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

[Algebralovr]

We will be staying in cabin 1290 on the Celebrity Reflection. Is there anyway to get them to move the potty box closer to our cabin? I'm allergic to smoke and really loud noise makes me skiddish so going through the casino is something that I wouldn't be able to do. Also would we be able to bring grass to put in the box? We don't cruise till Feb 2016 so I'm hoping we'll be able to get them trained well before time to cruise.

 

What do you do when you want to go in the pool and hot tub?

 

How do I find out what documentation we need to get for each port?

 

TIA

The smoke won't be an issue. We cruise Celebrity partly because they do not allow any smoking inside the passenger areas, not even in the casino.

If the location doesn't work, my suggestion would be to ask at guest services for them to work with you to find a good location. I'm sure they will!

[wizard-of-roz]

I just laughed out loud at the Horty-Marley story, too, Roz!! Almost spit my 6:30 a.m. coffee onto the iPad.

 

Can I just tell you all how comforting it is to know that all service dogs have had a Marley moment now and then?

 

On our cruise in December, Raylene greatly exceeded my nervous expectations. But a minefield for me was walking into and out of the busy main dining room at dinner. As you all know, there are waiters carrying heavy trays, wine stewards, maitre d's, passengers, bus boys ...all moving at varied speeds in every direction, totally unpredictable. I was on high alert to zig when they suddenly zagged toward us.

 

One night, I had to zig to the left which gave Raylene an opportunity to turn her head and move that big nose for a sniff just a wee bit too close to a table where a couple sat having dinner, never suspecting that a black Lab would appear 3" from their filet mignons. I gave a quick tug and "Leave It" and we moved on outta there. But I still remember those wide eyes and surprised faces!

 

I was mortified, but feel so much better after hearing about Horton dragging the chair. Anyway, I got over it enough to book three more cruises.

 

Chris,

I know exactly what your saying. Horton is very, very tall. When we pass by a table it wouldn't take much on his part to whisk a steak off a plate.......it's a very scary moment in the MDR, to walk down two tables that are close together with a 90lb, tall, Black Lab [who if he just touches a white table cloth will leave enough hair to build a puppy!]

 

Another thing that we try to avoid are napkins and table cloths onboard a cruise ship. Black Labs just naturally leave behind pieces of themselves [in the way of fur]; either on the rug; on linoleum; wood floors......EVERYWHERE!

 

If your dog sleeps on the bed please ask your Steward for two extra pool towels that you can lay down for him/her to lay on. It's just courtesy to your Steward.

 

I like the Mini Suites on Princess, they have couches [not all Princess cabins do.] I lay the towels on the couches and ask Horton to sleep there. He's used to it and from the first day our Steward knows to leave the towels or lay down fresh one's for him daily. If I'm sharing the cabin, I like Horton up and off the floor; out of the way because it makes for less chances of tripping on him in the dark, etc. etc. When Horton lays down he stretches out and looks like a Giraffe-legs everywhere with a huge, long tail.

[wizard-of-roz]

We will be staying in cabin 1290 on the Celebrity Reflection. Is there anyway to get them to move the potty box closer to our cabin? I'm allergic to smoke and really loud noise makes me skiddish so going through the casino is something that I wouldn't be able to do. Also would we be able to bring grass to put in the box? We don't cruise till Feb 2016 so I'm hoping we'll be able to get them trained well before time to cruise.

 

What do you do when you want to go in the pool and hot tub?

 

How do I find out what documentation we need to get for each port?

 

TIA

 

TIA, Welcome, I believe Celebrity uses real sod. I don't think you'll be able to bring grass because there would be a "bug" issue and the ship wouldn't allow you to possibly infest the ship with any possible problems.

 

You can call the Special Needs Dept. of Celebrity and ask what they use as a filler for the potty box and because you have lots of time, you can start practicing with your dog so that he/she becomes accustomed to using a box and different types of fillers.

 

Also, they may be able to answer your question about exactly what you will need in paperwork for your dog and the ports you will be visiting. Also, your Vet may have those answers for you. Or, if you look back over the many pages of this thread your questions will probably be answered there too!

[tvaud]

Ok, I'm intrigued now. I want to hear all of your "Marley moments" on board your past cruises. It will ease my anxiety.

 

Cindra

[mynxr]

The smoke won't be an issue. We cruise Celebrity partly because they do not allow any smoking inside the passenger areas, not even in the casino.

If the location doesn't work, my suggestion would be to ask at guest services for them to work with you to find a good location. I'm sure they will!

