Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you so much for posting this. One of the guests at my upcoming cruise wedding is traveling with a service dog and there's a lot of great information here but with 244 pages... wow. It will take a long time to go through.

 

JulieRose: First, congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I can't think of a more wonderful place to celebrate such a wonderful occasion than onboard a beautiful cruise ship.

 

What "specific" information would help your guest the most or what questions do you have that we, who have cruised with our Service Dogs, can help you with?

[JulieRose]

Thanks!

 

Well, she has the service dog because she's visually impaired. So any information about any special services they offer for her would be welcome. We're traveling with Princess so it's their policies we're concerned with. I don't think that she plans on bringing the dog off of the ship in most ports because then, how could she do things like the Zipline tour? (That's kinda rhetorical but if you actually do have an answer other than "she couldn't" we'd love to know.) The big concern right now, I think, is being able to get back on and off the ship to water him and take him to the potty while the ship is in port. Will that be possible/practical?

[S.S. Cruisers]

Mornin' all:

 

Hi Julie Rose: I don't have a SD, but I love these people and they let me hang out with them! Roz is one of our Princess and SD experts. I just wanted to say "Denver Sees For Me" Cari, is visually impaired and I know she did the "Zipline" so yes your friend can. I can't remember if she left Denver on board that day or if friends just held him for her. She doesn't visit the board as often, she is really busy. I will she if she can pop in and give you any other tips, for you friend. Stick around, these folks are fabulous! :D Be patient the weekends are kinda slow.

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. The wind is blowing like all get out here.

[wizard-of-roz]

Mornin' all:

 

Hi Julie Rose: I don't have a SD, but I love these people and they let me hang out with them! Roz is one of our Princess and SD experts. I just wanted to say "Denver Sees For Me" Cari, is visually impaired and I know she did the "Zipline" so yes your friend can. I can't remember if she left Denver on board that day or if friends just held him for her. She doesn't visit the board as often, she is really busy. I will she if she can pop in and give you any other tips, for you friend. Stick around, these folks are fabulous! :D Be patient the weekends are kinda slow.

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. The wind is blowing like all get out here.

 

Nancy, the wind here in L.A. is unbelieveable. I swear this morning it felt like "Kansas!"

The "Gods" are really upset about something with all the "Mother Nature" happenstances that are going on all over the world.

Hang on everyone and take care of yourselves.

I'm going to see if I can help JulieRose.

Nancy, tell Cari to get onboard so she can give JulieRose "first hand" information. ;)

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks!

 

Well, she has the service dog because she's visually impaired. So any information about any special services they offer for her would be welcome. We're traveling with Princess so it's their policies we're concerned with. I don't think that she plans on bringing the dog off of the ship in most ports because then, how could she do things like the Zipline tour? (That's kinda rhetorical but if you actually do have an answer other than "she couldn't" we'd love to know.) The big concern right now, I think, is being able to get back on and off the ship to water him and take him to the potty while the ship is in port. Will that be possible/practical?

 

JulieRose: Cruising with your Service Dog is a bit of a different "animal" than land-based vacations; in that you need to have a "potty box" set-up for the dog and the different ports that you may be visiting may require different certifications for the dog.

Check with the Access Department of Princess and they will be happy to inquire for you about what you will need. We always speak with Allison Muff.

The second you get onboard you will check-in with the Purser's Desk to find out where the Potty Box has been placed. I ALWAYS have it placed on our veranda or in a stairwell close to our cabin.

Ask the Purser to get the Cruise Director or an assistant to help you. They can "reserve" seats for your friend and her dog in the Princess Theatre [for the evening] shows. This will guarantee that your friend and dog will not have to go searching around in the dark for a seat. Make sure that either the Cruise Director or an assistant is available to escort your friend to her seat the first night so she's familiar to the area.

Your friend MUST have the Certification for Interstate Transport of Small Animals [she will ask her Vet about this]; she must have the dogs immunizations current [and, that means within 6 months [for some ports it may be even less] of travel. The dog MUST be on Heartguard and flea and tick abatement. The Vet must sign this Certificate and show the dates of last Vet Exam and Rabies Shot.

