On paper, it sounds like a dream—sailing the open seas with your beloved furry friend. But the reality? For every dog lover thrilled at Margaritaville at Sea’s dog-friendly cruise, there’s a fellow cruiser rolling their eyes or even gagging a little. Even dog owners are split. Some are packing their leashes and doggy treats, while others are yelling, “Leave the dogs at home!”
What’s it to be? A dream vacation for dog lovers and their pets? Or poop-stained decks and hallways filled with barking pooches and chaos at sea? Let’s dive into why this controversial topic has some cruisers growling and others wagging with excitement.
Dogs and cruises? A recipe for stress and mess
Let’s face it—cruise ships are already crowded. Now imagine barking dogs, wagging tails, and untrained pooches taking over. It sounds like a recipe for chaos. Imagine the growling and barking when stressed-out dogs pass each other in tight hallways. Is this really anyone’s idea of vacation bliss?
The online buzz suggests that the cruise ships risk transforming into floating kennels. Complaints range from concerns about relentless barking echoing through cabins to fears of overwhelmed dogs snapping at strangers or creating unpleasant odors. The added stress of managing so many pets seems to dampen the appeal of the concept entirely.
One pet-loving cruiser commented that dogs don’t belong on ships and couldn’t imagine what the smell would be like. Others worry about non-stop barking echoing through cabins or stressed pets snapping at strangers.
Even dog lovers are skeptical. A dog owner shared how much they love their dachshunds, but they belong at home.
It seems dogs and cruises just don’t mix. With no way to escape the chaos, many predict a cruise from hell.
It sounds like three ‘F’ words: fur, feces, and fleas
Cruise ships are supposed to be clean and relaxing getaways. But add 250 canines onboard, and you’re looking at the potential for a feces, fur, and flea fest. And being cooped up on a cruise ship is only going to make the issue worse. Who wants to spend their entire cruise scratching flea bites?
One cruiser shared legitimate concerns about stepping into dog waste on deck. They recalled being on a regular cruise and walking past a poor attendant cleaning feces from the hallway carpet because a service dog had an “accident.” Another mentioned fleas and allergens, making conditions on the ship unbearable for allergy sufferers.
Even with promises of cleaning, one fellow passenger doubted it would be enough to undo the mess. For some, sailing with these risks is a definite no-no.
For some people, cruising should be about other ‘Fs’—fun, freedom, and fantastic views.
The cruise ship will smell like a kennel
Imagine stepping onto a cruise ship, expecting ocean breezes, but instead being met with the overwhelming odor of wet fur and pet waste. Some worry the ship could end up smelling more like a kennel than a luxury vacation spot, thanks to hundreds of dogs onboard.
One cruiser shared their concerns, saying pet-friendly spaces often have lingering odors, no matter how well they’re cleaned. Another pointed out how waste accidents, especially in elevators or hallways, could make the smell even harder to avoid.
Even the most thorough cleaning might not entirely eliminate odors. For many passengers, the idea of spending a week surrounded by dog “bathroom smells” is anything but relaxing.
Fights, bites, and onboard chaos
Cruise ships can be stressful enough without navigating growling dogs and tense encounters. I cannot imagine how hundreds of dogs in confined spaces will get along. Many online commenters agree that the chances of fights and bites will increase dramatically. For some, it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.
A cruiser mentioned their fear of untrained dogs snapping at strangers or getting into fights with other pets. Another shared concern is that children could accidentally provoke aggressive animals, leading to dangerous situations onboard.
One passenger noted that in unfamiliar environments, even placid dogs get nervous and tend to become snappier. Many cruisers express concern that the potential for onboard conflict will make dog-friendly cruises anything but a relaxing getaway.
The crew’s worst nightmare
Let’s spare a thought for the crew. They’re already juggling endless tasks to keep passengers happy. Now imagine adding hundreds of dogs to the mix—cleaning up accidents, managing complaints, and dealing with barking at all hours. For the staff, it’s shaping up to be their worst nightmare.
One cruiser pointed out how the crew might be left scrubbing decks and hallways constantly, thanks to careless owners. Another shared concerns about overwhelmed staff dealing with both irritable human and growling canine passengers, making an already tough job nearly impossible.
With no dedicated pet staff onboard, the burden falls squarely on the crew. For them, a dog-friendly cruise could feel more like a dog-care job than anything else.
A ‘poop deck’? Seriously?
