Is CroisiEurope Pet-Friendly?
A question asked by a growing number of Australian travellers who travel with pets: can I bring my dog or cat on a CroisiEurope river cruise? The short answer is generally no but the full picture is worth understanding.
CroisiEurope's Official Pet Policy
CroisiEurope does not permit pets on board its river cruise ships or canal barges as a standard policy. This applies to dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. The restriction reflects both the confined nature of river ship cabins (not appropriate for animals confined for days at a time), the communal dining and lounge spaces (where allergies and hygiene considerations apply), and European customs and transport regulations.
Why Pets Are Generally Not Permitted
• Cabin size: Standard river cruise cabins (15 22 sqm) are not appropriate environments for animals confined for 7 14 days, with limited opportunity for exercise.
• Communal spaces: Other passengers with allergies, and the food preparation environment, create legitimate hygiene and health concerns.
• Port customs: European river cruises cross multiple international borders (Danube itineraries cross 4 6 countries). Each country has its own pet import requirements, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and sometimes quarantine.
• Practical safety: Gangways, lock chambers, and busy port environments create safety risks for animals.
Service Animals
Service animals (assistance dogs for people with disabilities) are subject to a different policy framework. Australian travellers who require a service animal for a disability should contact CroisiEurope Australia (1300 739 652) directly before booking. Documentation requirements (training certification, health records, vaccination compliance for each country visited) will need to be confirmed. This is managed case-by-case.
Travelling to Europe with Pets: Australian Requirements
For Australian travellers who wish to bring pets to Europe generally not necessarily on the cruise the requirements are substantial:
• Australian Export: Dogs and cats leaving Australia require a valid export health certificate, microchip compliance, and current vaccinations.
• EU Import: Pets entering the European Union require an EU-format health certificate, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry), and (for dogs) tapeworm treatment.
• Return to Australia: Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Pets returning from Europe require a preparation period in an approved country and quarantine on arrival. The cost of professional quarantine management is significant.
For most Australian travellers, the complexity of bringing pets to Europe makes it impractical. Pet boarding in Australia is the standard solution.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
