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

[thephantomsgirl]

Okay, posting a bigger version. I'm really working on post-production as I'll be taking the photos for this coming weekend's graduation.

 

 

[tvaud]

Lucky dog to be on the beach in the sun! :)

 

 

Cindra

[thephantomsgirl]

The Golden Girls:

 

http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/Hollykins2/media/Dog%20Classes/goldengirls.jpg.html

[rangeley]

We were on the Solstice a few years ago. They put the potty box on the promenade deck down a corridor we called the "wind tunnel". Even the dog had trouble walking down to go potty. Just terrible.

[rangeley]

Okay, posting a bigger version. I'm really working on post-production as I'll be taking the photos for this coming weekend's graduation.

 

 

 

 

Love the pics!

[thephantomsgirl]

Love the pics!

 

Thanks! I had such fun. (and my prospective dog may be in some of the photos I shot, but I won't know for a little bit) I am working on editing all of them, and I'll post the link to the album on Photobucket. That way if anyone is bored and wants to see a bunch of service dogs at the beach, it'll be there. (and won't hog up space here)

 

Holly

[rangeley]

Chris, we too are going on Hal Sunday. They always put the potty box on the promenade deck port side front. We have a front cabin, so its perfect for us. They seem to be good asking us to fill out paperwork, but I have heard many stories about fake dogs on the ships. I guess anyone can lie on a form. :-(:-(

[rangeley]

Oh anothet foot of snow today. :-(:-( They can pile it next to the 29" we got the other day. :-( More snow Thursday and maybe some Sunday. ...not good!!!! Starting to stress!!

 

Cindy

[thephantomsgirl]

Oh anothet foot of snow today. :-(:-( They can pile it next to the 29" we got the other day. :-( More snow Thursday and maybe some Sunday. ...not good!!!! Starting to stress!!

 

Cindy

 

More snow? Wow! Don't stress. Where are you leaving from port-wise?

[wizard-of-roz]

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.

 

Getting as much information [within ADA guidelines] is exactly what I want to see happen.

 

I don't mind the cruise lines [or any other public entity] asking as many questions as they deem necessary. If they cross a line, with inappropriate questions, I'll let them know.

 

Again, if I see a "fake" in the public venue, I WILL CALL THEM OUT!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

The Golden Girls:

 

http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/Hollykins2/media/Dog%20Classes/goldengirls.jpg.html

 

I love the pictures. The Black Labs are so hard to see. They have such beautiful faces......It takes just the right lighting and photo taking to capture their expressions.

 

Thanks for sharing the great pictures. I love seeing these dogs having so much fun!

 

Some folks think that we work our dogs too much........they should see them on a daily basis. We get very playful and have a lot of fun in between the working time

[wizard-of-roz]

Oh anothet foot of snow today. :-(:-( They can pile it next to the 29" we got the other day. :-( More snow Thursday and maybe some Sunday. ...not good!!!! Starting to stress!!

 

Cindy

 

I bet you're sick of the stuff!!!! :mad:

[wizard-of-roz]

Chris, we too are going on Hal Sunday. They always put the potty box on the promenade deck port side front. We have a front cabin, so its perfect for us. They seem to be good asking us to fill out paperwork, but I have heard many stories about fake dogs on the ships. I guess anyone can lie on a form. :-(:-(

 

It was our last trip onboard the HAL Oosterdam that convinced me of where I wanted the box to be placed. The winds were the worst, the long walk to get to the box and the people who insisted on standing around watching.

 

I knew I wanted the box close to our cabin and on the inside. No more "weather conditions" to deal with.

 

It's why I've stuck to Princess........they know what I like, how I want the placement of the box, etc., etc. It works for me.

 

Oh! Sure! Sometimes, I still have to be insistent and request that the bag of filler be left near the box and that the box be ready and filled so that when I arrive onboard Horton can do his circle without the filler being displaced......It does get tiring but after the first few hours and with a meeting with my Steward and sometimes a manager or two.....everything is good!

 

Some ships [crew] "get it" faster than others.

 

Also, don't forget that on disembarkation [the morning that you're leaving the ship], remind them; to leave the box in place until you leave the ship. One time, they removed the box very early and we were delayed in departing due to a problem onboard and there was no place for Horton to go potty! It was a nightmare!!!! They made sure that I got off the ship with the very first crowd!!!!

