tvaud

I'm sure everyone has heard about the incident at the Ft Lauderdale airport yesterday. As some of you know, for me flying is the worst thing ever. After totally freaking out yesterday, I've calmed down but now I'm going to be an even worst wreck next weekend. Ugh!! All appointments made. I'm finally feeling better after 22 days of being sick.

 

Cindra, didn't realize we were cruising the same weekend! We will fly to Ft lauderdale but will cruise out of Miami. Hope you have a great cruise! Been a rough month and I'm so excited to be taking my son and DIL with us. We also have some good friends that will be on the ship too. Can't wait!! [END QUOTE]

 

 

Wow! What a coincidence. Wouldn't it have been funny if we were booked on the same cruise? Which ship and which ports will you be in? Maybe we will be in one together. We are hitting Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire the first week. Costa Maya, Belize and Cozumel the second.

 

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Well, this Tuesday is our crazy day. Vet appt. at 9am, then we are off to the USDA office in Harrisburg. The closer office we usually use, as of the first of this year, is without a vet. Theirs retired at the end of last year, and they don't have a new one in place yet. I don't want to risk Fedexing the form up to Albany, as they suggested, so I made an appt. at the next closest...non closest really...office. I can always breathe a sigh of relief once I get that stamp.

We will be on the Caribbean Princess next Saturday, if anyone wants to wave to us. I'm so glad we weren't sailing today, with all that went on in Fort Lauderdale today. A short while ago, I checked the ship cam and she was still docked in Port Everglades.

Wish us luck. The weather should be good for traveling/driving on those days.

Cindra

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Hi,

 

I'm new to this forum, never used one before.

 

If I posted in the wrong place please forgive me. :-)

 

I am going on a cruise in three weeks.

 

Harmony of the Seas with RCCL.

 

We are going to Nassau and St. Marten.

It will be my second cruise but first with my guide dog.

 

Is there anything other than a health certificate I need?

Her shots are all up to date.

 

The plan is to keep her on the boat at all times. (Husband's parents will watch her if I go off the ship.)

 

Is there a policy for crates? (Sherman may need to be crated if we go to a late-night show if she is exhausted).

How manypotty boxes are typically on cruise ships?

 

Anything. I need to be prepare for when boarding with her?

Hi and welcome...

First of all, make lots of copies of form 7001 and vaccination records. You will need them. Also, if you haven't already done so, contact the cruise line to get permission to bring your service dog. Check to USDA website to make sure you comply with each of your ports regulations. I keep a file folder with all of our dog's records and permits to present at each port. Be prepared to bring the dog to meet with customs officials while the ship is being cleared upon arrival. You will also need those records when reentering the US.

As for being on board, most cruise lines state that you must have your animal with you, and that she cannot be left alone, crated or otherwise, in your cabin.

You will find that your dog will be well received by most passengers. However, be prepared to deal with the naysayers, who don't believe dogs of any kind, service or not, on board. Hang in there, because you are within your rights to have her there with you.😊

Cindra

What are their requirements in Belize?

I took this off their site.

Belize does not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:

You must file for an Import Permit before traveling to Belize. After your veterinarian has completed the Import Permit Form you will send it to the Agriculture Department of Belize. They will approve the form and fax it back to you. You will pay a fee for this service. Failure to file an Import Permit will result in a fine and may result in your pet being placed in quarantine.

Belize recommends that dogs be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus and cats be vaccinated against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calioi Virus and Panlenoopaenis.

Pet Dogs and Cats may enter the country accompanied by a Veterinary Certificate for Belize issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin within 14 days of entry. This certificate needs to be endorsed by the USDA or the CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are traveling from another country, the Governmental Authority in your country responsible for the import and export of animals should endorse your forms.

Proof of current rabies vaccination administered no less than 30 days and no more than one year prior to arrival for first rabies vaccinations.

Shortly before travel, your pet will also need a Ticks and Tapeworm test to enter Belize. This completes your cat or dog passport to Belize.

Unaccompanied pets traveling as manifest cargo will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Your airlines may also require a health certificate even if your pet is traveling with you in the cabin or as checked baggage.

