Protocols

Below is the list of Protocols Passengers Must Adhere to in Order to Sail on the First-Ever Dog-Centric Cruise with Cruise Tails LLC. We’ve put a shorter version (which we called HIGHLIGHTS) that are the protocols to which everyone chosen to sail will need to sign and strictly adhere. At the bottom is the complete list, which includes the highlights and explains them in more detail (Hence it is called the DETAILED LIST)

These protocols are in place for two reasons:

Ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff, including our beloved pets.
Maintaining the health and logistic requirements set by the health department, the cruise line and other countries.

Failure to adhere to these protocols could cause:

Someone to be harmed.
Cancellation of all planned future dog-friendly cruises.

NOTE: No one wants to be “that” person. You may be excited to go; however, if you know in your heart you will not be able to comply with these protocols, please make the unselfish choice and wait until a future cruise where we anticipate being able to “loosen the leash” on some of the protocols.

To help you be your best, we will make NO exceptions for broken protocols and have put substantial penalties in place. We have a responsibility both for the safety of current cruisers and the opportunities of future dogs to cruise with their human families.

Breaking these protocols will have strong repercussions:

Starting with a $500 fee or higher for the first offense, depending on the issue
Escalating to involuntary disembarkation at the owner's expense.
There will be no exceptions for failing to adhere to protocols

Cruise Tails LLC - Dog-Friendly Cruise Protocols - THE HIGHLIGHTS

PET BEHAVIOR, CARE AND PET RELATED PROTOCOLS

Health Certification: We will assist with the most current requirements for the Pet Passport, but basically - All dogs must be in good health and have a valid veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days of the sailing date. The certificate must confirm that the dog is free of infectious diseases and is fit for travel. Dogs must have current vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.
Quiet Environment: Owners must ensure that their pets do not cause disturbances. Excessive barking, whining, or aggressive behavior may result in the pet being asked to leave public areas or the cruise entirely.
Supervision: Pets must be supervised by their owners or designated staff when in public. Pets must be kept in their crates when alone in cabins.
Cleanliness: Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets when in the cabin or walking the dog. Provided waste bags must be used and disposed of in designated pet waste stations located around the ship or in the cabin. Your Pet Butler will clean your balcony relief station daily and re-clean any areas you mark with the sign provided as needing attention.
1 dog per cabin is permitted. Dogs must be below 20 pounds and less than 18” in height. (from 4 paws, without counting ears). No exceptions will be made.
Pet-Friendly Cabins: Pets are only allowed in designated pet-friendly, balcony cabins. Pets are not permitted in non-designated cabins or suites.
Pet Comfort and Supplies: Owners must provide their own pet bedding, food, medication, and any other necessary supplies.
Cabin Restrictions: When alone in the cabin, dogs must be kept in their crate. Pets must be supervised in the cabin or public spaces. Pet-friendly areas will be clearly marked.
Leash Policy: Pets must be on a non-retractable leash or in a secure carrier at all times when outside the cabin, including during walks on deck and in designated pet areas. Possible exceptions would include specified areas or events monitored by our pet specialists.
Leash and Control: Pets must be on a non-retractable leash or in a carrier at all times when in public areas and when disembarking the ship.
Pet Dining: Pets are absolutely not permitted in human dining areas. Without exception, pets are PROHIBITED in human dining areas.

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL:

12. Passenger Qualifications: We acknowledge no one under the age of 13 at the start date of the cruise will be permitted to sail. Passengers violating this rule will be denied boarding and will not be refunded cruise costs.

13. Dog Qualifications: We acknowledge no dog over 20 pounds or taller than 18” (from 4 flat paws to the top of the head, not including the ears) will be permitted to sail. Passengers violating this rule will be denied boarding and cruise costs will not be refunded (or the pet may be housed at the owner’s expense locally).

14. Registration Fee: A non-refundable pet registration fee of $1,500 will be charged for each dog cabin booking, $250 due at the time of booking. This covers the amenities and services provided for pets during the cruise, as well as additional cleaning, staff, and room care.

