Not keen on putting your furry family members in a plane’s cargo hold? Looking for a more comfortable way to bring your pets to Portugal? The Queen Mary 2 ocean liner might be your answer.
As the only pet-friendly ocean liner crossing the Atlantic, the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) has become increasingly popular among pet owners making the move to Europe. While we’ve previously written about moving pets to Portugal via chartered private jets, today we’re exploring the cruise ship alternative.
The Journey at a Glance
The voyage takes approximately seven nights from New York to Southampton, UK. During the crossing, you’ll have the opportunity to visit your pets during designated hours throughout the day, making it a much more personal experience than air travel.
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t the end of your journey – you’ll still need to make your way from the UK to Portugal, but we’ll cover those options in detail below.
Booking Your Journey
When it comes to securing a spot for your pet on the Queen Mary 2, preparation is absolutely crucial. The ship’s kennels typically sell out 18-24 months in advance, so this isn’t a last-minute solution.
The booking process requires some planning: you’ll need to book your own cabin first, then immediately contact the Queen Mary 2 Kennel Department to reserve a kennel space.
Don’t be discouraged if the kennels appear to be fully booked when you first inquire. Many people cancel their reservations when final payment is due, so being on the waitlist can often work in your favor. You can reach out to the kennel master directly at kennels@cunard.com to discuss availability and options.
Understanding the Kennel Setup
The ship offers 24 kennels total:
- 12 lower kennels for pets over 26 lbs
- 12 upper kennels for pets 25 lbs or less
- Maximum pet height: 27 inches
- For larger dogs, two kennels can be combined (up to 60″ in length)
Note: Some large dog breeds and cats with certain health conditions aren’t permitted.
Your pets will spend about 12 hours overnight in the kennels, but during the day, you can visit them during three designated visiting sessions. While they aren’t allowed in guest areas of the ship, these visiting sessions provide plenty of quality time with your furry friends.
The service is comprehensive, with everything your pet might need provided on board. This includes food, water bowls, dog biscuits, a dog coat for chilly Atlantic days, and a cozy fleece blanket.
As a nice touch, you’ll even receive a complimentary portrait with your pet to commemorate the journey.
Documentation Requirements
Before setting sail, you’ll need to ensure all your paperwork is in order.
- Pet microchip
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Official PETS certificate, PET passport, or 3rd country certificate
- Dogs need tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before arrival (UK/EU requirement)
The Journey to Portugal
Once you reach Southampton, you have several options for completing your journey to Portugal. While a one-way car rental might seem like the simplest solution, it can be challenging to find companies willing to accommodate cross-border rentals, particularly from the UK to Europe due to the different driving sides.
You could opt to take a ferry as foot passengers to France, where there may be more rental options. Another alternative is taking a ferry from the UK directly to Northern Spain, though it’s worth noting that pet-friendly cabins on these routes are also limited and book up quickly.
If you’re comfortable with a short flight for this final leg, several airlines offer pet-friendly services.
Making it Work for Your Pet
Before booking, consider:
- Can you plan far enough ahead given the long booking timeline?
- Can your pet handle seven days at sea?
- Are they comfortable with the kennel schedule?
- Do they meet size and breed requirements?
Settling in Portugal
Upon reaching Portugal, you’ll need to complete a few administrative tasks to ensure your pet is properly registered. This includes registering with both the local authorities and the national pet database (SIAC). You’ll also need to update your pet’s microchip information with your new Portuguese address.
Alternative Options
If you find that the Queen Mary 2 isn’t quite right for your situation, don’t worry – there are other options available. Chartered private flights remain an option, though typically more expensive and there are also pet relocation companies.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re considering the Queen Mary 2 for your pet’s journey to Portugal, start your planning well in advance.
- Start planning 18-24 months in advance
- Book your cabin first
- Contact kennels@cunard.com immediately after booking your cabin
- Join the waitlist if necessary
- Begin arranging onward travel to Portugal
- Prepare all required documentation
Remember: Even if kennels appear fully booked, cancellations are common when final payment is due. Don’t give up hope if you’re initially waitlisted!