Saturday, May 24, 2025 was a big day aboard the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet as not one but two “chief dog officers” met for the first time while the ship was docked in Miami between sailings.
While Rover is undoubtedly the top dog aboard Icon of the Seas, Sailor stole a lot of hearts as she met her big “sister” and started to learn about ship life alongside the cruise line’s president and CEO, Michael Bayley.
“It was a very special day,” said Bayley. “She met the Captain and senior officers, many of the crew, and guests.”
Both dogs sported their nautical hats for photos, visited key areas of the ship, and enjoyed a lot of romping fun. Videos show the puppy – Sailor was born in mid-February – meeting Rover for the first time onboard, with lots of tail wagging from both furry crew members.
They snacked on special treats, took walks around the ship, got of pets, and even competed in a game of ball.
Both dogs are golden retrievers, one of the most popular dog breeds well known for its friendly, easy-going nature, easy trainability, and love of people – all great characteristics for living and working on a cruise ship!
Sailor and her older sister, Rover, are both from Eagleridge Goldens, a well-reputed champion line breeder in Polk City, Florida. While the breeder has not noted whether or not the two chief dog officers are actually related, all their dogs are rigorously tested for good health.
Rover will remain at her post aboard Icon of the Seas, but Sailor is assigned to Star of the Seas. The second Icon-class ship just began her sea trials, the final testing phase before the vessel will be officially delivered to Royal Caribbean.
Construction on the ship has proceeded ahead of schedule, which has allowed the cruise line to plan three “showcase sailings” before the scheduled inaugural voyage. She will arrive at Port Canaveral ahead of her first departure on August 20, 2025, and her first 7-night cruise departs on August 31.
Eager guests don’t need to worry about Sailor, she’s sure to be onboard for the earlier sailings with a wagging tail to great everyone for a great cruise vacation. No one will be surprised at who the “star” of Star of the Seas will be!
Rover has been a great success aboard Icon of the Seas, and Sailor’s addition to the Star of the Seas crew roster was announced more than a year ago, in April 2024.
The young puppy has been receiving the best of care, first remaining with her mother and breeder until she was old enough to set out on her own.
Previously, Bayley noted that Sailor also spent time with her trainer before coming to meet him.
“She will stay with me a little so I can get and give lots of hugs and love,” he noted. “Then onto ICON to meet her sister Rover for some orientation before joining Star, her home.”
Of course, Sailor will not be brought aboard Star of the Seas until the cruise line officially controls the vessel. While no firm date for Sailor to sign on to the ship has been shared, Rover joined Icon of the Seas when the ship arrived at Perfect Day at CocoCay several days before welcoming the first guests aboard.
What Does a Chief Dog Officer Do?
It might seem like a canine cruiser is just a quirky accessory aboard a ship that already has 2,350 human crew members, but these Chief Dog Officers – the “Goodest Girls at Sea” on their official Instagram account – do serve a purpose.
Because human crew members serve very demanding contracts for months at a time, far from home and family, the wagging tail and unconditional love of a friendly dog can be very comforting and help with anxiety and stress.
Read Also: 10 Reasons Why I Would Never Take a Pet Dog Cruise
This can actually help human crew members perform their duties more efficiently and provide even better guest service, as well as be sure to return for future contracts.
These famous four-legged crew members also provide great selfie opportunities as they will go around their ships and meet guests, posing for photos and living their very best lives.
Both dogs have individual handlers that live onboard the cruise ship with them. It should also be noted that Rover – and soon, Sailor – is not confined onboard the ship, but can get off to enjoy select ports of call, including Perfect Day at CocoCay.
As working dogs, of course both Rover and Sailor are official crew members. While guests cannot bring their own pet dogs aboard Royal Caribbean ships, fully-trained service dogs are always welcome!
