Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Kennels: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Unless you have a service animal, it's not typical to be able to cruise with your dog or cat -- but that doesn't mean it can't be done. If you're wondering how to take cats across the Atlantic or how to take dogs across the ocean with you, Cunard offers a great answer: on their Transatlantic Crossings to or from Southampton, New York or Hamburg.

When you cruise these routes onboard Queen Mary 2, kennels to transport pet(s) are available for passengers.

In keeping with the line's classic ocean liner image, the QM2 kennels are reminiscent of a bygone era that saw passengers moving between Europe and North America, many times with their pets in tow. And you can trust your pet will be catered to in an air-conditioned kennel onboard -- and with a dedicated crew member to keep them safe and comfortable during transit.

Below, we've outlined all you need to know about the kennel offerings onboard Queen Mary 2 and how you can go about reserving a spot for your furry friend.

How to Book a Kennel for Your Cat or Dog on Queen Mary 2

Queen Mary 2 (Photo: Cunard)

To snag a spot for your pet onboard the Queen Mary 2, you can reserve a kennel anywhere from two years in advance of your trip to just a week before you embark.

That said, it’s recommended to book a kennel for your cat or dog as early as possible since spots tend to fill up quickly. The maximum number of animals accepted per voyage is 24, and the kennel master tells us that capacity is generally at 90 percent on each sailing, so space is extremely limited.

To reserve a place, contact Cunard directly or your travel agent.

When you book, you'll need to provide a full profile of information about each pet, including any medical conditions and corresponding medications (which you'll need to bring onboard with you), feeding requirements and dietary restrictions.

Price to Book a Kennel for Your Cat or Dog for a Transatlantic Crossing

The view of New York City and the Statue of Liberty from Queen Mary 2. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)

Prices charged are per kennel/cage, and only one dog is allowed in each. Large cages (for large breed dogs, such as golden retrievers) are $1,000 each, while small ones (for small dogs) are $800 each.

Be aware that larger dogs that exceed 34 inches in length will require you to reserve two lower kennels to accommodate them. Certain dog breeds cannot be accommodated on board, including but not limited to Bloodhounds, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Dobermans, St. Bernards and Pit Bull Terriers. Visit Cunard's FAQ section to make sure your breed of dog is permitted to sail.

While cats can be accommodated, they require two cages -- one for the cat and one for its litter box -- so the cost is $1,600 (two cats can share this double kennel situation).

Starting in 2026, kennel rates are increasing to $1,300 for an upper kennel and $1,500 for a lower kennel. Prices are subject to change.

Who's in Charge of Dogs and Cats During Atlantic Ocean Crossings?

Oliver is Queen Mary 2's current kennel master, responsible for making sure all animals are properly cared for. He has held the position for roughly a decade. Before coming to Cunard, he served as a zoo guide at the largest zoo in the Philippines.

Because the kennels are a division of the onboard housekeeping department, Oliver and his assistant report to the head of housekeeping.

What's Included for Your Cat or Dog While Crossing the Atlantic

Ship Exterior on Queen Mary 2 (QM2) (Photo: Cruise Critic)

In addition to a cage with bedding and regular feedings (bowls provided), each dog -- cats stay inside -- is allotted daily outdoor exercise time in a gated area on Deck 12 aft.

In a nod to the ship's classic transatlantic sailings between England and the United States, the area is outfitted with both a lamp post and a bright red fire hydrant, so dogs can head out on a sniffing safari at sea and choose the type of "toilet" that's most interesting and familiar.

There are visiting hours three times each day for passengers traveling with their pet(s): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Owners can spend time cuddling and playing with their pets during these times.

Guests should verify the above times once on board. Only guests sailing with their permit are allowed to visit the animals on board.

Owners can choose to feed and "walk" their own pet(s) during those times or you can opt to have the kennel master take care of that for you.

During one morning of each sailing, a professional photographer offers pet parents the chance to do a photoshoot with their pet(s). Various props are available, including dog-sized QM2 jackets and a giant life ring with Queen Mary 2's name printed on it.

The kennel master and his assistant dress in Cunard's signature red bellhop uniforms for the occasion, and miniature versions of the bellhop hats are on hand for the dogs to wear.

In terms of food, Cunard is able to provide several varieties on board (included in your total price for the kennel). Owners with picky pet eaters should check during the booking process to make sure that the brands and options available work for their animal. If a specific food can't be provided, owners are responsible for bringing enough on board for their pet to cover the duration of the sailing.

As if these four-legged-friends weren't already pampered enough, you can even order them special treats from the ship’s room service -- including freshly cooked chicken, steak, vegetables, rice and broth -- to be delivered to the kennels.

In the event of an emergency, pets have their own life jackets and muster stations, and the kennel master is in charge of making sure all protocols are properly followed. Pet owners will be permitted to collect their pet and escort them to the designated muster station should the ship’s emergency alarm bells sound.

Final Notes for Sailing QM2 with Your Pet

Although passengers can catch a glimpse of the dogs when they're let out to roam from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily on the public sun deck on Deck 12, gates prevent passengers from mingling directly with the animals.

Following each voyage's photo shoot, owners often parade their dogs around in the public area outside the gates on Deck 12. If you're hoping to pet and play with dogs whose owners are comfortable with that, that's your best opportunity. Just be sure to get the owner’s permission first.