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

[wizard-of-roz]

OK cruisers, general question about packing lists. My very comprehensive one has gone into cyberspace. Somehow I think a 2005 version got saved over my most recent.

 

I have a good non-cruising list. I am looking for items that you use that I might be forgetting that are more "cruise specific" to make the trip smoother. I have meds, suncreeen, etc. I'm thinking things like the over the door shoe hanger, clothes pins, ziplocks, extension cord/adapters, and a small hamper, laundry detergent (all of which are on my new cruise list). Can you think of anything else that has been helpful?

 

The cruise leaves in 10 days! 6 more days until we leave for New Orleans. The packing pressure is on!

 

Clorox wipes. I do the phone, the t.v. remote, the door knobs before I touch anything.

Extra batteries for camera.

Extention cord.

Tooth cement [for the occasional crown that needs re-seating.]

Immodium [for tummy problems].

Small electric fan [boy, did this come in handy when our air conditioning went out in our cabin.]

Single dollar bills for extra tipping.

Post-it's [for leaving messages to cabin-mate or steward.]

I also ask the Steward for a top sheet [Princess has the duvee's that can get very warm] and extra pillows.

[wizard-of-roz]

Yes! I was going to ask you the same thing!! Well Roz, we are heading to LV for a couple of nights later this year and I just wondered if you were not too far away, we could, maybe, just, well maybe meet up??? Now that would be a day to look forward to!!!:D. We are not gamblers either but it has long been a dream of my DH to go there, so plans have been made! What d'ya think??? :eek:

 

I'm not planning any Vegas trips right now, not until after the anniversary of my dear Morey's passing on April 11, 2014.

It would be so much fun to meet you there, though. We'd have so much fun!!! I just know it!!!!!

I've been known to travel with my cyber buddies from this thread. Hello Miss Sunshine, how are you?

[wizard-of-roz]

fairbourne... we've gone as far as take the luggage out of the closet and put a few things next to it. We won't pack till Saturday.

 

TeeChi...Disney Cruise puts the potty on our balcony every time. It's a kiddie pool filled with thick sod.

 

That is so nice that Disney does that. They seem to be the only one's!

[wizard-of-roz]

I just called Disney Cruise Line to confirm that Orson's "potty box" will be placed on our balcony. They confirmed that it will indeed be there. :D

 

Such a smart phone call! Love Disney!

[cjborne2]

Our Disney Alaska trip had mulch chips in the box instead of sod. We were surprised. Glad to hear the box is on the balcony. So much easier that way!

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Sounds like I'm just about covered :D

[Iris99]

thanks everyone for your kind words. I did write a five page letter of complaint and sent it certified mail. I sent it out on Monday and have not received any response. I don't want to say on here which cruise line it was, just in case, but if anyone can private message me, I will tell them.

 

I am ambulatory so that I could definitely do a stairwell. That is so great about disney- do any of their cruises leave from the east coast because I would think about doing that next time.

 

I was also just told that once you leave the shore, ADA does not apply.

[Quampapetet]

I'm on NCL in Dec. Unsure if I should like Chilli at home with a friend. In the Bahamas last year taxi's would not take us anywhere. Any experience on tours in St Maarten and St. Thomas? Thanks

 

I don't know where in the Bahamas you were, but on New Providence (where Nassau is) and Paradise Islands, you shouldn't have an issue with taxis once you educate them on what a service dog is and tell them your dog will simply just lay right on the floor the whole time (they're not used to such well-behaved dogs). I go on land trips there every year (though now we just rent a van instead because it is cheaper than doing so many taxis or waiting on our friends there).

 

St. Thomas is under the ADA,since it is a U.S. Virgin Island. The first time I went, I did an awesome tour to take a helicopter to a private, deserted island for the day. My friends and I all thought it was the best excursion! They do count the dog as a passenger, though, which meant I had to pay twice the price since my friends and I split the price per passenger (as most non-family groups would do) - it was still worth it!

