schelercamus

Dear CC, We are sailing in a few days and have a large amount of OBC--mostly non-refundable. In the event, we can't use it all, walk us through how to actually "cash out" at the casino. We're not gamblers, so this is new to us.

I also wanted to point out that there is an excellent thread on "Disabled Cruise Travel" under the Special Interest section of the Boards

That's really interesting-- likewise, we probably won't see a lot of white either.

I remember the Joy being built and designed for the Asian market. Now I see that she is not spending most of her time there-- would someone fill me in on that history? Genuinely curious. We're also onboard in a few weeks for a Panama Canal cruise-- i.e. before the major overhaul in dry dock. What are some cultural nods that we could notice? Design/layout/colors/ menus-- etc.

Thanks, Everyone! His trainers have concerns mostly around health/lack of vet care/ parasites and stress on the dog-- so I've agreed not to bring him. After we return, I'm going to talk with them about a plan moving forward to make this possible.

Chris, That's really helpful. BTW, I also saw that Panama is one of the countries that has additional requirements for coming back into the US... because they're not free of screwworm. This is what the APHIS website says: Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may enter the United States if they are accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating: The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days prior to shipment to the United States; and The dog is either free from screwworm OR The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until free from screwworm prior to leaving the region.

Caribbean Chris, Thank you for all that information! I'm grateful. It IS a challenging itinerary, and I realize that I might not be able to do as many shore excursions with Chipotle. One reason why I want to try, this would be his first cruise, and we have to start sometime. One other factor-- we were able to nab a Haven suite (traveling with MIL and mother). We both work for non-profits, so that is a once-and-done opportunity for us. I figure the Haven will give us less crowds and a chance to have a relief box on our balcony. For sure, he's microchipped. While my vet isn't listed as an official USDA vet on the website, she has done USDA paperwork. Does that still work? She's going to call me on Monday. I have been through the USDA APHIS website, and I am still not understanding the process, so can you help with terminology? I've got multiple grad degrees, I'm used to traveling, and this is baffling to me. I download the needed forms for each country from APHIS I download the "Pet Owner Worksheet for Preparing Visit to Accredited Vet..." These forms also include which vaccinations are required. I go to the vet-- as you say-- as close as possible to the time of departure. So, like now? Who sends forms off? Me/Vet? Overnight label? What do I get back? A health certificate for each country? I also saw that there are fees, but maybe not? Then, do I contact consulates? Like for Panama? We will be cruising NCL, and according to them: Guests must provide copies of the dog’s current vaccination records that show all shots are up-to-date (including Rabies), as well as a USDA or International Health certificate Guests are responsible for checking with all ports of call for any special requirements they may have. Guests are responsible for bringing all food, medication and life jacket for the dog A relief sand box will be provided All guests traveling with service animals must book at least two weeks in advance to allow enough time to check with each port of call and provide Norwegian Cruise Line with all required documentation. Again, thank you~ I hope to be much more knowledgable the next time around.

OK Friends... I'm freaking out here. For example, when I download Panama's health certificate, it says, " Certificate Valid for 30 days after issuance"... if I get it filled out tomorrow, November 4, say, and I leave for Panama on December 6, how is that still valid? Then, how in the world do I get a consulate seal in that amount of time?! Then, for Costa Rica, it says, "Certified that dog is examined within 15 days of departure to be free from disease..." But I need have these things filled out now, right? More than 15 days ahead. The DR Certificate is valid only 10 days from issuance...so how is that going to work? Thanks for your help! I appreciate the handholding! As I said, Chipotle is my mobility service dog, from an ADI accredited non-profit.

Hi Friends... Thank you for your help. I'm having trouble deciphering exactly what I need to bring my mobility service dog (ADI certified) with me on an upcoming NCL cruise. First off, we leave in a month--Is it worth even trying to get everything together?!?! NCL Joy-- Panama Canal, December 6-16, 2023 Ports of Call: Panama City Puerto Limon, Costa Rica Grand Cayman Cozumel, Mexico Costa Maya, Mexico Harvest Caye Roatan, Honduras I know I need an APHIS 7001 Certificate, but some places say not before 10 days before you arrive--- but if I'm on a boat during that time... Is an APHIS Certificate hard to get?

The bathrooms have a lot of storage compared to other cruise ships we’ve been on. We both really prefer the walk-in shower to the bathtub combination. The Internet is still at a snail’s pace, and often doesn’t work at all. The ice cream and gelato have been moved out of the Terrace Café to the end of the pool deck, making it more accessible to more people. all in all, we’re really impressed.

We’re at the Hotel degli Artisti, and it’s fantastic! It’s right by St. Isadore’s College. Not far from Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The concierges and bartender all have an impressive knowledge of English and other languages. They’ve been gracious in calling us taxis and making dinner recommendations and reservations. There’s a courtyard with lemon and lime trees. Spacious, clean rooms. There’s an elevator! The breakfast is a welcome precursor to shipboard life. I’m sure You can certainly find cheaper places to stay; however, the value of the things I mentioned makes it a good deal.

A2– Concierge Veranda .

This is the partner :-). We’re excited to learn bridge, and experience those ports of call! Neither one of us have been to any of the European ports.

It's hard for us to justify the upgrade, even if it were available for our Transatlantic cruise in December: we got the "O-Life Ultimate" deal. Man, it's a killer.

Update-- This latest push to book cabins doesn't work out in our favor. We booked 2 A2's: One with OLife Ultimate and the other with the single supplement at 150% instead of 200%. The price drop doesn't make up for what we'd lose in value.