Skip to main content

Epic NYC Dog-Friendly Cruise Is a Serious Portrait of Luxury

You might want to book the next voyage!

Cruises are fun, but no one can deny that they're generally not very dog-friendly vacation spots. Since the object of a cruise is usually to visit at least one foreign country, dogs typically can't tag along unless they're certified service animals.

Now, though, someone has solved that problem. Recently, one dog mom took her Corgi mix on his first dog-friendly cruise. Though the boat never left NYC, it definitely did not disappoint:

Simon and Isabel had the best time on this little cruise. Luckily, he's just about the friendliest dog on the planet, so he's down for anything!

Simon is a city boy; he lives in New York City with his mom, Isabel, and her boyfriend, as well as a variety of foster siblings. His mom gained a following on TikTok by sharing her fostering journey; she's had over a dozen fosters since she started. Currently, his sister is an American Bully mix named Poutine!

Simon had a lot of fun on his cruise, but it definitely tuckered him out. Between the dozens of other dogs who were present, the people, and the sights and smells of the water, it was all very stimulating. As soon as they got into their car, he was ready for a nap!

This cruise sets sail a few times a year, with the next date being in October. It lasts about 90 minutes and takes you and your pup along the Hudson River and past a lot of NYC's best sights, including the Statue of Liberty. All dogs are welcome, as long as they're not a safety risk!

Are Dogs Okay on Cruises?

While you won't find many pet-friendly cruises out there, there's a reason for that. Dogs often don't respond well to cruises for a few reasons, like:

  1. The rooms are small. 
  2. They may get seasick. 
  3. There's not a lot (if any) grass, which may cause potty troubles. 
  4. Cruises are very loud nd get over-stimulating fast. 

A multi-day trip on a boat will be too much for almost any dog who hasn't been specifically trained for situations like that (like guide dogs, medical alert dogs, etc.,), and if the cruise stops in certain ports, your dog may not be allowed in, even if it is a closed-loop voyage. 

If you'd like to take your dog out on a normal boat for a little while on a hot summer day, that's a different story. If your dog likes water, they may actually enjoy a few minutes on a boat. Just don't go too fast, make sure they're wearing a lifejacket, and be ready to turn back if they start getting stressed out. Once they're on land again, you can usually expect them to crash just like Simon! 

🐶 SIGN UP for Parade’s weekly pet newsletter for more inspiring and entertaining stories about our furry and feathered friends 🐾