 

I did a tour in St. Maarten with the group I was with, but don't remember the tour company. It was my least favorite island, as it was boring, IMO, but the French bakery we ate at was yummy! I had no access issues.

[Quampapetet]

The one place where the rules are not to allow dogs off the ship is Hawaii. I did not take my Fergie off the ship in Hawaii. They have a 30 day policy. I am not sure about the ADA law and if they can do that legally with a service animal but I didn't fight it or complain or check with attorney I just kept her on board.

 

This is not true. If you had gone through the proper process of doing the rabies titer, six-month wait, sending in your proof of service dog paperwork to the quarantine office, and setting up the official inspection appointment, your service dog would have been allowed off the ship. It is legal because Hawaii is rabies-free and they intend to keep it that way, just like the many Caribbean islands that are also rabies-free and have strict entry requirements.

[Quampapetet]

I would like to know - where has the box been for all of you on cruises? five decks away on the opposite side? has anyone had a box completely taken away or doors to the decks locked during their cruise? Please let me know. It was a very unpleasant experience. Thanks!

 

So sorry you had a bad experience! :( On my first cruise (RCCL), my balcony cabin was almost all the way aft on deck eight or so and the potty was almost all the way forward (in the outdoor hallway that leads to the helipad on the front of the ship) on deck four or so. I have a mobility disability; my dog helps me walk and balance - the cruiseline knew this ahead of time, too. It was a horrible experience as far as the dog potty goes. (It also was not set up when I got onboard the ship and I had to go back several times to Guest Services to keep asking where exactly it was, as it wasn't where they said it was each time - turned out it was 'cause it didn't exist yet! I only found that out by talking to two handyman/sanitary-type employees who happened to wander by while I was searching for the umpteenth time. They're the ones who finally got the ball rolling and got the thing made for me, hours after first looking for it.)

 

After that, I decided to bring my own potty 'cause I can't trust the cruiselines. I protect the deck with plastic garbage bags, then use extra-absorbent potty pads under faux K-9 grass (it is made for dogs). I put it on my balcony.

[Quampapetet]

OK cruisers, general question about packing lists. My very comprehensive one has gone into cyberspace. Somehow I think a 2005 version got saved over my most recent.

 

I have a good non-cruising list. I am looking for items that you use that I might be forgetting that are more "cruise specific" to make the trip smoother. I have meds, suncreeen, etc. I'm thinking things like the over the door shoe hanger, clothes pins, ziplocks, extension cord/adapters, and a small hamper, laundry detergent (all of which are on my new cruise list). Can you think of anything else that has been helpful?

 

The cruise leaves in 10 days! 6 more days until we leave for New Orleans. The packing pressure is on!

 

I just read on another site that Disney ships no longer (as of April) allow over-the-door hangers to be used and if you do use one and damage the door, they will charge you $100! Better cross that one off your list! (They also don't allow any door decorations/signs unless you use only magnets to hang them. Even static clings aren't allowed anymore. I read this a few weeks ago.)

[Quampapetet]

thanks everyone for your kind words. I did write a five page letter of complaint and sent it certified mail. I sent it out on Monday and have not received any response. I don't want to say on here which cruise line it was, just in case, but if anyone can private message me, I will tell them.

 

I am ambulatory so that I could definitely do a stairwell. That is so great about disney- do any of their cruises leave from the east coast because I would think about doing that next time.

 

I was also just told that once you leave the shore, ADA does not apply.

 

My guess is RCCL. ;)

 

Disney has tons of ships on the east coast, especially Florida! They even leave from a port close enough to Disney World that you can visit the parks for a few days before or after your cruise for more fun (and expense).

 

There is a law that does apply to the ships that was passed a couple years ago regarding access on passenger vessels. Search these forums, as we talked about it then. I don't recall the name of it.

