All paws on deck: A visitor sitting with her cat on the ‘Royal Albatross’, a luxury tall ship that hosts sailing and dining experiences around the waters of Singapore with pets allowed.- AFP
Cat owners in the city-state can now take their pets on luxury sunset cruises, perfect for pampered kitties who enjoy the finer things in life.
On board the tall ship Royal Albatross, the animals can lounge in custom-built “cat-bana” cages as their owners enjoy a four- or seven-course dinner beside them on deck.
The ship’s operator introduced the cat-friendly sailings this month after dog cruises launched in 2021 proved popular.
For two-and-a-half hours, up to 15 feline and 130 human passengers sail along the resort island of Sentosa, enjoying views of Singapore’s skyline and a short fireworks display.
“I think they’re doing very well... they’re enjoying the view and I guess the perceived freedom that they get,” said Marissa Ng, a 28-year-old human resources professional whose five-year-old ragdolls Coco and Bobo sat looking out at the sea from a cage beside her table.
The ship has hosted over 2,000 dogs since 2021, and the cat cruises may soon catch up, with more than 200 tickets for human passengers – priced at S$225 (RM768) each – having already been sold.
A cat lounging inside the ship. — AFP
The cat and dog cruises have different sailing days.
While the canines are served an onboard three-course dinner at the table, cat owners take their pets’ meals home since the finicky creatures tend to turn down food when they are outside of their comfort zone.
The company running the cruises, Tall Ship Adventures, says it consulted with experts and cat welfare organisations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to ensure a safe experience on board.
Precautions include making sure cats are securely harnessed and leashed at all times.
They are also required to be vaccinated and sterilised, and to be transported in carriers while boarding. — AFP
