To sail the open seas on a famous luxury ocean liner such as the Queen Mary 2 is the chance, or rather, the cruise of a lifetime – and if you can bring your dog along, even better.

While most cruise lines do not accept dogs, or any pet for that matter, the QM2 does. It offers guests kennel service run by a full-time kennel master who assumes full responsibility of your pet, including feeding and walking him as well as cleaning the kennels – which, of course, are spacious – and giving your dog a fresh-baked cookie at bedtime.

Dogs can sail with their pet parents on transatlantic crossings only, which are journeys made from New York to Southampton in either direction.

How to Book a Dog Kennel on the QM2

You must make a reservation and reservations are limited by availability, so book your cruise early.

According to the Cunard website, when making your kennel reservation, you must provide the following information about your dog:

 Height from floor to shoulder
Width from tip of nose to base of tail
Weight in pounds
Age at time of sailing

Dogs must meet the following weight and height requirements:

 Weigh less than 26 pounds
 Not be taller than 36 inches from their head to the floor
Hindquarters must be less than 36 inches high and 60 inches long

The following breeds are not allowed: Afghan; Curly Coated Retriever; Bloodhound; Gordon Setter; Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound); Great Dane; Briard; Greyhound; Irish Wolfhound; Irish Setter; Mastiff; Deerhound; Newfoundland; Doberman; Pyrenees; St. Bernard; Saluki; Weimaraner; Bullmastiff; and Malamute.

Also included on that list are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero or any mix which includes these breeds. These dogs have been banned by the U.K. Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) because they consider them to be fighting dogs, which are illegal in the U.K.

Kennels are available in two sizes: small or large. The fee is $300 for a small upper kennel or $500 for a large bottom kennel.

Dogs traveling aboard the QM2 enjoy the following amenities:

 Frisbee
Name tag
Food dish and scoop
Fleece blankets
Selection of premium food
Healthy gourmet cookies

Crossing the Atlantic with Your Dog on QM2 – What You Need to Know

The Cunard line strictly adheres to the guidelines from PETS, which is part of the U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This department works to allow pets to travel into London without having to undergo a lengthy quarantine.

Cunard.com notes that if you are traveling from New York to Southampton, your dog must comply with the following:

Be fitted with a microchip
Be vaccinated against rabies
Take a blood test to ensure protection against rabies
 Be treated against ticks and tapeworm no more than 48 hours before check-in

However, there is a catch: In order for your pet to be allowed entry into the U.K., six months must pass between the date of his blood test and the voyage date. Additional booster injections for rabies may also be required.

You must have the following documentation for your dog:

 Official PETS certificate
 Official PET passport or third-country certificate
 Official certificate of treatment against ticks and tapeworm

If you are traveling from Southampton to New York, your dog must have a current health certificate and must have received a rabies vaccination within the last year to 14 days before your arrival in New York.

If you plan to sail back to the U.K. with your dog, you must follow the guidelines from PETS, which includes a six-month probation for your dog.

PHOTO: MikeBagley64

Category : Sailing and Water Sports &TRAVEL TIPS