[Quampapetet]

Since you were all talking about bow ties for your male dogs to wear for special occasions, I finally remembered to look up the site where I got some for my friend's dog. The quality is amazing! You can just buy one of the shirt collar collars (or one of each color) and switch out the different colors and patterns of bow ties and long ties depending on the occasion. They have a wide range from black silk and red silk to polka dotted to skull patterned for Halloween and more! They are the best-looking doggy ties that I have come across. The lady who makes them was very nice and helpful in making the right size when I didn't know the dog's size (it was a surprise, so I couldn't ask my friend his size). They have bandannas, too, and I believe I got my dog one (since she's female, I'm not getting her a tie!) from there.

 

http://www.designerdudsfordogs.com/

Edited June 28, 2013 by Quampapetet

[cjborne2]

Interesting about the door hangers on Disney. We are doing Carnival this time but good to know. I'll figure out something for this trip to protect the door. Maybe something like saran wrap will work. I also thought about large suction cups. I had heard magnets only for the doors.

[S.S. Cruisers]

Quam: Very cute and reasonably priced! :D

[cjborne2]

Those outfits are cute! Wish I had time to order one before our trip. I do have a sequin red/silver/blue tie that we are bringing. Hope to make a "tropical" bandana before we leave as well.

[wizard-of-roz]

thanks everyone for your kind words. I did write a five page letter of complaint and sent it certified mail. I sent it out on Monday and have not received any response. I don't want to say on here which cruise line it was, just in case, but if anyone can private message me, I will tell them.

 

I am ambulatory so that I could definitely do a stairwell. That is so great about disney- do any of their cruises leave from the east coast because I would think about doing that next time.

 

I was also just told that once you leave the shore, ADA does not apply.

 

Any time you write to a cruiseline, with a problem or particular issue DON'T FORGET TO MENTION THIS BLOG and CRUISE CRITIC.

We have over 1/2 million hits and hundreds and hundreds of pages of writing. I promise you it means something to the cruiselines and they do look at Cruise Critic and don't want thousands of people to see us being treated badly.

Don't worry about ADA applying once you're out at sea......you're on the ship and they want your cruising experience to be a good one. The ship's staff will do everything they can to make you happy; when you board, when you're out at sea and when you dock.

If your Steward doesn't have the answer or solution to your problem, go directly to the Hotel Manager and don't take "no" for an answer. Insist that your needs be met and that your dog be taken care of properly.

The way in which you request something for your dog can make all the difference in the world as to how you'll be taken care of. A big smile and easy demeanor goes a long way!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

This is not true. If you had gone through the proper process of doing the rabies titer, six-month wait, sending in your proof of service dog paperwork to the quarantine office, and setting up the official inspection appointment, your service dog would have been allowed off the ship. It is legal because Hawaii is rabies-free and they intend to keep it that way, just like the many Caribbean islands that are also rabies-free and have strict entry requirements.

 

Quam, easy girl!!!!! Our new bloggers aren't used to being told that what they say is "not true!"

Please remember that emails have a "flat" affect and can be mis-interpreted.

Bottom line; Hawaii has very "stiff" standards for bringing your dog onto their islands.......key word "islands!" So all your paperwork will take more time and be prepared to be prepared!!!!!

Also, people fear that their dog will be taken away from them if all the requirements to enter Hawaii are not met.......I promise you they will not separate you from your dog. They just won't let you bring your dog ashore! You can leave your dog on the ship with a family member or friend and take turns going ashore.

[Iris99]

I did send the letter, but didn't mention cruise critic. I just called and was told that it will take at least three weeks to get a response. thinking about calling the justice department.Here is what I wrote.

 

I hesitate to write this letter to you as I am sure you are not looking to increase the presence of professionally- trained service dogs assisting disabled guests on your cruise ships.

However, when there are service dogs on board, you need to do a better job of accommodating the needs of the guests. My feeling throughout this cruise was that I was causing problems by continuing to complain about the toilet situation for my dog.

However, based upon your expert handling of a recent event onboard another ship, I feel that it is important to give you feedback since you seem to be committed to “doing the right thing”. I am hopeful that you will make some policy changes based upon my experiences.

