NEW YORK — Dogs that sail on the Queen Mary 2 are getting the royal treatment.
The ship has just undergone $132 million in renovations that include new accommodations for two-legged as well as four-legged passengers.
The QM2, part of the Cunard fleet, is the only long-distance passenger vessel to carry dogs and cats. The ship now has 24 onboard kennels — twice what it had before the upgrades — in addition to room for 2,961 human guests.
Helping to cut the ribbon on the new kennels and pet area Wednesday were some of New York’s top Instagram dogs, known to fans as Chloe the Mini Frenchie (133,000 followers), Wally the Welsh Corgi (92,000 followers) and Ella Bean the Dog (40,000 followers).
The event took place in Brooklyn, N.Y., where the ship homeports, before a seven-day trans-Atlantic crossing to Southampton, England.
Besides the ship’s additional kennels, the new canine quarters include expanded space for dogs to play and walk, an owner’s lounge and two items essential for any dog on a walk, even at sea: an authentic New York City fire hydrant and a British lamppost.
Kennel master Oliver Cruz cares for the pets, walking, feeding and playing with them. Owners can visit, but cannot take them to their cabins.
“This is my passion,” said Cruz, who has a background as an animal handler and zoo guide in the Philippines, along with several years of experience working with pets on the QM2. He said the first day at sea is the most challenging as he memorizes the names of the dogs and their owners, while saying goodbye on “the last day is the saddest part, because we’ve bonded.”
Renovations during the ship’s 25 days in dry dock also included new carpets, paint, dining venues and public spaces, and redesigned cabins for the human passengers.
The original Queen Mary, now a floating hotel moored in Long Beach, debuted in New York 80 years ago. The QM2 was launched in 2004.
Cunard ships have a history of accommodating pets on its ships going back decades, including dogs belonging to Elizabeth Taylor and the Duke of Windsor. Wally, the corgi that helped unveil the improvements Wednesday, is the same breed favored by Queen Elizabeth.
Animal waste is removed with a scoop and disposed of in a special flush toilet. Dogs rarely become seasick, but the area is deep-cleaned after each voyage.
The kennels are among the best-selling accommodations: They are booked months in advance and cost $800-$1,000 per kennel.
Hilary Sloan, owner of Ella Bean, known for what Sloan calls her “fashion influence,” said the accommodations are “adorable.”
“I grew up going on cruises with my grandparents and taking a dog on a cruise would be the most fun ever,” Sloan said. “Traveling with pets is becoming more and more the norm. This is a fun and unique way to bring them on trips.”
