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Trans-Atlantic Sailing With Pets & Giveaway Winner

If you love cats, sharing makes us purrrr :-)

Our winner for a free conference pass to BlogPaws valued at $199.00 is Amelia LeRutte. Congratulations. A notification email has been sent.

I recently came across several articles stating that pets are not allowed on cruise ships. Being a stickler for journalistic truth, I’d like to clear the air.

Disney, Carnival and other cruise lines do allow service animals on board and on Cunard line’s Queen Mary 2 dogs and cats can travel in style between New York and Southampton, U.K. There also are several smaller ships and ferry lines that allow pets in Europe.Cunard has a long history of providing a safe trans-Atlantic crossing to passengers with pets. Three cats were the first feline passengers who sailed in 1840 on Britannia’s maiden voyage.

qm2-pets-travel

Gone are the days when pampered pooches of royalty and movie stars shared their cabins with their pets. Now there is a specially designed kennel on the QM2. I’ve sailed on this beautiful ship and it would be my choice of transport for my kitty crew if we had to move to Europe. For dogs it beats being flown in cargo. In fact, it’s like a luxury floating pet kennel offering the best of both worlds, a vacation together with separate downtime for all.

qm2-pets-danger-sign-kennel qm2-sign-kennel Visitors are welcome to the kennel area but be forewarned: the sea air makes everyone hungry!

qm2-kennels-pet-travel

If you are considering Cunard’s “Pets on Deck” program on the QM2 with Fluffy or Fido, please note:

  • All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations and be micro-chipped.
  • Reservations must be made well in advance (six months is not uncommon)
  • Pets cannot travel unaccompanied.
  • Pets are restricted to the kennel area or the outdoors exercise deck.
  • Cats are not allowed outdoors.
  • There are 12 spacious kennels. Two kennels can be joined for two pet mates or a larger dog. There is choice of beds and blankets or you can bring your own.qm2-kennel-pets-travel
  • The following dog breeds are not allowed due to size: Afghan, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Briard, Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff, New Foundland, Curly Coated Retriever, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Greyhound, Irish Setter, Deer Hound, Doberman, Pyrenees, Saluki, Bull Mastiff, St. Bernard, Weimeraner and Malamute.
  • A Kennel Master takes excellent care feeding, walking and caring for pets.
  • Passengers can select meals of their choice of provide their own pet food.
  • There are fresh-baked biscuits and a turn-down service.
  • Pets receive a complimentary gift pack including items such as a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food bowl and scoop, a crossing certificate, personalized cruise card and an optional portrait taken with their pet(s).
  • Pet guardians are allowed to visit several times a day in the visiting room or play outdoors with their dog.
  • The cost is from $300.00 per pet.
  • The trans-Atlantic crossing takes a pleasant six days. Getting there is half the fun. Bon voyage!

11 Comments

  • Brandon

    Yes, the pets still have to go through quarentine…so sad! I just spoke with Cunard (QM2) and thet are already booked for 2013. Because there are only six ships a year that do the Atlantic crossing and only 7 kennels per ship, they book up fast! So if planning to go over, one has to plan WAY in advance. The price is $700 per kennel. But they have to stay in kennel area…they wont allow you to take them in the rooms. Why can’t there just be a p[erfect option to traveling with our pets. 🙁

  • Glogirly & Katie

    Congratz to Amelia! We’re so happy the pass is going to someone who will be able to use and enjoy it! : )

    None of us have ever cruised before…this was really interesting though! I get the sneaking suspicion that sign (Danger-These Animals May Bite) was made with a certain tuxie kitty in mind. heh heh…

    ; ) Glogirly

  • Abby

    It would be hard not to have the babies in the cabinet with me.

    Interesting information I really did not know that they allowed or disallowed pets.

    purrs
    >^,,^<
    ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥

  • Kathy Thompson

    Congrats to Amelia hope she has lots of fun!
    Oh my sailing just mov4ed up in our book! purrs Skeeter and Izzy >^cc^< ahoy matey!!

  • ihavecat

    turn down service – LOVE! LOL!
    the price isn’t bad at ALL and i would much prefer this b/c you can visit!
    now if you would just do a giveaway for tickets for humans on the QM2!
    now my question is – do they still have to be quarantined?!??!

    • boomermuse

      Good point and good news! Pet travel rules changed on 1 January 2012 when the UK brought its procedures into line with the European Union. Pets can enter or re-enter the UK from any country in the world without quarantine provided they meet the rules of the other country, usually rabies vaccine etc.

  • Angelina Jolie

    Wise Felines,
    I once had to travel in the cargo section of an aeroplans for eight hours!! With only Brad for company. Luckily Mama and Dad were already waiting at the other end. purrr…..meow!!

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