Passengers who paid thousands of dollars to sail on what was promoted as the world’s first dog-friendly cruise say they have been left out of pocket after the voyage was cancelled, with some claiming they have been unable to recover their money months later.
The six-night sailing, organised by Cruise Tails, was due to depart from Tampa aboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander, offering guests the chance to travel alongside their dogs while enjoying a range of pet-focused experiences. However, after attracting widespread media attention and generating significant interest, the cruise was first postponed and then cancelled altogether.
One passenger, Jerry Enget, told Tampa television station WFTS that he and his wife paid around $7,000 to book the cruise for themselves and their Pomeranian, Sprinkles.
“Why not she would have loved it,” Enget said.
The sailing had originally been scheduled for November 2025 and promised ports of call including Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. Prices reportedly ranged from around $1,700 per person to more than $6,000 depending on accommodation.
The concept attracted attention worldwide, with Cruise Tails promoting the voyage as the first dedicated cruise for dogs and their owners. Amenities were set to include pet butlers, puppy massages, grooming services, dog shows and dedicated pet relief stations.
Passengers Say Refunds Never Arrived
According to Enget, Cruise Tails initially informed booked guests that operational issues involving the ship and ports meant the departure would need to be delayed into early 2026.
While some passengers reportedly requested and received refunds following the postponement, Enget and his wife decided to keep their booking in place.
They later received notice that the sailing had been cancelled entirely, but claim they were informed refunds would not be issued.
“How can you not give us the money back that we spent on this cruise that never happened?” Enget said. “This was on them, so 100 percent they should have refunded our money.”
He added that repeated attempts to contact Cruise Tails by telephone and email have gone unanswered.
WFTS reported that Cruise Tails is registered in Wyoming and that the listed business address belongs to a law office. The broadcaster also attempted to contact Steve Matzke, who has been identified in previous publicity as the company’s founder, but was unable to reach him.
One of the travel partners involved in the project, Expedia Cruises of West Orlando franchise owner Dawn Von Graff, also did not respond to requests for comment, according to the report.
Margaritaville at Sea stressed that it was not responsible for bookings or guest payments because the voyage was operated as a private charter.
“This was an independently operated third-party charter. Margaritaville at Sea did not manage reservations, collect guest payments or oversee customer transactions for the sailing. As with charter cr
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