Traveling across the Atlantic with a pet can be stressful—especially with the challenges of cargo flight restrictions, breed limitations, and unpredictable airline policies. The Queen Mary 2 (QM2) offers a unique solution: dedicated onboard kennels that allow dogs and cats to sail safely and comfortably between Europe and North America.

I specialize in helping families (including military PCS moves), expats, and pet owners secure kennel space on the Queen Mary 2. Below is everything you need to know before planning your crossing.

Where Pets Are Accepted

Pets are only permitted on specific Transatlantic Crossings of the Queen Mary 2. Approved routes include:

Southampton ↔ New York
Hamburg ↔ Southampton ↔ New York

Pet travel is not available on Caribbean sailings, roundtrip New York/Fort Lauderdale voyages, or any non–transatlantic itinerary.

Only healthy dogs and cats may sail—no ferrets, birds, reptiles, or other animals.

Kennel Layout & Sizes

Queen Mary 2 has 24 total kennels located on Deck 12 next to a private outdoor dog run.

Lower Kennels (Large Pets)

Height: 36"
Depth: 35–35.5"
Width: 30"
For pets 26 lbs or more

Upper Kennels (Small Pets)

Height: 27"
Depth: 35–35.5"
Width: 30"
For pets 25 lbs or less

Combined Kennels

Two kennels can be opened and combined to accommodate larger pets:

Max pet length for a single kennel: 34" (nose to base of tail)
Max pet length for a double kennel: 59"
Max pet height for all kennels: 27" (measured floor to shoulder)

Sharing Rules

Dogs: May not share kennels with other dogs.
Cats: Must book two upper kennels (one used for the litter box).
Two cats may share the combined space.
No extra charge for the second cat in a double upper kennel.

2026 Pricing (Official Cunard Rates)

Prices are per crossing and charged per kennel:

Upper kennel: $1,300
Lower kennel: $1,500
Cats (2 upper kennels): $2,600
Dogs requiring 2 lower kennels: $3,000

Prices are in USD.

Visiting Hours

Pet owners may visit their animals during designated daily hours:

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

(Exact times may vary by sailing; check onboard.)

Pets must remain within the kennel area and are not permitted in public spaces or guest staterooms (except certified service animals).

Breed Policies

Dogs Prohibited by UK Law (Cannot Sail):

American Pit Bull Terrier
Japanese Tosa Inu
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
American Bully XL
Any mixed breed that includes these

These breeds are illegal in the UK and cannot enter via any route, including QM2.

Breeds Too Large for Kennels

Due to size limitations, the following breeds generally cannot be accommodated:

Afghan, Curly Coated Retriever, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter, Borzoi, Great Dane, Briard, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Mastiff, Deerhound, Newfoundland, Doberman, Pyrenees, St. Bernard, Saluki, Weimaraner, Bull Mastiff, Malamute.

Owners of unusually small individuals may still inquire—exact measurements determine eligibility.

Pet Amenities

Pets onboard receive:

QM2 dog coat
Fleece blanket
Food provided (owners may request specific brands)
Portrait session (subject to availability)

Owners may bring their own pet food by request.

Paperwork & Veterinary Requirements

Requirements differ depending on your direction of travel.

Traveling From New York → Southampton/Hamburg

This process can be complex, so it’s important to start with the most accurate, up-to-date information. I recommend beginning with the official USDA/APHIS guidance:

USDA/APHIS Pet Travel (U.S. → U.K.): https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-united-kingdom-great-britain-england-scotland

Many clients choose to work with a pet-travel service to ensure all documents are prepared correctly—this is always my recommendation. Once you’re booked, I’m happy to share trusted companies I work with.

Pets must have:

ISO-compliant microchip
Valid rabies vaccination
Official PETS certificate / pet passport / third-country certificate
Tapeworm treatment for dogs (administered 1–5 days before embarkation)

Let me know if you'd like help walking through the requirements or exploring pet-travel services.

Traveling From Southampton/Hamburg → New York

Follow CDC guidelines for pets entering the U.S.:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/index.html

If you plan to re-enter the UK after returning to the U.S., you must again meet all UK PETS requirements.

What to Expect Onboard

Your pet enjoys:

A dedicated Kennel Master team
A secure indoor kennel room
Access to an outdoor dog run with a fire hydrant & lamppost
Feeding, cleaning, and care included

You enjoy:

Multiple daily visiting hours
Peace of mind knowing your pet is never in airline cargo
The only humane transatlantic option for many breeds and sizes

How I Help You Book a Kennel

Booking a kennel is more complex than booking a stateroom — space is limited, and availability changes frequently. Here’s what I handle for you:

Verify kennel sizing & pet eligibility
Check real-time availability directly with Cunard
Match your timeline (including PCS windows)
Secure your stateroom + kennel reservation
Monitor for any changes leading up to your sailing

There is no additional cost to use my services. Cunard pays me when you book through me.

How Kennel Waitlists Work

Because kennel space on the Queen Mary 2 is extremely limited, many families end up joining a waitlist for their preferred sailing. Here’s how the process works and what you need to know before deciding whether to waitlist.

1. You must have a deposited stateroom to join a kennel waitlist

Cunard requires a confirmed stateroom booking with a paid deposit before they will place your pet on a waitlist. Kennels cannot be waitlisted without a stateroom attached to the reservation.

This ensures Cunard only waitlists truly committed travelers — and it also means you are “in line” the moment kennel space opens.

2. Stateroom deposits are typically ~25% of the cruise fare

For most Queen Mary 2 transatlantic sailings, the deposit is approximately 25% of the total stateroom cost. I run exclusive sales once per quarter where the deposit is only 12.5%.
This deposit holds your room and allows me to request your spot on the kennel waitlist immediately.

3. Your deposit is fully refundable until 121 days before sailing

Cunard’s standard policy allows cancellations up to 121 days prior to departure with a full refund of your deposit.

This gives peace of mind:
If your kennel space never clears, you can cancel before the 121-day mark and receive your deposit back.

4. Once you are inside 120 days, Cunard cancellation fees apply

At 120 days prior to sailing, Cunard’s cancellation penalties begin.
This is why it’s important to monitor your timeline closely if you are on a waitlist.

**5. Kennels must clear completely to confirm your pet**

Cunard will only confirm your reservation if all kennel space you require is available:

A large dog needing two lower kennels must have both kennels become available.
A cat needing two upper kennels must have both clear.

6. How I help with the waitlist

When you are waitlisted, I will:

Track the status of your sailing
Monitor potential openings
Provide guidance on whether an alternate sailing is more realistic
Help you decide whether to hold or release your stateroom before penalty windows begin
Coordinate any adjustments if your timeline changes (common with PCS moves)

Cancellations do happen — especially as families approach the 121-day deadline — and many clients do clear from waitlists.

Ready to Explore Kennel Availability?

If you’re considering a Queen Mary 2 kennel crossing, it’s best to start early — many sailings fill 12–24 months out.

I’ll run the numbers, check availability, and help you determine whether QM2 is the right fit for your pet.

DISCLAIMER: All information above is unofficial information compiled from dozens of clients who have booked pets on the QM2. All information is subject to change. Seek official advice from Cunard or official government sources.

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