House_Atreides

On 8/15/2024 at 6:45 PM, Dave JS said:

What is you go to eatery when you dont want to have a sit down meal at MDR or Specialty restuarants?

NY pizza for sure!

Also the salads there are awesome 😃

5 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

I was especially surprised to see a service dog on our Hawaii cruise.  In the past Hawaii has been especially strict about dogs coming to the island even with a military family (dogs had to quarantine for several weeks).  (Vietnam wartime ear)  I asked the handler if the dog could get off the ship.  Yes, she said she had to fill out a lot pf paperwork (I didn’t carry the conversation further).  On the next cruise to Hawaii there were the two companion dogs.  I wonder if they were allowed off the ship in Hawaii.

 

Do cruise lines require medical records showing that the dog has received the proper immunizations required for a dog license in many states, like California?   What if the dog bites someone or has fleas?

This is not a simple issue.

You have some great questions. I’ll do my best here.

I can’t comment on Hawaii, because they are part of the United States. I’ve never had a client travel there. However, I do know that immunizations absolutely must be up-to-date. Also, not every state requires a dog license, however, everybody must have a rabies shot. Proof of that can be gotten from the veterinarian.

I am not sure if the cruise line actually requires the medical records however it would be silly not to ask for a rabies certificate at the very least.

If the animal has fleas, that would need to be addressed immediately.  Responsible service dog owners keep their dogs impeccably clean.
 

Biting is a different issue. I would hope that the dog has been trained not to do such a thing. However, accidents can and do happen. If the trainer is recognized the DOJ, if the dog were to bite someone the DOJ will cover that as far as a lawsuit for injury being filed against the handler.  Of course, things are different outside of the USA.  
 

Taking a service animal on a cruise That visits multiple countries can be a regular pain in the rear end.  Handlers need to get in touch with each Embassy for each country and ask for approval to bring their animal into the country.

I hope this helps!

Happy cruising!

Edit….sorry, the ADA is a law, not a government agency.

4 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

I say you're lucky and fortunate you've not encountered a non-service dog on a cruise. Just because you haven't, does not mean it's not happening. This thread is an indication this is not a unique one time incident - it's a real issue. A simple search here on CC will result in multiple threads of multiple incidents. 

The holiday K'dam cruise as well as the one after are 2 recent examples. Unfortunate reality of cruising today.

Just simply not service animals.

I was on this cruise.

The ladies with the dogs were total frauds.

When I asked questions, because I am a service dog trainer, over two days, I got 2 different answers from the lady pictured on what service does/do the dog(s) perform.  How do the dg(s) alert to your condition?  Totally made up answers were given, on the fly.

Staff was alerted, although not by myself, and later in the cruise, the dogs were not seen anymore.  

3 hours ago, Toofarfromthesea said:

 

And it is really unfortunate that those that abuse the rules cause legitimate service animals to come into (unfair) question.  Particularly the less obvious one such as diabetes dogs.  And I think I read that a dog can be trained to tell when an epileptic is about to go into a seizure.

Hi!

Ive trained SDs for many years.  As far as seizures go, yes, a seizure alert dog is possible however not very reliable in detection.  Dogs are trained in service to take care of the person afterwards, for instance getting help for the person, or providing a place for the person to put their head rather than hitting it on the floor.

51 minutes ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Snip. “reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications,”

Anyone able to shed light on that one?

Hi, yes I can answer your question.

A person, for example, with a panic disorder, will begin to “accelerate” before the actual panic attack begins.  The dog will smell a change in hormones, and alert the handler that they need to take medication, if so prescribed.

Another example is dogs are attuned to routine.  The dog will notice if someone has not taken medications for their illness. 
I hope this helps

3 hours ago, Kay S said:

Maybe it was a teeny tiny service dog?  Dogs provide many more services than just assisting the visually challenged.

As a service dog trainer of many years, service dogs do NOT ride in strollers.  Absolutely dogs provide many services, none of which are done for a stroller.  Teeny dogs can be service dogs in a few capacities, NOT working from a stroller.

These owners disgust me.

On 2/1/2024 at 2:46 PM, oceanbill457 said:

We were on the Koningsdam Jan 6. As reported the smoking area is aft of the Seaview bar (which doesn't have much of a sea view), The smoke wafts over the Seaview bar. Not many guests use that bar as a result.

Agreed, but the smokers sure keep those bartenders running….😅❤️ and they were awesome!

You’re welcome!

16 hours ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

Thanks for the honest report

We cruised 12-21-2023 1-7-2024, the circle loop Hawaii from San Diego and back.