 

I took your suggestion and just got off the phone with Celebrity. What a great cruise line for disabled and service animals!

 

They are putting they potty box on level 15 by the jogging track so I don't have to go through the casino. We can crate them when we go into the pool or hot tub (It won't happen often but it's nice to know we can do it). I can get a "real" refrigerator for my food and bring it on board with me. Normally only non perishable foods like snacks are allowed on. You can get cans of diet soda if you ask for them and they are covered under the beverage package. You can't bring soda on board.

 

Because of everything we will have to bring, I think driving to Ft L and take the shuttle to the ship. It will make so much more sense and so much easier to have the room in the Expedition to bring everything.

[wizard-of-roz]

Ok, I'm intrigued now. I want to hear all of your "Marley moments" on board your past cruises. It will ease my anxiety.

 

Cindra

 

I'll share just a few: Morey and I had not cruised in many years and it was Brenda's very first cruise with me as her handler. We were onboard the Celebrity Summit. I had put her under our table in the MDR. We were busy looking through the menu. The waiter came over and tapped me on the should and said; "your dog is in the middle of the restaurant!" She had gotten up, was sniffing her way around the room, picking up tidbits and visiting other diners.

 

I quickly looked under the table where I had put her.....she was gone and I looked up where all the commotion was, she was standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by passengers and the Matre d' was holding her leash. I wanted to die.

 

The lesson here is; ALWAYS tether your dog, either to the chair or to you. She was testing me and I was very stupid not to tie her to me.

 

On another cruise with Horton [his very first one onboard the Sapphire Princess], we had just boarded and were putting our stuff away in the cabin, my SIL had opened the cabin door and Horton bolted out and headed for the elevator......thank goodness he didn't head for the stairs, he may have made his way off the ship. I'm running down the hall calling him, asking people to grab his collar......I wanted to die!!!!

 

The lesson here is; If your dog is new to you, DON'T TRUST HIM!!!!! Never allow him to get to an open door. Now, he would NEVER do this. He will go to an open door, stop and I just have to give him a command and he won't go any further. He knows me, I know him.....we're a team.

 

Brenda used to pull me off my feet to say hello to someone walking towards us.....I could NEVER break her of this bad habit, either could the trainers. Believe me, we all tried through the years that she worked with me. Horton NEVER does this bad habit, thank goodness! He's so big, he really could drag me down the hall! Brenda's work ethic was so phenomenal that CCI didn't feel that her "one" bad habit should hold her back from graduating and I'm so glad of it. She and I worked together from 2002 to 2010...she NEVER left my side, we were together night and day. She was 10 years old when she retired.

 

Horton has been with me since 2011 and has turned into an amazing partner and traveler.

[wizard-of-roz]

I took your suggestion and just got off the phone with Celebrity. What a great cruise line for disabled and service animals!

 

They are putting they potty box on level 15 by the jogging track so I don't have to go through the casino. We can crate them when we go into the pool or hot tub (It won't happen often but it's nice to know we can do it). I can get a "real" refrigerator for my food and bring it on board with me. Normally only non perishable foods like snacks are allowed on. You can get cans of diet soda if you ask for them and they are covered under the beverage package. You can't bring soda on board.

 

Because of everything we will have to bring, I think driving to Ft L and take the shuttle to the ship. It will make so much more sense and so much easier to have the room in the Expedition to bring everything.

 

Good planning! Also, did they tell you what the filler is inside the potty box?

 

If your dog is not used to being crated, I wouldn't do it. I want my dog to have a positive experience onboard with me. Make sure that your keeping it "positive" and fun for him/her too! Also, where will the crate be located?

[Caribbean Chris]

Chris,

If your dog sleeps on the bed please ask your Steward for two extra pool towels that you can lay down for him/her to lay on. It's just courtesy to your Steward.

 

I like the Mini Suites on Princess, they have couches [not all Princess cabins do.] I lay the towels on the couches and ask Horton to sleep there. He's used to it and from the first day our Steward knows to leave the towels or lay down fresh one's for him daily. If I'm sharing the cabin, I like Horton up and off the floor; out of the way because it makes for less chances of tripping on him in the dark, etc. etc. When Horton lays down he stretches out and looks like a Giraffe-legs everywhere with a huge, long tail.

