The cruise industry is having a record year, and Tampa’s Margaritaville at Sea has added a tail-wagging twist with the first-ever dog-friendly cruise.
Margaritaville’s Islander ship that docks at Port Tampa Bay is taking applications for a cruise that will take place in late 2025. The ship has a capacity for 2,650 people and 250 dogs that will have to be approved with up-to-date vaccinations.
Cruise Tails, the first-ever dog-friendly cruise in collaboration with Expedia Cruises of West Orlando and Margaritaville At Sea, has officially opened applications at cruisetails.com.
Each family will get their own pet butler and a private relief station on each room balcony. There will also be dog shows and costume contests. Dogs will need to be leashed in public areas and have to stay out of dining venues, pools and casinos.
With over 5,000 registrations the first week, cabins are expected to fill quickly. Remaining applications will be carried over into a waitlist system.
“The enthusiasm and positive response we’ve received so far have been incredible,” said Cruise Tails Captain Steve Matzke in an announcement. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide such a unique travel experience where dogs are not just allowed, but celebrated as part of the family. This is more than just a cruise; it’s a chance to create lasting memories with your friends and family.”
The ship will have dog groomers, puppy (and people) massages, dog-friendly splash stations, theme parties and pre-cruise events.
Guests aboard can also access dog-free spaces such as the Margaritaville Casino, some human-only pool decks, live entertainment and music. “Because of the unpredictable nature of children, due to an abundance of caution, no one under the age of 13 at the time of departure will be permitted to sail on this first cruise,” the announcement said.
Priority is also being given to dogs less than 20 pounds and under 18 inches because of legal worries about dogs jumping overboard. But these rules may change after this first trial.
“We anticipate being able to ‘loosen the leash’ on many of the protocols put in place for everyone’s safety and for the success of the inaugural sailing,” the cruise announcement said.
The cruise will sail Nov. 18, 2025. The six-night/seven-day voyage will visit Key West, Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico, with two days at sea. “Ports are subject to change as we try to arrange for ones which will allow dog debarkation. This is brand new, so it’s a process,” the company said.
If all goes well, a second pet cruise is planned around March-May in 2026.
The cruise starts at $1,325 per person with a $1,500 dog fee to help defray the costs of extra staff and amenities, such as all of the relief stations.
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