HighSeas75

We disembarked with pup at Cherbourg once. I don't think they are stopping in France anymore. It would be great if they would.

Hello. According to the kennel department you can take your dog to Hamburg. I don't think they are doing the stop to Le Havre anymore, sadly.

Hello. I've taken a dog on that route a few times also, but as it can be a little stressful for a pup I wondered if the extra 2 days would be too hard on them.

I am wondering about taking a dog on the QM2 NY to Hamburg Transatlantic route. Nine nights in a kennel is a long time. Does anyone here have any experience with that and how does it work out?

Thank you all for your responses.

Hello. Who are the current QM2 Captains/Masters? I've met a few in the past but haven't travelled on Cunard in a while.

Thank you. He comes from a breeder, in the countryside, and was housed with other dogs in a kennel. I do worry about him becoming sick though as he is so young - he will be 15 weeks at sailing time. Most of the money for the fare paid will be lost if we cancel, but I'd rather that any day than lose him. Originally it was my beloved 12 year old dog who was supposed to travel, but he unexpectedly died and I was so devastated I didn't know how to cope except to get a puppy. I'm so glad I did, I love him so much - and I feel my other dog is closer as a result.

I've been told by the Kennel Master that QM2 has had 12 week old puppies onboard. I have a spaniel that will be 15/16 weeks at sailing time. He is healthy but so small and fragile I am beginning to wonder if it is safe for him and if I should cancel and take the trip when he is a bit older. Has anyone here has had experience sailing on Cunard with puppies or have you seen some in the QM2 kennels?

Hello NE John, I have been on many crossings, and what they now call Gala nights were called formal nights and there were four. Then more recently they reduced them to three I think. It's so sad there are only two formal (aka Gala) nights now. That whole special QE2/QM2 tradition is going away. A shame. Will Cunard ships soon be just like any other cruise ships?

Hello. One of the plusses of the crossings was having the same tablemates for the entire trip so that you got to know them and often participated in evening events together. If you travel solo it is especially helpful, otherwise you wander around in the evenings alone. G32 by yourself is not very comfortable and so much more fun with buddies. Having tablemate friendships or not can determine how much you enjoy your trip. So are people just wandering from table to table now? That would seem quite impersonal no?

Hello. Don't ladies wear evening gowns any more on QM2 crossings? There were 4 formal nights I think. To do away with that would take away Cunard's uniqueness and make it more bland.

Hello IB2. Yes you're right, they are locked in that kennel at night for a long time. I don't think I will be taking my dog over by ship, though he is looking more like his youthful bouncy self again. Even in summer there can be wet weather and he would not be kept dry enough. A younger dog who has not just been ill can handle it.

Hello Host Hattie. Every time I have traveled or am about to I see the vet first. I need a health certificate, so he has to be well before he can travel. But yes, I'll remind myself to ask the vet for advice about taking him via ship. Thanks.

Hello tag1000. I travelled constantly overseas with my previous dog and he developed a serious immune illness. I now think it may have been because of too frequent Rabies vaccines. So I will now reconsider traveling with a dog unless it it for a move. Too bad because I loved taking them with me to Europe/UK and back. And yes both my dogs have enjoyed the kennels. They get a lot of attention from people and playing with other dogs. The kennel masters are always great and the dogs love them. I hope you dog recovers. I am trying to get my pup in top health with better food and a less humid environment (the high UK humidity with no aircon gives him ear and skin problems). Pet food now has become questionable, so I try to feed mostly natural plus vitamins. Good luck with your travels.

Hello LadyL1. Yes I've checked and I know they are often fully booked. I've had quite a lot of luck with wait lists though.