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

[rangeley]

OOPS I don't know what happened there.

[rangeley]

We received a less than satisfying answer from Carnival today. (Not that we really expected anything other than what we received). Again, it sounded like the blame was ours for not following through with shore excursions to ensure transportation was set for Nassau. My blind attorney husband fired back letter number 2. Will keep you posted.

 

We went to St Thomas once and they had an excursion on a catamaran that would take a wheelchair. We had called before and they had a handicapped van that would take us to the boat. Well when we got there the van guy had died and the van was sitting in his yard not being used. We couldn't go on the trip so when we got home we tried to get our money back and they refused. Needless to say we were not happy.

[wizard-of-roz]

Geez I'm glad we don't have to take any test. I would probably fail. :eek: Mass is in the top 5 or so for having the worst drivers in the country. I just go and hold my breath!!

 

As long as you don't close your eyes!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Awwww poor Brenny. Hey I have senior moments too! :eek: It's so funny when you tell stories about the dogs and it is like I'm telling them about Bailee and Wex. Same exact thing! And these boys just sound so much alike, it's wierd!!

 

I didn't forget Miss Bailey and her love for the Wex-man! Horty and Wex would be such great buds!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

We have been checking out Canada/New England cruises. John wants to go all the way up the St Lawrence river. The cruise goes either Boston to Montreal or the opposite way, which we would probably do. Fly to Montreal and end the cruise in Boston. Here's the info. Hint Hint Ms Roz!

 

Day Date Port Arrive Depart 0 14 Jun 2014 Montreal, Quebec, CA

04:00 PM 0 14 Jun 2014 Saint Lawrence River Cruising CO

 

1 15 Jun 2014 Quebec City, Quebec, CA 07:00 AM 05:00 PM 2 16 Jun 2014 Cruising Gulf of St. Lawrence CO

 

3 17 Jun 2014 Charlottetown, Prince Edward CA 08:00 AM 05:00 PM 4 18 Jun 2014 Sydney,Canada 08:00 AM 04:00 PM 5 19 Jun 2014 Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA 08:00 AM 04:00 PM 6 20 Jun 2014 Bar Harbor, Maine, US TR 08:00 AM 05:00 PM 7 21 Jun 2014 Boston, Massachusetts, US 07:00 AM

 

 

Click to Enlarge

 

 

CONTINUE

 

Port Notes:

CO CRUISING ONLY

TR TENDER REQUIRED

 

I would LOVE to do this cruise, especially with you guys. It's also on my bucket list.

Morey, the kids and I went to Boston when they were little and we always promised each other that we'd go back again one day. This would be a perfect way to return and be with you too!!!

I can't do it this year. When would you want to go and what ship would you take?

[rangeley]

I would LOVE to do this cruise, especially with you guys. It's also on my bucket list.

 

Morey, the kids and I went to Boston when they were little and we always promised each other that we'd go back again one day. This would be a perfect way to return and be with you too!!!

 

I can't do it this year. When would you want to go and what ship would you take?

 

Well it would have to be when John gets out of school. I don't know if John could take time off at the beginning of the year. I think he could get out early because nothing much is going on at the end of school. I know you like to go in the fall or spring. You already have a cruise booked for the spring next year. So you tell me.

[wizard-of-roz]

Well it would have to be when John gets out of school. I don't know if John could take time off at the beginning of the year. I think he could get out early because nothing much is going on at the end of school. I know you like to go in the fall or spring. You already have a cruise booked for the spring next year. So you tell me.

 

Since I'm already booked for April 19, 2014, sometime between July and the end of December would be good for me. Tell me what you find.

[wizard-of-roz]

Cindy, I just realized that this would probably not fit into John's teaching schedule but it leaves on my birthday onboard the RCCL Brilliance of The Seas........

Sun. Sep 21, Boston

Mon Sep 22, At Sea

Tue Sep 23, Halifax, NS, Canada

Wed Sep 24, At Sea

Thu Sep 25, Saint John, NB, Canada

Fri Sep 26, Bar Harbor, ME

Sat Sep 27, Portland, ME

Sun Sep 28, Boston

In all my cruising with my dogs, I have NEVER cruised RCCL with either one of them.

