Blog

Cruises are wonderful options for adventurous and relaxing vacations, but while their all-inclusive accommodations can make life easier for humans, they can be more restrictive when it comes to animals. If you are an owner of a service animal and plan to take a cruise, be sure to research the company’s policy relating to service and support animals. Policies for pet travel are not consistent across cruise lines and since some are owned and operated by international companies, there may be differing definitions of what is considered a service or support animal. For most cruise lines across the world, service animals are allowed for persons with disabilities. The acceptance of emotional support animals, on the other hand, may vary depending on the cruise line. Additionally, as most cruises stop in multiple international locations, it is also important to research the policies of the places you will visit. Depending on the port of call, different government policies may require extra documentation for service animals. 

Service Animals

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney Cruises all accept service animals but have different policies depending on the ship and where it takes you. 

Start Your Official Service Animal Registration

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean defines a service animal as a dog that helps tend to a person with disabilities. While documentation is not required to show proof the animal is a certified service pet, they do specify that the service animal should be a dog. Service dogs are allowed in public areas, including dining areas, however, Royal Caribbean does not provide food or care for service animals. Small relief areas filled with mulch are available on the ship, and there may also be shared areas if multiple service dogs are onboard. For more information, please review the Royal Caribbean Cruise Policy. 

Carnival Cruises

Carnival only permits working service dogs on board their ships, which does not include service dogs in training, other service animals, or emotional support animals. Guests are required to have all the proper documentation and immunizations for their service animals in hand as they board the ship. This information will be reviewed and validated prior to boarding. A complete review of the Carnival Cruise Policy is available. 

Norwegian Cruises

Norwegian accepts service animals under the ADA guidelines but they do not accept emotional support animals. For service dogs to board the ship, guests must provide up-to-date vaccination records as well as a USDA or International health certificate for their service dog. Guests must also bring their own food, medication, and life jacket for their service dogs as Norwegian does not provide these items. Norwegian’s detailed policy is available on their Accessibility Assistance site. 

Disney Cruise Lines

Lastly, Disney Cruise Lines permits service animals on board their ships that are in control and on a leash at all times. There are some areas that service animals are not permitted such as the pool or other wet areas, and service animals are not allowed to be left alone in their room. The cruise line accepts no responsibility for feeding and caring for the service animal, so guests must plan to bring dog food, toys, and other necessities. Additionally, Disney Cruise requires that all permits and documentation, including those for each of the ports of call, be submitted prior to the sail date. For more information, check out the Disney Cruise and Service Animals Policy.

Conclusion

While the policies may differ slightly on where service animals are permitted and what documentation is required, all of these cruise lines need to know in advance if there will be a service animal on board, sometimes as much as 30 days prior to sailing. While it is your responsibility to bring all of the documentation you need not only for the ship but for the various ports as well, each of these companies have people available who would be glad to assist you.