Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[Algebralovr]

Hmmm, we discussed this at length with the disability director for NCL and they said this was a common solution. If I’m only going to be on excursions 2-4 hours a couple of days I would hate to keave him at home the entire trip. I’m very concerned about stray dogs dogs at those stops.

In that case, get something in writing from that disability director, that you may leave the dog on board in a kennel without an adult.

 

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[ShipsandDipper]

Hello Everyone,

I’m planning my first cruise with my service dog and my second cruise ever. We are cruising on March 25th on NCL Pearl. We are going to Cozumel Mexico, Costa Maya Mexico, Roatan Bay Islands Honduras, and Harvest Caye Belize.

After much thought we have decided to leave Macallan (my service dog) on board during excursions for his own safety as well as to simplify paperwork needed to travel. For those who have done this and used a crate in the staterooms, I would love to hear advice on transporting it onto the boat as well as any advice you have for handling things this way from experience.

 

I’ve read through this thread but any direct advice on NCL and service animal travel would be gravely appreciated as well! Thank you!

 

Abigail and Macallan

 

I don't have a service dog, but I really admire them and have been lurking here for a long time. In light of the tragic bus crash in Mexico last week, I feel compelled to ask if you have thought through all the potential ramifications of separating from Macallan and leaving him alone. What if something happens to you on shore (even something as simple as missing the ship, much less something like an accident)? And what if something happens on the ship while he's there alone? Oceania's Insignia had a fatal fire that required an emergency evacuation while it was docked at St. Lucia in 2014. I know the possibilities are remote, but as last week demonstrated, they are unfortunately real.

[Macallan and Me]

I don't have a service dog, but I really admire them and have been lurking here for a long time. In light of the tragic bus crash in Mexico last week, I feel compelled to ask if you have thought through all the potential ramifications of separating from Macallan and leaving him alone. What if something happens to you on shore (even something as simple as missing the ship, much less something like an accident)? And what if something happens on the ship while he's there alone? Oceania's Insignia had a fatal fire that required an emergency evacuation while it was docked at St. Lucia in 2014. I know the possibilities are remote, but as last week demonstrated, they are unfortunately real.

 

You are absolutely right. That is definitely a possibility. We’ve really struggled with it. For me, I feel like the likelihood of harm is greater for him off ship than on ship. He’s crated alone at my house or occasionally at my business and I feel like the chances for harm are equal or less than those situations. However, due to the recent hurricane activities and construction in the areas we are visiting, I feel like his shore experience would pose a much larger risk to his wellbeing and safety. It’s certainly something we have really spent a lot of time weighing and it seems to have pros and cons on both sides for sure. I could see how people could make a decision either way.

[wizard-of-roz]

Good Morning Everyone! I'm back.

It was a wonderful 15 day Hawaii cruise. Horton was treated like a rock star. His potty box was in place, on the veranda, from day one. The filler was the pellets, which are so hard on dogs with web toes. I brought a roll of artificial turf, laid it on top of the pellets and it stayed there for the complete cruise [i left it behind when he disembarked.] The Steward provided trash bags, which he tied to a lounge chair and I picked up the solids, which were disposed of daily.

I'm not really fond of sea days and Hawaii cruises are full of them. So, there were a lot of days filled with playing games, people watching, reading and watching folks ooh! and aah! over Horty. The ship offered hula lessons, singing, spa, reading and just lazing around. It was too cold to lay by the pools [and, the Captain was a real Parnelli Jones], the ship was bobbing and weaving so much that there were puke bags by every elevator. We had left port late so he was making up for the time by driving like a crazy man. I, personally, love the rocking and rolling as does Horton and my daughter. The worst was trying to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

We brought our Ukulele's but never really brought them out. There were no lessons offered. The food was good, not great, but very good. The service was excellent. The show's were minimal because of the rough seas. The magician and comedian onboard were very good. The music in the various was very good. And, having the drink package was the best idea ever. We had bottled water, specialty coffee's and top of the line drinks whenever we wanted them. I will ALWAYS purchase the drink package, no matter what ship I'm on!

I prefer port intensive cruises so that almost daily you're in a different place and most folks leave the ship so there are no lines. However, the shops and casino onboard will be closed a lot. Going to Hawaii there's a lot of chances to shop and to gamble.

