People love their pets and often wonder why dogs, cats, and other pet animals are not allowed on cruise ships. Cruise ships cannot accommodate pets for two simple reasons. First, pets have to have somewhere to sleep, exercise, and (most importantly) relieve themselves. Cruise ships have very strict sanitation and health codes, and meeting these codes prohibits ships from allowing pets onboard. I do not think this issue will be resolved anytime in the near future.

Second, cruise ships always sail to ports in more than one country. Many of these countries have strict quarantine and entry requirements for any animals entering the country.

There is an exception to this rule. One cruise line, Cunard, does allow dogs and cats on certain transatlantic cruises on the Queen Mary 2, but many restrictions apply and space is limited. A full time kennel master is responsible for the 12 air-conditioned kennels on the QM2. The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open during certain hours to passengers who want to spend time with their pet in this restricted area. Pets are never allowed in the cabins or outside the kennel area. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability.

Dogs and cats onboard the Queen Mary 2 receive the same pampering their owners expect on this classic ocean liner, including a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. Other pet perks include:

• extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
• healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh daily and offered at bedtime
• fleece blankets
• assortment of dog and cat toys
• cat posts and scratchers
• selection of premium pet foods from top brands.