[rangeley]

More snow? Wow! Don't stress. Where are you leaving from port-wise?

 

Leaving from Ft Lauderdale

[Caribbean Chris]

The Golden Girls:

 

http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/Hollykins2/media/Dog%20Classes/goldengirls.jpg.html

 

Great photos! Thanks so much for the link. I never get tired of service dog pics. We're at the beach, too, Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort, SC, to spend two nights in our RV by the ocean. Took pictures of my black beauty on the white sand this afternoon.

[Caribbean Chris]

Chris, we too are going on Hal Sunday. They always put the potty box on the promenade deck port side front. We have a front cabin, so its perfect for us. They seem to be good asking us to fill out paperwork, but I have heard many stories about fake dogs on the ships. I guess anyone can lie on a form. :-(:-(

 

So glad location will be ideal for you.

 

Hope on my HAL April cruise it also will be port forward. We're right next to a port side door leading out to the deck about midship...stayed in the exact same stateroom once before and liked it (pre dog.)

[thephantomsgirl]

Leaving from Ft Lauderdale

 

Then you must be in an area with snow and have to fly? Are you going the day of the cruise, or a day or so before?

[wizard-of-roz]

So glad location will be ideal for you.

 

Hope on my HAL April cruise it also will be port forward. We're right next to a port side door leading out to the deck about midship...stayed in the exact same stateroom once before and liked it (pre dog.)

 

 

"Pre-Dog"......I don't remember my life before CCI came into it. I do remember that I never had "hair-flurries" in the corner of my kitchen or I could pick up any given object without black hair on or in it. I find myself blowing off the dishes or out the cup before I use it these days [or for the past 12 or so years!]

 

My clothing comes with dog hair on it. I've relinquished all my light colored pants or skirts or ever setting a table with a white/linen table cloth [perish the thought!] :eek:

 

Their hair is on my desk, in my computer, in my bed, on my toilet seat and in my shower, seriously.......??!! :rolleyes:

 

If the above turns you off in any way just think of a being that loves you unconditionally, no matter how you dress, what words come out of your mouth or what you may look like. No matter that you can't use your legs or arms, that your eyes are broken and your hearing gone. No matter that your hair is falling out, your skin has rashes and scars......NO MATTER.....This amazing being will love and adore you through your life together and that will ALWAYS FEEL SO DARN GOOD!!!!

[rangeley]

Then you must be in an area with snow and have to fly? Are you going the day of the cruise, or a day or so before?

 

We are near Boston. Our flight leaves 8am day of the cruise.

[DUTRAVEL]

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.

 

Cruising is definitely worth it - don't be discouraged! Those of us with special needs just have to do a lot more planning and ask a lot more questions. I try to plan ahead as much as possible so that there are less things to deal with once I leave. I even do research to make sure that there is a ladies room that I will be able to use when I am on shore excursions since it can sometimes be difficult to find a wheelchair accessible restroom.

 

You have plenty of time to get everything worked out with Celebrity. Just keep asking questions. They do have a "real" refrigerator in the cabins, it just does not keep things very cold. I can put a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator at home and it is cold enough to drink, however, for me, its not cold enough to drink out of the Celebrity refrigerator. If your medication needs to be at a certain temperature, just follow up with them to make sure that your needs will be met.

 

I don't even have a service dog yet - I am on a waiting list. It will be even more of a challenge to have to plan to travel with a dog too, but it will be worth it.

 

You will love it once you get on the ship!

 

Dianne

[rangeley]

"Pre-Dog"......I don't remember my life before CCI came into it. I do remember that I never had "hair-flurries" in the corner of my kitchen or I could pick up any given object without black hair on or in it. I find myself blowing off the dishes or out the cup before I use it these days [or for the past 12 or so years!]

 

My clothing comes with dog hair on it. I've relinquished all my light colored pants or skirts or ever setting a table with a white/linen table cloth [perish the thought!] :eek:

 

Their hair is on my desk, in my computer, in my bed, on my toilet seat and in my shower, seriously.......??!! :rolleyes:

 

If the above turns you off in any way just think of a being that loves you unconditionally, no matter how you dress, what words come out of your mouth or what you may look like. No matter that you can't use your legs or arms, that your eyes are broken and your hearing gone. No matter that your hair is falling out, your skin has rashes and scars......NO MATTER.....This amazing being will love and adore you through your life together and that will ALWAYS FEEL SO DARN GOOD!!!!