As you all know the paperwork, vet visits and Direct Release Specialist visit by the Maui Humane Society [while onboard] were very expensive. Horton was inspected by by the Specialist who was very impressed by his behavior and the condition of his skin, fur and cleanliness of his ears, paws, etc. Her name was Melissa and her visit was pre-arranged by phone [808-877-3680] and cost $224.00. The first thing she did was run her scanner over Horton to check for his Micro-chip and then she examined all my paperwork which included a copy of his OIE-FAVN Blood test [Rabies antibody], which costs $245.00. These costs do not include the Vet visit and any immunizations which must be brought current. The blood test is good for 3 years, so if you're planning another trip within this time your dogs is all good to go.

I've said this before and I'll say it again, please DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CABIN WITHOUT SUPERVISION. So much can happen. Most ships won't allow this anyway! If my dog can't go or if I have a questionable port.....I don't go. His life and his well being is way too important to me.

I now have something in writing from the HR Director at my new job site asking me to please NOT take Horton into the ladies room, kitchen or employee's lounge. Remember, I've been working for this company for over 20 years and this is the first time anyone has ever made such a request of my dogs [who have worked with me since 2002!] I've already had one employee who won't go into the elevator with me if Horton is in it. Now I enter the elevator and if there are people already in it, I ask, "is anyone afraid of the dog?" I NEVER ask is "anyone allergic?"

Thank you all for your good wishes and good suggestions for dealing with my new issues at my new job site.

[Caribbean Chris]

Thanks for the great report, Roz! I missed you. Really appreciate all the info you posted for us about Hawaii.

 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas.

 

We sail next Tuesday, Caribbean this time, again on Celebrity. We’ll be in a Suite but for just a week (the longer cruise Suite prices have become very scary). They have a lounge (which my husband likes) and dining room for suites, so there’s plenty of room and peace & quiet.

 

Ship goes to Key West, Cayman, and Cozumel. We aren’t taking the dog ashore in Grand Cayman - a few hours on the island are not worth the cost for a blood test, plus $61 US application fee - and we’ve been there three times, pre-Dog anyway.

 

For Mexico this time, we did the “Option B” of a Mexico-supplied bilingual form printed on the vet’s letterhead. Much better than having to get Option A - their bilingual version of 7001 - which must be endorsed. I’ve had too many nail-biters during the holidays in years past waiting for the state APHIS vet to endorse and return anything! Glad to avoid the expense of overnight letters including overnight return envelopes.

 

Will give a report when we return. Happy new year to all.

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks for the great report, Roz! I missed you. Really appreciate all the info you posted for us about Hawaii.

 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas.

 

We sail next Tuesday, Caribbean this time, again on Celebrity. We’ll be in a Suite but for just a week (the longer cruise Suite prices have become very scary). They have a lounge (which my husband likes) and dining room for suites, so there’s plenty of room and peace & quiet.

 

Ship goes to Key West, Cayman, and Cozumel. We aren’t taking the dog ashore in Grand Cayman - a few hours on the island are not worth the cost for a blood test, plus $61 US application fee - and we’ve been there three times, pre-Dog anyway.

 

For Mexico this time, we did the “Option B” of a Mexico-supplied bilingual form printed on the vet’s letterhead. Much better than having to get Option A - their bilingual version of 7001 - which must be endorsed. I’ve had too many nail-biters during the holidays in years past waiting for the state APHIS vet to endorse and return anything! Glad to avoid the expense of overnight letters including overnight return envelopes.

 

Will give a report when we return. Happy new year to all.

 

Have a wonderful cruise. Nothing like the suite life!

We had a stop in Mexico [the Jones Act dictates that there MUST be a stop in a foreign port!] I got a call from Passenger Services asking if we were planning on debarking the ship in Mexico [because Horton would have to be inspected by authorities] I said "no" and all was easy.

Also, our ship was under heavy maintenance while we were onboard. Our cabin carpeting was completely replaced. There was hammering, gluing, painting, replacing, etc., etc. I did have a moment when we were enjoying some time doing nothing in one of the lounges and the noise from the hammering and scraping was overbearing and rather than say anything we were forced to leave the area for our own sanity! I know this work has to be done.......but, seriously, I don't want it when I'm trying to relax and enjoy my dime spent!

We were given a note from Passenger Services asking if they could come in the next day and replace all the lamp shades.......I said, "no!" I wanted to spend the day sleeping in and doing absolutely nothing......

[Algebralovr]

Welcome back, Roz!

 

Have a great cruise, Chris.

 

We got back from our pre-Christmas cruise and I came down with crud.

Glad to be home to recover. Had a great time with family on Celebrity Silhouette. Glad to see my Scooter. He was very bouncy when we got him from the vet.

[DUTRAVEL]

Thanks for the great report, Roz! I missed you. Really appreciate all the info you posted for us about Hawaii.