The itinerary is probably boring to you but it sounds so good to me. I would also love to cruise out of Brooklyn, past the Statue of Liberty [another bucket list project for me.]

[S.S. Cruisers]

I still remember the time when Cindy lost in Aug. of 2008 and when we lost Nancy's, Reno and Barbara's, Valentine.....We all cried together and were there for each other and I know I have your strength and love to support me when it happens. For now, I'm going to love every day we get!!!!!

And it still brings tears to my eyes, as I am sure it does to Cindy and Barbara and all the rest of our dear friends that have lost a loved one. It doesn't go away, I think it just subsides below the surface waiting to rear it's tender head. My heart aches for you Ms. Roz. Huggles to you all. In my prayers tonight.

[wizard-of-roz]

And it still brings tears to my eyes, as I am sure it does to Cindy and Barbara and all the rest of our dear friends that have lost a loved one. It doesn't go away, I think it just subsides below the surface waiting to rear it's tender head. My heart aches for you Ms. Roz. Huggles to you all. In my prayers tonight.

 

Thanks Nancy. For now my darling girl is snoring on the couch beside me and I love that!

[wizard-of-roz]

Here I am ..... :D

 

Has anyone ever tried Reiki for their dogs?

 

I just noticed we missed a milestone the other week, or I did! - 6 years since you started this thread! :)

 

Hugs to all and hope everyone is well.

 

What is Reiki?

 

I didn't realize we had hit the anniversary date of the beginning of this thread. It's been great fun, great entertainment, great advice and some of the nicest "dog people" I've ever met!!!!

Here's to EVERYONE who's fed into the thread congratulations all!!

[rangeley]

Cindy, I just realized that this would probably not fit into John's teaching schedule but it leaves on my birthday onboard the RCCL Brilliance of The Seas........

 

Sun. Sep 21, Boston

Mon Sep 22, At Sea

Tue Sep 23, Halifax, NS, Canada

Wed Sep 24, At Sea

Thu Sep 25, Saint John, NB, Canada

Fri Sep 26, Bar Harbor, ME

Sat Sep 27, Portland, ME

Sun Sep 28, Boston

 

In all my cruising with my dogs, I have NEVER cruised RCCL with either one of them.

 

The itinerary is probably boring to you but it sounds so good to me. I would also love to cruise out of Brooklyn, past the Statue of Liberty [another bucket list project for me.]

 

Love the cruise, but the date is no good. John cannot get time off at the beginning of school. Thats a very important time for him to be there. And no cruise is boring for us. I'm not picky where I go. I mainly go for ship life and not the ports.

[rangeley]

 

I didn't realize we had hit the anniversary date of the beginning of this thread. It's been great fun, great entertainment, great advice and some of the nicest "dog people" I've ever met!!!!

 

Here's to EVERYONE who's fed into the thread congratulations all!!

 

Ditto Roz! It seems like we just celebrated 5 years. Wow the time goes too fast.

[DisneyKidsDad]

I've been checking in from time to time. I'm still playing catch-up here at work. We finally won our 11 month battle with my insurance company to get our daughter a new power chair. We finally had to threaten to go to the newspapers and TV. I'm now trying to find accessible shore excursions for next years Southern Caribbean cruise. Plus trying to find accessible transportation in Puerto Rico.

I think we are going to rent a folding wheelchair from Care Vacations. Gottta call them for a price too. And people wonder why this all has to be done 9 months away. :eek:

[wizard-of-roz]

Love the cruise, but the date is no good. John cannot get time off at the beginning of school. Thats a very important time for him to be there. And no cruise is boring for us. I'm not picky where I go. I mainly go for ship life and not the ports.

