Does Royal Caribbean allow pets on its cruises?

Cruising with pets is a growing travel aspiration, especially as more travelers consider their animals part of the family. However, cruise travel is governed by complex maritime regulations, international health laws, and strict onboard safety requirements. This leads many travelers to ask:

The short answer is no—Royal Caribbean does not allow pets on its cruises, with one very specific and legally protected exception: trained service dogs. Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets of any kind are not permitted.

This article provides an authoritative, evidence-based, and practical explanation of Royal Caribbean’s pet policy, why it exists, how service animals are handled, and what real alternatives pet owners can consider. All information is based on publicly available policies, maritime health regulations, and guidance from official and reputable organizations such as the CDC, WHO, and government port authorities.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Pet Policy

Does Royal Caribbean Allow Pets on Board?

No. Royal Caribbean does not allow pets on any of its cruise ships.

This includes:

• Dogs and cats

• Birds

• Reptiles

• Rodents

• Exotic animals

• Emotional support animals (ESAs)

• Therapy animals

The only animals permitted are trained service dogs, as required under applicable disability laws.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data indicating that Royal Caribbean plans to introduce pet-friendly cruises in the future.

Why Cruise Lines Do Not Allow Pets

Unlike hotels or airlines, cruise ships operate under international maritime law and visit multiple countries, each with its own animal import regulations. Allowing pets would create serious health, safety, and legal challenges.

Key Reasons Pets Are Not Allowed

1. International Health Regulations

Cruise ships must comply with animal disease prevention laws, including rabies and zoonotic disease controls.

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) requires strict controls on animals entering or leaving countries to prevent disease transmission

• WHO (World Health Organization) highlights animals as vectors for zoonotic diseases (WHO Zoonoses Fact Sheet)

2. Port-to-Port Legal Barriers

A single cruise itinerary may visit 5–10 countries, each with different:

• Quarantine requirements

• Vaccination laws

• Animal import permits

• Breed restrictions

Even compliant pets could be denied entry at ports, forcing ships to reroute or isolate animals onboard.

3. Shipboard Safety and Sanitation

Cruise ships are closed environments with:

• Thousands of guests

• Centralized ventilation systems

• Shared dining and recreation spaces

According to CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) guidelines, animals increase the risk of contamination, allergens, and sanitation violations.

The Exception: Service Dogs on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Are Service Dogs Allowed on Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Trained service dogs are allowed, in compliance with disability access laws.

However, they must meet strict criteria.

What Qualifies as a Service Dog?

Royal Caribbean follows definitions aligned with:

• U.S. Department of Justice (ADA guidance)

• International disability access standards

A service dog must:

• Be individually trained

• Perform specific tasks for a person with a disability

• Not be an emotional support or comfort animal

Examples of Recognized Service Dogs

• Guide dogs for vision impairment

• Hearing assistance dogs

• Mobility assistance dogs

• Medical alert dogs (e.g., seizure detection)

Animals NOT Recognized as Service Animals

Royal Caribbean does not accept:

• Emotional support animals (ESAs)

• Therapy animals

• Service animals in training

• Psychiatric support animals without task-specific training

This distinction aligns with ADA.gov and UK Equality Act guidance (gov.uk).

Step-by-Step: Bringing a Service Dog on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you qualify to travel with a service dog, preparation is essential.

Step 1: Notify Royal Caribbean Early

• Contact Royal Caribbean before booking or immediately after

• Provide details about your service dog’s training and tasks

Step 2: Complete Required Documentation

Royal Caribbean may request:

• Veterinary health certificate

• Proof of vaccinations (especially rabies)

• Import permits for each port of call

Each country may have different requirements, and compliance is the guest’s responsibility.

Step 3: Understand Port Restrictions

Some destinations do not allow animals ashore, even service dogs.

Examples include:

• Certain Caribbean islands

• Parts of Asia and South America

In such cases, the dog must remain onboard during port visits.

