Margaritaville at Sea and Cruise Tails have teamed up to offer the first-ever dog-friendly cruise, which will set sail in November 2025. The Margaritaville at Sea Islander will depart from Tampa, Florida, with a total of 250 doggy passengers.
Canine amenities and activities will include grooming, massages, dog shows, parades, costume contests, training, splash stations, an 80s-themed party, and more. If that’s not enough to convince your fur baby to join you, just mention each dog will get their very own ‘pet butler’ to ensure they’re living their best life. And in case you’re wondering, each canine passenger’s balcony includes a “private relief station.”
But it’s not a complete furry free-for-all, as there will be areas where pets are sadly not allowed. Such as the restaurants, pool decks, and the human spas and salons. And no, your pup can’t gamble as The Margaritaville Casino is also off-limits.
Note that space is limited and there are mandatory requirements for all canine passengers. This includes up-to-date vaccinations and health checks, as well as keeping them leashed. Also, you can expect this cruise to blow up social media, so all canine cruisers must sign a photo waiver so the cruise can include them in posts and videos. This can include competing in contests, attending events, or trying out products provided by sponsors. And with only 250 canine tickets available, dog parents need to apply and get on the waitlist asap!
@jimmybuffett #likemydog ♬ original sound – jimmybuffett
The fact that Margaritaville at Sea is offering the first dog cruise would definitely please the late Margaritaville founder, Jimmy Buffet. Buffet loved dogs and gave lots of his time and money to support animal and environmental charities. He loved dogs so much that his last music video before he passed away in November 2023, was “Like My Dog” – With proceeds going to support pet adoption.
