Mabbiez

2 minutes ago, kmg365suzyq said:

Check with the hotel.  You may be able to get Chewy to ship directly to the hotel.  Maybe bring an extra suitcase or bag to put it in to carry on the plane.   What city are you cruising out of?  Maybe you can Uber to a pet store and pick up enough for the trip

That's also a great idea! I don't think we know which hotel we will be staying at yet, but we are sailing out of Cape Canaveral. I think we will be staying in Orlando, so I know we would be able to find her food easily. I may just go ahead and prepack it though since you all recommended a suit case just for her. I have plenty of time to decide. Thanks!

2 minutes ago, Algebralovr said:

We took all that we needed, even on the cross country flight.  That way, we had exactly what we wanted and didn't have to worry about finding it.  

I packed each serving in a sandwich baggie.  I feed Scooter 150 gms of the kibble we use, plus a joint chew and a fish oil caplet.  So, each baggie had the 150 gms of kibble, the joint chew and the fish oil and all I needed to do was dump each baggie into his bowl at meal time.  

Scooter had an entire suitcase.  Food, a few toys, extra leashes, extra cape, extra harness, life jacket, extra copies of documents.  We flew in the night before our cruise, and stayed afterwards in Seattle for a number of days, so we needed to take plenty.  Having each meal in a baggie was very helpful.  

 

Then, I simply stored the pre-prepared baggies in the suitcase under the bed, taking a couple of day's out at a time.  Helped to keep the clutter down.  Went ahead and tossed each baggie in the trash when it was empty, since we were traveling.  I use baggies at home now as well, but use them a number of times before tossing them.  

That's a great idea about the baggies! That would make it much easier each day. I also think I'll be getting her a suit case for all of her supplies. Thanks for the ideas!

I do have a question about food. Since my next cruise (if it happens) leaves from the US I was planning on carrying on a few  servings of her food with me on the plane but then buying a bag of it when I get to Florida so I'm not lugging it around the airport. We are going a few days early so I won't have to rush. Our cruise is a transatlantic cruise that is 12 days.

What is the best way to get the food onboard the ship? What does everyone do as far as storing the food? I could just leave it in the bag but I wondered if there was something better I could be doing.

1 hour ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Oh how nice to be in a first floor apartment.  I am sure Mila loves being able to go sit outside and watch the world go by.  And a park close by.  That is great.  Hope you get better with your foot and don't have to have surgery.  But if that is what will fix it, I guess it is a must.  Good luck and keep us updated how you and Mila are doing.  

Luckily if I have to have surgery it won't be super invasive. It's basically to go in a clean out a bunch of scar tissue. I'll probably find out for sure within the next couple of weeks. I just want to make sure my foot doesn't hurt when I go on my next cruise! 😄

I hope everyone had a safe July 4th!

I moved this past week and it's SO MUCH BETTER for Mila! Previously we lived on the 3rd floor and it was such a pain. I also was recently put in a cast boot by my podiatrist and will possibly have to have surgery on my foot. I moved into a 1st floor apartment and it's the best decision ever! I was able to put a little tie out on the patio so I can sit outside with Mila when she needs to go out. There is also a small bark park across the parking lot. She is so much happier there already. I am able to exercise her a lot more without hurting myself more. 

Also our last cruise was cancelled... we were supposed to be on Odyssey of the Seas in April. Now we are going on a different cruise on Harmony of the Seas in April. I'm hoping this one sticks!  

Roz,

That is so funny! Mila has a thing for grabbing things she knows she's not supposed to have, and will run and hop away from me when I try to get them. I have an Instagram for her and several of her pictures are with things she's not supposed to have (like a candle lighter, sunglasses, my credit card). She never chews them up, she just thinks it's a game. She still has a lot of puppy in her! 

I'm also about to move into a new apartment. I currently live on the 3rd floor in a complex that doesn't allow dogs, but they let me have her of course. Living on the 3rd floor with a dog is very difficult! The new place is on the first floor and is much more dog friendly. Right across the parking lot is a little bark park so it will be super easy for me to exercise her, plus they have several things out for agility. I am so excited!

