FAQ

When you are in the Apply (Application page) you will

1. Fill out the form completely.

2. Sign the Protocols/Terms agreement form for the cabin.

3. Once you complete the form, if you have other cabins going, they will be immediately emailed so they complete the application right away.

4. As soon as your entire group has completed the application, then you are on the primary list.

5. As soon as your entire group has completed the application, then you are on the primary list.

6. Once the primary list has reached 250 dog cabins, we will post it on the Apply website and the waitlist will begin as we process the primary entries.

You will receive confirmation. Please read the Waitlist FAQ for more details.

Anyone who applies and is not assigned will be refunded their deposit within 7 business days.

The Waitlist will be processed as spots open.

Spots will open as applications are processed, after the first 200 cabins are assigned.

If you are waitlisted and not able to be assigned on this inaugural cruise, you will be given the option to fast track on the second cruise currently estimated to sail between March and May 2026.

Anyone who applies and is not assigned will be refunded their deposit within 7 business days.

Since space is limited to 250 dogs, preference will be given to dogs in a group which includes 1 dog cabin traveling with two or more associated cabins of friends or family without dogs.

Also, at this point we are starting with dogs which weigh less than 20 pounds and are under 18”.

This starting point eased the legal eagles minds about the dogs jumping overboard (although we did mention the leashes). But just to make sure, we agreed on this first cruise to be super conservative.

As this cruise is all about family, this was our most difficult decision. But the thought of a child being hurt because they surprised a dog with affection was unfathomable. So, because of the unpredictable nature of children, due to an abundance of caution, no one under the age of 13 at the time of departure will be permitted to sail on this first cruise. This policy is for their protection, as uninvited attention to a dog may cause a child harm.

1. Be prepared with all of your info and sign up to sail as soon as registration opens.

2. Priority is going to dogs who are traveling with 2-3+ other cabins without dogs. So talk over Thanksgiving and get them locked down and ready to fill out the form as soon as it is sent to them (immediatley after your send yours). Also, make sure they have read and will agree to all of the protocols.

This first pet cruise is called a “proof of concept.” This is the first pet cruise ever, because until now everyone thought it was impossible. To ensure success, everything has been planned with an abundance of caution and safety. We know after a successful first cuise, we will refine the cruise procedures and experiences. We anticipate being able to “loosen the leash” on many of the protocols put in place for everyone’s safety and for the success of the inaugural sailing. Working together, we can share amazing future adventures.

Cruise Tails is exploring alternate dates in early 2026 for the Inaugural Pet Dog Cruise—possibly offering two sailings due to strong demand. Details will be updated as soon as final arrangements are confirmed. For the Inaugural charter sailors with reserved cabins, your spots onboard are secure, and we remain dedicated to exceeding your expectations while planning a fun and safe journey for you and your beloved pets. We can’t wait to set sail together soon—and will keep you updated as we wade through planning our next adventure! To ensure an exceptional experience (and to keep tails wagging at every port), we are analyzing pet dog debarking options at many locations.

Updates will be coming out in the next few days regarding the cruise specific. The protocols we are following to ensure a safe, fun and unique experience for everyone—dog owner or not, have already been posted under Cruise Details.

We anticipate initial reservations could be as soon as the first week in December! Talk to your family and get them set up so you are ready to go and be one of the first to apply!

We will be publishing the price sheet on Friday afternoon. There will be a $1,500 dog fee to help defray the costs of extra staff we are bringing, the hardware (such as all of the relief stations as one example of many) and fees we will pay for the additional work for the cruise line. $250 of ths fee is required as a deposit at the time of booking.

On this first cruise we—everyone involved, from each guest to every staff member—are all ambassadors for ALL future pet cruises. Everyone will need to respect and adhere to the protocols clearly explained and agreed upon by every cruiser upon acceptance. These will be reviewed again before the cruise, as they are so important. For instance, someone deciding to ignore the rule of no dogs in human dining rooms/food establishments could violate health regulations and potentially risk the future of pet cruises. So, if you think you or one of your potential guests will not be a good Ambassador—for the sake of every future pet dog cruiser—make the kind, unselfish choice to not attend.

This is a truly game-changing cruise. It’s been an impossible dream of millions of dog lovers, many who’ve never been able to cruise or enjoy reunions at sea. Some of these dog parents are Instagram influencers; some are movie stars (out of love, a few created health-based dog products); and some are your neighbors, who if lucky enough to win a veritable lottery, will be excited to share these unprecedented new experiences online (queue up hundreds of adorable photos)! We literally have no way to offer anyone a guaranteed right of privacy. An ongoing joke in the office is this will not be a good idea if you are in witness protection!

Yes, but only one dog per cabin. Maybe a second cabin for another family member with your other furry baby?

