Another set of cuising beginners here

[NicoleLJ]

Hi, just wanted to say a quick hello. My spouse and I are planning our first ever cruise for January/February of 2014. I do have a Medical Alert Service dog that I plan to take with me so we are planning 2yrs in advance so we have time to get all our ducks in a row so we can have the full experience including the off ship excursions. We are highly considering Royal Caribean Cruise Line since they have a lot of the ship board activites that my spouse and I would enjoy. Any tips would be very welcome.

[paul929207]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Most lines will be announcing their schedules for early 2014 in the next couple of months.

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks for the heads up. Can't wait to see what we have to choose from. We are hoping to go on an 8-11 day cruise so that we can really relax and have the time to experience as much as we can.

[gerryl12]

Whichever you choose you will have a great time.

[cb at sea]

There's a HUGE thread on cruising with a service dog on the "Disabled Cruise Travel" boards on this same site...that may be of use to you.....

[NicoleLJ]

THanks you two. I hope we will have lots of fun.

 

That Service Dog thread is why I joined. lol Already posted in it and spending a ton of time reading the more then 300 pages. Trying to make a list of all the things we need to do.

[Bostoncruiser35]

I am a pre pre planner also. You are the first person I saw also going in 2014. I am going in July 2014 for our 20th anniversary vow renewal cruise. A question I would ask, simply because I am curious, where would your service dog "go"?

BTW that is a beautiful dog!! I am a dog lover and I love to hear when a dog has a job they love!

[Blueboss]

I am a pre pre planner also. You are the first person I saw also going in 2014. I am going in July 2014 for our 20th anniversary vow renewal cruise. A question I would ask, simply because I am curious, where would your service dog "go"?

BTW that is a beautiful dog!! I am a dog lover and I love to hear when a dog has a job they love!

 

I was wondering the same thing. I know service dogs are highly trained, but never really thought about that until I read this. My first thought would be a diaper, but I could be way off base here.

[Sauer-kraut]

Cruise lines provide a 'box' or container and its filled with different absorbant filler. Think litter box. It is usually in a corner of a lesser used outside deck and the dog is introduced to the box.

 

OP be prepared for people who will want to pet your service animal, as they are a 'novelty' on a ship. Patience will be neccessary. Having said that, Have a wonderful cruise!!

[mbarr85]

Hi, just wanted to say a quick hello. My spouse and I are planning our first ever cruise for January/February of 2014. I do have a Medical Alert Service dog that I plan to take with me so we are planning 2yrs in advance so we have time to get all our ducks in a row so we can have the full experience including the off ship excursions. We are highly considering Royal Caribean Cruise Line since they have a lot of the ship board activites that my spouse and I would enjoy. Any tips would be very welcome.

Hey Nicole whatever cruise you do decide to take, I'm sure you'll have a great time. I remember my first cruise like it was yesterday!

[CruiserBruce]

If you are considering RCI, then reading over on the RCI board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

 

should be very helpful.

[deladypilot]

Welcome to CC. You will have a wonderful time just exploring the cruises that will be available to you. Once you sail, you will be hooked.

 

Come back and let us know what cruise you are going on