This is the latest installment of our bimonthly column Crews on Cruise, spotlighting the people who work behind the scenes of the world’s most memorable voyages—from bartenders and entertainers to ship captains and expedition leaders. In an industry defined by luxury and meticulous service, few roles are as unique, or as heartwarming, as that of a kennel master, a position almost exclusively found on one legendary vessel: Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. This ocean liner, a grand dame of the seas carrying 2,759 guests, has been traversing the Atlantic between Southampton and New York since 2004, offering an unparalleled transatlantic experience. What truly sets her apart, however, is her commitment to four-legged passengers, boasting the only dedicated kennels at sea, providing 24 carefully managed spaces for dogs and cats accompanying their owners on these iconic crossings. It’s here, amidst the rhythmic sway of the ocean, that Oliver Cruz finds his calling, overseeing a vibrant, if sometimes boisterous, community of canine and feline voyagers. Oliver Cruz, a man whose love for animals radiates from every word, holds this exceptionally rare and specialized position. His journey to becoming the Queen Mary 2‘s esteemed kennel master began in 2011, not in the kennels, but as a spa attendant. However, fate, or perhaps the meticulous record-keeping of Cunard’s human resources department, intervened. When the housekeeping department discovered his extensive eight-year background back home in the Philippines as a zoo guide and animal handler, a role that saw him working with a diverse array of creatures from slithering snakes to formidable crocodiles, his path took an unexpected, yet perfectly fitting, turn. He was swiftly moved to the kennels, a transition that, for Cruz, felt like coming home. "Dogs are angels," Cruz asserts with conviction, his eyes sparkling. "Not all angels have wings. Some of them have fur." This profound connection to animals extends beyond his professional life; he is the proud guardian of 15 dogs back in the Philippines and is an active member of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of animals. His philosophy—that caring for animals requires both "the knowledge, but you also need the heart"—serves as the guiding principle for his demanding yet deeply rewarding work. The clientele aboard Queen Mary 2 is as varied as the passengers themselves. Cruz has cared for an astonishing range of breeds and personalities, from the delicate charm of teacup Yorkies to the majestic presence of a Bernese Mountain Dog, whose daily dietary requirements alone could rival a small banquet. This particular gentle giant, Cruz recalls with a chuckle, consumed three pounds of minced meat across three daily meals, meticulously prepared with more than 10 specific ingredients. The commitment to personalized care is evident, extending to many regular furry travelers. Cruz proudly notes having cared for one particular dog on an impressive 32 crossings, a testament to the trust owners place in his hands and the unique bond he fosters with each animal. By now, he can effortlessly recite their names, delineate their distinct personalities, recall their specific dietary quirks, and even remember their preferred sleeping arrangements, often knowing which "house," as he affectionately refers to the kennels, his repeat guests occupied on previous voyages. This level of personalized attention transforms the kennels from a mere boarding facility into a home away from home. However, a life dedicated to animal care, particularly with a rotating cast of unfamiliar creatures, is not without its hazards. Cruz candidly estimates he has accumulated over 50 dog bites throughout his body, nearly all sustained in the line of duty while bravely intervening to break up skirmishes between his charges. "Nobody bites me intentionally," he clarifies, attributing these incidents to the animals’ stress or territorial instincts rather than malice. His extensive experience has instilled in him a profound understanding of animal behavior, leading him to the fundamental truth that "the way you treat a husky is not the same way you treat a Shih Tzu." Each breed, each individual, requires a tailored approach rooted in respect, patience, and a deep understanding of their unique temperaments and communication styles. We recently had the privilege of catching up with Cruz earlier this year, delving deeper into the intricacies of life in the kennels, the unique demands of his animal clientele, and why, surprisingly, managing their human parents can sometimes be the hardest part of the job. What does a typical day on the job look like? "On embarkation day, the process begins long before the ship sets sail. We go down to the terminal and first meticulously cross-check all the paperwork for each incoming pet. There are very complicated requirements, especially coming into the UK, involving specific health certificates, microchip verification, and strict vaccination schedules, including rabies shots, often with precise timing windows that must be adhered to. We scrutinize every stamp, every date, to ensure full compliance with international regulations. This administrative hurdle is critical, as any discrepancy could prevent a pet from boarding. From there, once the paperwork is cleared, we personally escort the dogs up to the kennels, helping them settle into their temporary homes. This is also when we have a crucial conversation with their owners, explaining the kennel’s visiting hours and the essential dos and don’ts to ensure the well-being of all animals on board. The kennels themselves are remarkably well-appointed, featuring both indoor sleeping areas and an outdoor exercise space we affectionately call the ‘poop deck.’ This area is thoughtfully designed with a touch of transatlantic charm, featuring an American fire hydrant for the American dogs and a British lamppost for the British dogs. ‘For the sake of their holiday,’ I tell the owners, ‘I let them experience both.’ To help the dogs adjust to their unfamiliar surroundings, we encourage owners to leave familiar items inside their ‘houses’—toys, blankets, even used pajamas or socks. The scent of their human companions provides a comforting anchor. If two dogs from the same household are traveling together and are known to get along, we remove the partition between their kennels so they can cuddle overnight, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security. Then there’s the feeding, a cornerstone of their care. Every dog has its own precise portion sizes and a customized diet, and it all has to be absolutely right. The menu is surprisingly gourmet, reflecting the Queen Mary 2‘s luxury standards, with food coming from the same high-quality kitchen that prepares meals for the human guests. The offerings range from boiled chicken breast to grilled steak, steamed salmon, traditional Cumberland sausage, scrambled egg, fresh fruits, and a variety of vegetables—basically, whatever specific nutritional needs or preferences each dog has. However, despite the lavish options, I am very strict: no salt and pepper. Their