Meet Rover And Sailor: Chief Dog Officers Of Royal Caribbean

Who’s A Good CDO? Rover Is! Sailor Is!

CDO’s have a pretty sweet life at sea — their primary directive is to play and just be their fabulous furry selves. If there’s one job better than a Royal Caribbean Chief Dog Officer, the CDO’s “Chief of Staff” would be a close competitor. 

Part caretaker, part roommate of the Chief Dog Officer, the Chief of Staff’s cabin is where hard-playing pups at sea lay their golden heads in specially designed crates for night sleeping. (Naps during the day happen spontaneously and on any surface the cruise ship dogs design worthy — although a special ocean view bed on the bridge is a fave.)

CDOs are prepared for a life on the ocean with special obedience and socialization training by animal wellness experts to adjust to the unique aspects of ship life. They each spent time on active cruise ships as well as trips to big box stores, sports bars during games, Halloween and Fourth of July events to get acquainted with crowds and unique noises. Sailor even had the special privilege of getting some training from her big sis, Rover. Both pups are sure-footed and unbothered even in heavier seas. Their only job requirement is to spread unconditional love and joy to every friend, new and old, who crosses their path. 

Behind The Scenes — A Sailing Dog’s Life

Royal Caribbean Chief Dog Officers deserve their privacy for both sleeping quarters as well as personal relief stations. They also enjoy a balanced and healthy diet, along with treats for a job well done. Special occasions even bring fancy meals and dog-safe, chef prepared “pup cakes.” Everything the CDOs eat is logged and any special dietary needs or concerns are checked during regular vet visits.

An important part of the gig is both crew and guest mingling, so be prepared to experience unexpected expressions of fluffy joy as they enjoy their life at sea. CDOs stay safely accompanied and guided by their experienced Chief of Staff, so there is no concern about unwanted interaction or paws getting stepped on during line dances or bustling deck events. Additionally, like all crew and passengers, CDOs have personal life jackets and their own muster station.

A Few Of Their Favorite Things

It should come as no surprise that Rover and Sailor have quickly become the most popular officers for both guests and the crew. These loving pups believe in giving back as well, participating in onboard Make-A-Wish auctions where private meet-and-greets are awarded to winning donors supporting the charity.

Rover Is An Unforgettable Icon

Rover was born in Florida and is one of the youngest officers at sea, joining her ship at six months old. The Icon of the Seas CDO is a furry foodie — she even received a cake for her second birthday. Rover can do high-fives, roll-overs and handshakes. She enjoys beach running, swimming and digging in the sand at Perfect Day CocoCay (and a good bath after!). Onboard the ship, she loves to play fetch with a ball and naps between interactions, including some snoozes in her little nook on the bridge.  Royal Caribbean dogs hang out with the crew for fun and morale-building.

Sailor Is A True Star

Like Rover, Star of the Seas CDO Sailor is a Florida native. Sailor’s Chief of Staff describes her as a friendly, playful and curious pup who is acing her role with a sweet disposition that brings joy and smiles to everyone she meets. 

The newest Chief Dog Officer started at six months old, loves to go for a wander in Port Canaveral on turnaround days between cruises, visits the groomer for a weekly glow-up and her vet when needed. Sailor even spent a day meeting fans and living the life of a football “wag,” posing for paparazzi as she joined a day of fun at an Inter Miami CF match. On the ship, she strolls around Central Park in the morning and evening.

The Chief Of Staff Makes Fetch Happen

The CDO Chief of Staff is a highly coveted position on the ship. Being able to bond with such sweet fur friends is reward enough, but this position has perks. Rover and Sailor, as three-stripe officers, enjoy a very comfortable stateroom with ocean views where they have multiple comfy lounge spots and their stash of toys (and occasional accessories for special occasion dress up).  The Chief of Staff also gets to live in the Royal Caribbean Chief Dog Officer cabin to make sure the CDO has everything they need to be healthy and happy. 

Who Lets the Dogs Out? The Chief of Staff

Both pups are also big on beach time when visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, accompanied by their Chief of Staff, of course. They love a good beach day to enjoy at their leisure, with plenty of space to run. 

CDOs make spontaneous short appearances or public connections throughout the day on the ship, surprising and delighting fortunate guests. However, much of the day is spent being a caring companion and coordinating the number one expectation of the CDO role — to have fun. Rover and Sailor would like guests to know that should they luck into an encounter, pats are most certainly welcome!

If you meet Rover or Sailor with their Chief of Staff, you’ll recognize the official fanny pack where treats are tucked to reward positive interactions and special moments. Cuddles and tail wags might not be your typical co-worker dynamic, but such is life in this unique role.

Bark, Er Book, A CDO-Approved Cruise

Furry friends beat influencers any day, and these canine superstars of Royal Caribbean have given their seal of approval on the newest ships on the high seas. The only way to meet the Royal Caribbean Chief Dog Officers is to join an Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas adventure, so pack your wags, er bags, and call all paws on deck to plan your adventure.