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Oliver Cruz holds a position that is as unique as it is vital to the comfort and well-being of a special segment of passengers aboard Cunard’s majestic Queen Mary 2. As the ship’s dedicated kennel master, Cruz oversees the only onboard kennels in the world, a facility designed to accommodate up to 24 dogs and cats traveling with their owners on the iconic transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York. This role, while perhaps unusual to some, is a testament to Cunard’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and unparalleled travel experience for all its guests, including the four-legged ones.
The Queen Mary 2, a grand ocean liner with a capacity for 2,759 guests, has been plying the North Atlantic route since its maiden voyage in 2004. For over two decades, it has maintained a reputation for elegance and tradition, offering a journey that harkens back to the golden age of ocean travel. The inclusion of dedicated kennels underscores this commitment to a complete and inclusive voyage, recognizing that for many, pets are an integral part of the family. These onboard facilities are not merely temporary holding spaces; they are meticulously managed environments designed to ensure the comfort, safety, and even the enjoyment of the animal passengers.
Cruz’s journey to this distinctive role began in 2011, not directly with animals, but as a spa attendant aboard the same vessel. However, his extensive prior experience in the Philippines, where he spent eight years as a zoo guide and animal handler—managing a diverse range of creatures from reptiles to large mammals—quickly came to the attention of the ship’s housekeeping department. This background proved invaluable, leading to his transfer to the kennels. Since then, Cruz has become an indispensable part of the Queen Mary 2’s operational fabric, his deep affection for animals evident in his every action. His personal philosophy, "Dogs are angels. Not all angels have wings. Some of them have fur," is a sentiment that resonates deeply with his dedication to his charges. This passion is further exemplified by his own 15 dogs at home and his active membership in the Philippine Animal Welfare Society.
A Day in the Life of a Canine Caretaker at Sea
The responsibilities of a kennel master are multifaceted and demand constant vigilance, particularly during the critical embarkation and disembarkation phases of each transatlantic voyage. Cruz’s typical day begins with a meticulous cross-check of all necessary paperwork for each animal passenger. This process is particularly stringent for arrivals into the United Kingdom, which involves navigating complex regulations concerning pet travel, including vaccination records and microchipping compliance. The success of these checks is paramount to preventing potential issues and ensuring a smooth transition for both pets and owners.
Following the administrative hurdles, the animals are escorted to the kennels, where Cruz familiarizes the owners with the visiting hours and establishes clear guidelines for interaction. The kennels themselves are designed with the animals’ comfort in mind. An outdoor area, affectionately dubbed the “poop deck,” features both an American fire hydrant and a British lamppost, a thoughtful touch that allows the dogs to experience a semblance of their familiar environments. Owners are encouraged to bring items that carry familiar scents, such as toys, blankets, or even used clothing, to help their pets feel more at ease in the unfamiliar surroundings. For bonded pairs, the option to remove partitions between their adjacent living spaces allows them to sleep together, further enhancing their comfort.
The dietary needs of each animal are catered to with the utmost precision. Cruz manages a complex feeding schedule, ensuring that each dog receives its precisely measured portions and tailored diet. The meals are prepared in the ship’s main galley, utilizing ingredients that are often similar to those served to human passengers, but with a crucial difference: a strict absence of salt and pepper. The culinary variety can range from simple boiled chicken breast to grilled steak, steamed salmon, and even traditional Cumberland sausage, supplemented with fruits and vegetables, all customized to the specific nutritional requirements of each animal. This attention to detail in diet is critical for maintaining the health and well-being of the pets during their voyage.
Beyond the direct care of the animals, Cruz often finds himself managing the human element of his role. He estimates that he has encountered over 50 dog bites, nearly all of which occurred while intervening in canine disputes. His extensive experience has taught him the importance of understanding individual animal temperaments and adapting his approach accordingly. “Nobody bites me intentionally,” he notes, highlighting the inherent risks of working with animals. He has learned that a husky requires a different approach than a Shih Tzu, a testament to his nuanced understanding of animal behavior.
The Unique Challenges and Rewards of Canine Hospitality
The role of kennel master on the Queen Mary 2 is far from ordinary, presenting a unique set of challenges and deeply rewarding moments. One of the most significant occupational hazards, as Cruz readily admits, is the potential for animal bites. However, his dedication to de-escalating conflicts and ensuring the safety of all animals under his care has resulted in a remarkable track record. He emphasizes that his interventions are almost always to prevent more serious altercations, underscoring the inherent risks involved in managing multiple animals in a shared environment.