 

The dog will not be allowed to go into or onto some of the excursions [ziplining] is very doable [without the dog]. The dog can be watched by someone else while your friend ziplines or enjoys any other excursion. Remember, the dog MUST ALWAYS be on leash.

 

You need to be aware of other animals while in different ports and be prepared to "shew" curious, local dogs away.

Remember; the people onboard with you had to leave their "furbabies" in a kennel or with Grammy, in order to take this cruise. They're missing them and will want to "pat" the dog and will ask lots of questions. Be ready to be stopped and give yourselves lots of time to get from one place to another. Do allow a time when folks can "pat" the dog......it's really okay to share our "miracle workers" with others.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Mornin' all:

 

JulieRose: Cari says just email her and she will answer any and all questions. Roz has met Cari and Denver in person. Cari is such a sweetheart and Denver, well just ask Ms. Brenda about her big yellow love! Anyway just put Cruise Critic in subject line and her email is countrygrl290@aol dot com.

 

Roz: You are right, someone p.o.'d the Gods. This weather is getting ridiculous. I just hate the wind. It just makes my disposition, shall we say unpleasant. :o

 

Hope everyone has a great Sunday. More basketball play-offs are on. Guess it will be a computer day. Laundry all done except Jezzy's toys in the dryer. They were pretty dirty!

[Alohatoo]

I just returned from a 7 night Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse with my guide dog. She did great. They built a 4x4 potty box for her on a windy part of a crew deck area. I did not take her off in ports except for San Jaun -- it was too hot for her feet there though so mostly we walked to bars and stayed indoors. I left her in the cabin in the other ports -- St. Maarten and St. Kitts but only was gone for a couple hours. Shirley was fine with that -- although I brought a crate I just tied her leash to a chair and she was comfortable on her fleece mat. She amassed quite a fan club on the ship amoung crew and passengers. You might ask someone on the ship to walk the guide or check on her if the person will be gone for a long time -- or hire one of the crew members to do it. I also left Shirley in the cabin when I went up to the lawn club as she was not allowed to use that grass and I did not want her to know there was grass on board. Enjoy that wedding at sea. It sounds wonderful.

Thanks!

 

Well, she has the service dog because she's visually impaired. So any information about any special services they offer for her would be welcome. We're traveling with Princess so it's their policies we're concerned with. I don't think that she plans on bringing the dog off of the ship in most ports because then, how could she do things like the Zipline tour? (That's kinda rhetorical but if you actually do have an answer other than "she couldn't" we'd love to know.) The big concern right now, I think, is being able to get back on and off the ship to water him and take him to the potty while the ship is in port. Will that be possible/practical?

[wizard-of-roz]

I just returned from a 7 night Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse with my guide dog. She did great. They built a 4x4 potty box for her on a windy part of a crew deck area. I did not take her off in ports except for San Jaun -- it was too hot for her feet there though so mostly we walked to bars and stayed indoors. I left her in the cabin in the other ports -- St. Maarten and St. Kitts but only was gone for a couple hours. Shirley was fine with that -- although I brought a crate I just tied her leash to a chair and she was comfortable on her fleece mat. She amassed quite a fan club on the ship amoung crew and passengers. You might ask someone on the ship to walk the guide or check on her if the person will be gone for a long time -- or hire one of the crew members to do it. I also left Shirley in the cabin when I went up to the lawn club as she was not allowed to use that grass and I did not want her to know there was grass on board. Enjoy that wedding at sea. It sounds wonderful.

 

 

Aloha: It sounds like you had a wonderful time and planned the times you'd be away from your dog perfectly.

I found Celebrity to be very accommodating when it came to my dog and my needs.

Now, that I'm a bit smarter about where they can place the pottybox, I don't think I'd use a box that was exposed to any kind of weather and would insist that it be moved to a "crew closet" or a stairwell. If Princess can accommodate me in this manner so can other cruiselines. They just need to be given the idea and can plan accordingly.

