Many sightseeing cruises and ferry companies allow dogs for brief adventures on the water. However, If you are interested in taking a multi-day cruise with a dog, I highly recommend the “Flussreisen mit Hund” dog friendly cruises from 1AVista Reisen.
Based in Cologne, Germany, 1AVista Reisen operates several river cruises a year that are specifically for people who want to travel with dogs. They currently offer dog friendly cruises in Germany and the Netherlands on board the MS Poseidon.
Dogs are allowed to stay with their owners in comfortable, twin-bedded cabins. All cabins have heating/AC, a flat-screen TV, and free wifi. Pet beds, & bowls are also provided on dog friendly cruises.
The rates for 1AVista Reisen’s river cruises on MS Poseidon are all-inclusive. For human passengers, this means there are no additional charges for meals or drinks (house wine, beer, soda, juice, water, coffee, and tea). Your pup can enjoy complimentary dog treats, and find bowls of fresh water, positioned around the ship.
Your dog will always have a comfortable place to go potty on the MS Poseidon too. On their dog friendly cruises, a portion of the Sun Deck is converted to a ‘poop deck.’ It is covered with sod and plants so pups can hygienically relieve themselves in between stops.
Dog friendly cruise itineraries are specifically designed so the ship is docked at night and sightseeing stops can be made during the day. Some of the highlights of the Netherlands cruise that I took with Louis were: Zaandam, Hoorn, and Wijk bij Duurstede.
Language Onboard:
Passengers on 1AVista dog friendly cruises are primarily German-speaking. Activities, announcements, schedules, and booking materials are only provided in German. However, most of the crew speak English and are happy to answer any questions.
I’ve now taken three of their dog friendly cruises and have honestly never felt that my lack of German language skills was a problem. All the passengers share a love of dogs that transcends language.
I wrote this piece because I’ve enjoyed 1AVista’s Dog Cruises so much. I do not receive any kind of compensation from the company but honestly, hope you will book a voyage for you and your pup. It is one of the most unique dog friendly experiences you can ever have.
For more information on 1AVista Reisen’s cruises that allow dogs, please visit their website www.1AVista.de. For a computer translation of their page about dog friendly cruises click here.
We Love this! Our Frenchie and pugs would have the best time. Thank you so much for sharing!
Could you tell me what time of the year or months of the year that you do dog friendly cruises for the 2021 season along the river Rhine. Thank you
According to the 1Avista website, in 2021 they have dog friendly Rhine River cruises scheduled for March 28 and October 17. There are also combination cruises October 22 (Rhine & Moselle) and October 24 (Rhine & Main). You can find more details at https://www.1avista.de/flussreisen-mit-hund.html
Having traveled for about a total of four months with our small BichonFrise, with no problems, not a single “accident” we are so happy
to see that we can consider a river cruise. Thank you!
Thank you very much for creating a site like this. This is very helpful.
We have a beautiful and we’ll behaved little pouch on and would love to take her on a river cruise. Iwe would like to be informed of the next available cruise.
It looks like they have several cruises planned next year, but I don’t know if there are still cabins available. You will need to check directly with 1AVista Reisen. https://www.1avista.de/flusskreuzfahrten/hund/
Can a dog who is 60 cm go on cruise? Also have one who is 50 cm. Please send your newsletters. Thank you.
According to the cruise operator’s website, the maximum allowed shoulder height is 50 cm. I think I have seen dogs on board who are larger than that, so I recommend contacting them at info@1avista.de.
Is there a limit.per person as to how many y dogs one can take? And to the breeds and size?
Here is an English translation of what it says on their website:
Please note that only one dog with a maximum shoulder height of 50 cm is allowed per cabin booked. If you are taking two dogs with you, with a maximum shoulder height of 30 cm, you will need to contact our service team. We ask for your understanding that dangerous dog breeds such as pit bulls, bull terriers, rottweilers, bulldogs, etc. cannot be transported in accordance with the dog regulations of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.