Dog lovers, pack your bags—and your pup’s leash. In an exciting first, Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando announced the launch of Margaritaville at Sea’s first canine-friendly cruise.
The sailing leaves Tampa, Florida, in November 2025 aboard Margaritaville’s Islander. The 2023-acquired vessel will host up to 250 dogs and their owners as Inaugural Ambassadors.
What Will the Dog-Friendly Cruise Look Like?
The headline-grabbing itinerary will cater to its four-legged passengers by offering costume contests, parades, dog shows, grooming services, dog training, puppy massages, dog-friendly splash stations, gifts, and samples from pet vendors.
Additionally, dogs will have private relief stations on guests’ balconies and pet butlers to ensure hygiene.
To join the cruise:
- Passengers must send an application, which will be reviewed by Cruise Tails, a company dedicated to helping people enjoy cruise vacations with their pets. Note that a waitlist is due to open.
- Guests must be willing to follow protocols, such as restricting dogs to certain areas and submitting their animals for health checks during boarding.
- Dogs should have appropriate and up-to-date vaccinations.
- Pets need vet-approved health certificates and passports.
The vessel also features animal-free spaces. These include the pool decks, casino, 12 dining venues, the St. Somewhere Spa & Salon, and 13 lounges.
Cruise Tail Captain Steve Matzke says he refuses to travel without his pet, which motivated him to make vacations more inclusive for dog owners. “I consider my Yorkie, Louis, to be part of my family,” he shared. “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.”
Over the years, select cruise lines have opened their decks to pets, typically permitting service animals. Some have even become legends at sea.
Joska, a 10-year-old black Labrador, amassed over 700 cruise days with Holland America Line, while Sarge, a US Army service dog, reached Carnival Cruise Line’s highest loyalty tier.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean welcomed a golden retriever named Rover as its first Chief Dog Officer in January, proving that even the high seas can go to the dogs—quite literally!
