All aboard for paws: First dog-friendly cruise sets sail from Tampa in November 2025
Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises will set sail in November 2025, bringing a first-ever dog-friendly cruise leaving from Tampa, Florida.
Dog-friendly cruise
Do you ever feel bad going on a cruise and leaving your dog at home? If so, Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando have a solution for you. In fairness, this solution may cost more than paying your pet sitter to care for your pet. Still, your pet might even thank you.
Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando have partnered to offer the first-ever dog-friendly cruise from Tampa, Fla. The inaugural cruise will set sail in November 2025, and an additional voyage is planned for later. The waitlist for dog parents will open soon to book the first sailings. Dog owners who have pondered what a cruise vacation would be like while taking their dog along will have that chance soon.
The Islander, the Margaritaville at Sea’s signature flagship vessel, will host the first-ever dog-friendly cruise. This cruise leaves from Port Tampa Bay. On it, 250 dogs with their owners and other humans will become “Inaugural Ambassadors” aboard this first-ever cruise.
Cruise Tails protocols for this dog-friendly cruise
With the addition of dogs to a cruise, many different protocols need to be designed and followed by passengers. These should ensure a successful voyage, according to Cruise Tails. Some of these procedures mentioned by Cruise Tails are:
- All participants must apply and be approved by the Cruise Tails team. This includes agreeing to protocols on board, such as keeping dogs in permitted areas and ensuring all dogs are up to date on appropriate vaccinations.
- To ensure a clean and enjoyable experience for each guest, each family on board will be assigned a “Pet Butler.” This person will handle the additional needs for groups traveling with their pet on a cruise
- Each dog on board will have access to a private relief station. Access to this area will be on their balcony.
- Each dog must have an updated Pet Health Certificate and Passport, approved and signed off by a licensed veterinarian. Each pet must also have up-to-date vaccinations and health checks before boarding the ship.
- All dogs must be leashed in public areas and not permitted in human dining areas.
- All cruisers must sign a photo waiver for promotional purposes.
Steve Matzke of Cruise Tails says, “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.”
Special dog-friendly opportunities
The dog-friendly cruise will display some unique characteristics, with the dogs being a key component. The cruise will have experiences and activities, including gifts and samples from top vendors, dog shows, training opportunities, guest speakers, costume contests, and parades. Guests should expect their dogs to be an active part of the cruise. In addition, themed events like ’80s Night will be a core part of this dog-friendly cruise.
Guests may participate in many onboard special activities with or without their dog. They can book with dog groomers, set up puppy massages, and visit dog-friendly splash stations if they desire unique pet treatments.
Dog-free spaces will exist
Of course, guests can find themselves away from the animals and enjoy more common cruise activities. Guests can access dog-free spaces such as the Margaritaville Casino, pool decks, live entertainment and music, 12 dining venues, 13 lounges, the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon, and several human-only areas to enjoy the Caribbean weather and sunshine.
To learn more about being part of this first dog-friendly cruise, visit Cruise Tails’ website.
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