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Belize update... It only took a couple of days, but the import permit was emailed to me very quickly. They should all be this easy...well, easy after finding the correct phone number and person.[emoji849] BTW, the permit is good for 90 days.

In two weeks, we have our crazy day...early vet appointment fir 7001 in NJ, then off to Harrisburg, PA for the USDA. The closer NJOffice's vet is retiring at the end of this year, so they won't have one to do endorsements for a while...and I don't want to risk Fedexing to Albany, NY, which is the other option. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

Cindra

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From the 'look what crawled out of the woodwork' file...it's me! Sorry that I have been absent for so long, but life has been crazy since my husband retired.

I just wanted to pass along some info for anyone traveling to Belize. After doing a ton of research regarding their requirements and restrictions, I thought I had the correct info. At the beginning of December, I emailed the import permit application. As per the BAHA website, the permit should only take 7 days or so to process. After reading a comment for someone else's experience with this process, I found out that they lose applications, forget about issuing them, etc. I decided to also fax the app. The fax number didn't work...no answer. I called every number on their website, and all of the numbers were disconnected. My next step was to call their embassy in Washington DC. There I got some working phone numbers. After a few tries, I got one of the numbers to ring. I spoke to a man in a different department, but he gave me the correct number and person to contact. I was finally able to get through to the correct person. She told me that email is the best way to apply, as the fax numbers are not working.

I wanted to pass on the correct information, so no one else has to go through what I jus did.

Here is the person to contact for an animal import permit for Belize:

Ms. Melody Robateau

Administrative Assistant/Permit Officer

Animal Health Department

Belize Agricultural Health Authority

Central Farm, Cayo District, BELIZE, C. America

Tel: (501) 824 4899/72/73

Fax: (501) 824 4889/3773

Melody is very nice to deal with. She emailed me a receipt of confirmation and said it would be processed shortly. Phew! Now, I can relax and get ready for our cruise next month.

Cindra

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We used Jorge Ramirez Morales. He customized a tour for us that included a coffee plantation, rain forest, and lunch on the beach. Our party of four included two with handicaps. We had the best time, with a full day tour...very reasonable rate.

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Been trying to post for the last few days, but the lousy wifi keeps giving me error messages.

Updates for our ports... We were able to take Pedro into Martinique with no problems. There was a pack of eight stray dogs near the end of the pier, but an official chased them away. We carried Pedro to keep him safe until they left. A local woman wasn't watching where she was going and stepped on Pedro. We checked him out and he was fine. In Antigua, after no response to all of my emails, the local vet had to meet with Pedro, check the original paperwork, gave us the permit papers and a $10 discount on his $50 fee, because he liked us. Not complaining there... While in port, a customs official chased us down and I gave them the form from the vet. He pre-warned us about this and also gave us his card, in case anyone gave us any trouble.

Today, we are in Virgin Gorda, BVI. We also had to meet with the officials, who stamped all of my original paperwork. They were most concerned with 7001 and the rabies titer report. Was also told that only service animals would be allowed in food establishments. They are starting to educated they people about service animals, which is great. Once Bill wakes up, we will go ashore.

Thankfully, this is the last morning I will have to wake up early until disembarkation.

Cindra

Just got word from passenger services, and it's a "No" from Barbados...just as we thought. Pedro cannot enter, because we arrived by sea. It's not a big deal, as we have been here before, but still disappointing.

Tomorrow is Martinique. The French do not seem to have a problem with dogs, so we should be good to go. Antigua is the following day...another English port...could go either way. They never responded to my countless emails or import permit application. Keep your fingers crossed.

Cindra

Cindra, thank you so much for posting the island scenarios. Pretty annoying about St. Kitts after all you did in advance. It's on our itinerary for a future cruise - not sure if I want to go through all the aggravation, but I've never been there and would like to be able to tour. Will have to investigate this mystery permit application, I guess, and then decide if it's worth it.

