guests to bring a reasonable quantity of food and bowls for their service dog onboard without an additional charge.
If refrigerated storage is needed for the dog's food, Royal Caribbean asks passengers to notify its Access Department at the time of booking and no later than 30 days before sailing.
Planning this in advance can help avoid problems after boarding.
Yes. Advance notification is strongly recommended, particularly if you require a designated relief area or other arrangements.
Royal Caribbean states that passengers should notify its Access Department at the time of booking, and no later than 30 days before sailing, when a service-dog relief area is needed.
Providing information early also gives the cruise line an opportunity to understand the passenger's accessibility requirements before the trip.
For disability-related questions, Royal Caribbean provides an Access Department for assistance with accommodations and related arrangements.
Traveling with a service dog may require documentation because the requirements can depend on the countries and ports included in the itinerary.
Royal Caribbean states that passengers are responsible for obtaining the required documents for the animal to depart the ship at ports of call and at the final destination. Copies of required permits must be carried onboard, with a copy provided to Guest Relations after boarding.
Possible requirements can depend on the destination and government regulations. Royal Caribbean points passengers toward relevant government authorities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
A cruise may visit several countries, and animal-entry rules can differ between destinations.
Even if Royal Caribbean permits a qualifying service dog onboard, government authorities at a particular port may impose additional requirements.
Passengers should therefore check the requirements for every applicable destination, not just the cruise departure port.
Royal Caribbean also notes that government authorities establish documentation and immunization requirements and that those requirements can change.
Royal Caribbean says evidence that a dog is a service dog can be helpful but is not required under its published policy. Examples of evidence include identification cards, written documentation, harnesses, tags, or credible verbal assurance from the person with a disability using the dog.
However, travelers should still make sure they understand the requirements applicable to their specific itinerary and destination.
Government entry requirements are separate from the cruise line's own service-animal policy.
The owner remains responsible for the service dog's behavior and any damage caused by the animal.
Royal Caribbean states that a cleaning fee may be charged if appropriate. The cruise line also explains that a service dog may be denied boarding or removed from the ship with its owner at the owner's expense if the dog's behavior creates a direct safety threat or otherwise results in a fundamental alteration.
Examples identified by Royal Caribbean include:
Excessive barking
Growling
Biting
Unsolicited contact with guests or crew
Failure to use designated relief areas
Sitting on furniture
Eating from tables
The service dog should therefore remain under proper control throughout the cruise.
A service dog can accompany its owner, but shore excursions may have additional requirements depending on the destination and activity.
Royal Caribbean advises guests traveling with a service animal to contact its accessible shore-excursion service to review guidelines and arrange appropriate accommodations for tours.
Passengers should also consider local laws and transportation requirements when planning excursions.
An excursion that is accessible for a passenger does not necessarily mean every venue, vehicle, or activity will have identical arrangements for a service dog.
This situation should be discussed with Royal Caribbean's Access Department before booking or sailing.
Royal Caribbean states that if an animal does not meet its service-animal definition but the guest believes the animal must accompany them because of a disability, the guest should contact the Access Department at least 60 days before sailing.
Do not assume that an emotional support animal will be accepted. Royal Caribbean's current policy specifically states that emotional support animals are not permitted.
Yes. Government animal-entry rules can vary depending on the itinerary.
For example, Royal Caribbean's Australia information explains that assistance dogs sailing from Australia must meet applicable government requirements and have the appropriate clearance and documentation.
Royal Caribbean also provides specific information for assistance dogs entering the United Kingdom, where the Pet Travel Scheme requirements can apply. The cruise line notes that dogs failing required checks may not be allowed to sail.
This is why travelers should check both:
Royal Caribbean's service-animal policy.
Government requirements for each relevant destination.
If you are traveling with a qualifying service dog, preparation should begin well before embarkation.
Make sure your dog meets Royal Caribbean's definition of a service dog.
A regular pet or emotional support animal should not be assumed to qualify.
Tell Royal Caribbean about your service dog and any accommodations you require.
This is especially important if you need a service-dog relief area or refrigerated storage.
Review the animal-entry and exit rules for every country on your itinerary.
Government requirements may be different from Royal Caribbean's onboard requirements.
Keep required permits, certificates, vaccination records, and other applicable documents organized and accessible.
Royal Caribbean states that guests are responsible for the necessary documentation for their service animal.
Bring a reasonable quantity of food and bowls for the service dog.
If refrigeration is required, notify Royal Caribbean ahead of time.
Check whether your planned excursions can accommodate your service dog and whether local transportation or venue rules apply.
Use a leash, harness, or another appropriate restraining device in public areas and follow the ship's relief-area rules.
| Animal or situation | Allowed onboard? | Important point |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary pet dog | No | Pets are not permitted |
| Cat | No | Ordinary pets are prohibited |
| Other companion pets | No | Pets are not accepted |
| Emotional support animal | No | Royal Caribbean does not accept ESAs |
| Qualifying service dog | Yes | Must meet Royal Caribbean's service-animal requirements |
| Service dog in dining venues | Yes | Subject to applicable rules |
| Service dog in pools/spas | No | Restricted by health regulations |
Royal Caribbean's current published policies establish the distinction between prohibited pets, prohibited emotional support animals, and qualifying service animals.
No. Royal Caribbean does not allow ordinary pets onboard its cruise ships. Qualifying service dogs are an exception under the company's service-animal policy.
No. Cats are pets and are not generally permitted onboard Royal Caribbean ships.
No. Royal Caribbean's current policy does not allow emotional support animals onboard.
Yes. Royal Caribbean welcomes qualifying service dogs on its ships.
Yes. Royal Caribbean states that service dogs can accompany their owners in public areas, including dining venues, subject to applicable requirements.
No. Service dogs are not permitted in pools, whirlpools, or spas because of health regulations.
Yes. Royal Caribbean provides designated relief areas for service dogs, including approximately 4-foot-by-4-foot areas using cypress mulch.
No. The owner is responsible for the service dog's care, supervision, food, and behavior.
Royal Caribbean states that a service dog cannot be left unattended in the stateroom when the owner leaves the ship at a port where the dog must remain onboard. The owner must make appropriate care arrangements.
Yes. Advance contact is recommended, and Royal Caribbean asks guests who need a service-dog relief area to notify its Access Department no later than 30 days before sailing.
Depending on the itinerary, government authorities may require permits, health documents, vaccinations, or other paperwork. Guests are responsible for obtaining the documents required for their animal.
A doctor's letter does not change Royal Caribbean's current policy that emotional support animals are not accepted onboard. The cruise line distinguishes emotional support animals from qualifying service animals.
Royal Caribbean International does not allow ordinary pets on its cruise ships. The main exception is for qualifying service dogs that meet the cruise line's requirements.
Emotional support animals are not currently accepted, so passengers should not assume that an ESA can travel simply because it provides disability-related emotional support.
For guests traveling with a service dog, advance planning is essential. Confirm the animal's status, contact Royal Caribbean's Access Department, arrange any required relief or storage accommodations, and check government documentation requirements for every port on the itinerary.
For the most current requirements before sailing, travelers should review Royal Caribbean's official Service Animals information and prohibited-items policy, because cruise-line and government requirements can change.
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