Germana Carillo A luxury dog-friendly cruise offers over-the-top indulgence for pets, but is it really necessary, and at what environmental cost?
@Margaritaville at Sea
Imagine a dog-friendly cruise, specifically designed with Fido in mind. It sounds harmless enough, but what if that trip at sea is more than just your average cruise and includes over-the-top luxury and massages for your dog?
The world’s first such offering comes from the American company Margaritaville at Sea, and it’s a journey aboard the super-polluting megaship Islander. The cruise includes spa treatments and “pampering” services for dogs who might not even know they need them.
This is the first-ever cruise tailored to welcome 250 dogs, each accompanied by their human companions, set to sail from Tampa, Florida, this November. The experience is being curated by Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises.
Onboard, there will be a wide array of activities designed solely for the canine guests. As if it wasn’t already indulgent enough to be on vacation, there will be gifts, gourmet snacks for dogs, training shows fit for TV screens, expert advice on how to become the most stylish dog on the block, and, of course, costume parades and runway shows to make your pup feel like a true star. And if relaxation is the priority, worry not—massages and grooming sessions will be available whenever your dog is in the mood for some extra pampering.
The cruise’s stops will be at highly-equipped ports and beaches, where our loyal companions can enjoy themselves without the risk of encountering “too-human” beaches. In their cabins, the dogs will have access to a private area on the balcony to do their business, essentially giving them their own little high-altitude apartment. What’s more, a “Pet Butler” will be on hand 24/7 to attend to their every need, ensuring that they experience a dream cruise.
But, hold on, you might be wondering: do our dogs really need all this? Isn’t this just another opportunity for us to indulge our own desires? While the concept of treating our four-legged friends with more luxury has gained widespread acceptance, there’s a concern that it may be turning into an expensive, over-the-top industry that our pets simply don’t require.
And, as for the environmental impact? It’s all wrapped up on the usual mega-ship—a vessel that’s approximately 2.7 times the length of a football field, 2.4 times as wide as a tractor-trailer, and as tall as an 11-story building. According to a report from Transport & Environment, this ship actually causes far more pollution than a fleet of cars.
The price for bringing your dog along on this luxurious adventure? It starts at around €1,200 (approximately $1,300) per person (for an interior cabin). However, you’ll need to send a participation request via the official Cruise Tails website and provide a series of certificates, including vaccination records.
Sources: Margaritaville at Sea / Transport & Environment
