Margaritaville at Sea Islander will play host to the first-known dog-friendly specialty cruise in November 2025. The cruise will be put on by Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando.
The ship will sail out of Tampa with as many as 250 dogs and their owners for the inaugural dog-friendly cruise. Cruise Tails said the themed sailing will include special experiences, including gifts and samples from top vendors, dog shows and training, guest speakers, costume contests, and parades. Guests will have the option to book dog groomers and dog massages, as well as bring their pets to dog-friendly splash stations. All participants must apply and be approved by the Cruise Tails team to sail, which will require proving the pet is up to date on vaccinations and that a licensed veterinarian has signed off that the dog is healthy.
Each family will be assigned a “Pet Butler” to ensure each cabin and the boat “remain in top condition,” according to Cruise Tails. Each dog will also have access to a private relief station on their balcony and owners must ensure dogs are kept in permitted areas. Some spaces will be kept dog-free, such as the casino, pool decks, dining venues, entertainment spaces and the spa, according to Cruise Tails.
Few lines allow dogs onboard. One of them is Cunard Line, which allows dogs and cats to sail on transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2. However, the pets are required to stay in kennels and be cared for by a “kennel master.” Kennel service includes food and water bowls, dog biscuits, dog coats, fleece blankets and a portrait taken onboard. Pets are not allowed in staterooms or public areas unless they are service animals, although the kennels are opened several times a day for visiting, according to Cunard.
