American Cruise Line To Launch Dog-Friendly Cruise In November 2025

Margaritaville at Sea has announced plans a dog-friendly voyage, scheduled for November 2025.

The unique sailing is being organised in partnership with Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando and will welcome up to 250 canine passengers.

The cruise will depart from Port Tampa Bay aboard the Margaritaville at Sea’s flagship vessel, Islander. While the exact date and itinerary have not been disclosed, a waitlist for dog owners interested in the voyage will open in early December 2024.

The cruise aims to provide a memorable experience for both pets and their owners.

“I consider my Yorkie, Louis, to be part of my family, and for years I missed out on the ‘family reunion’ cruise because I will not travel without him…

“I want to change that for myself and other dog lovers.”

Steve Matzke, Cruise Tails Captain

Activities planned for the voyage include costume contests, dog shows, parades, guest speakers, and training advice sessions. There will also be puppy massages, grooming services, and splash stations for the dogs.

Travelling with pets will involve a special application process. Dogs must be fully vaccinated, accompanied by a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian, and remain in designated pet-friendly areas on the ship.

A “Pet Butler” will be assigned to each dog-owning family to maintain cleanliness and comfort during the trip.

Pet-friendly staterooms will include private relief areas on balconies, and additional relief areas may be set up in other parts of the ship.

However, dogs will not be allowed in restaurants, the casino, pool decks, or the spa due to health regulations. And dogs must be on a leash when in any public area.

Islander, formerly known as Costa Atlantica, is an 85,619-gross-ton vessel that can host 2,114 passengers at double occupancy. The ship currently operates 4- and 5-night itineraries to destinations like Cozumel, Mexico, and Key West.

In 2025, it will begin offering 6- and 7-night sailings to destinations including Belize, Roatan, and Ocho Rios.

While the exact itinerary for the dog-friendly cruise is yet to be revealed, it will align with the ship’s November 2025 schedule.

Only 250 dogs will be allowed on this inaugural sailing, and some restrictions on breeds, size, or the number of dogs per cabin may apply, though these details are still being finalised.

Interestingly, service dogs will not be permitted on this voyage, as they already have access to standard cruises.

“This cruise originated with the dream that pet owners would finally be able to travel with ALL their family and friends on the cruises they’ve been missing…

“As service dogs are not considered pets, they can already go on cruises; and we know they would not want to deprive their pet buddies of the chance to finally cruise with their family.”

Cruise Tails FAQs

Usually, service dogs are permitted on cruise ships provided they have the right certification. Cruise lines are strict on this, to avoid anyone claiming their dog is an emotional support dog just to get their pet onboard.

If the November 2025 sailing proves successful, plans for a second dog-friendly voyage are being considered for early 2026.

Technically, dogs are currently permitted on some Cunard transatlantic cruises. However, they must remain in kennels onboard the ship at all times.

This will be the first ocean cruise that is clearly aimed at dog owners, allowing the dogs in the staterooms themselves.

A couple of river cruise ships in Germany, run by 1AVista Reisen, offer dog-friendly cruises and dogs are permitted on some ferry trips too, such as with Stenna and Brittany.

There will definitely be some practical hurdles to cross, such as controlling dogs in outdoor spaces such as pool areas and making sure the ship stays hygienic.

However I’d love to go on this cruise! But opinion on Facebook has definitely been split whenever I’ve asked…

Assistance dogs and Guide dogs yes but even though I have 2 dogs of my own a cruise ship is not the right place. No proper outside space for them and wouldn't be allowed off the ship in countries unless they have passports etc.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.