 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas.

 

We sail next Tuesday, Caribbean this time, again on Celebrity. We’ll be in a Suite but for just a week (the longer cruise Suite prices have become very scary). They have a lounge (which my husband likes) and dining room for suites, so there’s plenty of room and peace & quiet.

 

Have a great cruise Chris!

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Good Morning Everyone! I'm back.

 

Thank you all for your good wishes and good suggestions for dealing with my new issues at my new job site.

 

Welcome back Roz - sounds like a great cruise.

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

I have. I faxed them in mid-November and again this last Monday. Got my papers (faxed) to me on Friday. Can't tell you which worked. I had originally applied in August and never got it. Found out they changed their address (I posted the new one a page or two ago) So....I decided to not only mail them again with the $5 International Money order ($8.25 plus $1.15 stamp), I also sent a fax - back about a month ago. Then getting worried as my cruise is next month, I re-faxed them asking if they'd received it with another form on Monday. (gotta love those free trials of e-Fax) So out of all I did - something worked....

No need to send money service dogs are free.

We applied for a permit Sept. 26, for a November cruises because of ships itineraries were being changed due to the hurricane. Fortunately itineraries did not include Nassau, because we never received any Fax. We sent the $5 Fax fee with a international money order $8.25 and Global stamp $1.25. Would have been better off sending $5 cash! Not worth a International call. That's why we avoid the Bahamas. Can you board ship with out a Bahama's permit if not disembarking?

 

 

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[rangeley]

Hmmm, we discussed this at length with the disability director for NCL and they said this was a common solution. If I’m only going to be on excursions 2-4 hours a couple of days I would hate to keave him at home the entire trip. I’m very concerned about stray dogs dogs at those stops.

Rule has always been that the dog cannot even left alone in your cabin. I am shocked that they would tell you that. It is not a common solution.

 

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[rangeley]

Thanks for the great report, Roz! I missed you. Really appreciate all the info you posted for us about Hawaii.

 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas.

 

We sail next Tuesday, Caribbean this time, again on Celebrity. We’ll be in a Suite but for just a week (the longer cruise Suite prices have become very scary). They have a lounge (which my husband likes) and dining room for suites, so there’s plenty of room and peace & quiet.

 

Ship goes to Key West, Cayman, and Cozumel. We aren’t taking the dog ashore in Grand Cayman - a few hours on the island are not worth the cost for a blood test, plus $61 US application fee - and we’ve been there three times, pre-Dog anyway.

 

For Mexico this time, we did the “Option B” of a Mexico-supplied bilingual form printed on the vet’s letterhead. Much better than having to get Option A - their bilingual version of 7001 - which must be endorsed. I’ve had too many nail-biters during the holidays in years past waiting for the state APHIS vet to endorse and return anything! Glad to avoid the expense of overnight letters including overnight return envelopes.

 

Will give a report when we return. Happy new year to all.

We are going to Mexico and I read we only need the health forms. Did I miss something?

 

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[rangeley]

Have a great cruise Dianne!!

 

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[rangeley]

Welcome back Roz!!! Glad you had a great cruise.

 

I wonder if the were trying to get out of dry dock by repairing things while on board. That certainly would be annoying.

 

We leave in 23 days!! Can't wait.

 

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[HenryKisor]

We called the Bahamas agricultural people last month and were told we had to have the approved import permit plus 7001 even if we were not going to go ashore at Half Moon Cay or elsewhere in the Bahamas. Just entering Bahamian waters requires a permit, they said. Bummer.

[rangeley]

We called the Bahamas agricultural people last month and were told we had to have the approved import permit plus 7001 even if we were not going to go ashore at Half Moon Cay or elsewhere in the Bahamas. Just entering Bahamian waters requires a permit, they said. Bummer.

Ya they changed that rule. We've been to Nassau many times and never got the permit . Last year we were told we had to get the permit no matter if we got off the ship or not.

 

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[S.S. Cruisers]

I now have something in writing from the HR Director at my new job site asking me to please NOT take Horton into the ladies room, kitchen or employee's lounge. Remember, I've been working for this company for over 20 years and this is the first time anyone has ever made such a request of my dogs [who have worked with me since 2002!] I've already had one employee who won't go into the elevator with me if Horton is in it. Now I enter the elevator and if there are people already in it, I ask, "is anyone afraid of the dog?" I NEVER ask is "anyone allergic?"

 

Thank you all for your good wishes and good suggestions for dealing with my new issues at my new job site.

Welcome back Roz! Bon Voyage, Diane!

