Can You Bring Pets on Explora Journeys?
Introduction: Luxury Travel Meets Lifestyle — But What About Pets?
For many luxury travelers, a perfect journey isn’t complete without their beloved pets. Whether it’s a small dog, a cat, or even a service animal, pets are part of the family — and when it comes to planning an ultra-luxury cruise, one of the first questions many guests ask is:
“Can you bring pets on Explora Journeys?”
As Explora Journeys continues redefining the world of ocean travel with its elegant fleet — Explora I, Explora II, and beyond — its philosophy centers around personalization, comfort, and the feeling of home at sea. But “home” looks different for each traveler, especially for those who never leave their four-legged companions behind.
This detailed guide explores Explora Journeys’ current pet policy (2025), including rules for service animals, alternatives for pet owners, and how to plan a seamless journey with or without your furry friend.
1. The Short Answer: Pets Are Not Permitted Onboard Explora Journeys
As of 2025, Explora Journeys does not allow personal pets (dogs, cats, or other animals) onboard its ships — regardless of size or breed.
This policy aligns with the majority of luxury cruise lines in the same category, including Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Silversea, and Seabourn, all of which maintain similar restrictions for hygiene, safety, and guest comfort reasons.
However, there is one important exception: service animals specifically trained to assist guests with disabilities.
2. Service Animals: The Only Exception
Explora Journeys is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience. Under international maritime and disability regulations, registered service animals are permitted onboard under strict conditions.
Service Animal Requirements
To qualify, the animal must:
Be a trained service dog assisting a person with a recognized disability.
Be certified by an official organization (documentation required).
Be vaccinated and healthy, with full veterinary records.
Remain under control and on a leash or harness at all times.
Be housebroken and able to relieve itself in designated areas.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not permitted onboard Explora Journeys. This is consistent with international maritime law, which does not recognize ESAs as service animals.
If you rely on an ESA for emotional comfort, your travel advisor can help arrange luxury pet boarding or care services while you’re sailing.
3. Why Pets Aren’t Allowed on Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys aims to maintain the most serene and refined onboard atmosphere possible — one that balances privacy with exceptional service. There are several practical reasons for the no-pets policy:
Health and Sanitation: Maintaining the highest hygiene standards is crucial, particularly in enclosed maritime environments.
Allergies and Guest Comfort: Some guests may have severe allergies or sensitivities.
International Regulations: Explora ships sail through multiple countries, each with its own quarantine and veterinary laws.
Ship Design: There are no pet-relief areas or kennel facilities onboard.
Noise Control: Barking or distress in animals could affect the tranquil onboard experience for other guests.
In short, the policy ensures a consistent, luxury-standard environment for all passengers — while also keeping animal welfare in mind.
4. What About the “Owner’s Residence” or Private Suites?
Many travelers assume that ultra-premium suites — such as Explora Journeys’ Owner’s Residence or Ocean Residences — might allow exceptions for pets.
However, even in these cases, pets are not permitted, regardless of accommodation level or voyage type. The restriction applies fleetwide and across all suite categories.
That said, Explora’s ships are designed with an extraordinary sense of residential comfort — from plush furnishings to curated in-suite amenities — giving you the feeling of a luxury home at sea. So while your pet can’t join, you’ll still enjoy a setting that feels deeply personal and serene.
5. Options for Travelers Who Don’t Want to Leave Pets Behind
For many pet owners, the thought of leaving a pet at home is challenging. Fortunately, there are excellent luxury pet care solutions that allow you to travel stress-free.
Luxury Pet Boarding
Several hotel brands and standalone facilities offer five-star pet boarding experiences that mirror the luxury of your voyage:
The Barkley Pet Hotel & Spa (Los Angeles, New York)
Rover Luxury Stays
Paradise 4 Paws (airport-based)
Dogtopia Elite (select cities)
These facilities offer climate-controlled suites, webcam access, daily walks, spa treatments, and even bedtime stories — ensuring your pet is pampered while you sail.
Private Pet Sitters or Home Care
If your pet feels most comfortable at home, a certified in-home sitter can be an excellent solution. Websites like TrustedHousesitters or upscale agencies such as Elite Pet Concierge offer vetted professionals who care for pets in familiar surroundings.