Your ideas of leaving the dog with a crew member are very doable and is something that I've done. It's just like finding a babysitter for your children. You need to "interview" the prospective, interested person, give them all the do's and don'ts and, you're all set.

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. :)

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks!

 

Well, she has the service dog because she's visually impaired. So any information about any special services they offer for her would be welcome. We're traveling with Princess so it's their policies we're concerned with. I don't think that she plans on bringing the dog off of the ship in most ports because then, how could she do things like the Zipline tour? (That's kinda rhetorical but if you actually do have an answer other than "she couldn't" we'd love to know.) The big concern right now, I think, is being able to get back on and off the ship to water him and take him to the potty while the ship is in port. Will that be possible/practical?

 

JulieRose: Also, bring along a portable water container for the dog, if you're going on an excursion. Mine is collapsible and can be folded into my purse. I purchased it at the Canine Companions for Independence Website Giftshop. I've had it for years and I wouldn't take a walk without it.

[rangeley]

Hi Everyone, I don't know if anyone got an email for a free eye exam for service dogs, but we took Wex yesterday. The doctor was very nice and Wex did great. She did a thorough exam and his eyes are great. It was a great thing to take advantage of, especially since there was a ton of dogs there with eye problems. I didn't realize how many eye problems dogs have.

 

Cindy

[wizard-of-roz]

Hi Everyone, I don't know if anyone got an email for a free eye exam for service dogs, but we took Wex yesterday. The doctor was very nice and Wex did great. She did a thorough exam and his eyes are great. It was a great thing to take advantage of, especially since there was a ton of dogs there with eye problems. I didn't realize how many eye problems dogs have.

 

Cindy

 

Such a good Mommy!!!!

[S.S. Cruisers]

Such a lucky Sexy Wexy!

[wizard-of-roz]

Well, I know our upcoming cruise is getting closer because I just paid for the rental of the electric scooter, to be delivered to the cabin.

I'm just so darn grateful that Princess has not tacked-on a gasoline surcharge.......Shhhhhhh! Let's not tempt fate! :( As if that would keep me from cruising.

My goal is to still take Brenda on this cruise [afterall, it will be her 15th] and, it just seems like a nice round number to retire on. ;)

I'm pretty sure that there won't be a chance for me to get into the June program for a Successor dog so, it looks like I'll be waiting until, at least January, 2012. It gives me more time with my Senior Princess!!!! :)

 

She's so funny to watch as her age is creeping-up on her. It's as if it's a complete surprise to her too!!!!! She'll give me a very long look, as if to say "what's happening to me?" She wants to play and romp but finds herself out of breath more quickly and, again, I get that long-faced stare!!! I just hold her head on my lap and rub her forehead while I tell her how sorry I am that it's all so fast and so sneaky; this age thing for dogs!!!!!

It's so unfair. :o

[JulieRose]

Mornin' all:

 

I just wanted to say "Denver Sees For Me" Cari, is visually impaired and I know she did the "Zipline" so yes your friend can. I can't remember if she left Denver on board that day or if friends just held him for her.

 

Hey! thanks for your response. I just want to be clear that I don't doubt that she can go on the excursion, just wondering what arrangements need to be made for her SD.

 

Mornin' all:

 

JulieRose: Cari says just email her and she will answer any and all questions. Roz has met Cari and Denver in person. Cari is such a sweetheart and Denver, well just ask Ms. Brenda about her big yellow love! Anyway just put Cruise Critic in subject line and her email is countrygrl290@aol dot com.

 

Thank you so much! I have much going on right now so I will forward this email address to her traveling companion!

 

You might ask someone on the ship to walk the guide or check on her if the person will be gone for a long time -- or hire one of the crew members to do it.

 

WOW! They really will do just about anything you ask them to, wont they? This is actually a really good idea because we will be traveling with a group and there are a few animal lovers among us. Good to know that you can actually hire the crew to help out too.

