ASSISTANCE DOGS

Eligibility

Royal Caribbean International welcomes Assistance Dogs on ships when they have been pre-approved by the relevant government authorities to accompany guests.  * Please note we do not accept pets. 

The Australian Department of Agriculture determine the eligibility of dogs and the conditions under which they can embark on a cruise from Australia. Royal Caribbean International is not authorised to determine if your dog is able to accompany you, and you must provide the appropriate government clearance and documentation prior to boarding, by contacting Australian Department of Agriculture

Documentation

Guests are responsible for obtaining all required documents for the animal to board the ship, depart the ship in ports of call and disembark at the final destination. For document requirements, visit:

• Australian Department of Agriculture
• New Zealand dogs coming to Australia
• US Department of Agriculture
• Hawaii Department of Agriculture
• UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

A copy of the required permits must be carried on the ship, and a copy left with Guest Relations Desk upon boarding the ship. 

Please note: all documentation and immunisation requirements are established by government authorities and not Royal Caribbean International and therefore, requirements are subject to change and should be clarified with the relevant authorities. 

Facilities for Your Dog

We provide 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres (4 feet by 4 feet) relief areas with cypress mulch to accommodate Assistance Dogs. Sod can be provided, subject to availability, if ordered in no later than 30 days prior to sailing using the Special Needs Form or contacting our Access Department. Relief areas are provided on a shared basis with other Assistance Dogs onboard. Please note that Central Park on Oasis class ships is not Designated as a relief area. 

Assistance Dogs Policy

Assistance Dogs are permitted to accompany their owner in all public areas, including dining venues. While in public areas, Assistance Dogs must be on a leash, harness or another restraining device. Due to health regulations, Assistance Dogs are not permitted in pools, whirlpools or spas. 

Care and supervision of the Assistance Dog is the sole responsibility of the owner. The ships are not required to provide food or care for the dog. 

Guests may bring a reasonable quantity of food and bowls for the dog onboard the ship at no additional charge. If refrigerated space is needed, notify our Access Department at the time of booking but no later than 30 days prior to sailing.

Guests are responsible for the behaviour or damage caused by their Assistance Dog. A cleaning fee may be charged to the guest's shipboard account. 

If the guest chooses to disembark the ship at a port at which the Assistance Dog must remain onboard, the guest must make arrangements to ensure that the dog is cared for. Note that the ship's staff is not required to care for the dog, nor can the dog be left in the stateroom unattended. 

If the Assistance Dog's behaviour creates a fundamental alteration or a direct threat to safety, the dog may be denied boarding or removed from the ship along with the owner at the guest's expense. Examples include: growling, barking excessively, initiating unsolicited contact, biting other guests and/or crew members, failure to use designated relief areas, sitting on furniture, eating from the table, etc.