6. Cruise Alternatives for Pet Owners
If you’re determined to travel with your pet, consider one of these rare exceptions in luxury travel:
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
This is the only major ocean liner that permits dogs and cats — but only on transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton. The ship includes:
A full-time Kennel Master
Indoor and outdoor play areas
British lamppost and New York fire hydrant replica zones
Special “Welcome Aboard” gifts for pets
Spaces are extremely limited (only about a dozen kennels per voyage), and bookings must be made up to a year in advance.
For all other cruise lines — including Explora Journeys — pet travel is not allowed.
7. Traveling with a Service Animal on Explora Journeys: Step-by-Step
If you will be traveling with a service dog, you’ll need to prepare documentation in advance to ensure smooth boarding.
1. Notify at Time of Booking
Let your travel advisor (or Explora directly) know that you’ll be traveling with a service animal. Early notice allows time for paperwork and accommodations to be arranged.
2. Provide Documentation
Submit:
Service dog certification papers
Vaccination and health records
Proof of training and behavior certification
Destination-specific veterinary documentation (for countries requiring import permits or health certificates)
3. Pre-Boarding Requirements
You may be asked to present your animal for inspection by port or ship medical staff to confirm health and compliance.
4. Onboard Care
The crew will designate a relief area on deck and provide waste disposal materials. However, all feeding, cleaning, and care remain the owner’s responsibility.
8. Destinations with Strict Animal Import Laws
Even with service animals, certain destinations may impose strict restrictions or quarantines. Your travel advisor will help confirm requirements based on your itinerary.
For example:
Hawaii and New Zealand enforce quarantine periods for all incoming animals.
Australia and some Caribbean nations require health certificates and pre-arrival approvals.
EU ports may need an official EU Pet Passport or equivalent veterinary record.
It’s critical to verify these details at least 90 days before sailing to avoid complications at port.
9. Why Explora’s Policy Reflects Responsible Luxury
Explora Journeys markets itself as a brand built on “Ocean State of Mind” — a concept rooted in mindfulness, calm, and respect for the environment.
The pet policy isn’t about exclusivity — it’s about maintaining a harmonious onboard ecosystem that respects both people and nature. By minimizing risks associated with animals on ships, Explora ensures a safe, comfortable experience for everyone — including the pets who are better off at home.
10. Tips for Pet Owners Planning an Explora Voyage
Book early — securing a refundable fare allows flexibility while you arrange care for your pet.
Plan ahead for pet care. Research boarding or in-home services months in advance, especially during holidays.
Send a comfort item. Leave your pet with a familiar toy or blanket to ease separation anxiety.
Stay connected. Choose a pet service that provides video updates during your trip.
Insure your journey. Travel insurance covers your voyage, while pet insurance protects your furry friend back home.
A professional travel advisor (like Stars Desk) can help align these logistics so you can embark stress-free.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I request an exception for a small pet in my suite?
No. Explora Journeys has a strict no-pet policy across all ships, suites, and voyage types.
Q: What if I’m traveling with a service animal for medical assistance?
Registered service animals are permitted. Advance documentation and coordination are required.
Q: Are there any future plans to introduce pet-friendly sailings?
As of 2025, there are no announced plans for pet-inclusive voyages, but the brand continues expanding personalization — so policies may evolve as the fleet grows.
Q: Can my pet visit me at port stops?
No, pets cannot board temporarily or visit while the ship is docked.
Q: Does Explora offer pet-care partnerships?
Not officially, but your travel advisor can recommend luxury boarding or pet concierge services near your embarkation port.
12. Final Thoughts: Luxury and Love Don’t Have to Stay on Land
While Explora Journeys does not currently allow pets onboard, the brand’s philosophy of “Home at Sea” ensures every detail of your experience is thoughtfully personalized — even when your furry family member stays on shore.
With the help of your travel advisor, you can arrange world-class care for your pet while you enjoy an uninterrupted journey through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Northern Europe — confident that both you and your pet are being looked after with exceptional care.
When you’re ready to plan your voyage, start with our Explora Journeys Booking Guide — complete with exclusive perks, personalized assistance, and full details on how to book your luxury cruise with confidence.