Humans need a photo REAL ID and registered/watermarked original birth certificate or passport. Dogs will need proof of vaccinations and a “passport” from Cruise Tails. If you have any questions or a unique situation, you can email us at travel@cruisetails.com

Due to the legalities surrounding the ground-breaking cruise, everyone will be required to purchase travel insurance through us which includes pet travel insurance. We use only top rated companies and the cost is usually 5-7% of the total trip cost.

Many people don’t realize your US medical insurance doesn’t work in foreign countries and most insurance policies don’t include pet waivers. If covers many travel eventualities which actually start at home before you leave. As travel advisors, we never travel without it. Our saying in the office is “The only people who complain about insurance are the ones who need it and did not get it.”

It is through us as we simply don’t have time to confirm everyone has it and it will be enough, and still active at sailing.

Many more dog cruises are in the plan. There is such overwhelming demand. we wish we could take everyone—and your humans! :O) As long as everyone embraces being an Ambassador and follows the protocols required by the cruise industry and Cruise Tails for health and safety, it should be all sails ahea.

Stay tuned! Cruise Tails is looking into more sailings for 2026, starting in the first quarter.

Also, we will be opening a waitlist and offering additional chances to get onboard in the next few months.

Each dog-friendly cabin has a private relief station on the balcony, which your Pet Butler will maintain (along with your lovely cabin). Plus, there will be stations set up strategically around the ship.

Absolutely! There’s both spacious exterior and interior walking areas for walks anytime. Additionally, both for health reasons and to encourage calm, we are mandating our precious pups get at least a 20 minute walk each day. If you want to enjoy a well-deserved sleep in, we will have dog walkers available for you.

Our “vetted,” qualified staff will spoil your dog with walks, daycare, or supervised activities while you relax. You can also leave them in your room’s comfy crate.

Pack food, meds, toys, a crate, bed, leash, and anything else that makes your pup feel at home. We will have supplies aboard (such as rental crates and food if necessary), but we know some pets experience belly upset with a change in cuisine.

Your pup will love doggy daycare, a pet spa, playtime, dress-up, and more!

At this point, while we can’t commit to anything, we are anticipating events in Key West for both of you. We are also in discussions with the relevant international agents. Fingers crossed! As mentioned above, if necessary we will have options for your dog onboard while you are off the ship.

Unfortunately not due to health regulations. However, we do plan to have puppy picnics you can enjoy on deck with your baby. Or, you can always snack together in your cabin.

Your dog must be up-to-date on vaccinations and meet other criteria set by Cruise Tails and our veterinarian. Our requirements will meet the guidelines for international pet passports.

Rest easy! Plans and procedures are in place for any unlikely event. Both humans and pups will be well cared for in any emergency.

Nope! With a 4-foot railing, both you and your dog are safe from any falls. Additionally, your dog will be leashed in public, for everyone’s safety.

Dogs can get seasick, just as they can get motion sickness. Modern ships have stabilizers 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. NOTE: if your dog does suffer from extreme motion sickness, this may not be their best vacation choice.

Don’t worry! A vet will be onboard to take care of any minor issues that come up.

Keep your dog on a leash in public areas to avoid any doggy drama. Also, there will be calming treats available if you like.

Unfortuantely, this is probably not the cruise for you two. Due to health regulations and other requirements to maintain ship safety and quality standards, there are protocols in place which must be maintained. There will be plenty of places for your furry baby to explore; however, you will be required to honor the protocols set in place. Everyone working together will ensure we can have more cruises in the future! Full details will be released in the next few weeks.

Great question. We’re going to need dog walkers, pet butlers, and so much more. Keep an eye out and in the next few months we’ll be sharing how you can be part of the inaugural—and help make dreams come true.

Absolutely. If you have a proven skill like pet massage, grooming and pet walking or if you make custom dog costumes, have a unique dog product you would like to promote or are a well known dog expert we would love to chat with you. We will be putting out annoucements in the next few months for pet service experts.

Product promotions and potential sponsors can find out more now here. There are limited opportunities, so time is sensitive.

This cruise is a full charter, meaning we have the entire boat so no can just call Margaritaville and book onto this cruise. The only way to get onboard is to be chosen as one of the lucky 250 inaugural cruisers—or as one of their family and friends. So, if someone invites you as one of their beloved friends or family they want to share this experience with, just say no. :O)

Tampa International Airport is just a short distance away, and there’s an Amtrak station nearby. Additionally, we will be partnering with several services set up for just this situation.

First, travel agents are amazing and it wonderful you work with one. But, not on this first cruise. In order for this inaugural cruise to succeed we need to maintain certain protocols. By doing all bookings online through our site, we can make sure everything is clearly explained and documented in writing. If there are questions not answered here, you can email travel@cruisetails.com. Keep in mind, more specific information will be released in the next few weeks, and information will not be available by email before the general public release.

Yes, so check back for frequent updates.

Absolutely! All dogs are welcome, no matter their personality.

No, this will be a certificate for future use on a great selection of Margaritaville at Seas cruises. There will also be additional prizes for winners 2-5 (and maybe more!)