DUTRAVEL

Thanks!!

Does anyone know if Bus Route One is running in Gibraltar? Google maps only show Bus Routes 5 and 10.

When we have docked there, there have been Taxi's waiting.

I actually didn't know - its hit or miss, sometimes I have been lucky and they have had a group rate.

I have booked onboard and then received a group rate from my TA. Usually when this happens, I have had to pay the full deposit to get the group rate (e.g. I paid $200 onboard and then had to pay another $700). No big deal though, since the deposit is refundable.

Sorry that you had such a difficult time. I have not cruised with NCL and I do not have any specific advice for that cruise line. When I have an issue on a ship with my Service Dog and Guest Services does not resolve it, I request a meeting with the Hotel Director. I have found that Service Dog policies are set by each ship's individual management (and vary widely by ship even within the same cruise line) and not by the corporate headquarters.

I have cruised to Sitka a couple of times with my Service Dog, but haven't taken a private excursion. The actual town is about 15-20 minutes away from where the cruise ship docks. The town provides shuttle buses (and provides an accessible shuttle) which drop you off in the center of town. We have taken the shuttle and walked to the Raptor Center, the Sitka National Park, etc. Without knowing about your particular excursion, it sounds like they may be making up excuses about accommodating your Service Dog. Since you are in Alaska, you are of course covered by the ADA. I would follow up with the actual operator of the tour.

Here's a menu for Eden's breakfast from January 2023. Eden-Cafe-Breakfast.pdf

. As far as the relief box goes, I have found that it is pretty much useless to talk to the Access Department about the location of the relief box. It seems it is really the decision of the management on each particular ship. Once you get onboard, they should work with you on getting the box into a location that is accessible to you. For our Alaska cruise last September, I had the regular downloadable Form 7001 and a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and we had no issues. I remember seeing the requirement that a copy must be submitted by mail to Alaska, but I do not know if my Vet did that. As far as I know, you do not need both an electronic CVI and a Form 7001 with a traceable number. The first time cruising with your Service Dog can be very stressful. I am much more comfortable now than when we first started out.

I do not carry anything to read my Service Dog's microchip. The only time in all our travels she has had her microchip scanned was when we entered the UK from France. They had several types of scanners available (I found out that the Avid scanner would read my dog's chip). Yes, definitely have them show you the relief box as soon as you board. That leaves you some time to deals with any issues before the ship sails. Celebrity used to let you request sod ahead of time, but they do not anymore. We have only been able to get sod on one cruise out of all our cruises. I have not sailed RCCL so I do not know where they place the relief box. Celebrity places their box in an inaccessible location. If you have mobility challenges, have them move the box to an area you can access. I am firm, but polite that I need to have the box moved to a location I can access in my wheelchair. I do not take no for an answer.

Forgot to tag you in my post.

Going to Alaska is pretty easy - good choice for your first cruise. Depending on your cruise line, the relief box will probably be filled with mulch. You can practice ahead of time using that kind of surface. You will need the Aphis Form 7001, the Rabies Certificate, and a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate to enter the state of Alaska (NOTE: The State does not accept the downloadable USDA 7001 form available on the internet, since this document does not have a unique and trackable identification number). See the Alaska requirements here: https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/import-export/. My Vet did not have any issues with providing the CVI. I would suspect (but am not sure) that a copy of the Rabies Certificate will be sufficient. I was in the same situation when I first traveled with my Service Dog (having only a copy of the Rabies Certificate). I contacted the Vet who had given her the shot and he was happy to mail me an original Certificate. Have a good time on your cruise.

Sure I can do that - what's the name of your TA?

The reason why Accessible Sky Suites are available for move up is because if you do a move up bid from an accessible veranda Celebrity will not guarantee that they will only move you up into an accessible cabin. How hard can it really be to offer move up bids to accessible Sky Suites to passenger who are already in accessible cabins? People who actually need accessible cabins always must pay full price because they must book early (cannot wait to take advantage of lower prices after final payment or last-minute bookings because all accessible cabins might be gone) and cannot take advantage of guarantee cabin pricing or move up bids.

Very helpful to point out the difference entering the UK with a self-trained or dog not trained by an organization recognized by Assistance Dogs International. We had no difficulty entering the UK with my Service Dog, but I was able to provide a letter from Canine Companions (a founding member of Assitance Dogs International) outlining her training. The only difficult part was the timing of the tapeworm treatment which must be administered between 24 and 120 hours prior to arrival in the UK.

I have taken several Transatlantic cruises with my Service Dog. It sounds lke you have most everything covered. One thing that I do is to contact any hotels or prvate transportation companies to let them know I will have a Service Dog with me.

I don't know specifically about Princess, but I have sailed with Celebrity and have taken my Service Dog on both Celebrity and private excursions. I just let them know when I sign up for an excursion that I am bringing her. I woud try following up again with the Access Department at Princess.

There's also the option of the public bus from the cruise terminal to the Empress Hotel. Takes longer than the shuttle, but only costs 2.50CAD each way. The bus stops right in front of the cruise terminal.

If you are afraid to come to San Francisco, you might have to reconsider traveling anywhere. Of course, like in every big city there are areas you might want to consider staying away from, but I have no concerns when I go in to the City.

Happy Birthday Iain! Enjoy your day!

There's another Power Up Points Activity! 30 Power Up Points for watching a Webinar on the Edge Series. Came just now via email.

When I was in Sitka one of the shuttle buses had a wheelchair lift.

I don't think that anyone would have an issue with you using the accessible stall. The problem arises when someone uses it as a changing room, to paint their nails, to read etc.. All of these things have happened to me. If that's the only stall you can use, it is appreciated if you don't camp out in there.

This is the problem with Celebrity's move up program. If you are in an accessible veranda you cannot put in a move up bid because Celebrity will not guarantee that they will move you to an accessible Suite. Not your fault at all, but that's why there are often accessible Suite available closer to sailing and non-disabled passengers get moved into them.

Thanks Jim - hopefully our cruising paths will cross again!