Meet Sailor: Royal Caribbean’s Newest Chief Dog Officer
Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Star of the Seas will have a special crew member aboard – Sailor, a golden retriever puppy stepping into the role of the ship’s Chief Dog Officer. This friendly canine will serve as the official ambassador of joy, calling the ship her home.
Sailor hails from Eagleridge Goldens in Florida, renowned for raising quality golden retrievers. Her journey to becoming a seafaring pup includes:
- Initial training at her breeder’s facility
- Sessions with a skilled trainer
- Time spent with Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley
- An orientation with current Chief Dog Officer Rover on Icon of the Seas
Rover, Sailor’s predecessor, has been spreading smiles aboard Icon of the Seas for a year under the guidance of her Chief of Staff, Alison Hubble. A typical day for Rover might include:
- Playing fetch on deck
- Visiting Central Park
- Occasionally napping on the ship’s bridge
Sailor will make her debut on two showcase four-night cruises in August before officially taking the helm as the pup pack leader on the seas. Once aboard Star of the Seas, she’ll:
- Mingle with passengers and crew
- Experience Caribbean itineraries
- Enjoy stops at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay
Preparing Sailor for Life at Sea
Life on a cruise ship is unique, and Sailor’s training program is designed to prepare her for this extraordinary environment. Her journey to becoming the Star of the Seas’ Chief Dog Officer includes:
- Puppy Basics: Mastering fundamental obedience and socialization skills
- Specialized Training: Learning ship layouts and interacting with an international crew and diverse passengers
- Onboard Protocols: Royal Caribbean collaborates with the American Humane Society to ensure Sailor’s well-being
- Mentorship: Visiting Icon of the Seas to learn from Rover about her future duties
Sailor’s grooming for her role extends beyond physical training. She’ll need to master:
- Guest greetings
- Managing downtime
- Staying camera-ready for inevitable photo opportunities
Her training will also address any reactive habits, ensuring she remains composed around children, in crowded areas, and during Caribbean excursions. By the time Star of the Seas sets sail, Sailor will be fully equipped to handle her responsibilities and charm passengers of all ages.
The Impact of Chief Dog Officers on Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class Ships
The Chief Dog Officer initiative on Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships aims to enhance the onboard experience by fostering a sense of home and warmth. Sailor, following in Rover’s paw prints, will embody the spirit of friendship and family that cruises often represent.
"With Icon just coming out, we wanted a little time to learn what was working, and it's turned out — I don't want to say everything is working, but instead I'll say — everything is working," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer.
Royal Caribbean has created a niche where the charm of having a dog aligns with the essence of family vacations. Sailor is expected to become a beloved fixture, drawing smiles from travelers eager to escape their everyday routines.
The launch of Star of the Seas marks a new chapter for the Icon-class series and a homecoming for Sailor. Set to sail from Port Canaveral, the ship promises memorable interactions with its canine companion alongside its amenities and itineraries.
Sailor’s presence on Star of the Seas offers an opportunity to build emotional connections at sea. Through playful interactions, photo opportunities, and her overall presence, Sailor is poised to become an integral part of the Star’s identity, proving that sometimes the best shipmates have four legs.
- Bayley M. Social media announcement. Facebook. February 14, 2025.
- Royal Caribbean International. Press release: Star of the Seas to debut August 2025. 2024.
- American Kennel Club. Breed information: Golden Retriever. 2024.
- Zelinski A. Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas: What’s new and what’s staying the same. Travel Weekly. 2025.
- Royal Caribbean International. Chief Dog Officer program overview. 2024.