On 6/17/2020 at 7:47 AM, Island gecko said:

Oh! Gottcha! That makes more sense. We are lucky we are getting him in october and the cruise is next August. We will be training him in different situations so we make sure he's clear on his place. We live where it's hot year around so we've specifically asked for training with pools and such. Most dogs wont have that extensive training on it. I'll check in to the vest. It will be handy here at home when the dog is on the boat with us too. You always want to be prepared! Thanks again!

They make some super cute life vests for dogs. I have one for my dog that looks like a pink mermaid tail. 

On 6/13/2020 at 7:39 PM, wizard-of-roz said:

I hope that Mila's recovery from her surgery goes well.  She'll be such a happier girl without all the hormones running through her system.  Her life will be better.

Mila acts like nothing even happened! Her stitches are pretty much all healed and she's just as happy and crazy as ever!

We had an assessment for her level 2 class on Saturday. She didn't do great. It was outside and extremely hot. She was just pretty much like "Nope not today." Even with the things she extremely good at! Luckily they give us lots of time until her level 3 class starts. She will only have to be retested on the things she didn't pass. We are also starting her public access class in July. I'm very excited about it! I know the trainers teach us how to deal with difficult situations and people.

Roz I'm so happy to hear that Horton is doing better!!!! I know you love him and are giving him the best life possible! 

Roz I'm so happy to hear that Horton is feeling a little better! 🥰

My little Mila was spayed on Thursday so she's a little off. She pretty much slept all day yesterday. She's at my parent's house today while I'm at work and they are trying hard to keep her calm! She's even had a sedative today but it doesn't seem to be stopping her. I'm hoping she sleeps well tonight. 

Feel better Horton!!! And hugs to you Roz!

I hope everyone in the US is having a good holiday today! I am actually working (I'm a lab tech at a large hospital so I'm considered essential). 

My family and I decided to cancel our cruise in October but instead we are cruising in April 2021. We originally were going to be flying to Rome to get on the ship and sailing back to US, but now it's backwards and we will be sailing from the US over to Rome. I honestly feel less anxious knowing that I'm getting on the ship at my home country. I'm so excited for this trip!

I just got some good news today! Mila is doing group classes for her service dog training. There is a company near me that does only service dog training (You also have to have proof of a disability so not just anyone can train their dog). She has officially passed her first class and will be starting her next class in April! Things will be different this time. Since we can't have groups because of the virus we are going to be doing online classes via Zoom.

I'm just so excited and proud of her that she passed! I don't think everyone understands but I thought everyone here would. 

Thanks!!

Welcome!  Mila is such a beautiful girl.
 
Practicing on a bus is such a good idea.  She'll get used to other people sitting around her, she'll learn how to lay in a small space and most importantly to not get scared by the stopping, starting and different movements.  Have fun with her, and do take lots of pictures.
 
I love looking back at my Service Dogs in the albums I've made for them.  The time goes by so quickly and seeing them as pups always brings tears to my eyes.  The memories you'll share with her are unbelievable.
 
Please come back and share your wonderful stories of your experiences with Mila.

Mila is adorable!
 
Italy only officially recognizes guide dogs as service dogs so be sure to contact any hotels, transportation providers or airlines in advance to let them know you are bringing your service dog. We were in Italy in November with my service dog and had no issues. Italy is very dog friendly and so you should be fine.

Hey everyone!

I've just been lurking lately but I have to tell you, this thread is so amazing! I love how everyone is so helpful with tips for training and otherwise!

Mila was supposed to start her next training class this weekend but they have postponed the start date until April. I feel like it's going to end up being crunch time to make sure she is fully trained before our cruise in the fall. She's so smart though so she does really great! I think we will be okay but I will work extra hard with her. She seems to love to learn. 

Thanks for the idea about taking a dog on a bus to get them ready for a flight! I was trying to figure out how make sure she's comfortable.

The two things I'm most nervous about is getting to Italy with Mila and then getting on the ship in Italy. I'm doing as much research as I can to make sure I have everything needed. She will be a year old next month and once we get her shots for the year I'm going to get a binder to keep all of her records. 

Everyone stay safe!! ❤️

I’ve just started reading through this whole thread and you are such an amazing help!

I’ve previously worked with Mila on a fake grassy patch on the balcony (I live on the 3rd floor). I am going to get a mulch box and start using that. She is also doing a two week boarding training session so I’m going to talk with that trainer about working on the mulch box. 
 

