CUNARD LINE ANIMAL TRIVIA

Animals at Sea: Cunard’s Surprising History

At Select Travel Holidays, our team loves uncovering quirky cruise stories that add colour to the history of ocean travel. Cunard is one of the most storied cruise lines in the world, and beyond its reputation for elegance and tradition, it also has a fascinating history of carrying animal passengers. From cows and cats in the 1840s to pampered pooches aboard the Queen Mary 2 today, animals have long played their part in Cunard’s journey.

By Amy Wright, Blogger-in-Chief at Select Travel Holidays | CLIA Cruise Master

Did you know,  Cunard  have transported many animals over their time so far? From chickens to circus elephants, from race horses to pampered pooches and even a HIPPO has sailed with Cunard.

Early Voyages: A Shipboard Farmyard

When the Britannia launched in 1840—the first ship in Cunard’s fleet—it brought something unexpected aboard: a cow, providing passengers with fresh milk throughout the voyage. She was joined by hens to supply eggs, and three cats who quickly became part of the crew by keeping vermin at bay.



On one crossing, a sparrow accidentally boarded in Southampton. By the time the little bird realised its mistake, the ship was well on its way to New York. The sparrow became a temporary Atlantic traveller, amusing passengers who fed it crumbs and marvelled at its unplanned journey.

To delve into this intriguing aspect of maritime history and to discover more fascinating anecdotes about the animals transported by Cunard, read on to learn about the fascinating history of Cunard’s Animals!

Exotic Travellers and Tall Tales

As Cunard expanded, its ships became the chosen mode of transport for all sorts of animals. Circus troupes often booked space for their four-legged performers, with elephants and even a hippo once crossing the Atlantic under Cunard’s care. Horses bound for racing stables in America were regularly transported too.

There are stories of raccoons keeping passengers entertained with their antics, often causing just as much chaos as delight. These unusual travellers became part of the lore of Cunard’s golden age, when liners were the most glamorous way to cross the ocean.

Happy Hippo

In 1963, a delightful hippopotamus embarked on a remarkable journey, savouring his time aboard a vessel called Pavia as he travelled from the vibrant city of Naples to the tranquil setting of Chester Zoo in England. Throughout this extraordinary voyage, he revelled in the fresh sea breeze while comfortably relaxed on the deck, where an awning was thoughtfully positioned over his enclosure to protect him from the blazing sun.

To ensure his ease during the trip, he received a refreshing cold shower every hour, adding a little luxury to his travels and keeping him cool in the warm weather. This remarkable adventure of the hippo not only enchanted the crew but also underscored the significance of animal welfare, even during transit.

Chattering Monkeys

 A regular and somewhat unusual early cargo for Cunard was the transportation of monkeys. Captain William Turner, who captained one of their notable vessels, once humorously compared first-class passengers to a “load of bloody monkeys who are constantly chattering.” This amusing remark certainly invites speculation about whether his experience with these animated primates inspired such a vivid comparison.

Mr Ramshaw

During the 1920s and 1930s, Mr. Ramshaw completed no fewer than 21 crossings, each time demonstrating his extraordinary determination and prowess. You may be asking yourself, who exactly is Mr. Ramshaw? He was a 22-year-old eagle, a magnificent being gliding through the skies with elegance and might. He resided in a quaint space near the local butcher's shop, where he cultivated a unique bond with the butcher and enjoyed specialized meals. The butcher's shop consistently provided him with chicken heads, a coveted treat that fueled his strength and intrepid spirit.

Tom Mix and Tony the Wonder Horse

The stars of the beloved ‘Miracle Rider’ series, the dynamic duo of Tom Mix and Tony the Wonder Horse, were far from ordinary travellers; they were esteemed first-class passengers who basked in the lavish perks that came with their elite status.

Tony, the extraordinary horse, was not just a devoted companion but also an adept performer in the limelight. To guarantee his comfort and safety during their maritime adventures, he sported specially designed rubber shoes.

These innovative shoes were essential in preventing him from slipping on the decks, enabling him to glide effortlessly alongside Mix as they embarked on the thrilling escapades that awaited them.

Epsom Derby Winner

In 1922, the renowned Epsom Derby champion Papyrus crossed the Atlantic, journeying aboard the opulent liner Aquitania to the vibrant shores of America. His ultimate goal was the esteemed Kentucky Derby, where he was poised to face off against some of the nation’s most exceptional thoroughbreds.



What set Papyrus's journey apart was the allowance of a supply of bottled beer, which formed an integral part of his daily nourishment to sustain his strength and vitality. This extraordinary privilege distinguished him from all other visitors, both human and equine, underscoring the special status of this illustrious racehorse.

Canaries on Cunard

A notable feature of the decor on the Berengaria in the 1930s was the charming presence of canaries in ornate cages, which were gracefully hung from the balconies of the restaurant. These vibrant birds added a lively atmosphere to the dining experience, captivating passengers with their cheerful songs. It was the responsibility of the diligent Bellboys to feed these delightful pets, adding to the ship's unique hospitality.

