Margaritaville at Sea to Sail a Dog-friendly Cruise Next Year

A Florida cruise will welcome dog parents on a paws-itively awesome vacation when it sets sail with Margaritaville at Sea next year.

The trip, which is set to take off in November 2025, will sail from Tampa on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander with 250 dogs on board, organizers Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando told Travel + Leisure. And while you don’t have to arrive with a dog to come, you definitely need to be pet-friendly.

“We’re proud to pioneer an experience where every guest feels welcomed, cared for, and celebrated,” Dawn von Graff, the owner of Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, told T+L. “This cruise is more than a vacation — it’s a celebration of the unbreakable bond between people and their dogs.”

As part of the experience, each guest will be assigned a pet butler to ensure their cabin and the ship remain clean and each dog will have access to a private relief station on their balcony.

In addition, the cruise will feature dog-themed activities like dog shows and training sessions, guest speakers, and costume contests along with gifts and samples from top vendors. Travelers will also be able to book slots with dog groomers and for puppy massages, and enjoy dog-friendly splash stations. And for a break from the pup-centric fun, passengers can enjoy some dog-free spaces, including the ship’s casino.

To board, all dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations and health checks.

Details on the cost and specific dates for the cruise were not immediately available. 

The Margaritaville at Sea Islander first launched earlier this year and features plenty of restaurants, lounges, and unique spaces, including a three-story poolside LandShark Bar and a 14-story atrium. The ship is based out of Tampa and sails to Key West and Mexico.

Beyond this sailing, most cruises don’t welcome pets on board and only allow service animals. However, Cunard is an exception, boasting onboard kennels during transatlantic crossings where owners are allowed (and encouraged) to visit their furry family members.