This was my third cruise, although my first with ----. It was my second cruise with a service dog. I am physically disabled, but may not appear to be so, since I am ambulatory. I was unable to obtain an accessible stateroom on this ship because when I booked, all of the accessible rooms were filled. Therefore, I booked a junior suite so that I would have more space even though this was more costly. My goal for this cruise was to provide a relaxing experience for my 27 year old daughter who is having major surgery on July 11th.

I also work full- time and was looking forward to some time to relax as well.

First, I would like to compliment the dining staff. I have severe food allergies. I cannot say enough positive things about the dining room staff. Prior to sailing, I had completed a list of my allergies and sent them to the access department. I was given the opportunity to pre-order all of my meals. The food was delicious and safe for me to eat. Special crème brulee was prepared for me after the waiter learned that I enjoyed that. It is clear that your kitchen and dining staff know how to accommodate severe food allergies.

However, it is also clear to me that the ship staff is not trained about service dogs. I expect to have some difficulty with passengers trying to interact with a working dog, but your staff should be taught not to whistle at, clap at, pet (this happened several times without asking even though the vest and harness have signs on them) or even talk to the dog since he is working when we are out in public. I asked the guest relations staff to send a message to the crew on the first day about not doing these things but I continued to have issues throughout the entire cruise. I have information about Service Dogs that I reference below that might be helpful to use in staff training.

Prior to the cruise, I spent a great deal of time making sure that I had the proper documentation for my dog. I obtained special permits to enter Bermuda and St. Maarten. I presented these with all of my other documentation (international health certificate, service dog form, identification and information from the organization that trained my dog, etc).

When we arrived in Bermuda, I had to spend almost two hours waiting for immigration to clear me because the Bermuda permit had not been given by the ship staff. I did not have any difficulty with St. Maarten because they had been given the permit ahead of time. This was very inconvenient and unnecessary.

My biggest problem however, involved the toilet situation. First of all, I was staying on deck 9 and the toilet box was on deck four on the other side of the ship. It took almost fifteen minutes to walk there- that is not acceptable for a disabled passenger.

When I first came onboard, there was no one available to take me to see the toilet box right away (this is in contrast to my other cruise where I was immediately escorted). When I was taken to the box, the area smelled terrible and the box smelled bad before even being used. I learned that there had been a guide dog on the previous cruise.

If you are going to use the same box, it should be disinfected and scrubbed, not just rinsed with water. The area should also be cleaned and disinfected. There was mulch in the box. I was also told prior to the cruise that the box would be cleaned during my cruise by a staff member.

This did not happen one single time on this cruise. Not only was the box not cleaned, but when I carefully bagged any excrement and placed it in the can that was provided next to the box, it would sit there for at least two days (I used different color bags and could keep track of when they were placed in the can), attracting flies, and further causing a horrid smell.

I don’t know what your experience is with dogs, but they do not like to toilet on wet, smelly mulch. They also cannot be told to “hold it” if they need to go. For the first four days, I made about fifteen visits and calls to guest services. I repeatedly asked for more mulch to be added to the box. This never happened. I believe it was on the fifth day that one of the guest relations staff was able to go retrieve a small bag of mulch for me to add to the box as I needed.

The weather was windy and wet on the sail to Bermuda. The sea was somewhat rough. Doors to deck four were locked and so I had to then find dining room staff to allow me to travel through the dining room and hold open a door for me to travel to the box. One day, I arrived at the spot to see that the toilet box had been taken away!!! No one was there and I do not carry a cell phone to make calls while on a ship. I finally located a staff member who called for me. My dog needed to toilet badly and I did not want him to have an accident. As I am sure you know, the dogs are trained to only go on command.

The box had been taken away because of the weather-no one had even bothered to let me know this. I then went down to guest services and again complained. They called the “horticulturalist” who said that I should call if I needed to take the dog to the toilet and he would bring the box out. I overheard multiple guest relations staff actually raise their voice to the “horticulturalist” to explain that this is a dog and if he needs to toilet, the toilet needs to be available. (The names of the horticulturalists are -----). I begged to have the toilet box placed on my balcony during the bad weather at least. There was no flexibility or willingness to accommodate me given the entire situation.

