Get Your Pampered Pup Ready – The First-Ever Dog-Centric Cruise Sets Sail in 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of vacationing with your dog, not just finding a pet-friendly hotel, but actually sharing the full vacation experience, get ready to set sail. In November 2025, Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando are hoping to launch the first-ever dedicated dog cruise aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. And yes, your pup is invited to everything but the buffet.

Not Just Dog-Friendly — Dog-Designed

While other cruise lines have long accommodated service dogs, and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 famously includes a 24-kennel pet area for transatlantic crossings (Cunard Line), this new experience is the first cruise created specifically for dogs and their people.

The ship, sailing from Tampa, Florida, is retrofitted for dog comfort and canine care. Each cabin booked for a pup includes a private relief area on the balcony. Onboard amenities include:

• Canine splash zones
• Professional dog grooming services
• Puppy massages (!)
• Assigned “pet butlers” to oversee your dog’s cabin experience
  (Cruise Tails)

The cruise will host up to 250 dogs, making it more of a floating pawty than your average voyage. Humans still get the full Margaritaville-at-Sea experience, too with 13 lounges, 12 dining venues, three pools, and tropical vibes for days.

Who’s Behind This Voyage?

Steve Matzke, founder of Cruise Tails, created the concept after years of skipping family cruises because his Yorkie, Louis, wasn’t welcome aboard. “I consider my Yorkie, Louis, to be part of my family… I want to change that for myself and other dog lovers,” Matzke said in a press release.

Dawn von Graff, owner of Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, called it a “celebration of the unbreakable bond between people and their dogs.” It’s a vacation designed for those who can’t imagine leaving their best friend behind.

What It’s Not: A Free-For-All

Prospective cruisers will need to apply for a spot, no last-minute boarding here. Applications were slated to open in December 2024. Full pricing, booking requirements, and canine conduct expectations are detailed on the Cruise Tails website. Dogs must meet health and behavior standards, and certain breed or size restrictions may apply (specifics pending at time of writing).

It’s worth noting that the website does mention as a maiden voyage is in high-demand and understandably important to “get it right”, there are some hoops dog owners will need to jump through to ensure things go off without a hitch. 

How It Compares: Cunard and Other Options

Other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian maintain policies that limit dogs to service animals only and kennel services, like those aboard Queen Mary 2 and do not allow in-cabin stays. That makes Cruise Tails’ offering genuinely unique: dogs don’t just tag along, they’re VIPs.

For travelers not quite ready for the high seas, Amtrak permits small dogs on select routes, and there are luxury dog resorts and glamping sites designed for pup-inclusive relaxation.

Should You Go?

Like any trip, it depends on your dog’s personality. Cruises aren’t ideal for dogs who dislike other dogs, new environments, or changes in routine. But for friendly, well-socialized pups (and the humans who adore them), this could be the ultimate floating getaway for a price.  Ask your pup to hold off on the specialty treats for a while and put every quarter in your travel jar for this one.   Prices currently available range from just over $1,300 per person to premier bookings just beyond $6,000.

Just remember cruising with a dog is still a big responsibility. From seasickness to safety protocols, it’s important to be sure both of you are up for the journey.

Interested in taking your pup aboard? Be sure to do your homework to see if it’s right for both of you — and pack the sunscreen (for you) and paw balm (for them).

Be sure to check the location and dates and the site mentions they may change due to high demand.