 

Pool towels are a great idea! For our December first-ever dog-cruise, we brought one of her bed covers but unzipped it and put in two pieces of memory foam left over from another project. We put that on the sofa (we were in Celebrity's version of a mini-suite, a Sky Suite, for the extra space. On top to catch hair was her "puppy blanket" which arrived with her and comes along on trips. The bed folded in half when we wanted to pack it or stow it under the bed.

 

No, Raylene is not allowed on my bed unless she needs to wake me up for a smoke alarm and I'm not responding. She flew up on it during training like a gazelle when we staged a drill with me pretending to be asleep.

Edited January 31, 2015 by Caribbean Chris

[Algebralovr]

I took your suggestion and just got off the phone with Celebrity. What a great cruise line for disabled and service animals!

 

They are putting they potty box on level 15 by the jogging track so I don't have to go through the casino. We can crate them when we go into the pool or hot tub (It won't happen often but it's nice to know we can do it). I can get a "real" refrigerator for my food and bring it on board with me. Normally only non perishable foods like snacks are allowed on. You can get cans of diet soda if you ask for them and they are covered under the beverage package. You can't bring soda on board.

 

Because of everything we will have to bring, I think driving to Ft L and take the shuttle to the ship. It will make so much more sense and so much easier to have the room in the Expedition to bring everything.

 

I'm really curious where they are going to put it "by the jogging track" since the track weaves around through the chairs. I'll be there in two weeks, though, and try to remember to look. In my head, I can't think of a good spot out of the way on that deck. Don't be surprised if the land side doesn't communicate with sea side though.

 

For example, I don't recall them limiting non-alcoholic beverages being brought on board. Royal Caribbean does, but not Celebrity. At least, that is how it was a few months ago. We usually get a beverage package because of the Café AL Bacio, and that includes the specialty coffee and teas, as well as soda and bottled water. If you booked such that you get 123GO, the beverage package is one of the options.

[Caribbean Chris]

I'm really curious where they are going to put it "by the jogging track" since the track weaves around through the chairs....Don't be surprised if the land side doesn't communicate with sea side though. .

 

Exactly correct. I worked in the cruise industry in the 1980s, and each ship is like it's own "state" in the union, with it's own sets of "laws" and ways of doing things.

 

Celebrity offers sod as an option, and the head office "confirmed" sod by phone 30 days in advance for the relief box on our cruise, but it was mulch when we arrived. Not a big deal. And the Constellation management onboard would not consider any other option but their own chosen location. No problem, a trained service dog can adapt to whatever comes down, but it's something to be aware of.

[mynxr]

Good planning! Also, did they tell you what the filler is inside the potty box?

 

If your dog is not used to being crated, I wouldn't do it. I want my dog to have a positive experience onboard with me. Make sure that your keeping it "positive" and fun for him/her too! Also, where will the crate be located?

 

They said they used mulch. Our dogs have never been crated. We bought a crate when we first got them at 7 months but didn't have the heart to shut the doors so Greta used it to stash things, pens, glasses, socks, anything she decided she wanted. We finally got rid of that crate. I saw no reason to keep it. I didn't realize you could tether them to a lounge chair or chair. They are both small, Papillions so I'm not sure they could drag a chair but as far as they would drag it would be to the edge of the pool or hot tub. They both hate water so there's no chance that either one will go in.

 

Ours are 2 years old as well. It's good to know that they will mature and get better. Right now they can only do about 1/2 of a show. We usually take them out at intermission. The applause really gets to them.

[mynxr]

Good planning! Also, did they tell you what the filler is inside the potty box?

 

If your dog is not used to being crated, I wouldn't do it. I want my dog to have a positive experience onboard with me. Make sure that your keeping it "positive" and fun for him/her too! Also, where will the crate be located?

 

We were going to put the crate in our cabin. However, since they have never been crated and we do want it to be a fun, enjoyable experience for them that they will want to do again, crating is definitely out. Celebrity never suggested tethering them. Timmy is very social and will go up to anyone. Greta is much quieter and stays pretty close to one of us.

[mynxr]

Exactly correct. I worked in the cruise industry in the 1980s, and each ship is like it's own "state" in the union, with it's own sets of "laws" and ways of doing things.

 

Celebrity offers sod as an option, and the head office "confirmed" sod by phone 30 days in advance for the relief box on our cruise, but it was mulch when we arrived. Not a big deal. And the Constellation management onboard would not consider any other option but their own chosen location. No problem, a trained service dog can adapt to whatever comes down, but it's something to be aware of.