Chris,

My advice to you, regarding St. Kitts, is to get the testing done a few months prior to your cruise. You'll need 2 rabies titer tests, 30 days minimum apart. They wouldn't let us in because we didn't apply early enough for their import permit. Give yourself plenty of time to get to get it all done.

We were able to get into Tobago today. We fedexed the documents to the Trinidad, but they never sent it. The officer in charge of Pedro on the ship is a great liaison between us and the port officials. Barbados is up next, not sure if we will be able to get in. Will keep you posted.

Cindra

It's Boxing Day in St. Vincent and everything is closed. Just as well, they don't allow dogs. Pedro and Bill are on the ship. I found some free wifi at the dock. I had him dressed in his nautical tux last night and the captain loved it. Christmas on board was different for us, but we had so much fun. I made stockings for our wait staff and cabin steward. Service got even better. LOL. Pedro is getting used to the sawdust in his potty box. He no longer lays down in it. Much better than the chunks of mulch that were bigger than him.

Got drenched on the dock. Trying to dry off in the breezeway. Pedro is safe and dry on board.

Check in later.

Cindra, it sounds like our little guy is finding a comfort zone. I hope so. The sea sure can show it's ugly side. I know, Horty and I saw it last week. I like the calm rolling motion.......that rocking & bouncing motion is not pleasant nor easy to navigate.

 

 

 

I hope the rest of your cruise has some enjoyment for all of you.

You said it, Roz! Theses finally calmed down last night, after St. Martin. Immigration was no problem in St. Martin. They didn't need to see the dog, just 7001 & rabies vaccination certificate. Was told to carry copies in port with us. Only encountered one wandering dog in the marketplace...he had a collar, but we picked Pedro up anyway.

Today, was a totally different scenario. We are in St. Kitts today. Had to appear with Pedro and all of my original paperwork. We were seen, but they told us we needed to send in for a permit months ago...not listed in their official website. Long story short, Pedro was denied entry. I got off the ship tiger a watch battery changed, and then it's right back to the ship. They don't want my dog, they don't get my tourist dollar. We will relax and enjoy the ship instead.

Pedro was sick for two days with seasickness. I gave him 1/8 of a Bonine tab the first day. He perked up, but with three days in a row of very rough seas, he needed a second dose. It worked again. Last night, we finally had calm seas, so he was fine.

Merry Christmas to you all from the Caribbean!

Cindra & Pedro

Roz,

I wanted to thank you for your great advice regarding Pedro's seasickness. Luckily, Bill had his pill splitter with him, so I cut the Bonine tablet into eighths. The first time I put it in his mouth, the pill came out. The second time I did it, I tossed it back farther into his mouth, closed it and rubbed his nose. That time it went down. He was sleepy for a few hours, but midway during dinner, he perked up. He looked drunk or high for most of the day, which was a bit amusing. Everyone asked how he was feeling today. He has so many fans and we are only in day three. I haven't had to go through my service dog explanation as much this cruise, but when asked, I teach. The veterans were very interested in him as well.

We are still bouncing around in very high, rough seas. When a really big wave hits, we get a little whimper out of Pedro...sometimes, one comes out of Bill too. We were told today by the captain that we will be late getting into St. Martin tomorrow. Scheduled 8am originally, we will now be pulling in at around 2pm, but will stay later, till 9pm.

Pedro's potty box is outside on deck 5 on the starboard side. No mulch. It's filled with sawdust. We added a bag of dirt from home, to make him feel more comfortable. He finally used it.

Keep your fingers crossed for calm seas in the Caribbean. The Atlantic is one mighty angry lady this week.

Thanks again!

Cindra

And Pedro

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Need help. We had a very rough night last night, continuing today. We are fine, but Pedro is sea sick. Anyone have advice for remedies? Can dogs take Bonnie or Dramamine or should we give him ginger ale and apple skins?

Cindra

Well, we made it to Florida in one piece. Pedro found a spot on top of the luggage in the back seat to lounge on. He was enjoying the view out of the back window. I wonder what the cars behind us were thinking. At the hotel, he got barked at several times by more agates dive dogs. It seemed like everyone was traveling with their dogs this weekend. Pedro didn't flinch, but did walk behind my legs when a German shepherd lunged at him. There must have been over a dozen dogs staying there. Pedro was the only service dog.

