Calling all canines: Dog-friendly cruise to set sail from Tampa in 2025

Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

Updated December 2, 2024 at 11:41 a.m.·2 min read

Pack your swimsuits, sunglasses and chew toys: a new pet-friendly cruise will welcome dogs next year.

The sailing, a partnership between Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, will depart from Tampa, Florida in November 2025 aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander ship. The themed itinerary will accommodate 250 pet dogs and their two-legged friends. Typically only service dogs are allowed on cruise ships.

“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,” Cruise Tails Capt. Steve Matzke said in a news release. “I want to change that for myself and other dog lovers.”

Guests will visit Key West, as well as Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico during the six-night cruise. The schedule will include dog shows, trainings, costume contests and parades.

Margaritaville at Sea's newest ship, Islander, launched over the summer.

Sarge, the service dog, is a good boy: He has Diamond status on Carnival cruises

“Guests may participate in many onboard special activities with or without their dog, and a full support team will be available to ensure it’s easy-breezy sailing for everyone,” the release said. “While vacationing with their pet, guests can book with dog groomers, enjoy puppy massages, visit dog-friendly splash stations, and more.”

Dogs can also do their business in a private relief station on their balcony, and families will have a designated Pet Butler. Passengers must apply and be approved in order to sail with their pet and “the cruise will require up-to-date vaccinations and health checks from all pets boarding the ship.”

The cruise starts at $1,700 per person based on double occupancy, according to the Cruise Tails website. Travelers can fill out applications online.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dog-friendly cruise to set sail on Margaritaville ship next year

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