grandmamlw

Please don't hesitate to start looking into getting your fur-partner ASAP. There is always a "Waiting-List." And, the difference that my dogs have made in mine and my familes lives can never be measured in just words.

I know I need to do that soon. I will be able to get around the house without help for sure, but going out is what scares me. I can still read but I have to use the computer at 200% and look around spots. I so would love a furry friend.

We travel with a service dog..she is going to be on her 6th cruise in September and 7th in November.....We've learned a lot and have some suggestions for you...If you have any questions about the ship requirements/easy way to deal with "special needs" departments/cabins/dining area/potty box/food/exercise/hotel/excursions/airplanes, etc. Ask away......

 

I don't want to bore you with all the details...so, I'll let you lead the way! ;)

I have a degenerative eye problem and am blind in one eye and. the other is going more slowly. I am glad to hear the cruise lines are open to service dogs. I love dogs anyway and someday will have my own service dog but still getting around without. I have some personal questions for you which you don't have to answer. You told us what she can do and she sounds amazing, But 1) what do you need her help with, 2) how hard is it to get a service dog, 3) how long would it take train one to your needs - say blind once she has been trained and given to me.

I am learning braille because I love to read. I'm 64 and I hope an old dog can learn a new trick. I would never try to go solo on a cruise once my eyesight is gone but know I could bring along my second set of eyes too would be comforting.

If I win the lottery, I'm going in for drydock and my aft is going to be re-fitted. :)

LOL I'm going on B2B cruises in 2 days. My aft already needs re-fitted.:eek:

I just found this thread! Too late for me I leave in 3 days for my cruise.:eek:

I will have to look you all up when I get back!:D I'm sure I'll have even more weight to lose by then. But I do like the Points plus system I just have to get motivated! Happy Losing and Happy cruising!

Well thank you all for your insight. I did not post anywhere that I want the staff to do anything to assist with mom, so please don't assume what I didn't post! I will take into consideration what each of you have said and decide the best course of action. I think that this cruise is going to be a lot more challenging than I thought for our family.

I hope you don't get discouraged do to all the posts because this could be a very happy and memorable time. Only you will know what is safe for your mother and I am sure you will make the right decisions when the time comes. I'm sure your Mom would not mind spending an evening in the stateroom while you and your daughter had some time alone. If she is just a little forgetful you can put her room number on a card in an small card holder along with the room key. Its all a matter of degrees and only you will know how best to handle it.

My wife and I first cruise was on the Festivale in Dec 1985. We have fond memories of this cruise. This was back when there were no production shows and the cruise director was part of the talent. There was a midnight buffet every night.

 

The ship seemed so huge back then but I recall docking in ports and seeing one of RCCL's ships (Song of America?) towering over her. She was about 33,000 gross tonage with almost 1/3 of Carnival's smaller ships today.

The first cruise my Hubby and I went on was an RCCL ship and I about cried when we had to get off. We Loved it so much. This was back in the 80's. Next we went on the Festivale. A few crew members can make or brake a cruise. They had me in tears several times because of my mobility issues, because I couldn't stand in lines so I have to spend most of the cruise in my cubbyhole of a cabin. If it had been my first cruise I would never have cruised again. Well I have never been back on a Carnival cruise but I have been on 18 cruises mostly with RCCL and have never had another bad cruise. It is a shame because I know in my head that Carnival has been a very good experience for many but my heart wont let me try again. I'm glad you have those happy memories.