At last, some good news...
As a lot of our friends and fellow Pug people may know, we have been trying to secure flights for Denny and co for your upcoming relocation to the USA. Well, a lot of those people may also know what a right royal pain the in the BUTT that has been.
On Wednesday last week we were at our highest levels of desperation when the pet shipping company told us thatwe may not be able to ship the Pugs until September due to airline temperature restrictions. What!??? But we are scheduled to move into the new house in July - there was just no way that I would leave Denny and Charlie behind for 2 months. It felt like large boulders has been put on my shoulders, I just sank into my desk and started thinking the worst.
Over a year ago we had tried to secure a place on the Cunard QM2, but were told that they were stopping the Kennel facilities on board due to lack of use, this was the reason why we had to opt for flying the guys. We had tried several other cruise lines at the time and were led down dead end routes when trying to get confirmation that pets were allowed. We gave up.
On Wednesday I did a Google search for "pets transatlantic" and up came a new article about Cunards Pampered Pets Programme. I quickly pulled myself out of the slump at my desk and my heart started to pound (not for the first time this year!!). I called Robbi at home. Robbi was a little dissmissive, as was I, but she gave Cunard a call. All was looking good, the press release was indeed correct and pets were once again allowed on the QM2 for Transatlantic crossings. Cunard confirmed that Pugs were one of the breeds they would take but also mentioned that they only had 12 kennels on the ship and they would have to see if they had space. The wait was intense, I failed to do any work that afternoon!
When I eventually got home that evening Robbi and the dogs were waiting for me on the porch of the house. Robbi did not look happy - in fact she looked a little glum! I thought the worst and asked "no space then?". She laughed and said "yes" as she ran into my arms. Wicked!
The Pugs are going on the Queen Mary 2!
"For pets crossing the Atlantic aboard Queen Mary 2, the luxuries abound"VALENCIA, CA February 15, 2006
Long accustomed to cosseting travelers in the lap of luxury, Cunard is now extending its expertise to the four-legged friends of its Queen Mary 2 passengers. Recognizing the growing trend toward traveling with pets, the cruise line has made noteworthy enhancements to its Pets on Deck program, including adding a range of pet-friendly services and amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turn-down; a choice of beds and blankets; and even a QM2-logoed coat.
Queen Mary 2s kennel program is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of daily pet care responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ships 12 spacious kennels. As part of the enhanced program, traveling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. Other pet perks include:
extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh
daily and offered at bedtime
fleece blankets
assortment of dog and cat toys
cat posts and scratchers
selection of premium pet foods from top brands.
For some Cunard passengers, transporting their pets safely and comfortably is a top priority, and having them cross the Atlantic onboard QM2 is far more desirable than flying them between continents, said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line. And now our passengers pets can truly travel in real style.The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling passengers to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. The kennel fee ranges from $300 to $500.Taking good care of its passengers beloved pets is a long and illustrious Cunard tradition.
The lines friendly pet policy dates back to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840, when three cats were on board. Since then, circus elephants, canaries, a monkey and even a boa constrictor have traveled Cunard. Widely considered the line-of-choice by generations of celebrities, Cunard has also transported a surprising number of notable pets. Mr. Ramshaw, the worlds only trained golden eagle, made at least 21 transatlantic crossings on mid 20th-century liners; Rin-Tin-Tin, star of 36 silent films, traveled on the Berengaria; and Tom Mix and Tony, stars of the 1930s western series Miracle Rider, regularly trotted up the gangway. (Tonys hooves were even fitted with special rubber shoes to prevent the horse from slipping.)In the 1950s, Elizabeth Taylor brought her pampered puppies on board the original Queen Mary and exercised them regularly on the ships sports deck. She even ordered special meals for them from the fish chef. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor also traveled with a beloved pup and, at the Dukes behest, Cunard installed a lamp post beside the kennels.
Queen Mary 2 is the grandest ocean liner ever built. There are 1,310 suites and cabins available in degrees of style and comfort ranging from pampered elegance to almost unimaginable luxury in the ships famed Grill-level accommodations. Queen Mary 2 brings together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceSM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure and legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
If you would like to know more about taking your Pugs accross the pond, then here are the details of the person you need to contact:
Dani Page
Customer Assistance Pets Administrator
Carnival UK
Tel: 023 8065 7789