If service animals can go on cruises, inevitably, the next question is: Can emotional support dogs go on cruises? Lines are required by law to make concessions for service animals that serve a legitimate purpose but, typically, emotional support dogs are not allowed on cruises.

Generally, the answer is no. Most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, do not recognize Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) as "service animals" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or international maritime law. Only fully trained service dogs that are specifically task-trained to assist a person with a disability (such as seeing-eye dogs or seizure-alert dogs) are permitted on board. Unlike airlines, which previously had more lenient rules, cruise lines have strict health and sanitation protocols that exclude pets and ESAs. If you have a legitimate service dog, you must provide extensive documentation, including vaccination records and international health certificates, and notify the "Access Department" of the cruise line weeks in advance. For those with ESAs, the animal would have to stay home, as cruise ships do not have "pet friendly" cabins or kennel facilities for non-service animals. Always check the specific carrier's policy, as these rules are strictly enforced at the gangway.