The most challenging aspect of his job, Cruz confesses, often lies not with the animals themselves, but with their human companions. He recounts instances where owners, despite explicit instructions, have secretly fed their pets treats, such as oily bacon, directly from the ship’s kitchen. His gentle remonstrations, such as, "Mama, I’m not so happy seeing you do this," highlight the delicate balance he must strike between enforcing rules and maintaining good relationships with passengers.
A particularly harrowing incident involved a passenger who, without informing Cruz, removed their dog from the kennels one evening. The ensuing panic when Cruz discovered the animal missing during his final count on a stormy night was immense. He describes running around “like a headless chicken,” soaked and distressed, enlisting the help of housekeeping staff to search the ship. The relief was palpable when the owner finally admitted the dog was safely in their cabin. This experience underscores the critical need for clear communication and adherence to protocols when dealing with animals at sea.
Despite these challenges, the rewards of his profession are profound. Cruz considers meeting new dogs on embarkation day and integrating them into his temporary “family” the most cherished part of his job. The seven days of bonding, playing, and shared experiences create a strong connection, making the inevitable goodbyes on disembarkation day the saddest moment. He has cared for some dogs on as many as 32 crossings, developing an intimate knowledge of their individual personalities, dietary quirks, and even their preferred sleeping arrangements, remembering which specific kennel a repeat guest favored on previous voyages.
A Life at Sea: Beyond the Kennels
Life aboard a cruise ship offers a unique lifestyle, and for Cruz, the Queen Mary 2 has become a home away from home. He notes a curious phenomenon: "When I’m home, I feel strange. When I’m here, I feel at home." This sense of belonging is amplified by his active participation in the ship’s vibrant crew culture. Cruz is a talented musician, playing drums and guitar in the Filipino crew band. They frequently perform in the crew bar, entertaining their colleagues with a repertoire that often features the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A truly remarkable highlight of his musical endeavors was the opportunity to perform with Travis Barker, the renowned drummer of Blink-182, during a filming on the Queen Mary 2. Recounting the experience of singing songs like "All the Small Things" and "What’s My Age Again?" with Barker, Cruz describes it as one of the coolest moments of his life.
His passion for music extends beyond the ship. As a devoted Beatles fan, Cruz has a deep connection to Liverpool, a city he has visited multiple times. He makes pilgrimages to significant Beatles landmarks, including John Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips, Strawberry Field, and Quarry Bank School. He often spends his evenings at the legendary Cavern Club, soaking in the atmosphere until the early hours, a testament to his enduring admiration for the iconic band. This passion is visibly expressed through numerous John Lennon tattoos adorning his body.
When asked about his favorite place to spend time on board, Cruz’s answer is consistently the kennels. He values the immersive experience of living and working alongside the animals for the duration of a seven-day voyage, fostering a deep camaraderie among the pets and their owners.
Memorable Encounters and Expert Advice
One of Cruz’s most cherished memories involves a dog named Paisley, a rescue who had a history of mistreatment and exhibited aggressive behavior, including biting. Initially, Paisley struggled to adapt to the kennel environment and displayed significant behavioral challenges. Cruz dedicated extra time to Paisley, working with her individually during periods when other dogs were secured. He patiently asserted his role as the authority figure, saying, "Paisley, you are not the boss. I am the boss." The transformation was remarkable. When Paisley’s owner witnessed her dog, once withdrawn and fearful, now sitting on Cruz’s lap and licking his face, she was overcome with emotion. This moment marked a turning point in Paisley’s journey and solidified a profound bond between the dog, her owner, and Cruz.
For first-time cruisers, especially those traveling with their pets, Cruz offers invaluable advice rooted in his extensive experience. He emphasizes the profound connection between owner and pet, stating, "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, the dog will feel that nervousness too." This advice highlights the psychological impact of an owner’s emotional state on their pet’s behavior and well-being.
His guidance for cat owners is equally insightful, acknowledging their independent nature: "And for cats, give them time. Cats are the boss. They don’t trust places and people easily, so do not force them." He advises patience, explaining that for cats, trust is earned, not demanded. The moment a cat begins to seek attention and become communicative, Cruz recognizes that a bond has been formed, signifying the establishment of friendship. This nuanced understanding of animal psychology underscores Cruz’s holistic approach to pet care, recognizing that each animal, regardless of species, requires a tailored and empathetic approach. His dedication ensures that even the most unusual passengers on the Queen Mary 2 have a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey across the Atlantic.
