11 Reasons People Are Criticising the New Dog-Friendly Cruise

The announcement of a new dog-friendly cruise has caused a surprising amount of controversy within the cruise community.

While many pet parents (myself included) love the idea of being able to cruise without leaving their dog behind, others are far less enthusiastic. Some people on Facebook have reacted very strongly to the suggestion that dogs could be allowed on board.

Timescale and Current Plans

The dog-friendly cruise organised in partnership with Margaritaville at Sea was originally announced with a provisional sailing date in late 2025, but that plan has since been pushed back, with organisers now indicating an early 2026 launch instead.

No exact departure date has been publicly confirmed yet, as the cruise requires additional approvals, port agreements and onboard modifications.

Despite the delay, interest has reportedly been very strong, and the organisers have suggested that additional dog-friendly sailings could follow if the first cruise is successful. For now, though, this remains a limited, carefully controlled concept rather than something that will become standard across the cruise industry.

So what are people actually worried about? From hygiene concerns to safety and comfort, here are the most common complaints cruisers have raised about the idea of a dog-friendly cruise.

1. Hygiene Nightmares

One of the biggest complaints about hygiene. Critics worry about dog wee, poo and hair turning the cruise into an unsanitary experience. The thought of fleas joining the trip doesn’t help either.

And yes, I guess that’s a tricky issue that the cruise line, Margaritaville At Sea, will have to come up with a solution for. Dogs can be messy. And so we can expect that extra cleaning will almost certainly be required.

What we do know is that every dog will have their own private bathroom area on the balcony, and there will be additional dog toilets at various spots around the ship too.

2. Non-Stop Barking

Imagine relaxing by the pool only to have a chorus of barking dogs interrupt the peace. Many fear that constant noise from barking, whining, or dogs fighting will ruin the tranquil cruise vibe.

With around 250 dogs expected to board the cruise, I don’t expect that it will be a quiet affair. Of course, not all dogs bark. But those that do are much more likely to do it when there are lots of other dogs around to start it off.

Yes, dogs can be noisy. But then so can babies. And they’re allowed to cruise.

3. Poop Patrol Problems

Who’s cleaning up the mess? Some believe pet owners won’t always ensure their dogs use the designated toilet areas, leaving the crew to deal with the aftermath. This would add extra work for staff and discomfort for passengers.

I can see this being an issue that will need to be carefully planned. Most cruise ships have special dog relief areas where service dogs can do their business. But these are only designed for a handful of dogs at most. More will certainly be needed, as well a specialised crew members who can help clean up any accidents on the carpets.

And what about the pool deck? Technically, that’s outside. I could see some dogs being confused about whether they’re allowed to poo there. And nobody wants to see a poo on the edge of the pool, right?

Cruise Tails has stated that dogs won’t be allowed on the pool deck at all. This will ensure that the area remains clean.

4. Overboard Anxiety

Dogs and open water can be a dangerous mix. Many are worried about the possibility of pets jumping overboard out of curiosity.

It’s true that some dogs love water and will do anything for a swim. But cruise railings are pretty high, so most dogs wouldn’t be able to jump over, you would hope?

5. Allergies and Phobias

For passengers with dog allergies, sharing spaces with pets could make the cruise unbearable. Those with a fear of dogs feel equally excluded, questioning why they should give up their dog-free vacation.

Here’s where I think that people are overreacting. The dog-friendly cruises will be selected itineraries only. Nobody is suggesting that anyone who can’t be around dogs for whatever reason should book one of these trips.

I have a cat allergy and I simply wouldn’t be able to breathe on a cat-friendly cruise. But then I would never book one!

6. Stressful for Dogs

It’s not just humans who could struggle. Critics point out that the loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, and motion of the ship could cause significant stress for dogs, especially those not used to travel.

At the end of the day, it comes down to each pet owner to know their animal and decide what’s best for them. Just as you wouldn’t take a dog that hates travelling on a long road trip, you would think that people know if their dog is comfortable in unfamiliar places before they book the cruise.

7. Cabin Chaos

What happens when owners head off for an excursion? Critics predict unattended dogs left in cabins could bark nonstop or damage furniture, leaving behind unpleasant surprises for the next guests.

However, I don’t think this will be a problem. Margaritaville At Sea is known for short cruises, and so perhaps there won’t be any ports of call on the dog cruises? Or if there are, they may be ports within the US, such as Key West, so that humans and dogs can disembark together for walkies.

8. Poorly Trained Pets

Not all dogs are well-behaved, and some passengers worry about encountering untrained or unsocialised pets. Aggression, anxiety, and accidents could quickly create chaos on board.

You could say the same about humans, though, right? You only have to look at the number of brawls on cruise ships to see that when all-inclusive drinks are involved, people can be way worse than animals.

9. Limited Options for Non-Dog Lovers

Some passengers argue that cruises should cater to everyone, and dog-friendly ships might alienate those who prefer a pet-free environment. If these cruises gain popularity, they fear fewer options for dog-free getaways.

There are over 300 cruise ships to choose from in 2025. Aside from Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, where dogs are kept in cages, Margaritaville At Sea is the only cruise line so far to offer pet-friendly cruises.

So don’t worry – there will still be lots of opportunities for people to cruise without dogs, too! Although we can’t guarantee that there will be no service dogs on board those ships.

10. Logistical Headaches

From creating potty areas on every deck to ensuring there’s a vet onboard, the logistics of accommodating 250 dogs seem overwhelming for some. Cruisers seem sceptical about whether cruise lines can pull it off successfully.

Only time will tell on that one. As much are there are people who hate the idea, there are plenty more people who love it. They’re lining up to buy tickets, and it’s sure to be popular!

11. A Blow to the Cruise Experience

For traditional cruisers, this concept feels like a departure from the luxury they expect. With dogs on board, some worry the atmosphere will feel more chaotic and less relaxing. As one person bluntly put it, “Keep the dogs at home!”

This all comes down to personal preferences. Remember, there’s a cruise line for everyone. If you expect ‘luxury’, then a Margaritaville At Sea cruise probably isn’t for you anyway.

My Opinion

It’s clear that not everyone is on board with the concept of dog-friendly cruises. The model has its challenges, and there are plenty of concerns about hygiene, noise and safety.

However, as a dog-lover, I’m very excited by this idea. My dogs are well-behaved and love to travel, so I’m sure they’d fit right in on a dog-friendly cruise.

The only challenge for me would be getting them to the United States, where it’s expected that these Margaritaville At Sea cruises will depart from. But if we can solve that issue, or a cruise ship departs from the UK with a similar offering, then wild horses couldn’t keep us away!

Would you set sail with your furry friend or stick to a pet-free ship? Let us know in the comments!

If you’d like to know more about the specifics of the dog-friendly cruise and how it will work, I have a guide for you here: 15 Things You Need To Know About The Dog-Friendly Cruise.

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