Dog Friendly Cruises in Europe

If you are reading this blog, it’s safe to assume you want to travel with your dog. I’ve been doing it for over 20 years, but I find it exhausting sometimes. Driving or taking a train between destinations, lugging suitcases full of supplies, and worrying about pet policies take their toll. This is why I love taking dog friendly cruises in Europe. You only have to unpack once while sailing between beautiful locations with your pup at your side. Finding cruises that allow dogs is challenging, but it’s not impossible!

Cruises That Allow Dogs

I took my first dog friendly cruise about 10 years ago. That special cruise, operated by 1Avista Reisen, was the ideal way to explore Europe with my 13-year-old Frenchie, Tara. During the week-long Rhine river cruise, Tara could relax in our cabin’s familiar surroundings. She was welcome to join me in the dining room, in the lounge, and even on shore excursions. German was the official language onboard, but someone was always willing to help answer questions in English. A common language was less important than the shared love of dogs.

Since that first trip on the Rhine, I have taken three additional dog friendly cruises in Europe. The most recent was along the Baltic coast of Germany on the MS Junker Joerg. It is not a particularly luxurious ship, but it was perfectly comfortable for a week-long voyage. The ship’s captain is a dog lover who regularly sails with his senior pup onboard. His understanding of a dog’s needs is evident in the relaxed leash restrictions on the Junker Joerg. He allows appropriately trained pups to play off-leash on the Sun Deck. It’s a fun opportunity to exercise and meet fellow doggie passengers.

What To Expect Onboard

While “Sun Deck” is the official name for the upper level of ships like the MS Junker Joerg, I prefer to call it the “Poop Deck.” The top deck on these cruises that allow dogs has a large area covered with fresh sod and plants. This allows the pups to relieve themselves while the ship is in motion. At night, it is easy to go ashore for walks when nature calls. One of the benefits of traveling on a dog friendly cruise in Europe is that you are never far from land. You may not find a spa or casino onboard, but your dog’s needs are a priority.

1Avista Reisen has several dog friendly Europe cruises scheduled for the coming year. The upcoming trips will use an new ship to sail on several rivers in Germany and the Netherlands. MS Junker Joerg will continue offering Baltic coast cruises through their agency, Conzepta Tours. The cruise Conzepta offers will also include some stops in Poland, where dogs can run free on the beach. It’s exciting to see another company offering cruises that allow dogs. I can only hope that more will follow!

Booking a Dog Friendly Cruise in Europe:

According to the 1Avista Reisen website, there are some restrictions for their dog friendly cruises in Europe: “Please note that only one dog with a maximum shoulder height of 50 cm may be taken per booked cabin. If you wish to take two dogs with a maximum shoulder height of 30 cm, you must contact our service team.” The information on the Conzepta website is similar but indicates that they allow one dog up to 60 cm.

Unfortunately, neither company can transport certain dog breeds deemed “dangerous” by the state of North-Rhein Westphalia, Germany. The list includes pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and mixes. If you are concerned that your dog might be among the breeds banned in NRW, please check with the cruise operator before booking.

I chose to share this information on dog-friendly cruises in Europe because they are one of my favorite ways to travel with a pup. I have not received any compensation in exchange for this post. If you have questions about my experiences onboard, please leave me a comment below. You have to contact 1Avista or Conzepta Tours directly to book a cruise. The cruises that allow dogs are only operated a few times a year and fill up fast. Schedules are available on each company’s website.