Ummm,Roz, isn't this directly violating the ADA? Where is Horty suppose to wait? Standing on hind legs, like a man waiting for his wife to come out of the restroom? I am sure this is not the last of this. I cannot believe anyone in Human Resources would put this request in writing. Something is just not right with this whole scenario. Sorry you and Horty are being treated like this.

[Algebralovr]

I'm pretty sure the HR Director violated the ADA with that request.

 

I had a bad interaction at a Drs appointment a few weeks ago. The Dr refused to see me if I had the dog with me. Different Dr, different location than all my other care. I didn't much care for the Dr to start with, only saw him a couple of times, and the first meeting he complained about the dirt from a dog. Pretty sure it is a cultural thing.

 

Anyway, when the Dr stated he refused to see me with the dog, I proposed leaving Scooter in the hallway against the wall just outside the door, with the door open. He still refused. The dog would be too close.

 

The facility manager was in a difficult position because I repeated that his position violated the ADA and I was considering filing a report with the DOJ. She ended up holding Scooter's leash in the waiting room. She then reported it to her board, and called to let me know it would not happen again, that hospital legal agreed the dog should have stayed with me. It was tense. What to do though? Relatively easy to find a new Dr.

 

Keep us posted, Roz. We are all supportive.

 

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[rpclmc]

Welcome back Roz.

 

That letter they sent you about Horton not coming in locations violates ADA in so many ways. I am not a sue happy person, but you might consider consulting an attorney. If things get uncomfortable there, you might want to have your ducks in a row. Document, document and document; date, time, place, names and conversation. Ask for everything to be put in writing. If you have been there 20 years, you don't deserve this. Protect yourself.

 

Halo has been roadtripping with me since November 13. He has never been a problem, such an amazing travel companion. We move into our new home in Florida tomorrow. I will be wintering in Florida and hack to Idaho for the summers. The nuero muscular disease I have causes severe stiffness, mostly in my legs for now. The cold causes me to be almost immobile.

 

Linda and Halo

[Caribbean Chris]

We are going to Mexico and I read we only need the health forms. Did I miss something?

 

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Hi Cindy, I think they did change it. Check it out on the APHIS drop down menu for dogs and cats. Mexico’s version of the health certificate has a box with statements in both Spanish and English AND now has to be endorsed by the regional APHIS office, which is a real pain. I think that’s new. That’s “Option A,”

 

But “Option B” can be a signed statement on your vet’s letterhead with language Mexico provides to be copied and pasted. It does NOT have to be endorsed.

 

So I got the usual Form 7001 and then my vet did the letterhead thing. I’ll be back about January 9 and will let you know what happens on Celebrity. Maybe we’ll have to appear in person, me in my bathrobe, at 7 a.m. for the dog to be inspected, which would be a first for us.

 

So she’s off to the groomer in the morning for a bath and nail trim.

[rangeley]

Hi Cindy, I think they did change it. Check it out on the APHIS drop down menu for dogs and cats. Mexico’s version of the health certificate has a box with statements in both Spanish and English AND now has to be endorsed by the regional APHIS office, which is a real pain. I think that’s new. That’s “Option A,”

 

But “Option B” can be a signed statement on your vet’s letterhead with language Mexico provides to be copied and pasted. It does NOT have to be endorsed.

 

So I got the usual Form 7001 and then my vet did the letterhead thing. I’ll be back about January 9 and will let you know what happens on Celebrity. Maybe we’ll have to appear in person, me in my bathrobe, at 7 a.m. for the dog to be inspected, which would be a first for us.

 

So she’s off to the groomer in the morning for a bath and nail trim.

Please let me know. I'll have to check out the Aphis we site.

Mexico is the only place I've ever had to bring the dog down for inspection, which they barely glanced at him. I think k Roz stated the same.

 

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[alexspepa]

Good Morning Everyone! I'm back.

 

It was a wonderful 15 day Hawaii cruise. Horton was treated like a rock star. His potty box was in place, on the veranda, from day one. The filler was the pellets, which are so hard on dogs with web toes. I brought a roll of artificial turf, laid it on top of the pellets and it stayed there for the complete cruise [i left it behind when he disembarked.] The Steward provided trash bags, which he tied to a lounge chair and I picked up the solids, which were disposed of daily.

