Stompieandfluffy Posted January 25, 2015 #1 Share Posted January 25, 2015 Hi there, I am considering moving back from South Africa to Europe and would like to take my dogs with, but am hesitant to fly with them. Does anyone know of a freighter that transports both people and their dogs from SA to Europe? Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chengkp75 Posted January 26, 2015 #2 Share Posted January 26, 2015 (edited) I can't say for sure, but I would doubt that any do. First, there is the possible quarantine issue, but if you've looked into flying the dogs, you know about these. But with a ship, you have to look at quarantine issues at every country the ship stops at along the route, and whether this would affect the timely loading/unloading of the ship, which is its primary business. Freighters are limited to 12 passengers (unless they want to have a doctor onboard), so the crew assigned to passenger needs is very small. On many ships, the officer's steward (cleans the officers' cabins daily) is assigned an extra duty to do the same for the passengers, and the passengers eat in the officers' dining room, so there is no extra galley or wait staff. What I'm saying is that the extra attention needed to transport a pet (making a litter box, cleaning it out daily, etc.) that a cruise ship can accommodate for service animals (and some allow pets) with their large crews, would not be available with the small crew on freighters. Edited January 26, 2015 by chengkp75 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainmcd Posted January 26, 2015 #3 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Chengkp is correct. It is a challenge to book a freighter with your dogs, but a few years ago I had on several occasions passengers who I permitted to take their dogs with them in their cabins, which were large on freighters. Dogs are not too happy without a few parks or trees to walk around, but they do fine and are welcomed by the crew. Be prepared to clean up after the dog. I am not able to comment on what companies or itineraries would be available, but there are some. Check with a travel agent who specializes in freighter travel.. Company policy said that the dogs on my ship should travel in a cage outside, but that is a decision that is not carved in stone. It may be possible, but not probable. If you get a ship that is Okay for you, then you will need to get a lot of vet certificates for the dog. Buen viaje. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stompieandfluffy Posted January 26, 2015 Author #4 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Thank you, Chengkp and Captainmcd! I figured that the chances are slim, but since there seems to be at least one freighter, the QM2, that takes dogs along going from Europe to the US I thought there might be a chance for one going from SA to Europe. I will check with an agency! Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chengkp75 Posted January 26, 2015 #5 Share Posted January 26, 2015 Thank you, Chengkp and Captainmcd! I figured that the chances are slim, but since there seems to be at least one freighter, the QM2, that takes dogs along going from Europe to the US I thought there might be a chance for one going from SA to Europe. I will check with an agency! Thanks again! Well, I don't think Cunard would appreciate calling the QM2 a freighter. Try for agencies that specialize in freighter travel. Google searches will bring up a few, we are not allowed to name travel agents on this board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stompieandfluffy Posted January 27, 2015 Author #6 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Well, I don't think Cunard would appreciate calling the QM2 a freighter. Try for agencies that specialize in freighter travel. Google searches will bring up a few, we are not allowed to name travel agents on this board. Thanks for correcting me. I obviously got that wrong and better do some more homework on this still. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leagle Posted February 14, 2015 #7 Share Posted February 14, 2015 The QM2 is not a freighter, but you are right, they do take dogs on the Trans-Atlantic crossings. It may be worth checking with Cunard about the position on cruises up the African coast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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