Rover, a furry team member on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, spends her days circulating around the ship, greeting guests and enjoying playtime with a ball.

As a nearly two-year-old golden retriever, she proudly holds the title of Chief Dog Officer for the Icon. This unique position was established in collaboration with the American Humane Society to enhance the joy of passengers aboard the world’s largest cruise ship.

Maya Marques Trindade, originally from Brazil, is Rover’s caretaker. She joined Royal Caribbean in 2019 and previously worked with the Adventure Ocean kids club. “I applied to be Rover’s Chief of Staff, a new role for the Icon class, and I was thrilled to work with Rover because I am learning so much,” she shared. “It’s truly a fun job.”

Royal Caribbean is set to broaden its canine presence with the addition of a new dog named Sailor on Icon’s sister ship, Star of the Seas, scheduled to launch later this year.

Trindade talked with YSL News about their daily activities, Rover’s favorite pastimes, and how guests react upon encountering the dog. The following interview has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

Question: How long have you served as Rover’s Chief of Staff?

Answer: I started in early 2024. Rover arrived on the Icon a bit before the inaugural voyage, and that’s when I began my work with her.

What does a normal day entail?

Caring for Rover is similar to looking after a baby. Despite being almost fully grown, she is still considered a puppy.

I typically start my day around the same time to take her for a potty break, followed by training sessions. We incorporate both playtime and training to ensure she stays well-behaved and learns new tricks. Golden retrievers are full of energy, so some physical activity is essential as well. There are various areas on the ship, like a helipad or unused venues, where I can toss the ball for her to chase, providing both exercise and play.

After that, I take time for her to interact with both guests and crew members. It’s important for me to make time for everyone because she truly brightens people’s days.

Her friendly nature means she loves to meet new faces and show off her tricks—like giving high-fives and shaking hands. Between all these interactions, it’s crucial that she gets ample rest. She requires more naps than humans, so I ensure she is well-rested before engaging with guests again. This is why I schedule her downtime in between activities.

Is there a specific number of appearances she makes?

It varies based on her mood.

I always make sure she’s rested and ready to be playful. If she’s energetic and in the mood to interact, I’ll take her out—usually for short interactions followed by breaks. We aim to surprise guests throughout the ship, avoiding crowded places and dining areas to prioritize her well-being.

What training did she go through for her role?

Her training is ongoing and never truly ends, as dogs always have new things to learn. Right now, I focus on maintaining her good behavior and obedience, especially since we expect many children onboard. It’s essential that she remains calm around them and follows my commands. She constantly looks to me for guidance and wouldn’t act without my instruction.

Teaching her tricks is just a fun bonus. She can roll over, gives high-fives, and shakes hands. Recently, I taught her to pick up her toys and put them in a box, which is cute, but the priority is her behavior to ensure everyone enjoys their time around Rover.

What has been the guests’ reaction?

Guests’ reactions are consistently wonderful and often take me by surprise. Since I’m with Rover all day, I sometimes forget how special she is. Many guests look forward to meeting her for days, which I find incredibly heartwarming. Some even bring gifts for her.

Crew members feel the same way—one housekeeping staffer mentioned that just seeing Rover in the hallways brightened her day, even without a direct interaction. It’s fulfilling to hear that from people.

Can guests staying in the Ultimate Family Townhouse meet Rover?

Yes. We have a dedicated Genie for the townhouse, similar to a concierge, who can contact me if families want to meet Rover. I can bring her to the townhouse’s patio to spend time with the guests, particularly families with children, under my supervision.

Do you take her with you at every port stop?

She can go to some ports. Her absolute favorite is Perfect Day at CocoCay, where she can run on the beach and enjoy herself immensely. It’s truly her happy place. She loves to run, swim, and play in the sand; by the end of the day, she usually needs a bath and then a lengthy nap due to all the activity.

What other activities does Rover enjoy on the ship?

Her favorite activity is undoubtedly playing with a ball. Retrievers love the thrill of chasing a ball.

While I often hang out in crew areas with her, I also give other crew members the opportunity to toss the ball and engage with her. Although I spend the most time with her since we share a cabin, I want to ensure Rover is enjoyed by everyone on the ship.

Are there challenges related to having a dog on board?

Many passengers adore Rover, which is wonderful, but being one dog amidst a large number of guests poses a challenge. Everyone wants a moment with her.

Although we strive to accommodate as many guests as possible, it’s tough because she needs her naps and playtime. She can’t be out meeting people all the time; finding time for all the guests while ensuring Rover gets the rest she needs is the greatest challenge.

Everyone wants a little bit of time with Rover, and we do our best to make that happen.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sometimes I encounter guests who recently lost their pets, and seeing Rover elicits deep emotions. It makes me realize how important my role is in providing comfort through Rover’s presence.

Once, while Rover was socializing in (the ship’s) Central Park, I noticed a little girl who was crying. Concerned that she might be scared of dogs, I asked her mother if she wanted me to move her away. Instead, the mother replied, “No, it’s alright. Our dog just passed away this morning, and she looked exactly like Rover.” It broke my heart.

I then brought Rover closer and asked her to give the girl a handshake. When Rover offered her paw, the girl started laughing instead of crying. That moment was unforgettable—for Rover, just being herself, bubbly and silly, made a significant difference in that little girl’s day.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter based in Nashville.