When we walked out of the hotel in South Carolina this morning, it was 29 degrees outside. Pedro felt that cold air and didn't want to budge. I'm glad I put a sweater on him, but we still had to coax him. Once we got in the car, he snuggled into his car seat and fell asleep. He really travels well, thankfully.

Tomorrow, we are off to the Ocean Princess and our first Christmas cruise. Can't wait! Will take lots of pics. I will try to check in and let you know how it's going. Still have only received an import permit from BVI. No response from the other islands...and I'm not happy about that. Hopefully, the officer in charge can work his magic. Wish us luck.

Cindra

I can't wait to get on a small ship again. We were wondering if Pedro will be the only SD on board. Roz, was Horty the only dog on your cruise?

Welcome home Roz and Horty! Sounds like you had a fabulous time. I'm looking forward to our small ship too. We are now on the road, headed to Miami to board the Ocean Princess on Sunday. Pedro is sitting in his car seat...not sure if he is awake yet.

Looking forward to hearing all about your cruise!

Raylene sends good wishes from Celebrity Reflection docked in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to Henri and Pedro for very fun trips coming up!

 

 

 

We're having a great time on our seven day cruise, despite the bomb scare and tail incident, and I'll do a full report after we're home.

Pedro says, "Thanks Raylene! Enjoy the rest of your cruise!"

All documents for Pedro faxed to Princess. Check!

Stopped at PetSmart for a hands free leash. Sometimes, you just need three hands, so I hope this new leash helps. Do any of you use them?

We leave on Sunday for our cruise...and out of Miami as well. I hope we don't have any problems. It's been a few decades since I've sailed out of the port of Miami, so it will be a different experience for us. We usually sail out of Ft. Lauderdale or New York. I'm still wondering why this Princess ship isn't leaving from Port Everglades, but I won't lose sleep over it.

I have to make a list of all of the last minute things I have to do before we leave home on Friday. Ugh!

It looks like Chris and Raylene had quite an adventure trying to board Saturday:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2288308&page=6

 

Poor Raylene got her tail stepped on but sounds like she is doing fine now - someone made a bomb threat and delayed boarding for quite a while.

Wow, what a way to start off a cruise! Scary in this day and age. Poor Raylene! Why don't people watch where they're going? We normally pick Pedro up and carry him in a sling when in crowds, to keep him from getting kicked or stepped on. It's amazing the amount of times that I've had my cane kicked out from under me, because of a careless person. Are others that self absorbed? I love it when karma steps in and they trip over it...or did I just help that situation along. ;)

Is it just me, or do any of you have encountered similar situations?

Henri and I are headed on our first road trip tomorrow (with Hubby) - not a cruise yet. This will be our first long trip in the car and stay at a hotel. I am sure that she will do fine. We are headed to Southern California to our daughter's graduation from nursing school and I figured that as long as we were down there we might as well work in a couple of days at Disneyland.

 

 

 

Dianne

Have a great trip, Dianne!

And it's now today! It is getting close. :):)

Yes. We got everything done today. The vet clipped his nails, gave the internal and external parasite treatment and signed off on 7001. I looked at it and realized that it needed a notation saying Pedro was a service dog. The tech had to redo the form and have the vet resign it. Then it was off to the USDA appointment. The weather was warm today, so it made traveling around that much nicer. Got there a little early, but the clerk took my documents. About 10 minutes later, he came back with them nod asked me for a Che k or money order. I looked at him and mentioned he was a service dog. Then had to point out the note on the form. Lucky that I had the tech redo it. Then I was off on my merry way...much faster appointment than last time.

Oh...one strange thing. I wasn't charged the fee for 7001 at the vet. Maybe it will catch up with me. Maybe, the vet waived the fee after all of the screw ups...? I'll keep you posted.

Oh, I got an email from the Princess access office. They said I could send the documents however I wanted. In the past, I had always faxed them in. Has anyone ever jus emailed their docs in?