The world’s first dog-friendly cruise is due to set sail from Florida, in November of this year – complete with a veterinary clinic, pet butlers and emergency balcony loos
The world’s first dog-friendly cruise is set to launch this year.
Organised by Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises, the pooch-accommodating sailing is due to launch from Tampa, Florida, in November of this year, welcoming up to 250 dogs and their owners onboard. The cruise will only stop at dog-friendly destinations, and every hound onboard will have access to their own private emergency loo on the balcony. In addition, a pet butler will be on hand 24/7.
On the ship, four-legged friends and owners will be able to enjoy shows and training sessions, guest speakers, costume competitions and parades. There will also be grooming services, including doggie massages.
However, booking the cruise isn’t as straightforward as other cruise holidays – passengers will need to provide proof of their dog’s vaccinations and health.
Since being announced, the new cruise offering has sparked debate amongst Reddit users. In a thread discussing the upcoming voyage, one person said: “How do you pack dog food for the whole trip or are they providing it? Where are the ‘walk areas’ for the dog to go to the bathroom? What happens if a dog gets sick while at sea? Are dogs allowed off at port? Is a dog allowed in the pool or is there a specific dog pool?”
Another user added: “What a dumb idea, I wonder how they got their insurance company to okay that. What’s the over/under on dog bites and fights?”
“I can 100 per cent see there will be an incident like a dog gets hurt because of an irresponsible owner, someone gets bitten, dog fights, dog owner fights, dogs destroying things because dumb owners, etc etc,” said a third Reddit user.
On the other hand, some users were quick to note how the cruise would tap into a new and potentially lucrative market. “I bet this will be popular… All those folks who love to put their dogs in strollers and roll out to the grocery store or whatever will be all over this,” another user commented.
For worried pet owners, the cruise company also recently announced that there would be a veterinary clinic onboard.
And for those wondering, the company does warn that dogs, much like humans, can get seasick. It says on its websites: “Dogs can get seasick, just as they can get motion sickness. Modern ships have stabilisers and sailing is infinitely more smooth than it used to be. In the past, many cruisers needed prevention patches and happily don’t them now. We will have veterinarian and dog expert recommendations in advance, and possibly some gentle medications which can assist. We want everyone to be comfortable.”
The cruise will take place from November 18-24, with stops in Key West in Florida and Progresso and Cozumel in Mexico, before returning back to Tampa Bay. Prices start at $1,325 (£1,061.62) per person and no children under the age of 13 are permitted onboard.