Cunard Presents 2017 WKC “Best in Show” Winner with Transatlantic Crossing

Cunard, the only line to carry pets across the Atlantic, presented Rumor, the Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show winner, with an invitation to sail on a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2 in New York’s Times Square. Rumor will have an opportunity to take his place in history among celebrity dogs who have sailed with Cunard.

Cunard sponsored the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City February 11-14, 2017 and was the only travel company represented at the show. Cunard bellman offered white gloved "doggie” tea service to canine attendees who stopped by Cunard’s photo booth at the show, including @WallytheWelshCorgi, one of the top Instagram dogs in New York. Dogs (and humans) took photos in front of an oversized backdrop of Queen Mary 2 and posted to #CunardatWKC.

As the only cruise line to offer dogs and cats passage on the company’s famed Transatlantic Crossings, Cunard has a long history of sailing pets—its pet-friendly policy dates back 176 years to the maiden voyage of the Britannia in 1840. Since then, the company has transported a surprising number of notable pets: Rin-Tin-Tin, Elizabeth Taylor’s pampered pooches, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s beloved pup and Pudsey, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2012. It was at the Duke’s behest that Cunard originally installed a lamppost beside the kennels on Cunard’s former flagship Queen Elizabeth 2.

Pet travel continues to soar in the United States and due to increased demand, Cunard doubled the size of its kennels on Queen Mary 2 during the flagship’s $132 million renovation last year. In addition, the ship expanded the kennel area, adding an owner’s lounge and a new pet playground. Guests can enjoy an extended outdoor area for dog walking featuring a lamppost from Liverpool and fire hydrant from New York so dogs from both sides of the pond will feel at home. Overall, Queen Mary 2’s enhanced pet service offers a kinder, gentler alternative to pet transportation. To ensure that pet passengers are as glamorous as their human counterparts, Cunard partnered with the British sportswear brand Barbour in 2016 to offer smart accessories onboard such as jackets, collars and leashes.

For more information about Cunard and Queen Mary 2, visit Cunard.com.

Image Courtesy of Cunard Line