 

But, tell John and his school.....IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

[quote name='DisneyKidsDad'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]I've been checking in from time to time. I'm still playing catch-up here at work. We finally won our 11 month battle with my insurance company to get our daughter a new power chair. We finally had to threaten to go to the newspapers and TV. I'm now trying to find accessible shore excursions for next years Southern Caribbean cruise. Plus trying to find accessible transportation in Puerto Rico.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]I think we are going to rent a folding wheelchair from Care Vacations. Gottta call them for a price too. And people wonder why this all has to be done 9 months away. :eek:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

[COLOR=indigo][B]Seriously! People also ask why I book my cruises so far in advance and why I don't wait for the really good bargains, closer to cruising time. If I waited there wouldn't be any HC cabins and my dogs paperwork or re-certification, etc. etc., wouldn't be in order or excursions wouldn't be planned for and the airlines wouldn't have the bulkhead seating and on and on!!! [/B][/COLOR] Edited August 2, 2013 by wizard-of-roz

[cjborne2]

I just received an email today for dirt cheap Carnival cruises. If we didn't have the dog and the paperwork to consider it would be a no brainer to take another cruise. Although it will never again be on Carnival.

We have fired off letter number two. After rereading the response from Carnival, it is really condescending and they put all the blame on us and took no responsibility in not making sure the transportation issues were worked out. My husband also pulled the "esquire" card and has the ammunition ready for letter number 3 if needed. We are really not looking for much more than an apology. All we have gotten is "we are very sorry for your disappointment".

[wizard-of-roz]

[quote name='cjborne2']I just received an email today for dirt cheap Carnival cruises. If we didn't have the dog and the paperwork to consider it would be a no brainer to take another cruise. Although it will never again be on Carnival.

We have fired off letter number two. After rereading the response from Carnival, it is really condescending and they put all the blame on us and took no responsibility in not making sure the transportation issues were worked out. My husband also pulled the "esquire" card and has the ammunition ready for letter number 3 if needed. We are really not looking for much more than an apology. All we have gotten is "we are very sorry for your disappointment".[/quote]

[COLOR=indigo][B]I'm so sorry this happened. They force us to be aggressive, when it's not necessary. It sure wouldn't take much for them to admit they made a mistake and hope that you won't hold it against them. Very poor customer service!!!!![/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=indigo][B]Keep us informed how it's going. [/B][/COLOR]

[fairbourne]

[quote name='Rolls Royce Lover'][COLOR=indigo][B]What is Reiki?[/B][/COLOR]

[/B][/QUOTE]


Reiki is a holistic therapy - here is a link -

[url]http://www.reikiassociation.org.uk/3.html[/url]

Our dogs and cats absolutely love having Reiki! I do too, of course!! :D

Even the vets are coming around to using holistic therapies with traditional treatments, just like our doctors!

[Insuregal]

[quote name='DisneyKidsDad'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]I've been checking in from time to time. I'm still playing catch-up here at work. We finally won our 11 month battle with my insurance company to get our daughter a new power chair. We finally had to threaten to go to the newspapers and TV. I'm now trying to find accessible shore excursions for next years Southern Caribbean cruise. Plus trying to find accessible transportation in Puerto Rico.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]I think we are going to rent a folding wheelchair from Care Vacations. Gottta call them for a price too. And people wonder why this all has to be done 9 months away. :eek:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

When I took my daughter to Boston to see her genetic specialist we found it less expensive for our purposes to buy a travel/transport chair. Ours came from [URL="http://1800wheelchair.com"]1800wheelchair.com[/URL], delivered in just a couple days. The one we got was only 19 pounds and folded up very small, around $120. Also bought a good gel cushion for it. (Then we covered it with lots of purple ribbons since this is her favorite color.)

We used it again this year to take her twin sister to see the same doctor. Southwest Airlines has a place in the back of the cabin on most of their planes that is a slot for a collapsible wheelchair. The flight attendants just rolled it to the back for each flight and then brought it back to us. They commented that very few people use the storage option, several of them did not even realize the dedicated space was there. She sat on the cushion during the trip. (All said, the Freedom Trail was a challenge for the small wheels. So were the North End cobblestone sidewalks.) :) Had to switch out the purple ribbons for red ones to suit this twin.

Your daughter may have more specialized seating needs than what we had to have, but just wanted to mention our experience. We still use the travel chair when needed around town for red ribbon twin. :) My purple girl has a power chair that gets her around when we have to go out.