Cruising Chickens

Another fascinating aspect of life at sea can be found in the story of the Queen Mary on her maiden voyage. During this historic journey, actress Francis Day decided to bring her own chickens aboard, a rather unconventional choice for a luxury liner.

Her intention was to ensure she had access to high-quality, fresh eggs throughout the trip, even though the entire voyage lasted just over four days. This whimsical decision exemplified the blending of glamour and practicality that defined the Golden Age of ocean travel.

Luxury Pigeons

Over the years, many homing pigeons and migrating birds have been blown off course by unpredictable weather and found refuge on Cunard ships. Those lucky enough to perch on the Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed luxury, being treated to a gourmet feast of smoked salmon and caviar in the ship's hospital before being released back into the wild.

Passengers were excited and even named one bird ‘Coo E 2,’ requesting hourly updates on its well-being. When the ship finally arrived in Southampton, ‘Coo E 2’ was eagerly returned to its grateful owners, who must have been overjoyed to see their feathered friend return home safely.

Queen Mary Kennels

On the majestic Queen Mary, a remarkable total of 26 kennels were constructed, thoughtfully designed in two spacious tiers. These well-appointed kennels featured a luxurious removable teak floor that added a touch of elegance, a skylight that allowed natural light to flood the space, as well as both hot and cold running water to ensure the utmost comfort for the canine passengers. Not to be outdone, the kennels also boasted central heating, creating a cozy haven for dogs during their ocean voyage.

During one particular sailing, the Duke of Windsor observed that it was somewhat disappointing there was no lamp post beside the kennels, and much to everyone’s surprise, a lamp post was promptly installed to enhance the area.

Furthermore, Cunard made an even grander gesture on the Queen Mary 2 by incorporating a fire hydrant, ensuring that American pooches could enjoy the same level of convenience and comfort on their travels.

View all cruises on Cunard

Modern Pet Travel on Queen Mary 2

Today, Cunard continues its tradition of welcoming animal passengers, but with far more comfort and care than in the past. The Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger ship to offer a dedicated pet programme, with space for up to 24 cats and dogs in specially designed, air-conditioned kennels

Life in the Kennels

The kennels include play areas and are overseen by dedicated kennel masters who ensure pets receive daily care, feeding, and exercise. Owners are welcome to visit their pets during designated hours, and each furry traveller receives a welcome pack including blankets, beds, and even a selection of treats. Reservations must be made well in advance, and size restrictions apply to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all animals on board.

More recently, Pudsey, the charming dog who captured hearts as the winner of Britain’s Got Talent, delighted passengers aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2. This impressive ocean liner, known for its luxurious amenities and storied history, played host to Pudsey, who has become one of the most famous Cunard Line animals in recent times.

His performances not only entertained guests but also showcased the incredible bond between humans and their four-legged companions, making for an unforgettable experience on the high seas.

Cunard Animal Trivia

• Which Cunard ship carried a cow to supply fresh milk? — Britannia
• True or false: A sparrow once ended up in New York after forgetting to get off? — True
• Queen Mary 2 kennels can accommodate how many pets? — 24
• Which animals once worked aboard Cunard ships by keeping them vermin-free? — Cats

So there we have it, a fascinating story highlighting just a few of the remarkable animals that have been fortunate enough to travel with Cunard over the years. Each journey is undoubtedly filled with unique sights, sounds, and experiences that must be quite extraordinary from their perspective. We can’t help but wonder—if these animals could talk, how would they describe their adventures? Would they share tales of the ocean breeze, the rhythmic sound of the waves, or perhaps the excitement of meeting new companions on board? It certainly sparks our imagination!

Learn more about Cunard’s  Queen Mary 2 Queen Elizabeth,   Queen Victoria and  Queen Anne



A Modern Twist: Rover on Icon of the Seas

While Cunard continues to lead in luxury pet travel, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has introduced something entirely new: a resident dog

Meet Rover, Chief Dog Officer

Rover, a golden retriever, joined the crew of Icon of the Seas in 2024 as the ship’s official Chief Dog Officer. She has her own private suite on board and lives full-time at sea with her handler. Rover spends her days exploring the ship, bringing joy to passengers and crew alike. She’s often spotted strolling through Central Park, relaxing on the bridge with the captain, or enjoying shore days at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Life at Sea for Rover

Rover enjoys her own pet relief area on deck 5, complete with materials designed to simulate natural ground. She’s known to love carrots and bananas, and even has a reputation for proudly carrying whole carrots gifted by crew members. Her presence represents a new way cruise lines are embracing the bond between people and animals, providing comfort and companionship at sea.

Discover More with Select Travel Holidays

From quirky cruise trivia to once-in-a-lifetime voyages, our award-winning team at Select Travel Holidays has the expertise and first-hand knowledge to help you plan your perfect cruise. Whether you’re inspired by Cunard’s traditions or curious about the innovations of modern cruise lines, we can guide you every step of the way.

Call us on 01234 326 758 or email sales@selecttravelholidays.co.uk to start planning your next adventure.