In November 2025, Margaritaville At Sea’s Islander will set sail with 250 dogs, their owners, and fellow humans for a unique and exciting adventure.

If you feel guilty about leaving your furry friend behind when you go on vacation, this cruise might be the perfect solution. The first-ever dog-friendly cruise is departing right from Tampa Bay.

Organized by Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orlando, this inaugural dog-friendly cruise will embark in November 2025. Margaritaville at Sea’s signature flagship, the Islander, will host this special event, departing from Port Tampa Bay.

A total of 250 dogs, along with their owners and “closest humans,” will be the cruise’s “inaugural ambassadors.” The cruise is dedicated to all things dog-related and is expected to feature unique experiences and activities, including gifts and samples from top vendors, dog shows and training sessions, guest speakers, costume contests, parades, and more.

Steve Matzke of Cruise Tails explained, “I consider my Yorkie, Louis, to be part of my family, and for years I missed out on the ‘family reunion’ cruise because I will not travel without him. I want to change that for myself and other dog lovers.”

To ensure the dog-friendly cruise runs smoothly, dog owners and their pets will need to meet several requirements and follow certain protocols:

• Approval: All participants must apply and be approved by the Cruise Tails team. This includes agreeing to onboard protocols, such as keeping dogs in permitted areas and ensuring all dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Pet Butler: Each family on board will be assigned a Pet Butler to ensure their cabin and the ship remain in top condition.
• Private Relief Station: Each dog will have access to a private relief station on their balcony.
• Pet Health Certificate and Passport: Approved and signed off by a licensed veterinarian, this will require up-to-date vaccinations and health checks for all pets boarding the ship.

According to cruise organizers, guests can participate in as many activities as they wish, with or without their dogs. Other onboard activities include dog grooming appointments, puppy massages, dog-friendly splash stations, and more. However, there will also be dog-free spaces, including the Margaritaville Casino, pool decks, live entertainment and music spaces, 12 dining venues, 13 lounges, and the ship’s spa and salon.

More information about the cruise, its entertainment lineup, events, and how to join the waitlist, is expected to be released soon.

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(Image credit: Dog Slim.com)