Cruise ships in general don't allow any kind of pets. That's mainly because there's so much red tape involved that Cunard only offers a kennel on one of this three ships. Even at that, pets are only allowed on QM2's trans-Atlantic crossings, explained Robert Roughton, Cunard's specialist in kennel operations.

Currently, you cannot live on a standard commercial cruise ship with a dog, with very few exceptions. Most major cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian) have strict "no pets" policies, allowing only certified service animals (like guide dogs) to board. Even for service animals, the logistics are difficult, as the dog must stay within the cabin or designated relief areas and meet strict international "pet passport" and quarantine laws for every port of call. The only notable exception in the cruise world is the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, which has a dedicated kennel and "pet balcony" for transatlantic crossings, but this is for transport, not long-term living. However, as of 2026, a new niche of "Residential Cruise Ships" (like Villa Vie Residences or Storylines) has emerged. While some of these "lifestyle" ships allow small pets in certain cabins for people living on board full-time, they are extremely expensive and have long waiting lists. For 99% of travelers, living on a ship means leaving the dog at home, as the health, safety, and hygiene regulations of the high seas are not yet designed for permanent four-legged residents.