Step 4: Prepare for Onboard Logistics

Royal Caribbean does not provide:

• Dog food

• Relief areas beyond designated spaces

• Grooming or veterinary services

Guests must:

• Bring sufficient food and supplies

• Use designated relief areas only

• Clean up after their animal

Comparison Table: Pets vs Service Dogs on Royal Caribbean

Category	Pets	Emotional Support Animals	Service Dogs
Allowed onboard	No	No	Yes
Legal protection
Training required
Documentation needed	N/A	N/A	Extensive
Allowed in dining areas			(with restrictions)

How Royal Caribbean’s Policy Compares to Other Cruise Lines

Cruise Industry Comparison

Cruise Line	Pets Allowed	Service Dogs Allowed
Royal Caribbean	No	Yes
Carnival Cruise Line	No	Yes
Norwegian Cruise Line	No	Yes
MSC Cruises	No	Yes
Cunard (Queen Mary 2)	Limited	Yes

The Cunard Exception: Why Queen Mary 2 Is Different

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 operates a limited onboard kennel program on select transatlantic crossings.

However:

• Spaces are extremely limited

• Waitlists can exceed 12–18 months

• Significant fees apply

• Not available on Royal Caribbean ships

Consumer Reports and travel analysts consistently note that QM2 is the only major cruise ship offering pet kennels.

Health & Safety Perspective: Why These Rules Exist

Zoonotic Disease Prevention

According to WHO and PubMed-indexed studies, animals can carry:

• Rabies

• Leptospirosis

• Salmonella

• Ringworm

Cruise ships are high-density environments where outbreaks can spread rapidly.

CDC Vessel Sanitation Program

The CDC’s VSP enforces sanitation standards to prevent outbreaks like:

• Norovirus

• Gastrointestinal infections

Animals significantly increase inspection complexity and health risks.

Practical Alternatives for Pet Owners

If you cannot travel without your pet, consider these options.

1. Pet-Friendly Resorts

Many land-based resorts allow pets with:

• Designated pet zones

• On-site veterinarians

• Pet-sitting services

2. Professional Pet Boarding

According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidance:

• Choose licensed facilities

• Confirm vaccination requirements

• Request trial overnight stays

3. In-Home Pet Sitters

Consumer Reports recommends:

• Bonded and insured sitters

• Daily photo or video updates

• Emergency vet access plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my dog on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

No. Dogs are not allowed unless they are trained service dogs.

2. Are emotional support animals allowed?

No. Emotional support animals are not permitted.

3. What proof is required for a service dog?

You may need veterinary records, vaccination certificates, and port-specific permits.

4. Can service dogs go ashore at every port?

No. Some countries prohibit animals from disembarking.

5. Are there onboard kennels?

No. Royal Caribbean does not offer kennels or pet-care services.

6. Is there a size or breed limit for service dogs?

There is no official size limit, but dogs must be manageable and well-behaved.

7. Can my service dog stay in the cabin alone?

Royal Caribbean discourages leaving service animals unattended.

8. Do service dogs pay extra fees?

No pet fees apply, but owners are responsible for all documentation costs.

9. Can service dogs enter dining areas?

Yes, as required by law, provided hygiene standards are maintained.

10. Will Royal Caribbean allow pets in the future?

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data indicating future plans for pet-friendly cruises.

Expert Insight: What Travel Authorities Say

• CDC: Emphasizes strict animal import controls to prevent disease spread

• WHO: Highlights zoonotic disease risks in shared environments

• Harvard Business Review: Notes that operational risk and regulatory compliance outweigh demand for pet-friendly cruising

• Consumer Reports: Advises pet owners to seek land-based alternatives for international travel

Final Verdict: Can You Cruise Royal Caribbean With Pets?

Royal Caribbean does not allow pets on its cruises.Only legally recognized, trained service dogs are permitted, under strict conditions.

This policy is consistent across the global cruise industry and is grounded in:

• International health law

• Maritime safety standards

• Public health research

• Disability access compliance

For pet owners, planning ahead—whether through trusted care arrangements or alternative travel styles—is essential.

If cruising is a priority, plan for your pet’s care at home. If traveling with your animal is non-negotiable, a traditional cruise is not the right option—with the rare exception of Cunard’sy.