 

JulieRose: Also, bring along a portable water container for the dog, if you're going on an excursion. Mine is collapsible and can be folded into my purse. I purchased it at the Canine Companions for Independence Website Giftshop. I've had it for years and I wouldn't take a walk without it.

 

I'll be sure to pass on that information. Thanks!

[JulieRose]

JulieRose: Cruising with your Service Dog is a bit of a different "animal" than land-based vacations; in that you need to have a "potty box" set-up for the dog and the different ports that you may be visiting may require different certifications for the dog.

 

Check with the Access Department of Princess and they will be happy to inquire for you about what you will need. We always speak with Allison Muff.

 

The second you get onboard you will check-in with the Purser's Desk to find out where the Potty Box has been placed. I ALWAYS have it placed on our veranda or in a stairwell close to our cabin.

 

Ask the Purser to get the Cruise Director or an assistant to help you. They can "reserve" seats for your friend and her dog in the Princess Theatre [for the evening] shows. This will guarantee that your friend and dog will not have to go searching around in the dark for a seat. Make sure that either the Cruise Director or an assistant is available to escort your friend to her seat the first night so she's familiar to the area.

 

Your friend MUST have the Certification for Interstate Transport of Small Animals [she will ask her Vet about this]; she must have the dogs immunizations current [and, that means within 6 months [for some ports it may be even less] of travel. The dog MUST be on Heartguard and flea and tick abatement. The Vet must sign this Certificate and show the dates of last Vet Exam and Rabies Shot.

 

The dog will not be allowed to go into or onto some of the excursions [ziplining] is very doable [without the dog]. The dog can be watched by someone else while your friend ziplines or enjoys any other excursion. Remember, the dog MUST ALWAYS be on leash.

 

You need to be aware of other animals while in different ports and be prepared to "shew" curious, local dogs away.

 

Remember; the people onboard with you had to leave their "furbabies" in a kennel or with Grammy, in order to take this cruise. They're missing them and will want to "pat" the dog and will ask lots of questions. Be ready to be stopped and give yourselves lots of time to get from one place to another. Do allow a time when folks can "pat" the dog......it's really okay to share our "miracle workers" with others.

 

Wow. That was a lot of really valuable info in one post. Thanks so much. I'll be sure to pass it along.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Afternoon all:

Boy it has been like pulling teeth to get on CC. Fortunately today seems to be good!

 

Roz: I was so excited. Travis came home with a sticker and a bookmarker from Canine Companions for Independence! I get the bookmarker, he can have the sticker. I asked him if someone came to his school and talked about it, but he said no, it was in his cubby at school. So we went on line to their site and I showed him the different dogs helping different people. I want him to be aware that everyone can be different but that doesn't mean they can't do certain things, especially with the help of those fabulous furbabies..............

[wizard-of-roz]

Afternoon all:

Boy it has been like pulling teeth to get on CC. Fortunately today seems to be good!

 

Roz: I was so excited. Travis came home with a sticker and a bookmarker from Canine Companions for Independence! I get the bookmarker, he can have the sticker. I asked him if someone came to his school and talked about it, but he said no, it was in his cubby at school. So we went on line to their site and I showed him the different dogs helping different people. I want him to be aware that everyone can be different but that doesn't mean they can't do certain things, especially with the help of those fabulous furbabies..............

 

You are teaching Travis very well. It's very curious how the stuff got into his cubby. No matter.....I'm glad to see that the CCI Fairies are at work "everywhere!" It can't hurt to spread the word.

Have a wonderful weekend and a restful Mother's Day to everyone!

[rangeley]

Nancy, How strange CCI things got into Travis' cubby! Gives me a chill!! Like Roz said, it must be the CCI fairies.

[rangeley]

Well we went to the neurosurgeon today, and nothing sounds good. We think John might have to get surgery on his neck. Something is pinching off his cord above his injury and they might need to fix it. Of course any neck surgery is scary as heck! And the worst thing is, it might not fix it, or it could be worse. I think we are going to get a second opinion and see how that goes. I'll keep you updated.