15. Passenger Cancellations: If a passenger cancels their cruise, cruise fare and booking fees are non-refundable after you are accepted. You would need to contact the travel insurance company for any redress.

16. Amendments: Cruise Tails LLC reserves the right to amend or update these protocols as necessary. Passengers will be notified of any changes before departure.

17. Legal Compliance: Passengers and pets must comply with all applicable local laws, regulations, and health protocols while onboard and during shore excursions.

18. Acceptance of Terms: By registering for the dog-friendly cruise, passengers agree to abide by these protocols and all related terms and conditions.

19. By booking with Cruise Tails LLC for the dog-friendly cruise, passengers agree to adhere to these protocols to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and harmonious experience for both humans and their pets.

20. To help you be your best, we will make NO exceptions for broken protocols and have put substantial penalties in place. We have a responsibility both for the safety of current cruisers and the opportunities of future dogs to cruise with their human families.

21. Breaking these protocols will have strong repercussions: Starting with a $500 fee or higher for the first offense, depending on the issue; Escalating to involuntary disembarkation at the owner's expense. There will be no exceptions for failing to adhere to protocols.

22. Terms and Conditions: I have read and accept the terms and conditions as published on cruisetails.com/terms

THE DETAILS - Cruise Tails LLC - Dog-Friendly Cruise Protocols

The DETAILS includes the above highlights. It explains them in more detail, and offers some breakdowns.

1. Pet Eligibility (Passengers will receive updated Medical Certifications closer to sailing, in case of any governmental changes. However, most of the following are universal.)

1.1 Health Certification: All dogs must be in good health and have a valid veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days of the sailing date. The certificate must confirm that the dog is free of infectious diseases and is fit for travel.
1.2 Vaccinations: Dogs must have current vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, and proof must be provided at least 30 days prior to departure.
1.3 Age Requirement: Only dogs that are at least 6 months old at the time of departure are eligible to sail.
1.4 Breed Restrictions: In an abundance of caution, non-aggressive breeds may receive preference for this inaugural voyage.
1.5 Microchipping: All dogs must be microchipped or have an approved identification tag (with name, cabin number, and contact information) for safety purposes.
1.6 Behavioral Criteria: Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior towards people or other animals will not be permitted to sail. Completed obedience training is a plus.

2. Pet Registration and Booking

2.1 Pre-Booking Requirement: All pets must be approved at the time of booking, and space is limited. Pets are only allowed in specific pet-friendly, balcony cabins and clearly designated public areas.
2.2 Registration Fee: There is pet registration fee of $1,500. This covers the amenities and services provided for pets during the cruise, as well as additional cleaning, staff, and room care. Once accepted as an Inaugural Charter Passenger, all funds collected are non-refundable.
2.3 Pet Limitations: 1 dog per cabin is permitted. Passengers wishing to travel with more than one pet must book an additional cabin. No dog over 20 pounds (as on their official uploaded veterinarian 30-Day certificate) or taller than 18” (from 4 flat paws to the top of the head, not including the ears) will be permitted to sail. Passengers violating this rule will be denied boarding and cruise costs will not be refunded (or the pet may be housed at the owner’s expense locally). No exceptions will be made.
2.4 Pre-Boarding Pet Inspection: For the health and safety of all guests and pets onboard, Cruise Tails requires a mandatory pre-boarding wellness inspection conducted by our on-site veterinary team. This includes, but is not limited to, checks for fleas, ticks, visible signs of illness (such as coughing, vomiting, diarrhea), untreated wounds, or behavior that indicates severe anxiety or aggression.
The veterinary team reserves the right to deny boarding to any pet deemed unfit to sail, at their sole discretion, in order to protect the safety and comfort of all passengers—both human and canine. Please note: pets denied boarding due to health, hygiene, or behavioral concerns will not be eligible for a refund or travel credit. Guests may contact their travel insurance provider directly to inquire about any potential reimbursement.
2.5 Proof of Deposit Payment: Final approval for bringing your pet will be confirmed upon payment of the registration fee and submission of all required documentation on the application.