I know during Mila’s public access class we take the dogs to the airport. Sometimes they are able to work something out with an airline for the dogs to go on a plane just so we get an idea of how a flight will be. The last time I flew I was super lucky to have a service done in my row so I was able to get a little bit of understanding of it. The handler was super nice and helpful when I told her I had a service dog in training. She helped answer a lot of questions!

Mila is still training but she will be done before our cruise. She has already been such a blessing to me! I kick myself for not getting a service dog before, but at the same time I think I was meant to have Mila.

I’m sure I will have a ton of more questions once we get closer to cruise time! 

I’m so happy to have found this thread! I had just posted a topic asking about cruising with my service dog to Rome, but I hadn’t seen this thread yet! I may have to read a lot to catch up on everything. I’m taking my service dog Mila on her first cruise in November. I’m so nervous about it all but I think once we get on the ship I’ll be okay. It’s nice to meet so many others that have service dogs and cruise with them!

Hello!

I will be traveling from the US to Rome with my service dog. We will be boarding the ship in Rome. It’s a transatlantic cruise so we will be back in the US.

Does anyone have any experience will traveling to Rome with their service dog? This is a new experience for me. We have contacted the cruise line and they know about her. We also know we need a vet to sign off on her doggie passport for Europe. Any advice or tips would be appreciated!

This will be the first cruise for my service dog. I’m hoping to take her on a short flight before the trip to Italy to see how to handle her on a plane, but any tips for a longer flight would be good too.

My plan is to do a vlog during the trip to see if I can help others, but as of now I need the help! 😜

Thanks in advance!

I also love being on the balcony. I love waving to the people watching the ship sail!

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While on Allure I had on slip on Toms shoes. I didn't think they would matter because they fit me pretty snug but they did ask me to change. It was no big deal though. I waited until my mom finished her zip and then we traded shoes so I could go. :)

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On my last cruise in October with my family we had 3 rooms, so between us all we had 6 bottles of wine. As far as I know the only time they saw the wine was while going through security, before getting our sea passes. They never questioned it. We were following the rules but I don't see how they are enforcing them.

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On my recent cruise I found that the sales people in the jewelry stores in St. Thomas were rather pushy. I walked in a few to browse and they practically shoved (yes that's an exaggeration) hideous rings on my fingers, things I'd never consider. The way they did it made it as if I were being rude if I didn't try it on. I don't like feeling pressured like that so I ended up leaving rather than looking for anything I liked. It could have just been a few bad experiences though.

My mom and I have bought some jewelry in St. Maarten a few times from one place where they were not nearly as pushy. They also had records of our jewelry purchase from many years ago. This was helpful because my mom had a ring that one of the small diamonds had falls out. They were able to give her credit towards a new ring (actually giving her more than she had paid for it since gold prices had gone up).

I have never bought electronics while on a cruise so I can't give my opinion on that.

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Our stateroom attendant saw our wine and the next day he left two wine glasses and a corkscrew for us. I'd ask though in case yours doesn't see the wine. :)

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So I'm wondering, does anyone think there's a chance that Blue Lagoon Island will run their first ferry back to the port at 12 rather than the usual 1pm, given the Allure's very likely early departure? I mean if so then that is the only real thing stopping any of those excursions to Blue Lagoon from happening (including mine). I'm almost tempted to email Blue Lagoon and ask (though honestly I have yet to get anything resembling a straight-forward or intelligent email response to them in the past, so who knows).

I talked with others on the ship who had done the Blue Lagoon Sea Lion encounter. The one person who didn't know was the driver. Luckily one person mentioned the earlier departure time so the driver knew then! I think they just cut the beach time a little short.

Hope it works out for you!

Which cruise week did this problem begin on?

I know when I got on the ship for Oct 13 sailing we had a notice in our room saying that we would be leaving Nassau earlier than originally scheduled. We weren't told why.

Also we had a sea lion excursion for Atlantis. The tickets were waiting for us in the room so we got up super early since we had to meet by 7:15AM on port. Once on port they informed us that our excursion was cancelled due to the earlier ship departure time. They did of course reimburse our money and also gave us complimentary access to Atlantis AquaAdventure. Kinda was a bummer because if we had known we wouldn't have gone to bed so early on the first night of sailing!