 

Cindy

[wizard-of-roz]

Well we went to the neurosurgeon today, and nothing sounds good. We think John might have to get surgery on his neck. Something is pinching off his cord above his injury and they might need to fix it. Of course any neck surgery is scary as heck! And the worst thing is, it might not fix it, or it could be worse. I think we are going to get a second opinion and see how that goes. I'll keep you updated.

 

Cindy

 

Cindy, please give my regards and lots of hugs to John. I'm so sorry he's going through this. I hope it all turns out to be something that can be fixed and, I hope he's not having a lot of pain.

It's so difficult for me to share this because it's still not real for me or my family.......My brother Barry suddenly died and we're all in a horrible fog. We were very close. We are 6 siblings, he was the oldest. He was a puritan when it came to food/air/water. He only ate healthy and kept a very healthy weight. He rode his Harley, with his wife Jeanie and camped and hiked and just loved life. He had a 4 acre ranch in Acton CA. He was weeding in his garden and suddenly collapsed. He died instantly. So, so strange and so unreal. We spoke at least 3 times a week and the loss of him has left a HUGE hole in our lives. He would hug me so hard when we saw each other that I would squeal and beg him to stop!!!!!

Sorry for going on.......I just needed to share with you. Thanks for reading/listening.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Roz, I am so sorry for your loss. Life has been dealing some pretty crappy hands, lately. I would hug you hard, too, if I could.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Cindy, more hugs coming your's and John's way. You are right, any of that kind of surgery is very scary. That is why I haven't had my back operated on. The doctor told me I know what the pain level is right now and as long as medication is relieving some of it, he would not suggest surgery. Some days are better than others. I understand that John's is much more serious, as he is obviously in a lot more pain than I am. It does sound like something is pinching a nerve or something. I certainly hope it gets better for him. Dog gone it.

[rangeley]

Cindy, please give my regards and lots of hugs to John. I'm so sorry he's going through this. I hope it all turns out to be something that can be fixed and, I hope he's not having a lot of pain.

 

It's so difficult for me to share this because it's still not real for me or my family.......My brother Barry suddenly died and we're all in a horrible fog. We were very close. We are 6 siblings, he was the oldest. He was a puritan when it came to food/air/water. He only ate healthy and kept a very healthy weight. He rode his Harley, with his wife Jeanie and camped and hiked and just loved life. He had a 4 acre ranch in Acton CA. He was weeding in his garden and suddenly collapsed. He died instantly. So, so strange and so unreal. We spoke at least 3 times a week and the loss of him has left a HUGE hole in our lives. He would hug me so hard when we saw each other that I would squeal and beg him to stop!!!!!

 

Sorry for going on.......I just needed to share with you. Thanks for reading/listening.

 

OMG Roz, We are so so sorry to hear of your loss. How awful. It's hard to lose anyone, but so unexpected..I'm lost for words. Our condolences to you and all of your family.

 

Cindy

[rangeley]

Cindy, more hugs coming your's and John's way. You are right, any of that kind of surgery is very scary. That is why I haven't had my back operated on. The doctor told me I know what the pain level is right now and as long as medication is relieving some of it, he would not suggest surgery. Some days are better than others. I understand that John's is much more serious, as he is obviously in a lot more pain than I am. It does sound like something is pinching a nerve or something. I certainly hope it gets better for him. Dog gone it.

 

Nancy, Believe it or not, John actually has no pain! Just tingling,numbness and alot of weakness in his arms. It's really wierd, but I'm glad there is no pain. He has enough to deal with.

 

Cindy

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you everyone for your kind and heartfelt condolences and good wishes.

 

Life changes on a dime. It doesn't matter how old we get and how much we think we know......life has a way of catching us by surprise, whipping us around and testing us every day.

 

Not much we can do but hold-on and hang-on to the one's who loves us and who we love-enjoying their company every chance we can.

And, boy, what an important role our dogs play into this.