3. Pet Cabin and Onboard Guidelines

3.1 Pet-Friendly Cabins: Pets are only allowed in designated pet-friendly, balcony cabins. Pets are not permitted in non-designated cabins or suites.
3.2 Pet Comfort and Supplies: Owners must provide their own pet bedding, food, medication, and any other necessary supplies. While Cruise Tails offers pet amenities, it is the owner’s responsibility to bring necessary items.
3.3 Cabin Restrictions: When alone in the cabin, dogs must be kept in their crate. Pets must be supervised in the cabin or public spaces. Pet-friendly areas will be clearly marked.
3.4 Leash Policy: Pets must be on a non-retractable leash or in a secure carrier at all times when outside the cabin, including during walks on deck and in designated pet areas. Possible exceptions would include specified areas or events monitored by our pet specialists.

4. Health and Safety Protocols

4.1 Health Declaration: All passengers traveling with dogs must submit a health declaration form 30 days before check-in, including any special health needs or medications for the dog.
4.2 Parasite Prevention: Dogs must be treated for fleas, ticks, and other parasites before boarding the ship. Proof of treatment must be provided. Additional information will be included in the health passport information.
4.3 Emergency Procedures: Owners must follow the emergency procedures outlined on-board for their pets.
4.4 Emergency Ship Evacuation: In the unlikely event of emergency debarkation, owners not with their pets will be required to report directly to their muster station. All pets have tracking devices, and any pets in staterooms or staff monitored rooms will be brought directly to the owners and their lifeboats, where the pets will be fitted with their lifejacket.

5. Onboard Behavior and Pet Etiquette

5.1 Quiet Environment: Owners must ensure that their pets do not cause disturbances. Excessive barking, whining, or aggressive behavior may result in the pet being asked to leave public areas or the cruise entirely.
5.2 Supervision: Pets must be supervised by their owners or designated staff when in public. Pets must be kept in their crates when alone in cabins.
5.3 Cleanliness: Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets when in the cabin or walking the dog. Provided waste bags must be used and disposed of in designated pet waste stations located around the ship or in the cabin. Your Pet Butler will clean your balcony relief station daily and re-clean any areas you mark with the sign provided as needing attention.
5.4 Training: It is recommended that pets be well-trained and socialized before the cruise to ensure they behave appropriately around other animals and passengers. Obedience training is a plus.

6. Pet Amenities and Services

6.1 Pet Areas: The ship will have designated pet-friendly areas, including a dog park, walking route, picnic area, splash areas and lounging spaces. Owners must use these areas and relief stations when their dogs need exercise, play time or potty breaks..

We recommend each dog be walked for 20-30 minutes once or twice a day. Depending on demand, we may have staff available to assist if you unable to do so on your own.

6.2 Pet Dining: Pets are absolutely not permitted in human dining areas. Without exception, pets are PROHIBITED in human dining areas. Dedicated outdoor, pet-friendly dining spaces will be available. Owners must clean up after their pets during meal times. Breaking this protocol will have strong repercussions.
6.3 On-Board Pet Services: Onboard pet such as grooming, spa services, play dates, pet sitting in your cabin and more are available for an additional charge. Reservations for these services should be made in advance as much as possible.

7. Lost Pet Protocol

7.1 GPS Tracking Provided: To ensure every pet’s safety, Cruise Tails provides a GPS tracking device for each dog, allowing location monitoring by owners and staff.
7.2 Immediate Reporting Required: If a pet goes missing, owners must notify staff immediately. Crew will activate the tracker and conduct a coordinated search onboard and at shore excursions.
7.3 Safe Reunification: Found pets will be secured safely until reunited with their owners. Owners must remain reachable and cooperate during the search.
7.4 Owner Responsibility: While tracking aids recovery, owners remain responsible for supervising their pets and ensuring collars, leashes, and ID tags are secure.
7.5 Purpose of Protocol: This protocol helps quickly locate lost pets and keep everyone safe and stress-free.