I have a balance problem (I use either a cane or a mobility harness on the dog) and I was also worried that I might slip while walking on the deck in that weather- it was extremely slippery and dangerous and I was afraid to go outside by myself. My daughter was needed to go with me each time and she was even shocked at how slippery it was. I was told that the balcony could not hold the toilet box ever, no matter what the circumstances were. This is shocking to me in that many people who use service dogs and cruise frequently have indicated that they have had the toilet box on their balcony for the entire cruise.

On my previous cruise, I did not have to travel far or be out in bad weather at all because the box was located in an easy location near crew quarters. On this cruise, after many days of complaining about the bags of dog poop not being taken away (and I had been instructed never to put them in a regular garbage can), I was told that there were two horticulturalists and that they were not communicating about who was going to do what in terms of cleaning the toilet area.

On the seventh day, the entire box of mulch was soaked due to the crew washing the deck with hoses that sprayed water everywhere- with the box not covered. I asked for the mulch to be replaced and then learned that there was hardly any mulch left. I said that grass or rocks could also be used. This is also not acceptable to not have extra material available.

On my previous cruise, sod was used in the box and there were plenty of extra pieces to use as a replacement. I also asked that the other box (I had learned during the horrid weather that there was in fact another box that could be placed on my balcony) be used in the hope that it would smell less. They did change the box after this request but this was after I had called my travel agent from the ship and she had contacted Mr. P.

I am sure that there is a record of the many visits that I made to guest relations. As I am sure you can understand, it was a very stressful experience for me to have to be worried the entire cruise about the dog’s toilet. I usually worry about my food allergies and it was wonderful not to have to be concerned about that, but I would have liked to have had a vacation in which I could have not had to worry about something that I had been assured would be taken care of.

In addition, I was not offered any type of escort off of the ship (unlike my previous cruise which provided a personal escort off). However, after I was off the ship, I was assisted onto the shuttle bus to the port (but I do not know if this was one of your staff).

I tried very hard to follow all of the rules involved in bringing an animal on board. I want you to take action so that these problems that I experienced do not occur again.

Your company clearly knows how to handle food allergies. I hope that the company can learn to accommodate service dogs so that disabled passengers can enjoy their vacations as well. After you have reviewed this letter, I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Service Dog Information: ( I am available to provide additional information if needed)

Here is a link to a good very short video about not bothering service dogs while they are working:

that I would recommend be shown to all of the staff. It was made in Norway as a public service announcement, but there are English subtitles. Here is some additional information from the Canine Companions for Independence website (http://www.cci.org) that will be useful for your staff.

“How should people behave around an assistance dog?

The Americans With Disabilities Act guarantees people with disabilities the right to be accompanied by a service animal in all areas open to the general public. Service animal means any assistance dog or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Here are some tips to follow when meeting or approaching a working assistance dog and his or her partner:

 

• Don't touch the dog without asking permission first! This is a distraction and may prevent the dog from tending to the human partner. Be sensitive to the fact the dog is working and may be in the middle of a command or direction from its human partner. Most dogs need to be told to be “released” from work mode to interact with someone.
  
• Never feed the dog. It may be on a special diet. Canine Companions for Independence dogs are generally on a feeding schedule as well. Food is the ultimate distraction to the working dog and can jeopardize the working assistance dog team.
  
• Speak to the person, not the assistance dog. Most handlers do not mind talking about assistance dogs and their dog specifically if they have the time.
  
• Do not whistle or make sounds to the dog as this again may provide a dangerous distraction.
  
• Never make assumptions about the individual's intelligence, feelings or capabilities. Offers of help are appreciated, but ask first. Usually, the human/dog team can get the task done by themselves.
  
