Leaving the dog behind used to be the hardest part of booking a cruise. Princess Cruises is changing that. The line’s “Paws on Deck” program is expanding to 10 ships in 2026.
The program launched as a pilot in 2025 and clearly struck a chord. Now it’s scaling up significantly across the fleet. For pet-loving American cruisers, this is genuinely exciting news.
How the program actually works
Service animals can stay right in staterooms and access public areas, fully ADA-compliant. Non-service pets, though, get their own dedicated space onboard. Princess built a climate-controlled Pet Care Center specifically for that purpose.
The Pet Care Center includes outdoor relief areas, feeding stations, and round-the-clock monitoring. Trained animal handlers staff the space, so pets get real supervision, not just a kennel. It’s a far cry from older, more limited pet policies at sea.
What it costs and what you’ll need
Bringing a non-service pet runs $150, which covers care, food, and daily walks. That’s a reasonable price for peace of mind on a multi-day cruise. Pets do need to be registered a full 60 days before departure, though.
You’ll also need proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate from your vet. Princess isn’t cutting corners on safety here, for pets or fellow passengers. The requirements are strict, but they exist for good reason.
Why this matters beyond just dog lovers
Pet-friendly travel has become a real priority for many Americans lately. Leaving a beloved pet at a kennel for a week can be genuinely stressful. Options like this let people travel without that nagging guilt in the back of their mind.
Princess joins a small but growing list of pet-friendly cruise options, alongside Cunard and select Holland America sailings. As demand grows, expect more mainstream lines to follow suit. Cruising with pets might not stay a niche idea much longer.
Would you bring your pet along on your next cruise if given the option?
