If you’ve always wanted to vacation with your beloved pup by your side, 2025 might just be the year you make it happen. Starting in November 2025, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander will host its first-ever dog-friendly cruises, allowing furry friends and their owners to enjoy a luxurious getaway together.
In partnership with Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, the cruise line will offer a unique experience where guests can bring their dogs aboard, making it a truly special journey for both pets and their owners.
“We are proud to pioneer an experience where every guest feels welcomed, cared for, and celebrated,” said Dawn von Graff, owner of Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, in an interview with Travel and Leisure Magazine. “This cruise is more than a vacation – it’s a celebration of the unbreakable bond between people and their dogs.”
The cruise is expected to carry around 250 dogs and their owners, with a host of pet-friendly activities to make the experience unforgettable. These include costume contests, parades, and dog shows, ensuring that both you and your dog will have plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation.
Each cabin will be equipped with a pet relief station on the balcony, and there will be pet butlers to assist with keeping the ship and cabin areas tidy. Onboard, dogs can enjoy grooming sessions, massages, and even dog-friendly splash zones, making the vacation as enjoyable for them as it is for their human companions.
Steve Matzke of Cruise Tails shared his personal motivation for the initiative, saying, “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. I want to change that for myself and other dog lovers.”
To ensure safety, owners must provide a pet health certificate showing that their dog is vaccinated. Each owner will also need approval from the Cruise Tails team. While dogs are welcome aboard, there will be designated dog-free areas on the ship, including the casino and pool decks, so non-dog owners can also enjoy the cruise.
For dog-lovers who can’t bear to leave their pets behind, this cruise offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a family vacation at sea. The cruise will depart from Tampa, Florida in November 2025, and a waitlist for interested travelers will open soon.
If you’ve ever wished to sail with your furry best friend, this is the vacation for you!
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