 

Nice Roz and so true. John and I always say we must have a big giant hairball in our stomachs! :eek:

[Algebralovr]

We were on the Solstice a few years ago. They put the potty box on the promenade deck down a corridor we called the "wind tunnel". Even the dog had trouble walking down to go potty. Just terrible.

 

There isn't really a traditional promenade deck on the S - class ships. That is actually one thing people complain about. Did the put it on the deck with the track? Or was it instead on deck 5?

 

The wind on 5 can get really bad at times. One side of 5 has a smoking area, and I've seen it closed quite a number of times due to high wind. Then there are lots of complaints in the coffee shop when smokers have to go way upstairs to smoke. I can see there being a couple of good places on 5 for the potty box, though, particularly near the back. A non-smoker would need to specify the side, though.

[rangeley]

Ok so done with this snow! :mad::mad::mad: I used to like alittle snow occasionally. But its making me hate it. 29" the otherday and atleast 12 or more and still snowing. And they say more this week too. :thumbdown:

[wizard-of-roz]

There isn't really a traditional promenade deck on the S - class ships. That is actually one thing people complain about. Did the put it on the deck with the track? Or was it instead on deck 5?

 

The wind on 5 can get really bad at times. One side of 5 has a smoking area, and I've seen it closed quite a number of times due to high wind. Then there are lots of complaints in the coffee shop when smokers have to go way upstairs to smoke. I can see there being a couple of good places on 5 for the potty box, though, particularly near the back. A non-smoker would need to specify the side, though.

 

Just be careful if they put the box near the smokers that they don't use it as an ash tray. They'll drop their ashes into it and even flick the butt into it. Brenda stepped on a smoldering cigarette [neither she nor I noticed it.] When she jumped, I saw why and need I tell you where I spent the afternoon: At the Hotel Managers Desk!

 

This was onboard the Carnival Splendor. I loved the ship until this incident happened and then I became "un-glued!" The box was moved; we got a free future cruise and a letter of apology.

 

The potty-box and smokers DO NOT MIX! Not the smokers fault, it looks like a giant ash tray and for someone who had no idea there was a dog onboard, it was an easy mistake. Stupid on Carnival's part and even dumber that I didn't have it moved right away!!!!!

 

Thank goodness Miss Brenda was not hurt........she stepped lightly and brushed the pad of her foot on the smoldering butt but didn't get burned....thank goodness!!!! Can you imagine how painful that burn would have been!

[Algebralovr]

Just be careful if they put the box near the smokers that they don't use it as an ash tray. They'll drop their ashes into it and even flick the butt into it. Brenda stepped on a smoldering cigarette [neither she nor I noticed it.] When she jumped, I saw why and need I tell you where I spent the afternoon: At the Hotel Managers Desk!

 

This was onboard the Carnival Splendor. I loved the ship until this incident happened and then I became "un-glued!" The box was moved; we got a free future cruise and a letter of apology.

 

The potty-box and smokers DO NOT MIX! Not the smokers fault, it looks like a giant ash tray and for someone who had no idea there was a dog onboard, it was an easy mistake. Stupid on Carnival's part and even dumber that I didn't have it moved right away!!!!!

 

Thank goodness Miss Brenda was not hurt........she stepped lightly and brushed the pad of her foot on the smoldering butt but didn't get burned....thank goodness!!!! Can you imagine how painful that burn would have been!

 

 

Poor Miss B!

 

The S - class ships have smoking allowed on one side of deck 5, and no smoking allowed at all on the other side of deck 5. I've always seen it very clearly marked.

 

You cannot get from one side to the other without going through the interior of the ship, so I hope no one would confuse the two sides.

 

I really think the ship people on Celebrity will do everything they can to make everything work out well. I cannot say enough how wonderful they were to my DD last summer. They did a great job dealing with her food allergies and worked with us wonderfully to make accommodations with her wheelchair. She is even willing to cruise with them a second time! After her first cruise on Carnival, she came back and said, "never again!"