A service dog is defined as A dog specially trained to aid people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental illnesses (such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizure disorder, mobility impairment, and diabetes.
Confirmation that a dog is a service dog is useful but not required (such as identification cards, other written documentation, existence of harnesses and/or tags or the trustworthy verbal declaration of the person with a disability using the dog).
Relief areas are provided on a shared basis with other service dogs onboard.
It is advisable notify the cruise line or your travel agent at time of booking but no later than days prior to sailing if a service dog relief area is needed.
Service dogs are allowed to escort the person with a disability in all public areas, including dining venues. While in public areas, service dogs must be on a leash or harness. By reason of health protocols, service dogs are not permitted in pools, whirlpools or spas.
The owner is accountable for the care and management of the service dog. It is not obligatory for the cruise line to provide food or care for the dog.
Most cruise lines permit a rational quantity of food and bowls for the dog onboard at no additional charge. If a refrigerator is needed, notify the cruise line or your travel agent at time of booking but no later than 30 days prior to sailing.
It is the responsibility for guests to attain all obligatory permits for service dogs to depart the ship in ports of call and at final destination.
For document requirements, visit:
- Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
- S. Department of Agriculture website
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture website
- UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website
A copy of the permit must be on you at all times while on the ship, and a copy should be given to the Pursers Desk on arrival. All certification and vaccination requirements are established by government authorities and not the cruise line.
Please note requirements are subject to change without notice.
If the guest decides to disembark the ship while in port the service dog on most occasions must keep on onboard, the guest has a duty of care to make provisions to guarantee that the dog is cared for. The ship’s staff are not required to care for the dog, nor can the dog be left in the stateroom unattended.
Guests are responsible for the behaviour or destruction or injurt caused by their service dog. A cleaning fee may be charged to the guest’s shipboard account.
If the service dog’s behaviour is a direct threat to safety, the dog may be denied boarding or disembarked from the ship along with the owner at the guest’s expense. Examples include: growling, excessive barking, initiating unwelcome contact, biting other guests and/or crew members, failure to use nominated relief areas, sitting on furniture, eating from the table, etc.
If you have an animal that does not meet the classification of a service animal (i.e. a dog trained to perform a task) but must escort you in order to support you with your disability, contact the cruise line at least 60 days prior to sailing.
