For centuries, dogs have accompanied us. They are loyal friends who greet us with wagging tails and infinite love, no matter what. From walks at 6 in the morning to cozy days at home, they share our lives in numerous ways. However, when it comes to traveling far away and our desire to explore the open sea, the reality is more than visible. They have to stay behind.
To tackle this obstacle, two companies joined forces to organize a dog-friendly cruise that would allow dogs and their owners to experience the joys of travel together. Named Margaritaville at Sea, the cruise is set to sail in November 2025, welcoming as many as 250 dogs and their owners for the first-ever dog-friendly cruise. Departing from Port Tampa Bay, the sea voyage is a collaboration between Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando.
According to Cruise Tails, dog parents have to apply and be approved before joining the cruise. This means that pet owners have to provide documentation that the animal has all necessary vaccinations and that they have had all health checks. Those approved will be able to schedule grooming and even massage sessions for their pooches, as well as bring their pet to the dog-friendly splash stations.
As part of the experience, the cruise will feature dog-themed activities including dog shows, training sessions, and costume contests. There will also be gifts and samples from vendors. To add to this, each guest will be assigned a “pet butler.” The job of the pet butlers is to keep the cabins and the main ship clean and make sure that every dog can access the private toilet on their balcony.
While dogs will be welcome in many parts of the ship, certain areas—including the casino, dining venues, spa, and pool decks—will remain dog-free zones to accommodate all guests.
Details on specific dates and costs have not been announced yet.
