momof3cruisers

Service dogs can be any breed. And the service dog (who is considered medical equipment by the ADA) trumps a person’s allergies when it comes to public access. A person with allergies can of course request to be seated far away from the dog. In situations such as a flight, if the person with allergies doesn’t want to fly with a dog on a plane, they are the ones who are bumped to another flight, not the person with the service dog. I’m highly allergic to cats, but if they fit under the seat, people can bring them on a flight too and I just cross my fingers that they are far away. Same with small dogs. As far as encountering the SD on a cruise, trust me when I say the dog’s handler would much prefer you keep your distance as well. (Not you specifically, just people who think it’s okay to distract the dog.)

My daughter who was 24 at the time is a huge Dr Sue’s fan. I made her a shirt with a pattern I bought on Etsy that says “Why fit in when you were born to stand out!?” It has Things One and Two, some of the trees from The Lorax and Horton.

Our experience with how Royal (didn’t) handle special needs was a shock to us as we had sailed Carnival twice and they had been amazing with our son. From whisking us through check in to an area off to the side where it was quiet and then right on to the ship, to letting him and me do muster in the cabin watching the video and then being escorted later to our muster station. Then Royal told us, we had no options for anything to help him cope better. Never tried to take him on Royal again. I’d imagine in the various countries the crew are from they don’t see many service dogs. But you would think that would be part of their training. Before we got Max, we had no idea how much public education we would be doing.

I thought your point was pretty obvious and it made me chuckle. For me, $400 was an option as a splurge. I have MS and other health “stuff” making too much heat and sunshine not an option. Having the cabana turned what would have been a short, very hot day into a full day of fun and relaxation. I will miss having that option and will most likely just enjoy an empty Serenity deck if we go there in the future. My first sailing after the restart, I was solo and went to HMC. A cabana for one person was not happening so I got a clamshell. Never again. SO HOT! And so hard to get out of.

Can you tell me what kind of scooter you have please? That sounds very convenient.

Thank you! I appreciate the quick answer!

I know this is quite an old post but I wanted to say how much I appreciated it! My son is now 23 but got his SD when he was 17. We love to fly Southwest because they are incredibly accommodating. My son is also 6’5” so that adds to the space issue. His brother of the same height can’t fit in a regular seat either so we usually get him in an exit row but you can’t sit there with a disability. Makes it complicated. Our Max also loves trains. He enjoys watching the scenery fly past. I attended a BMG performance in Vegas and while I know my son would love it, the first thing I thought of was that we couldn’t bring his dog. That’s a crazy lot of stimulation. I’m glad Charlie got over it quickly! im sorry you had such trouble with the potty station but am glad to hear they worked with you a tiny bit. We had trouble with other special needs services with Royal in the past that were very frustrating. At the time they were bragging about their Autism friendly recognition. Ha! That was a joke. They literally offered no accommodation regarding anything. If you are still reading here, I’m wondering if you had an option to ask if the box could be moved anywhere closer to your cabin? I’m glad to know that trip insurance covers service dogs. I will definitely make sure that is part of our coverage as well.

I have an add on question then. I’m sailing with friends. I’m the only one with CCL shares. Will my OBC go to be split amongst the 4 of us or will it be just on my folio?

That’s one of my faves too. But the best is to get the kids banana split and the melting cake. Then get a small scoop of each on the spoon. So good!

Clearly, I have no clue what I’m talking about. 😂

I didn’t say it was top shelf. I answered the question regarding if one brand is better than another. As for rot gut, a sidecar makes me gag. I hate cognac.

Same! My first thought was that bummer, my husband’s most exciting training locals have been Orlando and Boston. Then, the phrasing confused me, THEN I finally got it. This is a very cool trip report and you’ve barely started. Excited to follow along.

In most locations like hotels etc, you can’t leave a service dog in a room unattended and that does include cruise lines. My son is considering going on a cruise with his service dog so we have looked into it. You have to have a variety of paperwork depending on where you are sailing to. In our case, they wouldn’t get off the ship anyway but I’m pretty sure there are ports that require the info even if you stay on the ship.

Gazpacho was my husband’s favorite too. But sadly, I don’t think it’s offered anymore. I used to love this too. Last two times trying it, it was like they forgot to flavor it. I forgot about the crime brûlée! Also a favorite!

Mine is escargot as well. I’ve only ever had it on a cruise but IMO Carnival makes it better than Princess, NCL or Royal.

I’ve had chocolate and the white cake. Both were quite good. Tend to eat them after 11 when the only food option is pizza. Might have to try red velvet!

Well, there’s Peachtree, DeKuyper and Phillips as far as I am aware. I’ve never noticed a difference myself. I also have never seen a frozen rose but that might be ship dependent. (Or I wasn’t paying attention.)

I know they don’t call it a tender anymore but can’t figure out the name and you all know what I mean. 😉 Many years back, we had FTTF and went to Grand Cayman. When we were ready to go ashore, we went to guest services and they walked us down to the front of the line. But I am now Platinum and on our last cruise when we went to GC, we were told that for priority, we had to meet in the showroom at a certain time or just get in the regular line. Is this how it’s always been? Has it changed? Was it better for FTTF than Platinum? It seemed like not nearly as nice of a perk.

And bread is still bread. Whereas the benefits of FTTF have decreased.

Wow, you seem angry. I don’t think many people are complaining. The initial response was shock, some disappointment, wonder about WHO is going to buy one, discussion about Carnivals bottom line, curiosity about what Holland is charging. To me it has seemed a very pleasant thread. Especially by CC standards.

But for the week you mentioned that’s missing from her schedule, that would be enough time to go to Freeport, get the needed 2023 inspection done and then get back to New Orleans.

I really like Key West. Also, Cozumel and any other island that are on South and East itineraries other than San Juan. Been there half a dozen times. Never liked it. Never get off the ship anymore there. I’m also done with Amber Cove unless I can manage a chocolate making/factory tour. I don’t bather with anywhere in the Bahamas. Don’t even book cruises that stop there other than HMC. I have a cruise next Feb that stops in Costa Maya and we are going to Maya Chan. If I didn’t have newbies going with me, I’d stay on the ship. I won’t be getting off the ship there anymore. I actually really like to stay on the ship in port. It’s relaxing and fun.

Thanks once again! Great job!

Depends on what you want it for. Do you have any tender ports at which you aren’t going on a Carnival excursion? Do you have an early flight on the day you disembark? Do you really hate dealing with your carryons the first day?

Well, it becomes whatever # of drinks you order divided into approx $10. If you have a low day, it might be $2.50 per drink. Etc.