A cruise ship’s “poop deck” wasn’t meant to be taken literally, but with hundreds of dogs onboard, accidents are bound to happen. I read that Margaritaville at Sea will have “relief stations” on deck, some with handy fire hydrants for our leg-lifting buddies. But, let’s face it, if a pooch has to go, they’re going to go.
From hallways to pool decks, the potential for messes is everywhere—and not everyone is keen to dodge squishy “naval mines” on their vacation. One concerned passenger shared that irresponsible pet owners might not bother cleaning up after their dogs— “it happens on land, so why not at sea?”
And let’s not forget the less obvious aftermath—lingering odors, stained carpets, and staff scrambling to maintain hygiene standards. Eww!
Accidents on the pool deck are waiting to happen
The pool deck should be a place for relaxation, not one where you’re glad you’ve got travel insurance. With dogs onboard, slippery surfaces and unexpected messes could turn it into an accident waiting to happen. Wet paws on an already slick surface skyrocket the potential for injuries.
Here’s how one passenger envisioned it. The pooch gets spooked or spots a rival and darts through the crowded pool area, creating tripping hazards along the way. Who knows what the consequences could be?
Even dog-friendly passengers are skeptical. Maybe they’re sure of their own pets—but the idea of sharing a pool deck with unpredictable pets? It leaves many wondering if the chaos is worth it.
Cabins are already cramped
Cruise ship cabins are already short on space. Adding a dog or two takes tight quarters to a whole new level. Remember, dog-friendly cruises don’t use custom-built vessels—they’re standard ships fitted out for one-time voyages. So, it’s you, your luggage, Fido, and Fido’s bed all squeezed into a tiny space.
One passenger made a valid comment that dogs whining, barking, and moving in confined spaces can make relaxing—let alone sleeping—difficult. After all, very few dog owners let their pooches sleep in their bedrooms.
The lack of dedicated pet-friendly designs leaves many wondering how they’ll feel by the third or fourth day onboard.
Are dogs really ‘barking’ out for a cruise? I don’t think so
Maybe a reality check is in order—are dogs really begging for a cruise? For most dogs, the idea of having fun is wide open spaces, chasing frisbees, or sniffing undergrowth. But tight spaces, loud noises, and the ship’s constant motion? It’s probably not a pooch’s dream getaway.
One dog owner shared doubts about their pet’s happiness in such an environment, comparing it to dragging a dog through a crowded mall. Others mentioned that many dogs get seasick just like humans, turning the trip into a miserable experience for everyone.
It seems the novelty of cruising with pets might appeal more to humans than to the dogs themselves. So, the real question is: is it fair to drag animals up the gangway?
Sounds like an allergy and hygiene horror story
Pet dander, fur, and fleas—a recipe for an allergy sufferer’s nightmare. Despite the best onboard cleanliness protocols, dander gets everywhere, and fleas have a nasty habit of jumping “ship” onto other dogs. And that’s without repeating the issue of “accidents.”
One cruiser shared that allergy and hygiene issues are the reasons they avoid pet-friendly hotels. So, if allergies flare up on land, imagine what can happen in confined spaces at sea. At least in a hotel, you can request another room—or even another hotel—if it’s not up to standard.
For many, the allergy risks outweigh the appeal of cruising with furry friends.
Cruise ships aren’t built for anxious dogs
Why do humans love cruises? The onboard party vibes, entertainment, and plenty of activities. What stresses dogs? Reports suggest that hustle and bustle, new faces, tempting new food, strange dogs, and unfamiliar surroundings cause canine anxiety. Simply put—the onboard environment doesn’t relax our furry friends.
Of course, dog-friendly cruises are geared toward pets with fun games, spa treatments, and splash zones. However, dog owners are still concerned about how their pets would cope cooped up onboard without calm zones, green spaces, and places where canines typically unwind.
Pet lovers fear that cruising with a dog is more of a high-stress ordeal rather than a relaxing getaway—for owner and pet.
Lifeboats for dogs? Now we’re worried
Here’s another concern—lifeboats. They’re designed for people, not their four-legged friends. Cruise Tail’s website states that “plans and procedures are in place for any unlikely event.” I’ve also read that Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which caters for dogs, has pet-friendly life jackets.
One cruiser mentioned they feel uneasy not knowing what lifeboat plans are in place for pets. Others worry that anxious dogs could panic during evacuation drills, creating additional chaos and delays. The lack of clarity around emergency protocols for pets has left many skeptical.