 

I'm not really fond of sea days and Hawaii cruises are full of them. So, there were a lot of days filled with playing games, people watching, reading and watching folks ooh! and aah! over Horty. The ship offered hula lessons, singing, spa, reading and just lazing around. It was too cold to lay by the pools [and, the Captain was a real Parnelli Jones], the ship was bobbing and weaving so much that there were puke bags by every elevator. We had left port late so he was making up for the time by driving like a crazy man. I, personally, love the rocking and rolling as does Horton and my daughter. The worst was trying to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

We brought our Ukulele's but never really brought them out. There were no lessons offered. The food was good, not great, but very good. The service was excellent. The show's were minimal because of the rough seas. The magician and comedian onboard were very good. The music in the various was very good. And, having the drink package was the best idea ever. We had bottled water, specialty coffee's and top of the line drinks whenever we wanted them. I will ALWAYS purchase the drink package, no matter what ship I'm on!

 

I prefer port intensive cruises so that almost daily you're in a different place and most folks leave the ship so there are no lines. However, the shops and casino onboard will be closed a lot. Going to Hawaii there's a lot of chances to shop and to gamble.

 

As you all know the paperwork, vet visits and Direct Release Specialist visit by the Maui Humane Society [while onboard] were very expensive. Horton was inspected by by the Specialist who was very impressed by his behavior and the condition of his skin, fur and cleanliness of his ears, paws, etc. Her name was Melissa and her visit was pre-arranged by phone [808-877-3680] and cost $224.00. The first thing she did was run her scanner over Horton to check for his Micro-chip and then she examined all my paperwork which included a copy of his OIE-FAVN Blood test [Rabies antibody], which costs $245.00. These costs do not include the Vet visit and any immunizations which must be brought current. The blood test is good for 3 years, so if you're planning another trip within this time your dogs is all good to go.

 

I've said this before and I'll say it again, please DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CABIN WITHOUT SUPERVISION. So much can happen. Most ships won't allow this anyway! If my dog can't go or if I have a questionable port.....I don't go. His life and his well being is way too important to me.

 

I now have something in writing from the HR Director at my new job site asking me to please NOT take Horton into the ladies room, kitchen or employee's lounge. Remember, I've been working for this company for over 20 years and this is the first time anyone has ever made such a request of my dogs [who have worked with me since 2002!] I've already had one employee who won't go into the elevator with me if Horton is in it. Now I enter the elevator and if there are people already in it, I ask, "is anyone afraid of the dog?" I NEVER ask is "anyone allergic?"

 

Thank you all for your good wishes and good suggestions for dealing with my new issues at my new job site.

 

Yay! the Queen and her Prince are back! glad you had a great cruise and I agree - the bev packages are the bomb.

 

Roz - please - I agree with everything everyone else has said - Horty deserves and gets access to every place you do. He is your oxygen machine, your wheelchair, etc. Where you go - he goes...period.

 

Having said that - I also understand you may be trying to get along in a new job environment, with new associates, etc. Only you can decide how to do this - please know that all of us here suport you in what ever decison you make.

 

Keith

[alexspepa]

Thanks for the great report, Roz! I missed you. Really appreciate all the info you posted for us about Hawaii.

 

Hope everyone had a good Christmas.

 

We sail next Tuesday, Caribbean this time, again on Celebrity. We’ll be in a Suite but for just a week (the longer cruise Suite prices have become very scary). They have a lounge (which my husband likes) and dining room for suites, so there’s plenty of room and peace & quiet.

 

Ship goes to Key West, Cayman, and Cozumel. We aren’t taking the dog ashore in Grand Cayman - a few hours on the island are not worth the cost for a blood test, plus $61 US application fee - and we’ve been there three times, pre-Dog anyway.

 

For Mexico this time, we did the “Option B” of a Mexico-supplied bilingual form printed on the vet’s letterhead. Much better than having to get Option A - their bilingual version of 7001 - which must be endorsed. I’ve had too many nail-biters during the holidays in years past waiting for the state APHIS vet to endorse and return anything! Glad to avoid the expense of overnight letters including overnight return envelopes.

 

Will give a report when we return. Happy new year to all.

 

Chris - I wish you and Bob and Raylene a great cruise!...Lucy and I and Dotto just arrived at Topsail Island for their yearly winter month at the beach! Cold but beautiful at the same time!

Got friends coming down for the weekend then I will be heading back to work on the 1st.

 

Keith

[Caribbean Chris]

Happy New Year, Keith!

[wizard-of-roz]

HAPPY NEW YEAR! To all my wonderful and supportive friends here at Cruise Critic. I wish you all the very, very happiest of New Years! I wish you all safe and happy sailings on the high seas, no matter where or when with your loved ones, whether they be two or four footed.

 

We're having 80 degree temps here, I know it's cold and filled with snow back east......stay well, stay warm, I love you all :hearteyes: