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

[DUTRAVEL]

[quote name='Quampapetet']Good to hear! :cool: I wish we could do a European cruise, but the man in the anniversary couple cannot fly for that long due to blood clots - too bad there are no round-trip transatlantic cruises/back-to-back cruises!

Do you have a service dog or are you on a waiting list to get one?[/QUOTE]

No service dog for me yet. I am on CCI's waiting list. Hopefully I will get my dog in the next 12 months.

Dianne

[S.S. Cruisers]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][SIZE=3]Quam: Another thing Celebrity did was buy one get one free for alcohol for the day. Hubby is a beer drinker, they let him buy a case and get one free! :o Which really only equates to 3.2 beers a day. Then we didn't have to worry about his beer purchases, just the foo foo ones! Quite a savings. As I said, they were very accommodating for us. Maybe not so much now, with all the penny pinching, but if you don't ask, you definately won't get the "other" perks. :D[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[S.S. Cruisers]

[COLOR=SeaGreen][SIZE=3]By the way, we have been on other cruise lines that sell buckets of beer. Well, the bar we went to did not any buckets left, so they wouldn't sell hubby the beer at the bucket price. We waited and when we went back later that day, still not buckets. I went to another bar, bought the bucket and brought it back to the aft of the ship. Guess what? If the bucket needed to be re-filled, I went back to the bar that sold it to me and they got the extra tip. That was just laziness and maybe someone not liking their job so much. Few and far between that we have encountered that type of an attitude.

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Algebralovr]

[quote name='Quampapetet']Thanks! Glad you had good experiences with them.

I asked about special dining food needs over on the Celebrity board and everyone said they do it well, so that is good to hear, as both myself and another family member have special food needs and restrictions, leading to very limited menus of what we can eat.

I also asked about the type of lighting in the staterooms (specifically on the Summit), but haven't gotten a response to that question yet. Do you know what kind of light bulbs they use (fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, LED) in the staterooms, including the bathrooms? Fluorescents are harmful to me, so I will have to make special arrangements/bring my own bulbs for the table lamps if that's what they use.[/QUOTE]

My DD is allergic to soy, rice, peanuts, tree nuts, melon, citrus, eggplant, and a couple more that don't come to mind. They did a good job, just remind them every time you place a food order. She was even able to eat the chocolate fondue dessert at the Tuscan Grill specialty restaurant. She just had to pre-order her meal.

I'm not sure about the kind of lighting used. I believe the newer S - class ships are a combo of LED and fluorescent bulbs. My suspicion is that the Summit, and the rest of the M - class are the same, but I'm not certain.

Did you ask specifically about lighting on the Celebrity board? I'm sure someone can answer or look on an upcoming cruise. You might also ask on a roll call for the Summit.

[wizard-of-roz]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]Aruba, your pictures are so, so cute. I'm very proud of your accomplishments and receiving your "big girl" vest is quite an honor for you and for your Mum![/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]Nothing and I mean nothing makes me crazier than the folks who whistle and make noises at Horton, purposely trying to distract him. Brainless wonders, that's what they are! I punish them with words and dirty looks. I promise you I don't let them get away with it! I call them OUT for their stupid behavior and give them a tongue lashing, which ALWAYS embarrasses them in front of others![/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]I used to just walk away but no more.......They need to be stopped and taught how to behave around a Service Dog![/B][/COLOR]

[wizard-of-roz]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]Trudy, I hope all is going well with you and your new baby.[/B][/COLOR]

[Caribbean Chris]

[quote name='Quampapetet']

Do you have to submit a form when you find a lower price or do they automatically reduce your fare? On Carnival, I booked with the Early Saver fare that meant if you found a lower fare for your room category, you could submit a form to get the price for your cabin lowered. It did save me some money when I got to submit forms twice on one cruise!

D[/QUOTE]

On Celebrity, no, they don't do it automatically. So I check their website every now and then, and if my category price has dropped (and if it still includes the Promo such as 123GO), my husband calls our travel agent. If it does not include the promo, I do the math, and decide if it is worth it to me to give up the free drinks package.

It's important to clarify if you'll give up anything by switching to a lower rate so you can make an informed decision. Sometimes a new rate drop or promo will specify "For new bookings only."

This time, there was a $100 per person drop. When we called, the agency had some sort of special price at that moment too, dropping an additional $150 pp, total $500 for our room. We had to go to a "guarantee" but within a few days, were reassigned to virtually the same stateroom nearby. We are quite happy we called.

I find that checking the Celebrity board on this forum gives very good info on the promos. Host Andy just posted info on a current one.

Enjoy!

[Algebralovr]

Another difference is that with Carnival 's early saver, you can still get the reduction after final payment. With Celebrity, reduction are only available through final payment. After final payment, nothing most times.

[wizard-of-roz]

[quote name='Algebralovr']Another difference is that with Carnival 's early saver, you can still get the reduction after final payment. With Celebrity, reduction are only available through final payment. After final payment, nothing most times.[/QUOTE]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]I'm in a Mini-Suite onboard the Golden Princess on April 6th. Final payment is not until January. I called my TA yesterday and asked if there were any price drops and boy did he have a list for me!

He emailed me back and said there would be a $300 p/p drop; Pre-paid gratuities, and shipboard credit of $110.00. I'm doing the "happy dance!"

Always, always check on this with either the cruise line direct or with your TA. You never know when you're going to save money and get some surprises along the way! ;)[/B][/COLOR]

[Algebralovr]

[quote name='wizard-of-roz'][COLOR="Indigo"][B]I'm in a Mini-Suite onboard the Golden Princess on April 6th. Final payment is not until January. I called my TA yesterday and asked if there were any price drops and boy did he have a list for me!

He emailed me back and said there would be a $300 p/p drop; Pre-paid gratuities, and shipboard credit of $110.00. I'm doing the "happy dance!"

Always, always check on this with either the cruise line direct or with your TA. You never know when you're going to save money and get some surprises along the way! ;)[/B][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Congrats on the savings, Roz!
My February cruises have only gone up in price. Final payment is the first of December. I don't expect the price to drop before that. Once final payment passes, I'll check to see if we can upgrade, but I kind of doubt that will happen. One can always hope, though! We booked with Celebrity's 123GO, so we have the Celebrity beverage package. Love those chocolate martinis after dinner!

[Quampapetet]

[quote name='DUTRAVEL']No service dog for me yet. I am on CCI's waiting list. Hopefully I will get my dog in the next 12 months.

Dianne[/QUOTE]

I hope you get your dog soon! :D Twelve months is a long time to wait ... I only had about five months to wait between the breeding and actually getting my new puppy and I still overbought (especially toys), even with forcing myself to hold back until the puppies were born! ;) Yup, my pup is just as spoiled as my current dog and she doesn't even live here yet! I have to resist getting her anything else, but I will send something at Christmas, of course. :D

[Quampapetet]

[quote name='S.S. Cruisers'][COLOR=SeaGreen][SIZE=3]Quam: Another thing Celebrity did was buy one get one free for alcohol for the day. Hubby is a beer drinker, they let him buy a case and get one free! :o Which really only equates to 3.2 beers a day. Then we didn't have to worry about his beer purchases, just the foo foo ones! Quite a savings. As I said, they were very accommodating for us. Maybe not so much now, with all the penny pinching, but if you don't ask, you definately won't get the "other" perks. :D[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Haha, nice! I don't like beer, but give me a Bahama Mama or Rum Runner any day! :D

[Quampapetet]

[quote name='Algebralovr']My DD is allergic to soy, rice, peanuts, tree nuts, melon, citrus, eggplant, and a couple more that don't come to mind. They did a good job, just remind them every time you place a food order. She was even able to eat the chocolate fondue dessert at the Tuscan Grill specialty restaurant. She just had to pre-order her meal.

I'm not sure about the kind of lighting used. I believe the newer S - class ships are a combo of LED and fluorescent bulbs. My suspicion is that the Summit, and the rest of the M - class are the same, but I'm not certain.