health and sensitive digestive systems are paramount. Beyond direct animal care, a significant part of my day involves managing interactions with curious human passengers. Sometimes people who don’t have pets in the kennels try to come in because the dogs are cute—we can see maybe 20 or 25 people in a day attempting this. I have to politely but firmly explain that the dogs are already trying to adjust to an unfamiliar environment as well as the presence of other dogs. They don’t need more strangers coming in to see them, as it can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt their acclimatization process." What is your favorite part about this job? "Without a doubt, my favorite part is the beginning of each voyage: meeting all the new dogs on the first day and making my family bigger. It’s an incredible feeling to welcome them, learn their personalities, and start building that bond. After seven days of bonding, playing, and running around together, saying goodbye at the end of the crossing is always the saddest part. It’s hard to let them go, but I know they’re heading to their loving homes, often with a smoother transition thanks to their time in the kennels." What is the most challenging part about working at sea? "Ironically, the most challenging part often involves the parents. While their love for their pets is undeniable, it can sometimes override common sense or strict dietary instructions. For instance, sometimes I tell the owners, ‘No treats,’ especially if their dog has a sensitive stomach or is on a specific diet. But then, I can see them secretly feeding their dog oily food like bacon from the main kitchen. I have to intervene gently but firmly, saying, ‘Mama, I’m not so happy seeing you do this.’ It’s about educating them and ensuring the dog’s health. One incident, in particular, stands out and still gives me chills. I once had somebody take their own dog back to their cabin without telling me. That evening, I was about to close the kennel when I did my usual count and realized one was missing. It was a very stormy evening, with the ship rocking significantly, and my heart sank. I was running around like a headless chicken, completely panicked. The rain was lashing down, and I was soaking wet and crying, imagining the worst. I immediately contacted housekeeping to send people around the ship to help me find this dog, but despite a frantic search, nobody could locate her. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I desperately phoned the owner’s cabin, and she calmly replied, ‘Oh yes, Oliver, she’s here.’ I was dying that night! The sheer terror of thinking an animal under my care was lost in a storm at sea was an unforgettable, harrowing experience." What is the coolest or weirdest thing about living on a ship? "The weirdest thing is how my perception of ‘home’ has shifted. When I’m back in the Philippines, on land, I often feel strange, almost out of place after so much time at sea. But when I’m here, on the ship, I feel completely at home. This vessel, my work, and my crewmates have become my true community. Beyond the daily routine, ship life offers unexpected perks. I play drums and guitar in the Filipino crew band, and we often perform in the crew bar, letting loose after our shifts. We play a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers—their energy just resonates with us. And then there was this one incredible moment: I even got to play with Travis Barker, the legendary drummer from Blink-182, here on Queen Mary 2! They were filming something on the ship, and somehow, I ended up jamming with him. I remember singing ‘All the Small Things’ and ‘What’s My Age Again?’ That was one of the coolest things to ever happen to me on board." What is your favorite place you’ve traveled so far? "Without question, Liverpool. I’m a huge Beatles fan; their music is deeply ingrained in me, so much so that I have John Lennon tattoos all over my body. When I’m there, it’s a pilgrimage. I visit Mendips, John Lennon’s childhood home, Strawberry Field, and Quarry Bank School, all places that shaped his early life and music. And I always, always spend the night at the Cavern Club, sometimes until two in the morning, soaking in the history and the live music. That’s my place, where I feel a profound connection to the legends." What is your favorite place to hang out on board the ship? "Honestly, it’s the kennels. It might sound unusual, but it’s a different experience staying here for seven days, getting to know each other’s dogs. It’s a peaceful, fulfilling environment where I can genuinely connect with the animals and find a quiet solace amidst the busy ship." Tell us about a memorable guest interaction that sticks out to you. "One of the most memorable interactions involved a dog named Paisley. She had come from a shelter, and according to her owner, she had been severely mistreated in her past. As a result, she was very aggressive, prone to biting, and was having an incredibly difficult time adjusting to the kennels, showing signs of extreme anxiety and fear. When the other dogs were put away for the night, I would let Paisley out of her kennel and spend time with her alone, just me and her. I would talk to her calmly, asserting my presence but with gentle reassurance. I told her, ‘Paisley, you are not the boss. I am the boss.’ This wasn’t about dominance in a harsh way, but about establishing trust and a clear, safe hierarchy, letting her know she didn’t have to be constantly on guard. One day, her owner came in during one of our solo sessions and saw Paisley sitting comfortably on my lap, licking my face, completely relaxed. Her owner was utterly stunned. She started crying, overwhelmed with emotion, and exclaimed, ‘What did you do to my dog?’ It was a pivotal moment, the start of a very good relationship, not just between me and Paisley, but also between Paisley and her owner. That transformation, seeing a traumatized animal learn to trust and find peace, is something I will never, ever forget." What’s your top tip for first-time cruisers traveling with their pets? "For dog owners, always remember that you and your dog are reflections of each other. So, you need to be calm and happy. If you are really nervous or anxious about the journey, your dog will instinctively feel that nervousness too, amplifying their own stress. Projecting a calm, confident demeanor is crucial for helping your dog settle in. And for cat owners, my advice is slightly different: give them time. Cats are famously independent and particular; they are the boss, after all! They don’t trust new places and new people easily, so do not force them into interaction or try to rush their adjustment. Provide them with their space, food, and comfort items, and let them observe. One day, when they feel safe and ready, the cat will come to you. Once they become talkative, start rubbing against your legs, and begin asking me for attention, that’s when I know: ‘That’s it. We are friends.’ Patience and respect for their nature are key to earning a cat’s trust on the high seas." Post navigation Planning a European Ski Trip? Let These 11 Airbnbs Guide You to the Right Mountain
