Long walks along the railing, romping around in the fresh sea air, naps on the sunny terrace – it offers one cruise This doesn’t just sound ideal for families. A boat trip like this also seems perfect for dogs. But are four-legged friends allowed on board? And if so, what do man’s most faithful friends have to obey and follow in particular? Or are the requirements too strict?
Are dogs allowed on a cruise?
Some providers accept dogs under certain conditions and restrictions. The basic rule is: transportation must be registered in advance. Animals travel at the owner’s risk. Depending on the provider, route or Ship the regulations seem different – an overview:
1AVista offers special deals for traveling with dogs. The organizer allows four-legged friends to participate in selected river trips with the “MS Normandie” and the “MS Dutch Grace”.
You are allowed to bring one dog per booked cabin. Dogs of breeds classified as dangerous, such as pitbulls, bull terriers or rottweilers, will not be transported. “We only expect dogs that are kept indoors or in apartments, that are house trained and have good social behavior,” says managing director Hagen Mesters.
Your dog must be kept on a leash in all public areas. The ship docks at different locations several times a day so that dogs can walk ashore. There is a small dog park on the ship in case of emergency.
Cunard offers a special dog travel package exclusively on the transatlantic routes with the “Queen Mary 2”. The animals are housed in kennels on their own terrace. Dogs are not allowed in the guest area, but guests are welcome to visit their four-legged friends. There is a separate lounge for owners and pet owners and plenty of space for their pets to play.
On Hurtigruten dogs can travel in special dog cabins; only the ships “MS Nordlys” and “MS Kong Harald” do not offer them. The dog is not allowed to leave the cabin during the voyage. If all pet cabins are booked, the animal must stay in a kennel on the car deck or in the owner’s car.
Color Line allows dogs on various routes, but not on the “Oslo Mini Cruise”. Pets are not allowed in public areas and cabins on the ships. Dogs can be accommodated either in your own car on the car deck or in a carrier in the kennel.
Which major suppliers do not accept dogs?
At Tui Cruises, animals are not allowed on board for safety and hygiene reasons. In addition, Aida Cruises and MSC Cruises generally do not take animals on cruises. However, MSC Cruises makes an exception for recognized guide dogs.
What documents does my dog need?
Anyone travelling with their dog within the EU needs a European Pet Passport. The animal must also be microchipped. It is also important to have a vaccination certificate with proof of a valid rabies vaccination. If your four-legged friend is vaccinated against rabies for the first time before travelling, this must be done at least 21 days before departure.
What should be in your dog’s luggage?
Does my dog have to wear a muzzle on board? The providers can determine this themselves. The leash and muzzle must be packed for safety. In some countries, dogs can also be kept on a leash and muzzled when going ashore. Dog owners should first inform themselves about the legal regulations of the respective country of travel.
What should not be missing from your dog’s travel suitcase if it is not provided by the supplier: food and water bowls, food, treats, dog blanket, basket, toys and plastic bags for dog waste. Depending on the travel destination, mosquito and tick protection, sunscreen and, if necessary, a sedative may also be useful.
Can dogs get seasick?
Yes, dogs can suffer from seasickness. “Such nausea can often be recognized by increased swallowing movements, increased salivation, or an increased breathing rate,” says Katrin Heimsath of the Münsterland Dog College. It is best for the owner to ask the vet to give the dog an anti-nausea medication before the trip. The problem often disappears over time.
The ADAC also recommends not overfeeding your dog immediately before the trip. If you want to be sure that the boat trip is suitable for Wuffel, you should first try it on a short route before embarking on a longer trip lasting several days.