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If you can't imagine a cruise vacation without your pet, there's good news. A new sailing experience will soon allow passengers to bring their dogs along. In November 2025, approximately 250 dogs and their owners will embark on a journey aboard Margaritaville at Sea's Islander, departing from Tampa Bay, Florida.
This dog-friendly cruise is the result of a collaboration between Expedia Cruises and Cruise Tails, an initiative designed to provide an annual dog-themed cruise for enthusiasts. Steve Matzke of Cruise Tails expressed his motivation behind this venture: "I consider my Yorkie, Louis, to be part of my family, and for years, I missed out on the 'family reunion' cruise because I will not travel without him. I want to change that for myself and other dog lovers."
Onboard services include "Pet Butlers" assigned to each family to assist in maintaining cabins and public spaces. Dogs will have access to private relief stations on their balconies. Passengers must present a passport and a pet health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. All participants need approval from the Cruise Tails team and must adhere to onboard protocols regarding permitted areas and up-to-date vaccinations.