Did you ask specifically about lighting on the Celebrity board? I'm sure someone can answer or look on an upcoming cruise. You might also ask on a roll call for the Summit.[/QUOTE]

Sorry to hear about all your daughter's allergies! :( Glad the ship did a good job with her food, though.

I did ask about the lighting on the Celebrity board and nobody replied.

[Quampapetet]

[quote name='Caribbean Chris']On Celebrity, no, they don't do it automatically. So I check their website every now and then, and if my category price has dropped (and if it still includes the Promo such as 123GO), my husband calls our travel agent. If it does not include the promo, I do the math, and decide if it is worth it to me to give up the free drinks package.

It's important to clarify if you'll give up anything by switching to a lower rate so you can make an informed decision. Sometimes a new rate drop or promo will specify "For new bookings only."

This time, there was a $100 per person drop. When we called, the agency had some sort of special price at that moment too, dropping an additional $150 pp, total $500 for our room. We had to go to a "guarantee" but within a few days, were reassigned to virtually the same stateroom nearby. We are quite happy we called.

I find that checking the Celebrity board on this forum gives very good info on the promos. Host Andy just posted info on a current one.

Enjoy![/QUOTE]

Gotcha. On my old laptop, I had a program that monitored your cruise' rates every day - it was very helpful! I don't know if it still exists or if they now have a phone/tablet app for such a thing.

[alexspepa]

Hey Folks - Dean Koontz' dog Anna has written an advice book, and all proceeds go to CCI:

 

http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.9203145/k.16F2/Ask_Anna_and_Support_Canine_Companions.htm?msource=xhq14koontz

 

Anna was going to be a Service Dog herself but she had a little problem with birds, and the Koontz family adopted her, so of course she decided to become an author herself...

 

a good cause and I am sure a very funny book.

[wizard-of-roz]

Hey Folks - Dean Koontz' dog Anna has written an advice book, and all proceeds go to CCI:

 

http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.9203145/k.16F2/Ask_Anna_and_Support_Canine_Companions.htm?msource=xhq14koontz

 

Anna was going to be a Service Dog herself but she had a little problem with birds, and the Koontz family adopted her, so of course she decided to become an author herself...

 

a good cause and I am sure a very funny book.

 

Also, if you call at 9:00pm today-10/8- at: 760-901-4300 - You can get Anna's [Dean Koontz' autographed book "Ask Anna" for $25.00] - [All proceeds will benefit CCI-Have your credit card handy!]

 

Who doesn't need advice from a Golden Retriever?

Edited October 8, 2014 by wizard-of-roz

[Algebralovr]

Sorry to hear about all your daughter's allergies! :( Glad the ship did a good job with her food, though.

 

I did ask about the lighting on the Celebrity board and nobody replied.

 

I honestly never saw your question on the Celebrity forum, and I read it all the time.

 

You might email Host Andy directly. He has sailed the M - class ships quite a bit and might be able to answer, or at least look his next cruise. I would help, but all my cruises have been on S - class ships. If it helps, I can look when I'm on Reflection in February. That won't tell you anything about Summit though.

 

I do know one of the IT guys personally. I wonder if he would know?

[DUTRAVEL]

I hope you get your dog soon! :D Twelve months is a long time to wait ... I only had about five months to wait between the breeding and actually getting my new puppy and I still overbought (especially toys), even with forcing myself to hold back until the puppies were born! ;) Yup, my pup is just as spoiled as my current dog and she doesn't even live here yet! I have to resist getting her anything else, but I will send something at Christmas, of course. :D

 

Thanks - I hope its soon too!

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

I honestly never saw your question on the Celebrity forum, and I read it all the time.

 

You might email Host Andy directly. He has sailed the M - class ships quite a bit and might be able to answer, or at least look his next cruise. I would help, but all my cruises have been on S - class ships. If it helps, I can look when I'm on Reflection in February. That won't tell you anything about Summit though.

 

I do know one of the IT guys personally. I wonder if he would know?

 

Quam, I forgot about your question about the lighting onboard the Summit. I don't recall what kind of lighting it had.

 

My suggestion; call Celebrity Cruises: 800-235-3274.

