Inside the Luxury Ocean Liner Complete With Dedicated Pet Decks and Gourmet Canine Dining
If the thought of putting your dog in an airplane cargo hold makes your heart sink, you are definitely not alone. Between restrictive airline weight limits, unpredictable tarmac delays, and ever-changing pet policies, taking your four-legged best friend on a major international trip can feel like a logistical nightmare.
Turns out, there is a far grander—and vastly more comfortable—way to cross the pond together.
In honor of National Dog Day on August 26, Cunardis highlighting one of the cruise industry's best-kept secrets: its flagship ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2, is the only commercial passenger ship in the world with dedicated, full-service pet kennels for Transatlantic Crossings between New York, Southampton, and Hamburg.
Related: The Most Over-the-Top Hotel Experiences for Pampered Pets Around the World
Cunard
Rather than being tucked away in a dark corner, the ship's 24 pet kennels sit high up on Deck 12, complete with a private, dedicated outdoor sun deck where dogs (and cats!) can stretch their paws in the fresh ocean air. To make four-legged guests feel right at home on either side of the Atlantic, the deck is even equipped with an authentic New York fire hydrant and a classic Liverpool lamp post for bathroom breaks.
The VIP treatment starts before you even step foot on board. Pets receive a personal escort during embarkation and spend the voyage under the care of a dedicated Kennel Master.
Here is a peek at how the Queen Mary 2 treats its canine passengers:
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Custom Pooch Portraits:Every pet guest receives a complimentary photo session with the ship's photographer and the Kennel Master, who poses in Cunard's iconic red bellhop uniform alongside fun props—including a miniature bellhop hat, a Cunard pet jacket, and a Queen Mary 2 life ring.
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Gourmet Dining:Forget standard kibble. Cunard reaches out to owners before the voyage to stock preferred pet food brands, or owners can opt for freshly prepared meals of cooked chicken, vegetables, and broth.
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Cruisewear Souvenirs:Along with cozy fleecy blankets and air-conditioned kennels, every four-legged traveler is gifted a fitted Cunard coat to keep as a memento of their transatlantic journey.
While pet spots on the Queen Mary 2 are notoriously popular and often book out a year or more in advance, it remains the undisputed gold standard for travelers who want to move across the Atlantic with their pets without ever stepping foot on a plane.
Related: Yes, You Can Stay at Disney World With Your Dog—Here's Exactly How It Works
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