• Don't be afraid of the dog. There is no need to be afraid of a dog from a fully accredited program like Canine Companions for Independence. Our dogs are carefully tested and selected for appropriate temperament. They have been professionally trained to have excellent manners. Always approach an assistance dog calmly and speak to their human partner before touching or addressing the dog.
  

Business owners: Some customers and employees may be anxious or nervous about an assistance dog in your establishment. Reassure them that the dog is thoroughly trained and has a legal right to be there under the ADA. People with assistance dogs deserve the same respect as any other customer. You do have the right to ask the dog to leave if it is not behaving.”

http://www.calodging.com/resources/member-services/service-animal-guidelines/- videos available in Spanish and English

From that site, “ You should not touch disabled persons or their service animals without permission — it’s rude and can jeopardize the safety of both.

 You should not pet, feed or distract a service animal in any way. Remember, they’re not pets — they’re working.  Remember that service animals have needs too — so try to offer a safe, nearby area where they can be walked to relieve themselves.”

[wizard-of-roz]

Iris, thank you so much for sharing your letter with us. I'm so sorry that your cruise became such a nighmare for you and your Service Dog.

When I first started cruising with Brenda in 2004 it was a nightmare and there were huge issues and big mistakes by Princess, Carnival, HAL and Celebrity. The one cruise line that did a perfect potty box was NCL but I didn't like the cruiseline. They had a 5x5 wooden box, lined in heavy plastic with cypress mulch, put in a crew closet exactly 2 doors down from our cabin. There was a waste disposal can [which was changed every evening] and an extra bag of mulch right near by.

The passenger accommodations onboard NCL were horrible but Brenda's were PERFECT. Celebrity made me walk miles to get to the potty; HAL would wash the box everyday and it was always wet; Carnival made me walk up 2 flights of stairs to the roof and placed her box next to the golf simulator [we got a future cruise paid for from this one!] From cigarette butts being tossed into the box to a box with no filler, I've seen it all!!!! I've marched Brenda and me to more Hotel Manager's desks than I care to mention.

I camped-out at the Guest Relations Desk onboard the Carnival Splendor on one cruise, until the absentee manager finally had to show-up.

After years of nightmares and aggravation Princess has it down "pat!" And, it's one of the reasons I continue to cruise onboard her ships.

I think Quam has a great idea about bringing her large garbage bags, extra thick piddle pads and artificial turf......If I were cruising on any ship but Princess I think I'd do the same!

[Cruzrose]

We also are leaving for Alaska in 2 weeks (July13th, Princess Sapphire) for a 2 week cruise. This will be our first time going to Alaska on a cruise. We have not gone on any cruises for the last several years and I was so happy to find out that service dogs are now allowed on cruise ships. Maddy is my assistance service dog. She is an Australian Shepherd age 4. She has been my service dog for nearly 2 years now. She has traveled with me to Costa Rica for the last 2 years and she did wonderfully. This will be her first cruise. I think she will love it. I have spend quite some time reading the posts on this forum and I have gained so much information that I feel very confident that this will be a great experience to have my service dog with me. I would love to know if there will be any other service dogs on this cruise. Rosie

[wizard-of-roz]

We also are leaving for Alaska in 2 weeks (July13th, Princess Sapphire) for a 2 week cruise. This will be our first time going to Alaska on a cruise. We have not gone on any cruises for the last several years and I was so happy to find out that service dogs are now allowed on cruise ships. Maddy is my assistance service dog. She is an Australian Shepherd age 4. She has been my service dog for nearly 2 years now. She has traveled with me to Costa Rica for the last 2 years and she did wonderfully. This will be her first cruise. I think she will love it. I have spend quite some time reading the posts on this forum and I have gained so much information that I feel very confident that this will be a great experience to have my service dog with me. I would love to know if there will be any other service dogs on this cruise. Rosie

 

Rosie, Welcome! You're going on my most favorite ship on the high seas. I love the Sapphire and her crew. Of course the crews do change. The Princess fleet has wonderful standards and their crews are some of the best.

Sounds like Maddy is a great traveler. Cruising is not much different than being in a land based hotel. Both my dogs took to cruising just like I did. They slept very well and adjusted to the movement easily. Keep your schedule [eating/potty breaks/sleeping] as regular as you can and Maddy will do great.

The only problem you will incur are the folks who are missing their own furbabies and want to love on yours. Do allow for some patting time. It may take you a little longer than usual to get from point "A" to point "B" with Maddy because you'll be stopped and asked a kazillion questions. I hope you like to make new friends. Crusing is a wonderful way to do that [especially with a Service Dog!]

On deck 7, before you come to the Wheelhouse Bar, on the starboard

side of the Sapphire is the Chapel. I would go in, close the door and allow Horton/Brenda to go off leash and I'd throw the ball. Sometimes other guests would watch me and want to come in and play with him/her. I ALWAYS allow for some play with other people.

Remember the smells in Alaska are amazing and keep a tight leash on Maddy when you're around the wildlife, etc.

On deck 7 there is wheelchair access in the center of the ship before entering the Princess Theatre, you can either walk to the left or right from there [and, can avoid the stairs going into the theatre.] In the very back is handicapped seating where there's lots of room for Maddy to lay down next you. Be careful because the theatre gets very dark and folks are not expecting to look for a dog at their feet. She may get stepped on.

The Promenade decks (7) onboard most Princess ships is huge. There's lots of room to walk Maddy right beside you and get some covered, fresh air. There's also teakwood lounge chairs, where you can sit/lay and take an outdoor nap.

Again, welcome, have a wonderful cruise with Maddy and afterwards please come back and tell us all about it.

Edited June 28, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[Oceanwench]

Disney sails out of Port Canaveral and Miami once hurricane season has passed its peak.

[Cruzrose]

Thanks Roz for seeing and replying to my post. You have been very active on this thread and I appreciate all of the information and tips. I think it is important to be an ambassador for service dogs. Maddy is the first of 2 service dogs that I have trained. I have trained dogs for almost 50 years in obedience, agility, rally and flyball. I trained Maddy for public access with the help of a certified trainer. Once I knew how to do it, I also trained Maddy's younger siste, La Ayla, for public access. My husband and I have had custody of my granddaughter for the last 3 years. She is 12 years old now and a juvenile diabetic. Maddy became my service dog nearly 2 years ago. When Maddy started also alerting for my granddaughter's out of range blood sugars, I decided to buy a new puppy from a repeat of Maddy's breeding and I trained her to alert for my granddaughter's blood sugars after training the new puppy in all of the obedience classes and then for access. My granddaughter is not going on this cruise because she is visiting her dad for 6 weeks. So we get a break from parenthood (not easy when you are nearly 70) and Maddy gets a break from her very playful younger sister. Maddy really loves the time that she is doing work for me. So far she has handled every travel situation with confidence and ease. I think she is going to love this cruise. I use a comfort trainer head halter when we are out and about so that I have no problem maintaining control over her no matter what. It is amazing to see how calm and controlled either dog can be when they are working (and wearing their service dog vests). They seem to sense the higher calling and importance of their given jobs and they respond with total dedication to it.

One concern that I have about the cruise is the location of the potty box. Based on comments that I have seen here, I have let the access department of Princess Sapphire know that I am not able to walk far (I'm trying not to give in to using a wheel chair) and that I am allergic (asthma) to smoking and smoking residues. So hopefully, the placement of the box with be given some thought by them based on thier many years of experience with these issues and it will not be accssible to smokers who might throw butts in the litter. Everything else we will be able to wing. She has flown to Costa Rica and back 2X now and she has experienced airport patdowns, bumpy local bus rides and being squished into the back floorboard of a taxi. Luckily she is small enough to fit under the seat on the airplane but big enough and strong enough to provide support to help me get up from a chair. I have put in a call to American Airlines' "Special Needs" department to find out if I can pack and bring a small carry-on bag above and beyond my regular carry-on luggage (without extra charge) that contains Maddy's supplies such as food, extra leash, food and water bowls and supplements. I saw that on one of the posts and I had been wondering how I would fit 2 weeks worth of her food in my luggage that is already filled to the top and at weight. Maddy has 2 small pouches that clip onto her harness but there is only room enough for a couple of days worth of food, 2 small bowls and some pick-up bags. I would love to hear anyone else's experiences along these lines. Rosie

