This puppy gets a free cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas as ‘Chief Dog Officer’

Brooke Steinberg
·2 min read
8

Royal Caribbean hired a new top dog.

A golden retriever named Rover is the newest crew member on the cruise line’s new ship, the Icon of the Seas.

Rover, a 6-month-old puppy, has been named the “Chief Dog Officer” for the world’s largest cruise ship.

“Rover’s job is to bring joy and happiness to her fellow crew and guests onboard,” a video posted on Instagram by Royal Caribbean said. “Rover has already made herself at home.”

The furry employee has been taking daily walks with her handler Alison Hubble and Captain Henrik Loy to prepare for the day the ship sets sail on Jan. 27.

Hubble, who is from Australia and has been working with the cruise line for five years, has been deemed Rover’s “best friend and chief of staff.”

“Alison is always by Rover’s side to make everyday fun and to make sure she has plenty of naps and never misses out on any treats,” the video said.

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There’s no need to worry about Rover not having enough space on board — the ship is nearly 1,200 feet long, which is equivalent to the length of nearly three and a half football fields.

The Icon of the Seas holds about 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members, and Rover was dubbed “everyone’s favorite new crew member.”

The role of Chief Dog Officer came about because Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thought having a dog onboard would be great for guests and crew, according to the Royal Caribbean blog.

Rover will also have the chance to get off the ship and enjoy the stops in the Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, in the Bahamas.

The pup is already having a ball taking on her new role on the Icon of the Seas — but this isn’t her first rodeo.

Rover and Hubble started their journey together on the Freedom of the Seas before making themselves at home on the world’s largest ship.

Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support & service for Royal Caribbean International, assured during a recent webinar that they are doing everything possible to ensure that Rover has a great life on deck while abiding by the American Humane Society’s guidelines, according to the blog.