Monday's Medley: Dogs On a Boat

Much of pet relocation happens by land or air.  However, a new trend might be emerging for leisure travelers who also happen to be pet owners.  The Cunard line of cruise ships offers a method for dogs, cats and their owners to make a transatlantic trip via their flagship, the Queen Mary II.  On deck 12, this exceptionally large vessel boasts 12 dog kennels along with a private handler and dedicated staff.  Owners have their own private area on the ship to walk their dogs when they’re in need of a visit with their pets.  The price of peace of mind brought about by bringing pets onboard is reasonable: $500 for medium sized dogs, $700 for larger dogs, and $1000 for cats.  Read more @ travelagentcentral.com.

A Friendly Stay for Personal Pet Transport

The Kimpton Hotels, located in several U.S. cities such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco, allow pets of any size to stay at any of their locations.  The Hotel Manaco in Alexandria, VA is one of their locations that has a special pet concierge service.   Such locations are capable of assisting arriving guests with their pets and even bringing gold fish to rooms of those with pets at home.  When owners head to the spas, certain hotels even provide pampering and grooming for their dogs simultaneously, side by side.  If an owner is transporting a pet across the country, then this is the hotel line to look for.

Norway… Where Dogs Transport You

The Kirkenes Snowhotel in far northeastern Norway does more than offer its guests dogsled tours in the subarctic climate.  Their stock of Alaskan Huskies actually serves to transport guests to and from the resort’s closest airport.  While being outfitted in protective clothing for the extreme conditions, guests are given a chance to meet with their sled guide and dogs beforehand.  These dogs provide a valuable resource in an area that can have most of its major thoroughfares closed due to weather.