kmg365suzyq

I have 2 cruises scheduled for next year.  One in April and my BIG 65th birthday cruise in November.  Keeping my fingers crossed

We are so sorry to hear.  Condolences to her family and friends

I know how you feel.  When Miss Tish had dental surgery I didn't know, should I give her a pill, shouldn't I.  However, we wish Jezzy Lou fast healing and better health.

Thank you for your reply.  That is how I felt also.  The cruise starts and ends in Miami and goes to Mexico, Belize and Key West.  Maybe they do this so those of us with service dogs won't go on their ships.  Right now I think I will stick with Royal Caribbean and Princess.

I appreciate everyone's replies.  Thank you.

Thank you.  That is what I am going to do.  

On another note, Princess just canceled our November cruise.  🙁

thank you.  It was mainly the certification.  They told me I could get it online.  Which, of course, doesn't mean anything

They just told me I can get my "certification" online.  I guess they mean one of those sites you can send money to and they  send you a certificate.

I have a question.  I contacted Crystal Cruises regarding their policy for a Service Dog.  They sent me the information and I am not sure about one of them.  If my dog is self-trained, what type of certification can I show them?  I've never been asked to provide "certification" before.  I just emailed them the task that she is trained to do.  Also, I have never had to have my doctor provide a statement.  The rest of the items I understand.  Any ideas?  Thank you.

• A statement from the guest’s doctor explaining what specific task the dog has been trained to perform in order to assist the guest with their disability
• Dog breed and photo
• Certification of Service Dog
• In order to take their Service Animal ashore at the various ports of call (and off the ship), guests will need to provide proof that they have made arrangements to be able to obtain whatever clearances are needed, if any, prior to your departure. A copy of these permits must be carried on the ship, and a copy left with Onboard Guest Services prior to boarding the ship

I still have a cruise booked on Princess for November out of Ft. Lauderdale.  Like you, I really need a vacation now.  Payment is due next month, so I guess I will know then if we are going.  If not, I may try Crystal.  They are running a special for single cruisers.  Just really need to get away.

I usually pack a suitcase for Miss Tish also.  However it is a little easier for me since I am in Florida.

Check with the hotel.  You may be able to get Chewy to ship directly to the hotel.  Maybe bring an extra suitcase or bag to put it in to carry on the plane.   What city are you cruising out of?  Maybe you can Uber to a pet store and pick up enough for the trip

We have traveled in a balcony cabin and in suites.  I always bring more than enough food for her.  Embarkation is a little tough because of the crowds, but otherwise no issues at all.  We gave 3 cruises planned starting in November if thus year.  Still not sure if that one will happen.   First thing we do is find her relief area.  After that, no issues at all.  I believe i have wriiten this before, but I don't like crowds, so I have been getting a suite with friends so that we have a private dining room and don't have to wait in crowds for dining.  To be honest, some of the crowd issues is because she is small, only 14 pounds and i worry about someone not seeing her and stepping on her.  Because of her training, sometimes she will be on my lap.  I let the cruise lines know that ahead of time.  As long as she isn't in a seat of her own, they have been fine with that.

I am sorry to hear about Horty.  Our prayers are with you.

I have 1 booked for this November, fingers crossed.  I have another one for next April and then my big 65th birthday one for next November.  All in the Caribbean.  I don't like to fly so I just drive to the port.

I know how you feel Mavis.  I self-trained Miss Tish and I have PTSD.  Sometimes in my really down times, I worry that she isn't legit.  The worst is when someone looks at her and winks at me oh, yeah, what us a service dog, ha ha.  I know it is because of her size. 

Well, we now have 3 cruises scheduled.  One this Nov., 1 next April, and my big 65th birthday cruise next Nov.  It gives me something to look forward to.

My late husband and I cruised about every other year.  He was able to help me with my PTSD.  Once he passed, with the help of others, I knew I had to get a service dog.  It took a few years before I was able to get back on a ship, but I am glad I did.  Many of the things I learned, quiet areas, private dining areas, staying on the ship when others got off, we had been doing for years. I am lucky Tish is such a good sailor.  Planes, not so much.  Living now in southern Florida, I can just drive to a port and not have to worry about flying.

I don't like crowds myself.  I have been to San Juan and St. Maarten with my dog and there hasn't been an issue.  My vet is a USDA accredited vet and he took care of everything for me.  I wrote to St. Maarten and they also verified what I needed.  Unlike a lot of people, I rarely get off the ship.  That is when I find the quiet and alone time.  I, personally, have found that the buffets were the worst place for me.  

I agree a table against a wall and/or near the front of the dining room is the best so that you are not parading the dog throughout the dining room.  

Our last cruise on Royal Caribbean, I was able to book a royal suite class cabin with friends.  With that comes a very small and more intimate dining room and private lounge.  For me, that was great.  I think the library on most ships is a good place also because it is quiet.  Because Miss Tish is a small service dog, waiting in crowds is difficult.  She is okay, but I worry about people not seeing her.

We are booked for a Princess cruise this November and another Royal Caribbean one next November to celebrate a big birthday.  I hope and pray things are back to normal by then.  

I started to have my meltdown yesterday.  Thank you Miss Tish for doing what you are trained to do and keep me from completely going to pieces.  Of course, our April 28 cruise has been cancelled, but we do have 1 scheduled for the beginning of November of this year.  Also, I had scheduled a big celebration for next November for my 65th birthday.  I am bring 11 friends and family with me on that one.  I need to look to the future and hope things go back to my semblance of normal

I figure our 7 day cruise at the end of April will be cancelled.  Keeping my hopes up for our November 8, 2020 cruise.

So, I give my Miss Tish (only 14 pounds) a half a benadryl once or twice a day as needed for her allergies in between her Cytopoint injections.  I try to do it at night.  It does make her a little tired, but not completely knocked out.

I had the same issue with Miss Tish.  When I brought her to the box on the ship, she would just walk around and walk out of it.  It took a couple of tries and she finally peed in the box.  Unfortunately she wouldn't poop.  It is the first thing she did when she got off the ship in St. Martin.  After that she was fine and used the box.

I tried to train her at home, but she wouldn't use what I got for her.  I tried what the vet said which was to rub some of her poop in the box and some of her pee.  Just didn't work with her.  But again, she was fine once she got on the ship.

Thank you for the info.  Royal has been much nicer to deal with than Princess.  I now also book an aft cabin on Royal and really have had no issues with them.  I am going to call the Special Access Department and see if the box can be put on the balcony.  

I will wait a little bit since the cruise isn't until November for Princess.

As always I thank everyone for the information provided.

Who did you contact on Princess regarding putting the Potty on the balcony?  Did you do it before you sailed?  We have a Royal cruise in April and Princess in November.  Great living in S. Florida since both Tish and I hate to fly

Miss Tish loves to lay out in the sun also.  She also likes to trap the little lizards, but seems to get upset once she stops and kills them, and they won't play with her anymore

She never whines, barks, growls or lunges.  We do practice and train.  I appreciate all the information everyone has given.  Since I have learned most of this on my own, it helps to hear from others.  Thank you all.