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks - I hope its soon too!

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, you know I'm a big Canine Companions for Independence cheer leader. I truly believe in what they do and how they do it.

 

I waited 2 years for Brenda and almost a year for Horton. With Horton I was invited to Team Training after 6 months but during that time had a cruise scheduled and it was with family members who could not reschedule. I felt so torn because it meant I had to wait for the next class. I was very upset.

 

As it turned out CCI scheduled a "side placement" for me. No class, just me, a few dogs a few trainers and one week. I had the choice to come back and graduate with the normal class or not. I chose to come back and have a graduation ceremony.

 

It was meant to be that Horton and I find each other. I believe in fate, I believe in the process.

 

Have faith, believe in the process and you'll see.......the right dog will be yours when the time is right. I know the waiting is over-the-top frustrating....it will all happen when it's supposed to.

[dobiemom]

Hey Folks - Dean Koontz' dog Anna has written an advice book, and all proceeds go to CCI:

 

http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.9203145/k.16F2/Ask_Anna_and_Support_Canine_Companions.htm?msource=xhq14koontz

 

Anna was going to be a Service Dog herself but she had a little problem with birds, and the Koontz family adopted her, so of course she decided to become an author herself...

 

a good cause and I am sure a very funny book.

Also, if you call at 9:00pm today-10/8- at: 760-901-4300 - You can get Anna's [Dean Koontz' autographed book "Ask Anna" for $25.00] - [All proceeds will benefit CCI-Have your credit card handy!]

 

Who doesn't need advice from a Golden Retriever?

I wanted to go to the book signing on Saturday but my schedule changed. So this is the next best thing. I ordered two books! :D

(BTW $25 includes tax and shipping! :))

Edited October 8, 2014 by dobiemom

[wizard-of-roz]

I wanted to go to the book signing on Saturday but my schedule changed. So this is the next best thing. I ordered two books! :D

(BTW $25 includes tax and shipping! :))

 

I knew I'd never be able to make it to Oceanside in time so I ordered two books too!

 

I loved all his books about Trixie [his first CCI dog.] I think I bought them all!

 

For a writer who's body of writing is so, so scary......his tales about his dogs are so much fun to read. It's such a far cry from most of his writings.

 

Thank you for all you wonderful support on behalf of CCI. ♥

[DUTRAVEL]

Dianne, you know I'm a big Canine Companions for Independence cheer leader. I truly believe in what they do and how they do it.

 

I waited 2 years for Brenda and almost a year for Horton. With Horton I was invited to Team Training after 6 months but during that time had a cruise scheduled and it was with family members who could not reschedule. I felt so torn because it meant I had to wait for the next class. I was very upset.

 

As it turned out CCI scheduled a "side placement" for me. No class, just me, a few dogs a few trainers and one week. I had the choice to come back and graduate with the normal class or not. I chose to come back and have a graduation ceremony.

 

It was meant to be that Horton and I find each other. I believe in fate, I believe in the process.

 

Have faith, believe in the process and you'll see.......the right dog will be yours when the time is right. I know the waiting is over-the-top frustrating....it will all happen when it's supposed to.

 

Thanks for the encouragement Roz. Hopefully, it will be February or May. I know that it will happen someday. In the meantime, I am getting ready for my transatlantic cruise in three weeks!

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks for the encouragement Roz. Hopefully, it will be February or May. I know that it will happen someday. In the meantime, I am getting ready for my transatlantic cruise in three weeks!

 

Dianne

 

Wow! You sure have something wonderful to keep you busy while you're waiting for your turn in Team Training.

[Quampapetet]

I honestly never saw your question on the Celebrity forum, and I read it all the time.

 

You might email Host Andy directly. He has sailed the M - class ships quite a bit and might be able to answer, or at least look his next cruise. I would help, but all my cruises have been on S - class ships. If it helps, I can look when I'm on Reflection in February. That won't tell you anything about Summit though.

 

I do know one of the IT guys personally. I wonder if he would know?

 

Thanks, I bumped the thread up and this time got several replies. :)