Cruise vacation or full-time pet-sitting job?
Want to spend a relaxing cruise sipping cocktails and relaxing poolside? If so, maybe leave your dog at an onshore pet hotel. Taking pets on a cruise vacation can turn it into a full-time pet-sitting job. Everything from feeding schedules to cleaning up accidents and managing stress. And what if your pet gets seasick?
One cruiser commented that they go on vacation to escape their pet’s shenanigans. Another shared their feelings that taking pets on vacation is one of the most stressful experiences. They deal with barking, potty breaks, and cleaning up after them.
Then there’s the routine. Your dog used to early morning walks? Don’t expect to enjoy lazy mornings on deck sipping hot coffee. For some, dog-friendly cruising is less about leisure and a carefree vacation and more about work.
Obnoxious passengers will have even more to complain about
We’ve all seen it—the obnoxious cruise passenger who complains about everything. From chair hogs to noisy neighbors, passengers always find something to grumble about. Now add barking dogs, messy cabins, and inattentive owners to the mix, and you’ve created the perfect environment for complainers to thrive.
One cruiser shared how they cannot wait to read the online complaints in the aftermath. Slipping on dog poop, bitten at the pool, constant barking in the next-door cabin, and fur on the buffet table. Will it be worth the drama?
Hate it? Skip it. But should this even exist?
Of course, why would you book a dog-friendly cruise if you can’t stand animals? Some argue that if you don’t like Italian food, don’t go to an Italian restaurant. Valid point. But for many cruisers, the real question is whether the cruises should exist in the first place.
Interestingly, I’ve read that many dog lovers have polarized opinions, with many agreeing that pets are better left at home for vacations—at sea or on shore. Dog owners I’ve spoken to say that their pets usually feel happier in familiar spaces, not getting dragged through a crowded cruise ship.
Dogs experience nausea and vomit when they’re seasick — just like everyone else
Seasickness doesn’t discriminate—dogs can also get queasy. Since pets are rarely on ships, owners never really know how the ship’s constant motion will affect their pup. Also, that, combined with unfamiliar surroundings, may leave pets feeling miserable.
Instead of enjoying the cruise, what scenario could you face? Vets say that motion sickness in dogs can cause “yawning, whining, or signs of apprehension.” OK, not too bad. But it gets worse—seasickness can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. That’s some vacation “fun” cruisers can do without.
One pet owner shared that their dog gets carsick, so a cruise would be an absolute no-go. Another mentioned how difficult it is to manage seasickness in animals, with few options for relief. Unlike humans, pets can’t explain their discomfort or ask for help.
If you’re considering a dog-friendly cruise, the possibility of dealing with a sick pet might outweigh the excitement. A queasy pup makes for a less-than-relaxing vacation.
The price for dogs is crazy expensive, no thanks
Cruising with a dog isn’t only a logistical obstacle course—it can be a financial nightmare. The cost of taking a dog onboard can be around $1,000, although prices are constantly changing. You can also get slapped with fines of hundreds of dollars or even disembarkment at your expense if your pooch misbehaves.
One dog owner shared online they were considering the dog-friendly cruise until they discovered potential costs. Others pointed out that, for a similar price, they could book a luxury pet sitter and truly relax on their vacation.
For some, the extra cost and logistics are worth it to sail with their best four-legged buddy. Others say that no price justifies the stress of managing a pet at sea—especially when the trip might be more enjoyable for the dog staying at home.
Regulatory and logistical challenges
We’ve already seen that traveling with pets isn’t easy, but don’t forget that cruise ships add extra layers of complexity – You must provide and verify vaccination records and health certificates.
Also, when you’re in port, you must follow country-specific rules. One frustrated cruiser with a dog commented on how stressful it is trying to keep up with every port’s requirements and check all vaccinations. These hurdles leave many wondering if cruising with dogs is worth the effort.
My Take on Dog-Friendly Cruises
I get it—dogs are family, and for some, the idea of leaving them behind is heart-wrenching. If cruising with your furry best friend makes your vacation complete, more power to you. For me, though? It’s a hard pass. Not being a pet owner, I’m not prepared to spend a cruise dealing with barking, doggy odors, poop potential, and the occasional growl my way.
After all, there are plenty of cruise options for all kinds of travelers, including dog lovers and those who want peace and quiet.
Related articles:
