How to travel with your pet by ship

Summer has arrived, and many pet owners want to take their pets on vacation with them.

Ferry travel is one of the most popular holiday options in our country, so it’s essential to understand the rules and regulations that apply to you as a pet owner when traveling with your pet on board.

In Greece, ships flying the Greek flag adhere to PD Article 101/1973 and 61A Official Gazette 31/03/95, which stipulate the following:

Passenger ships over 25 meters must have designated areas for pets traveling with their owners, proportionate to the ship’s size.
Persons with disabilities accompanied by certified assistance animals are permitted in all areas of the ship.

All cruise lines allow pets on board, but specific regulations may vary between lines and ships. It’s advisable to check with your chosen cruise line for comprehensive information regarding pets on board and any associated fees.

Generally, the following rules apply universally:

Passengers must declare that they are traveling with a pet at the time of booking.
Your pet must possess a valid health book or pet passport.
Pets cannot travel unaccompanied.
Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s care, safety, and hygiene.
Pet owners are liable for any damage or harm caused by their pets to third parties.

Visually impaired passengers may travel with their guide dogs under national law (Law no. 376, 25 August 1988) and EU regulations (Article 11.5 of Regulation (EU) No. 1177/2010) at no additional cost, provided the cruise line or tour operator is informed during booking.

Depending on the cruise company and ship, you may find specially designated areas or cages for dogs and cats on board. Some companies offer pet-friendly cabins (pet cabins), while other pets such as hamsters, birds, and rabbits are allowed but must remain in cages at all times. Pets are generally not allowed in common ship areas and must remain leashed or muzzled when moving through stairways or corridors. Pet owners must supervise their pets at all times when not in designated areas or pet cabins.

Here are the specific guidelines for traveling with pets on some cruise lines:

MINOAN LINES:
Minoan Lines provides free cages on all their ships for international and domestic routes. Additionally, a limited number of pet-friendly cabins are available on international routes. On domestic routes, pet-friendly cabins are available on the Knossos Palace, Festos Palace, and Kydon Palace ships.

ANEK LINES FERRIES:
Pets can stay in campers/caravans when booking the Camping on Board service and must not disturb other passengers on the open deck. There are also a limited number of pet-friendly cabins available, which must be booked early. These cabins are listed as Pet-Friendly Cabins in the online booking system, with an additional charge of 50 euros per pet per route. There are also specially designated areas/cages on the covered deck for a fee of 20 euros per pet per route, with reservations required in advance. Pets are allowed on the deck free of charge, but cannot be left unattended.

GRIMALDI LINES FERRIES:
Grimaldi Lines allows all pets listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 576/2013 to travel safely in designated cages or pet cabins with their owners. Cages are available exclusively for cats and dogs, while other animals like rabbits, birds, and reptiles must travel in designated cages or pet cabins with their owners, cats and dogs have exclusive accommodations on board, whereas other animals (like rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.) must travel in transport cages provided by the passenger.

For passengers who prefer their pets in the cabin, purchasing a pet kit for €10 per cabin per route transforms any cabin type into a pet-friendly space. This service allows pets to stay with their owners throughout the journey, with owners responsible for their accommodation, care, and hygiene.

Cabins with a purchased pet kit include specific bedding and undergo a specialized cleaning process after the trip, tailored for animal presence. Additionally, passengers opting for the pet kit will receive a special welcome bag containing:

Cotton bag with Grimaldi Lines logo
Absorbent cover sized 60 × 90
Waterproof bowl with Grimaldi Lines logo
Roll of 15 biodegradable sanitary bags sized 23 × 33 cm

Here are the specific guidelines for several ferry companies:

A-Ships: A fee of €20 per pet is payable at the port office on embarkation day. Small pets can be accommodated in cabins upon request. Crates are also available on board, but early boarding is advised as space is limited. If all crates are occupied, owners must stay on the open deck with their pets.

Ventouris Ferries: Pets can travel for free. Crates are available on board, but early boarding is recommended to secure space. If all crates are occupied, owners must stay on the open deck with their pets.

Blue Star Ferries: For ships traveling to the Cyclades, Dodecanese, North Aegean, Sporades, and Argosaronic Islands, a limited number of pet-friendly cabins are available on board. These must be booked in advance. On FLYING DOLPHIN ships, only pets in small carriers up to 10 kg are allowed. Special areas are provided on ships for daily pet hygiene, excluding FLYING DOLPHIN ships.

For ships heading to Crete, pets can travel in pet cabins or specially designated cages on the ship’s deck. Booking is crucial due to limited availability. Special areas on board are designated for daily pet hygiene.

Aegeon Pelagos: Pets can travel in pet cabins or specially designated cages on the ship’s deck. Booking is necessary due to limited cabin availability.

Alpha Lines: Pets can travel for free. Crates are available on board, but early boarding is recommended to secure space. If all crates are occupied, owners must stay on the open deck with their pets.

Ane Kalymnou: Pets can travel for free. Crates are available on board, but early boarding is recommended to secure space. If all crates are occupied, owners must stay on the open deck with their pets.

GOLDEN STAR FERRIES: Pets can travel in pet cabins or specially designated cages on the ship’s deck. Booking is essential due to limited cabin availability.

Fast Ferries: Pets can travel for free. Crates are available on board, but early boarding is recommended to secure space. If all crates are occupied, owners must stay on the open deck with their pets.

Aegean Flying Dolphins: Pets must remain in the designated open area of the ship (always leashed and accompanied) and must wear a muzzle.

Levante Ferries: Pets should remain in the specially designated pet area throughout the voyage. Small pets can stay in cabins with their owners if they are in pet carriers or cages.

Dodekanisos Flying Dolphins, Zante Ferries, Aegean Speed Lines & Dodekanisos Seaways: Pets travel free of charge. Crates are available onboard, but it’s advisable to board early to secure space. If all crates are taken, owners must stay on the open deck with their pets.

Anes Ferries: Pets must stay in specially designated areas (cages) onboard. Small pets weighing less than 10kg can stay with their owners in a pet carrier or crate. Pets not in crates must be leashed and muzzled at all times.

Happy Holidays!

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