 

I have no idea where near the jogging track. Since this is our first cruise we are all pretty clueless. I'm sure they would adjust it's my getting exposed to cigarette smoke that is part of the problem. I was hoping I could get them to put it in the stairwell near our cabin. I'm still hoping when it gets closer to the embarkment date that between our butler and Celebrity that we'll be able to work something out.

[Caribbean Chris]

Because of everything we will have to bring, I think driving to Ft L and take the shuttle to the ship. It will make so much more sense and so much easier to have the room in the Expedition to bring everything.

 

I haven't flown with my dog yet but Roz enlightened me recently that airlines will check a service dog's bag of supplies at no cost.

 

However, we drive to Florida in order to take all the stuff, get to the port city, and stay one night before the ship sails. We live on the coast of NC and it's an easy two-day drive.

 

For Miami, there is a covered parking garage we've used right at the pier for $20 a day which is pricey but super convenient versus a hotel shuttle since you can pull your car up and unload all the bags to a porter, then park across the street.

 

Last month, we used a "park & cruise" package so we could leave our car at the hotel and take their roundtrip shuttle when we sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale. Worked out fine. Same thing is available fairly close to the port for sailings out of Tampa and Miami.

[Caribbean Chris]

I have no idea where near the jogging track. Since this is our first cruise we are all pretty clueless.... I'm still hoping when it gets closer to the embarkment date that between our butler and Celebrity that we'll be able to work something out.

 

Take a look at the deck plan...on Deck 15 in the mid-ship area, you'll see a dotted line. That's the outdoor jogging track. Then you'll want to find the closest elevator or stairs that leads to your stateroom.

 

(The butler we had on Constellation was very sweet and willing but had never heard of a service dog on board before. Housekeeping was in charge of dog matters on the Constellation.)

[DUTRAVEL]

I took your suggestion and just got off the phone with Celebrity. What a great cruise line for disabled and service animals!

 

They are putting they potty box on level 15 by the jogging track so I don't have to go through the casino. We can crate them when we go into the pool or hot tub (It won't happen often but it's nice to know we can do it). I can get a "real" refrigerator for my food and bring it on board with me. Normally only non perishable foods like snacks are allowed on. You can get cans of diet soda if you ask for them and they are covered under the beverage package. You can't bring soda on board.

 

Because of everything we will have to bring, I think driving to Ft L and take the shuttle to the ship. It will make so much more sense and so much easier to have the room in the Expedition to bring everything.

 

That will be interesting to see where they put the box. I also can't think of a place that would be near the jogging track. It seems like Celebrity likes to put the box on deck 4 or 5 forward (depending on the ship), but that is not very convenient. Please let us know where they end up putting the box.

 

On Celebrity you can bring all of the soda and water on board that you want. The only restriction is for alcohol (2 bottles of wine or champagne). If you have the drinks package you can get all of the cans of soda that you want. You can't order soda through room service, but you can get an unopened can every time you pass a bar and take it back to your room and stock up. Its a good idea to have your own refrigerator if you need to keep perishable food. The refrigerators in the room are more like a cooler, they don't things very cold.

 

Dianne

[MDTrip]

Last year (Feb 2014) Celebrity put the relief box on deck 4, starboard, forward on the Constellation. This year when we made our reservation they sent a form asking what type of filler we wanted for the box. Last year we didn't have a choice.

[mynxr]

That will be interesting to see where they put the box. I also can't think of a place that would be near the jogging track. It seems like Celebrity likes to put the box on deck 4 or 5 forward (depending on the ship), but that is not very convenient. Please let us know where they end up putting the box.

 

On Celebrity you can bring all of the soda and water on board that you want. The only restriction is for alcohol (2 bottles of wine or champagne). If you have the drinks package you can get all of the cans of soda that you want. You can't order soda through room service, but you can get an unopened can every time you pass a bar and take it back to your room and stock up. Its a good idea to have your own refrigerator if you need to keep perishable food. The refrigerators in the room are more like a cooler, they don't things very cold.

 

Dianne

 

Dianne,

 

They had told us deck 5 forward. Then I called and asked if it could be put some place a little closer. Celebrity called the Assess dept and was told it would be put near the jogging path. I've looked and haven't a clue where or how they could put it near the jogging path so I'm calling again on Monday.

 

I was told they would have a real refrigerator in our cabin before we boarded because of medication that needs to be kept cold. It sounds like I can't rely on that though. Will they let me bring a small refrigerator? This is starting to sound like such a major endeavor I'm beginning to wonder if cruising is worth it.