Beckie

[S.S. Cruisers]

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="SeaGreen"]CJ: It becomes the principal of the matter. Like you said, all they had to do was send you a sugar coated letter apologizing profusely and all would be good. I think they need a new PR person. We have only cruised Carnival in the most recent of cruises, which by the way has been too long. But that said it was purely for an economic reason. Never really had any real issues with Carnival. But we do not have a Service Dog. All bets change with that "passenger". I hear most of the cruise lines have gone down hill, except Princess, which I know Roz loves. One day we will get on one of those fine ships! Maybe even with Roz and Mr. H. :D Last time we were on Royal Caribbean the food was okay, just okay. Royal was our favorite line, but not so sure anymore. As long as I can get out on that ocean and smell the clean ocean air blowing in my hair and face, life is good! [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[wizard-of-roz]

[quote name='fairbourne']Reiki is a holistic therapy - here is a link -

[URL]http://www.reikiassociation.org.uk/3.html[/URL]

Our dogs and cats absolutely love having Reiki! I do too, of course!! :D

Even the vets are coming around to using holistic therapies with traditional treatments, just like our doctors![/quote]

[COLOR=indigo][B]I can't sleep......I could certainly use some Reiki right about now. Thanks for the info.[/B][/COLOR]

[wizard-of-roz]

[quote name='Insuregal']When I took my daughter to Boston to see her genetic specialist we found it less expensive for our purposes to buy a travel/transport chair. Ours came from [URL="http://1800wheelchair.com"]1800wheelchair.com[/URL], delivered in just a couple days. The one we got was only 19 pounds and folded up very small, around $120. Also bought a good gel cushion for it. (Then we covered it with lots of purple ribbons since this is her favorite color.)

We used it again this year to take her twin sister to see the same doctor. Southwest Airlines has a place in the back of the cabin on most of their planes that is a slot for a collapsible wheelchair. The flight attendants just rolled it to the back for each flight and then brought it back to us. They commented that very few people use the storage option, several of them did not even realize the dedicated space was there. She sat on the cushion during the trip. (All said, the Freedom Trail was a challenge for the small wheels. So were the North End cobblestone sidewalks.) :) Had to switch out the purple ribbons for red ones to suit this twin.

Your daughter may have more specialized seating needs than what we had to have, but just wanted to mention our experience. We still use the travel chair when needed around town for red ribbon twin. :) My purple girl has a power chair that gets her around when we have to go out.

Beckie[/quote]

[COLOR=indigo][B]Beckie, your purple and red little girls are certainly an interesting story all in themselves. Amazing how you handle it. [/B][/COLOR]

[wizard-of-roz]

[quote name='S.S. Cruisers'][SIZE=3][COLOR=seagreen]CJ: It becomes the principal of the matter. Like you said, all they had to do was send you a sugar coated letter apologizing profusely and all would be good. I think they need a new PR person. We have only cruised Carnival in the most recent of cruises, which by the way has been too long. But that said it was purely for an economic reason. Never really had any real issues with Carnival. But we do not have a Service Dog. All bets change with that "passenger". I hear most of the cruise lines have gone down hill, except Princess, which I know Roz loves. One day we will get on one of those fine ships! Maybe even with Roz and Mr. H. :D Last time we were on Royal Caribbean the food was okay, just okay. Royal was our favorite line, but not so sure anymore. As long as I can get out on that ocean and smell the clean ocean air blowing in my hair and face, life is good! [/COLOR][/SIZE][/quote]

[COLOR=indigo][B]I can't sleep tonight.....thank goodness for HBO and the movie channels.[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=indigo][B]It seems that Princess has drawn me to them and I've memorized their ships. Feels like home with the benefits of a floating hotel. [/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=indigo][B]I'd love to cruise with you. You know the dates I'm onboard, I'll treat you to dinner and drinks....come on along. You'd have so much fun with Mr. Horty and I'll teach you how to play tridominoes.[/B][/COLOR]

[fairbourne]

[quote name='Rolls Royce Lover'][COLOR=indigo][B]I can't sleep......I could certainly use some Reiki right about now. Thanks for the info.[/B][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

I am so sorry you're not sleeping ... Reiki would certainly be of benefit - it's been my saviour for many years now. I do also love going for massages ... especially on board a ship ... Double The Enjoyment!

Sending you big hugs. :)