8. Shore Excursions and Ports of Call

8.1 Pet-Friendly Excursions: Some shore excursions may be available for pets, and should be booked in advance. Availability may vary based on destination regulations.
8.2 Leash and Control: Pets must be on a non-retractable leash or in a carrier at all times when in public areas and when disembarking the ship for excursions. Owners are required to clean up after their pets while ashore, or may hire one of our staff to assist.
8.3 Port Restrictions: Certain ports may have specific regulations or restrictions on pets. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to confirm any pet specific entry requirements for each destination in advance. We will provide generalized information.

9. Emergency and Medical Care

9.1 Veterinary Assistance: While the ship will have access to veterinary services, owners should bring any necessary medications or treatments for their pets. In case of a medical emergency, the veterinary team will provide assistance, but owners are responsible for covering any associated costs (which may be covered by your travel insurance).
9.2 Medical History: Owners must disclose any medical conditions or special needs their pets may have. This includes information on any pre-existing health conditions, allergies, or treatments the pet requires.
9.3 Evacuation Procedures: Owners will be briefed on arrival about appropriate actions in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation. Your pet’s wellbeing and safety is our first consideration. It may be necessary for pets to be transported in secure carriers or on a leash during evacuation procedures.

10. Liability and Responsibility

10.1 Owner Liability: Pet owners are fully responsible for their pet’s behavior and actions during the cruise. This includes any damage caused by their pet to the ship, cabins, or other passengers. Owners breaking this protocol will have strong repurcussions.
10.2 Injury or Loss: Cruise Tails LLC and Margaritaville at Sear are not responsible for any injury, illness, or loss of a pet during the cruise. Owners are required to have our approved pet insurance to cover any potential issues.
10.3 Damage to Property: Owners are responsible for any damage caused by their pet, whether to ship property, cabins, or public areas. Charges for cleaning or repair will be assessed if necessary.
10.4 Children under 13: Due to 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. This policy is for their protection, as uninvited attention to a dog may cause the child harm.

11. Cancellation and Refund Policy

11.1 Pet Registration Cancellations: If a pet cannot sail due to health reasons or failure to meet eligibility requirements, the pet registration fee may be partially refunded, depending on the timing of the cancellation. You would need to contact the travel insurance company for further redress.
11.2 Passenger Cancellations: Booking fees are non-refundable once your registration has been accepted. Due to the nature of this Proof of Concept charter, the company reserves the right to determine whether cancellations will be addressed through future travel credits or refunds, based on project timelines and circumstances at the time. You may also contact the travel insurance company for any available redress.
11.3 Force Majeure: In the event of a force majeure event (such as bad weather or natural disaster), Cruise Tails LLC may alter or cancel the cruise. In such cases, pet registration fees may not be refunded.

12. Miscellaneous

12.1 Amendments: Cruise Tails LLC reserves the right to amend or update these protocols as necessary. Passengers will be notified of any changes before departure.
12.2 Legal Compliance: Passengers and pets must comply with all applicable local laws, regulations, and health protocols while onboard and during shore excursions.
12.3 Acceptance of Terms: By registering for the dog-friendly cruise, passengers agree to abide by these protocols and all related terms and conditions.
12.4 Photography and Privacy (Media Notice & Consent): By participating in the Cruise Tails dog-friendly cruise, owners consent to photos and videos being taken of themselves and their pets. Due to the unique nature of this dog-friendly cruise—featuring significant on-board photography, social media influencers, and general media coverage—we cannot guarantee that you or your pet will not be photographed or filmed.
By participating in the Cruise Tails experience, all guests acknowledge and consent to the use of photos and videos of themselves and their pets for marketing, promotional, and media purposes by Cruise Tails and its partners.

By booking with Cruise Tails LLC for the dog-friendly cruise, passengers agree to adhere to these protocols to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and harmonious experience for both humans and their pets.