[mynxr]

I haven't flown with my dog yet but Roz enlightened me recently that airlines will check a service dog's bag of supplies at no cost.

 

However, we drive to Florida in order to take all the stuff, get to the port city, and stay one night before the ship sails. We live on the coast of NC and it's an easy two-day drive.

 

For Miami, there is a covered parking garage we've used right at the pier for $20 a day which is pricey but super convenient versus a hotel shuttle since you can pull your car up and unload all the bags to a porter, then park across the street.

 

Last month, we used a "park & cruise" package so we could leave our car at the hotel and take their roundtrip shuttle when we sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale. Worked out fine. Same thing is available fairly close to the port for sailings out of Tampa and Miami.

 

That is great to know about the drive to Ft L. We have talked about driving there and then taking the shuttle to Miami. Although, I'm really getting discouraged. Celebrity tells me one thing then I find out something totally different here (where reality meets the rubber of the road).

[MDTrip]

We will be staying in cabin 1290 on the Celebrity Reflection. Is there anyway to get them to move the potty box closer to our cabin? I'm allergic to smoke and really loud noise makes me skiddish so going through the casino is something that I wouldn't be able to do. Also would we be able to bring grass to put in the box? We don't cruise till Feb 2016 so I'm hoping we'll be able to get them trained well before time to cruise.

 

What do you do when you want to go in the pool and hot tub?

 

How do I find out what documentation we need to get for each port?

 

TIA

 

On Celebrity Constellation for March 2015 they sent a form to complete for bringing a service dog. It said that they supply cedar mulch but that sod could be available if requested in advance for cruises leaving from and returning to USA.

 

When we went in 2014 they did not give a choice. It was mulch, but the dog didn't like it so they pulled out some sod they had on hand, but the sod was moldy and the grass in it was brown. The dog still preferred it even with the mold.

 

Hope this helps.

[Caribbean Chris]

Last year (Feb 2014) Celebrity put the relief box on deck 4, starboard, forward on the Constellation. This year when we made our reservation they sent a form asking what type of filler we wanted for the box. Last year we didn't have a choice.

 

Same location when we were on Constellation. When we booked Reflection for next December, I was advised Deck 5 forward for the bigger Solstice class ship on their outdoor promenade.

Edited February 1, 2015 by Caribbean Chris

[wizard-of-roz]

Again, I will say; don't overthink it. Cruising with your Service Dog is just another mode of transportation. Get the potty box situated and your done!

 

Be careful when approaching the potty box on Celebrity, they like to wash down the area early in the morning, before most folks are up and this can make the deck slippery to walk on. Nothing can ruin a cruise faster than a fall on deck!!!! :(

 

Also, remember, the Hotel Manager is the go-to person when you're unhappy with the placement of the box.

Edited February 1, 2015 by wizard-of-roz

[thephantomsgirl]

Oh Roz, I just love your stories! When I read about the chair incident I almost spit coffee all over my monitor!

 

For class yesterday, we went to the beach at Ponce Inlet (near Daytona, Florida) I wasn't sure how well I'd be able to move in the sand either walking or with my rollator. So I didn't work with a dog, but took photos.

 

I got over 400+ photos. I'm editing them and picking out good ones. I'll likely post them later if anyone wants to see them. We all had such fun. :)

[Caribbean Chris]

We talk here often about fake service dogs and how Canine Companions has been leading the way to stop this type of fraud. (Thank you CCI!)

 

Getting ready for our next cruise. I really applaud Holland America Line's Access & Compliance Department for their four-page Service Animal Information Form sent when you advise you are bringing your dog. Much more detailed and to the point than Celebrity's was for our first cruise with the dog in December. They ask that you send it back as soon as possible.

 

HAL clearly states: "Service animals are guide dogs, signal dogs or other dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability...," and then goes on to ask what tasks your dog is trained to do.

 

They ask if it is certified and require that you provide them a copy in advance of vaccination records (and of course bring them to the pier along with individual countries' requirements.) They ask the name, age, color and breed of the dog as well.

 

I was so happy to fill it out and send it back with PDFs of my dog's records, and I am sure anyone partnered with a legitimate service dog is very willing to comply.

 

It probably won't stop people from trying to cruise with their pets, but it's a step in the right direction. Maybe a signal that the lines will begin to take the fakes seriously enough to have documentation they can use to actually eject people who tell lies on the form.

[thephantomsgirl]

Not my future dog, but Jinx was just so cute!