May 21, 2026 – News
Working at sea comes with its fair share of unusual job responsibilities, but few roles require coordinating morning cuddle appointments, managing surprise nap schedules, or ensuring a four-legged coworker gets their daily quota of back scratches. Yet this is everyday life for the Chief of Staff behind the fleet’s most beloved crew members: Rover onboard Icon of the Seas and Sailor onboard Star of the Seas, the industry’s first Chief Dog Officers. Introduced by Royal Caribbean, a brand of Royal Caribbean Group, with the launch of Icon of the Seas in 2024, the Chief Dog Officer role reflects the company’s commitment to creating meaningful, human—and canine—connections at sea.
These pups aren’t just adorable additions to the ship; they’re emotional anchors, joy generators, and walking reminders of home for thousands of guests and crew. Whether they’re brightening someone’s morning stroll or comforting a traveler who misses their own furry friend, Rover and Sailor have become the heartbeat of their ships. Get a behind-the-paws look with the humans who share their days, their adventures, and sometimes even their pillows with Royal Caribbean’s Chief Dog Officers to uncover the joy behind the experience — a job that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and unexpectedly profound.
Q: What does a “day in the life” look like for Rover and Sailor when they're on duty?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff, Vicky Smith
Sailor starts her day with a power walk: tail high, greeting her morning fans. After that, it’s straight to Java Café, where she plays around with crew members asks them for morning cuddles to get their day started on the right paw. After a refreshing afternoon nap, Sailor spends her day popping up in neighborhoods around the ship like a tiny four-legged celebrity making surprise appearances‑. Sailor has plenty of break time during the day for resting, grooming, and of course time for belly rubs.
Rover’s Chief of Staff, Maya Marques
Rover begins with a glam session: teeth brushed, coat groomed, the works. Then she's off to charm the ship, greeting guests, playing fetch with the crew, practicing her training, and spreading joy everywhere she trots. She’s a social butterfly who loves to meet guests and play, but she definitely enjoys plenty of naps.
Q: What’s the most adorable thing the Chief Dog Officers have done while on duty?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: Sailor occasionally gives select guests a gentle kiss — truly a VIP honor because she doesn’t hand those out to just anyone.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: Rover loves a good butt scratch, especially in the mornings when she’s feeling extra wiggly and playful.
Q: How do the Chief Dog Officers make the cruise experience more fun and friendly?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: Her presence alone lights people up. Many guests miss their own pups back home, so seeing Sailor brings that warm, “aww my dog!” feeling right back. It’s pure joy - infectious and genuine.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: When Rover walks into a room, it feels like someone just flipped on a switch marked ‘happiness.’ She’s literally a floating ball of magic.
Q: Do they know any special tricks?
Sailor & Rover’s Chiefs of Staff: Absolutely! Both wave on command, give enthusiastic high fives, and can spin with pro‑ level‑ flair. Rover, meanwhile, loves showing off her dramatic rollovers — especially if there’s a soft carpet involved.
Q: What’s the best part of working with the Chief Dog Officers?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: Her personality shines every single day. Sailor’s playful, puppy energy even gets the crew chasing her around the café. Working with her is like having your best friend as your coworker.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: It’s an incredibly rewarding job. Rover brings happiness to everyone onboard and makes the coziest roommate a Chief of Staf could ask for.
Q: How do you make sure the Chief Dog Officers always have time for play, back scratches, and plenty of care?
Sailor & Rover: Playtime is their number one activity, so they have fun every day! We’ll go to the bridge to unwind, and the CDO will run around and have some time for herself. They get to enjoy much deserved nap time, grooming, and one on one time with their Chief of Staff.
Q: What’s the most heartwarming moment you’ve seen the Chief Dog Officers experience with a guest?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: Some guests book entire cruises just to meet her. Many have recently lost pets and find real comfort in that connection. Seeing guests cry tears of joy is not uncommon; Sailor brings people “home” in a way nothing else can.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: She has an incredible emotional radar — sometimes she delivers joy, other times a calming presence. Plus, she's amazing with babies.
Q: How do Chief Dog Officers make cruising more special?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: They bring a sense of comfort and home — especially guests missing their own pets. It’s a connection that can’t be replicated by anything else onboard.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: Because she’s everyone’s favorite crew member, obviously!
Q: If Rover and Sailor could talk, what would they say?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: “Oh, we know we’re loved. We’re spoiled. We’re adored. And honestly? We deserve it.” They’d also brag about how much they adore their Chief of Staff.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: “I’m the queen of this ship. I get massages. I get snacks. People love me! Being adorable? Effortless.”
Q: Any funny first-time‑ guest moments?
Sailor’s Chief of Staff: She’ll sometimes act like she’s reuniting with a long-lost‑ friend, even though they’ve never met. Guests absolutely melt.
Rover’s Chief of Staff: She can immediately tell who owns pets back home. If they have multiple, she’ll spend ages sniffing their shoes, completely mesmerized.
Bonus: Here comes the newest Chief Dog Officer, Skipper!
Skipper will be five months old when she joins Legend of the Seas in Europe in June 2026.
For anyone who has met Rover, Sailor, and the teams who adore them, one thing becomes clear: these pups do far more than pose for pictures and hand out high-fives‑. They create special moments; the kind guests carry with them long after disembarkation. Their Chief of Staff may juggle unpredictable schedules and endless requests for dog cuddles, but they also witness the kind of genuine, emotional connections that only a pet can inspire.
Onboard, theChief Dog Officers are more than crew members: they are the additional comforts of home, endless laughter, and the warm spark that makes the world’s best ships feel a little more like home. And with young Skipper preparing to join the pack, the future of the fleet looks even brighter — and infinitely fluffier. One thing is certain: wherever these pups roam, joy follows right behind them, wagging its tail.
To see more of Rover, Sailor, and Skipper, follow them on Instagram, @chiefdogofficers.