On the K-dam, there was designated smoking on the starboard side, aft, by the Seaview Pool.  The bartenders were outstanding.  Look for Ronnie.  Nice guy and a great attitude. There are sofas and chairs to sit on, along with regular tables.  The area has plenty of room.

As a smoker even I was bothered by the smoke wafting into the indoor area of the aft deck.

The casino was a mess by the slot machines, especially on sea days.  Full ashtrays everywhere in that area.  The smell of the smoke was wafting down to the other deck.  I was in the casino all of 20 minutes.  That was too much for me even as a smoker.  Ban indoor smoking!

I never noticed anyone smoking on the balconies, we were aft on deck 8, port side.

Just sharing my experience.

Happy cruising all!

From a smoker, I’m so sorry you experienced this behavior.

We aren’t all like this!

1 hour ago, Blackduck59 said:

Unfortunately his "addiction" endangered the ship and he should have been removed from the ship at the next port. Just punted without compensation, screw him.

I’m a smoker…but balcony smoking scares the hell out of me!  I used to cheat to be honest, but after my son’s house burned down, it freaks me out.

Why people can’t go to the smoking areas is way above my pay grade.  I purposely book a cabin close to the designated area, as I’m partially disabled.  If I can get there, anybody can.

On 3/11/2023 at 7:00 PM, cmichael1221 said:

Make sure you do it prior to boarding, to get the lower rate! 🙂

 

Thank you!

Thank you for all your help!

Hi

I haven’t sailed carnival since the 1990s, and am wondering how to purchase the Cheers package.

It doesn’t show on the Carnival website.

Thank you!

I loved it!

I thought it was absolutely worth it.

Plenty of room, never crowded and enough heated loungers to go around.

Right now Suzanna is the concierge on the Gem.

On 12/3/2021 at 7:39 AM, Seanair said:

When we were on the Gem this past August, Virginia was the Concierge.  She is amazing.  She told us she was moving to the Breakaway in the summer of 2022.  I hope she is there for you in January. She will take great care of you.

Suzanna is now the concierge.

6 hours ago, BIG POOCH said:

With the reports of them requiring vaccinations, we will never be cruising on NCL again.  Hope they realize just how much this is going to hurt their business even more than it already has been.

This screams “I need attention!” 😆😆😆

21 hours ago, seaman11 said:

Actions of states/countries does play a role spreading it , does it not?   

Actions of people also play a role in the spread no matter what the local state and federal government says or does. 

No excuse for this at all.

Star last November, OS 10006.  This was a TA, and the balcony in the front was not real usable while underway unless you wanted to sit on the loungers in the front.  We had a side balcony that was awesome.  Being a TA, the ride was sometimes a little rough but rocked us to sleep.  Also there was a banging sound, when the ship hit the waves out front.  Could be bothersome for some, didn't bother me at all.  

November 2018 25 days....Star.

Butler:  Loy was really on top of things, always refilling the coffee pods, the fridge with water and mixers.  Lots of afternoon treats and yes, M&Ms.  We had friends over to play cards frequently and he brought huge bowls of potato chips in for us.  Escort on and off the ship at embarkation and ports.  (Either him or Suzana our concierge).

Concierge:  I kept messing up dinner reservations and she kept fixing them for me and gave me a print out.  One night we had an extra guest we wanted to bring with us to Teppy and she arranged with the chef to make room for her.  I have difficulties walking and she offered to escort me to my room one night but I got there alright.  She checked in with us every day making sure to stop and say hi to each of us. She was amazing and we all still miss Suzy (Star, November 2018).  We did the TA and b2b 11 night southern Caribbean.  

November 2018 25 days....Star.

Butler:  Loy was really on top of things, always refilling the coffee pods, the fridge with water and mixers.  Lots of afternoon treats and yes, M&Ms.  We had friends over to play cards frequently and he brought huge bowls of potato chips in for us.  Escort on and off the ship at embarkation and ports.  (Either him or Suzana our concierge).

Concierge:  I kept messing up dinner reservations and she kept fixing them for me and gave me a print out.  One night we had an extra guest we wanted to bring with us to Teppy and she arranged with the chef to make room for her.  I have difficulties walking and she offered to escort me to my room one night but I got there alright.  She checked in with us every day making sure to stop and say hi to each of us. She was amazing and we all still miss Suzy (Star, November 2018).  We did the TA and b2b 11 night southern Caribbean.  

RIP.  A loss to the community and onboard!

It's all covered unless you have a butler and concierge that you use.

Also if there is (are) crew members who have been especially good I like to tip them too.