Queenie2

It's not the cruise lines that offer these dialysis at sea programs -- it is vendors. Companies that provide the techs and the equip. they offer them on certain sailings on certain lines. The big problem is that if they do meet their minimun participants (which ususally they don't) then the "dialysis" cruise is cancelled.

You might want to check out the Nx Stage portable dialysis unit. It's not approved for use on any of the cruise lines (yet) but I think it's something to look forward to in the future. Plus you can do your own dialysis at home .

Candy

Solo:

I'm not here to debate the interpretation of the law as it pertains to the embargo/quarrantine in Hawaii. I was merely pointing out to the original poster that if Hawaii was ther cruise destination, then you need to do some advance research, have documentation and be prepared to jump through some hoops if you want your service animal to get off the ship. My view is that forewarned is forearmed.

Candy

As far as Hawaii not recognizing any but guide dogs for the blind, or trained by guide dogs for the blind, that is in direct conflict with the ADA.

I didn't mean to imply that Hawaii didn't recognize any assistance animals except those trained by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Yes, certainly all service animals have the same rights in Hawaii as those on the mainland as far as access to public accommodations. It's just getting *in to Hawaii* that has to do with GDU for the Blind. They were the org that brought that original action in regards to the unreasonable quarantine (for entrance) so the original settlement agreement reads that "GDU for the Blind trained animals" may forego the quarantine if they meet a myriad of other requirements (vet cert, microchiping, titers, parasite exams, etc).

The law now reads that a "qualified" guide dog or service can bypass the quarantine. There are two different categories - guide dogs and service animals. A qualified guide dog (for blind people) is defined as one that has " a certificate of training as a service dog by a training program accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Inc., or a service dog training program with equally rigorous administrative, operational and training standards." This is probably the easiest category as far as documentation is concerned.

A qualified service animal (hearing dogs or those for people with mobility disabilities) must have " a physician's statement which certifies as to the disability (of the person), and that the service dog provides assistance having to do with that disability."

As I understand it, "comfort animals" and those for people with psychiatric disabilities" are still not eligible to forego the quarantine. Self trained animals may be eligible, but again a physicians statement is required. (they fall under the service animal category whihc requires more documentation)

Here is a link to a pretty good fact sheet about the requirements for Hawaii

http://www.guidedogs.com/res-Hawaii%20facts.html

So again, I was not talking about access to public accommodations in Hawaii, but just getting off the ship (or airplane).

Additionally this exemption only applies to US citizens.

Candy

Relief areas for service animals vary by cruise ship, so you need to inquire with special needs. Some are just in a small closet while others are a box located on an open deck. Surfaces vary too.

Another concern would be port access -- some Caribbean ports have quarantines or embargoes on animals and there are no exceptions for service animals. Either work with a very knowledgeable travel agent on this (by that I mean one who has dealt with service animals before) or contact the consulate of all countries on your itin for entry requirements. In come cases micro chips, rabies titers and vet certificates are required.

Hawaii has partially lifted its quarantine restrictions -- but there are strict requirements you need to follow. Also, as I recall, only "Guide Dog Users of America" trained animals were eligible to bypass the quarantine period. Anyway, you really need to check out the updated requirements.

Candy

My theory is that there are just some rude people out there -- they are rude to ABs as well as PWDs. Yesterday at the airport, as we were waiting to board, this lady just pushed through our group (knocked down one lady's suitcase and knocked another lady off ballance) and then went to the front of the line (one group was already boarding) and just pushed everyone away and jumped on the plane. Everybody was dumbfounded that she had that much nerve. We all just pretty much stood there with our mouths open.

Good Lord - I can't imagine sticking my head in somebody elses room/cabin!! Some folks just have no manners.

Candy

I think the more important question is, what would you do in a real emergency? In a real emergency you could not take the elevator and most likely you wouldn't be at the muster station in advance (because presumably you would have no advance notice in a real emergency).

For example in a real emergency on most RCI ships, wc users meet at a designated point (usually near a stairwell) and 4 crew members are assigned to carry them up or down one flight of stairs. On the next deck the process continues with a new set of four crew members, until you get to the deck your muster station is on. Obviously they do not do this during a drill, but it's very important that passengers know what would happen in case of a real emergency. So to that end you need to ask your cabin steward what the procedure is in a real emergency. If he doesn’t know, ask him to find out. You also need to know where your designated meeting point is. I know the drills are a drag, but the whole point is to know what to do and where to go in a *real* emergency.

So ask a lot of questions until you find out.

Candy

Oh my gosh Julie -- you actually hid during the muster drill!! That's just too funny. I was drinking my coffee when I read your post and I laughed so hard it came through my nose!

Some cruise lines allow wc-users to forego the on-deck muster drill and instead meet in a designated place to receive instruction about how things would be handled in a *real* emergency. Ask your room attendant if this is an option (when he first comes to introduce himself to you).

Candy

i can confirm what jennan posted, having just (yesterday) dealt with HAL for an upcoming article. The number for the Access & Compliance Department is 800-547-8493.

Candy