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks Roz for seeing and replying to my post. You have been very active on this thread and I appreciate all of the information and tips. I think it is important to be an ambassador for service dogs. Maddy is the first of 2 service dogs that I have trained. I have trained dogs for almost 50 years in obedience, agility, rally and flyball. I trained Maddy for public access with the help of a certified trainer. Once I knew how to do it, I also trained Maddy's younger siste, La Ayla, for public access. My husband and I have had custody of my granddaughter for the last 3 years. She is 12 years old now and a juvenile diabetic. Maddy became my service dog nearly 2 years ago. When Maddy started also alerting for my granddaughter's out of range blood sugars, I decided to buy a new puppy from a repeat of Maddy's breeding and I trained her to alert for my granddaughter's blood sugars after training the new puppy in all of the obedience classes and then for access. My granddaughter is not going on this cruise because she is visiting her dad for 6 weeks. So we get a break from parenthood (not easy when you are nearly 70) and Maddy gets a break from her very playful younger sister. Maddy really loves the time that she is doing work for me. So far she has handled every travel situation with confidence and ease. I think she is going to love this cruise. I use a comfort trainer head halter when we are out and about so that I have no problem maintaining control over her no matter what. It is amazing to see how calm and controlled either dog can be when they are working (and wearing their service dog vests). They seem to sense the higher calling and importance of their given jobs and they respond with total dedication to it.

One concern that I have about the cruise is the location of the potty box. Based on comments that I have seen here, I have let the access department of Princess Sapphire know that I am not able to walk far (I'm trying not to give in to using a wheel chair) and that I am allergic (asthma) to smoking and smoking residues. So hopefully, the placement of the box with be given some thought by them based on thier many years of experience with these issues and it will not be accssible to smokers who might throw butts in the litter. Everything else we will be able to wing. She has flown to Costa Rica and back 2X now and she has experienced airport patdowns, bumpy local bus rides and being squished into the back floorboard of a taxi. Luckily she is small enough to fit under the seat on the airplane but big enough and strong enough to provide support to help me get up from a chair. I have put in a call to American Airlines' "Special Needs" department to find out if I can pack and bring a small carry-on bag above and beyond my regular carry-on luggage (without extra charge) that contains Maddy's supplies such as food, extra leash, food and water bowls and supplements. I saw that on one of the posts and I had been wondering how I would fit 2 weeks worth of her food in my luggage that is already filled to the top and at weight. Maddy has 2 small pouches that clip onto her harness but there is only room enough for a couple of days worth of food, 2 small bowls and some pick-up bags. I would love to hear anyone else's experiences along these lines. Rosie

 

Rosie, call Amber Moraco - Princess Access Compliance Specialist - 661-284-4521. Tell her that you want the Potty Box to be in place upon your arrival to the ship and you want it placed in a stairwell. You want an extra bag of mulch and a trash can for the litter bags.

You can mention my name if you want; Roz with Brenda and Horton. Brenda had completed 15 cruises before she retired and Horton will be on his third in September.

I don't know where your cabin is but if it's in the back of the ship those stairwells are perfect.

The airlines will allow you to bring Maddy's "stuff" without charging you extra. It's considered "medical supplies!"

Edited June 28, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[Cruzrose]

Actually we are on deck 11, Baja, just a few cabins forward of the lift/stairwell area in the front of the ship. I will definately call Amber Moraco before we cruise and make sure that the potty box will be put in a convenient place for us (not accessible to smokers) and that there will be a trash can and extra mulch. The potty box is the one thing will determine whether we will be able to fully enjoy this trip or not and it does not seem that difficult for them to get it right. Everything else should be smooth sailing.