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Cunard offers Westminster 'Best in Show' a lift across the Atlantic

(Photos: Cunard Line)
A Queen Mary 2 kennel master with his wards and Instagram star @WallytheWelshCorgi
Cunard Line is sponsoring the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Feb. 11-14 in New York City, and will invite the Best in Show winner and owner on a trans-Atlantic crossing.

Owners and dogs visiting Cunard’s booth at Pier 94 will get a glimpse into the luxurious life aboard ocean liner Queen Mary 2, and Cunard bellmen will be on hand to pass out doggy treats and canine apparel.

Plus, @WallytheWelshCorgi, one of New York's top Instagram dogs, will make an appearance for photos with attendees in front of an oversized backdrop of Queen Mary 2. Wally is attending Westminster Week as a member of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America.

Cunard is the only cruise line to offer dogs and cats passage on its trans-Atlantic crossings. Its pet-friendly policy dates back 176 years to Britannia's maiden voyage in 1840. Since then, the company has transported notable pets including Rin-Tin-Tin, Elizabeth Taylor’s pampered pooches, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s pup and Pudsey, winner of 'Britain’s Got Talent' 2012. It was at the Duke’s behest that Cunard installed a lamppost beside the kennels on its former flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2.

During its recent renovation, Queen Mary 2 added kennels and expanded the kennel area with an owner’s lounge and a new pet playground. An extended outdoor area for dog walking features a lamppost from Liverpool and fire hydrant from New York.

Cunard partnered with the British sportswear brand Barbour in 2016 to offer smart pet accessories on board such as jackets, collars and leashes.