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

[alexspepa]

We lived in the Eastern Caribbean for many years

 

would love to hear about that sometime!

[rangeley]

We had a pretty good class at Target today. The employees and customers were uniformly positive despite the store being invaded by six service dogs and ten people! It didn't hurt that some of us broke away from class to do a little shopping, too, I'm sure. :D

 

After Target, we went into the parking lot for a Canine Good Citizen Test class. We had one pass and one "needs a whole lot of work".

 

One thing that shocked me... This morning, I was eating alone at Haymaker, at a quiet table near the exit from the back room. A family of six walked past me, heading for the exit, or so I thought. They stopped where Darian was lying down, and the dad put his baby -- a kid barely old enough to stand up -- right in front of Darian! Before I could even get this absurdity through my head, the kid leaned forward and grabbed hold of Darian's ears.

 

Thank God Darian is unflappable. He didn't even lift his head. I was so proud of him, because he has virtually zero exposure to kids, so this was a totally new situation for him. I think he was just as shocked as I was! I couldn't even think of what to say to that idiot father.

 

And yes, Darian was in his vest AND his "do not pet" leash wrap. The whole family ignored it.

 

 

On the other hand, at Target, a father and daughter were in line behind me. As soon as the daughter said, "A doggie!" the father gave her a wonderful talk about how working doggies should never be disturbed, how all working doggies have different jobs, and that you can't always guess a working doggie's job by looking at the person they're with, because not all disabilities are visible. A+ parenting!!

 

I hate stupid people! Who just let's a baby grab a strange dog, service dog or not.

But I love it when parents educate their kids about them.

[rangeley]

How hot does it get onboard in March, going to the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale?

 

Do I need to bring Darian's Swamp Cooler jacket? He's got a very thick coat that I shave down so he can handle the Arizona heat, though we spend most of our time indoors.

 

Will he need his boots? Is there anywhere his paws might burn?

 

Since your dog is used to the heat, he might be ok. We are usually down there in January and Wexler has his winter coat so he's always hot. Just be careful on the ships decks that are in the sun, they can get very hot.

 

And as Chris said the piers can be hot too. Sometimes you get the shade from the ship. Wex will not wear booties so John has to wheel fast. Lol

Edited March 13, 2016 by rangeley

[Krypti]

Since your dog is used to the heat, he might be ok. We are usually down there in January and Wexler has his winter coat so he's always hot. Just be careful on the ships decks that are in the sun, they can get very hot.

 

And as Chris said the piers can be hot too. Sometimes you get the shade from the ship. Wex will not wear booties so John has to wheel fast. Lol

 

Used to the heat, ha! :D Darian and I both avoid going out in direct sunlight for ten months out of the year. He'll go out to pee or if we're going somewhere, but that's it -- and even our trips out are a quick run from the air conditioned house to the air conditioned car to the air conditioned store and back!

 

I think I'll need the Swamp Cooler jacket for embarkation/disembarkation, since we'll be out in the sun for both. We don't plan on disembarking at any ports, so that will help. And I guess it can't hurt to bring his boots, which he hates, poor thing!

 

(I'm getting a puppy within the next few months to take over when Darian retires. The puppy is going to learn to wear boots from day one!)

[wizard-of-roz]

I still have NOT heard from Princess in regard to the paperwork needed for our Panama Canal cruise in November.

 

Dianne it looks like we'll be doing almost the exact countries. I plan on going to the Vet the second week of November [a few days before the cruise], getting the 7001 form filled out and attaching copies of his Microchip, spay/neuter affidavit, city license tag copy, copy of CCI training Cert. and that's it.

 

If and when I hear from Princess, I'll let you know if they ask for anything unusual.

 

Horton would NEVER wear anything on his paws or my first dog Brenda. I'm very careful about where I stand or walk, while cruising. It can be easily overlooked, don't let it happen to your dog! Burning their paw pads can be very serious!

 

I can never believe it when strangers put their children right in front of a strange dog.......We know our dog would NEVER do anything but they don't!

[DUTRAVEL]

I still have NOT heard from Princess in regard to the paperwork needed for our Panama Canal cruise in November.

 

Dianne it looks like we'll be doing almost the exact countries. I plan on going to the Vet the second week of November [a few days before the cruise], getting the 7001 form filled out and attaching copies of his Microchip, spay/neuter affidavit, city license tag copy, copy of CCI training Cert. and that's it.

 

If and when I hear from Princess, I'll let you know if they ask for anything unusual.

 

 

Thanks Roz - I"ll let you know if I get any info from Celebrity. On their original e-mail they referred me to the USDA site (seeming to imply that I was on my own to figure it out).

 

Our cruise is not until October and so I still have plenty of time. I like to have everything planned out ahead of time (unlike my husband who just packs his bag and figures that I have taken care of everything).

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

Thanks Roz - I"ll let you know if I get any info from Celebrity. On their original e-mail they referred me to the USDA site (seeming to imply that I was on my own to figure it out).

 

Our cruise is not until October and so I still have plenty of time. I like to have everything planned out ahead of time (unlike my husband who just packs his bag and figures that I have taken care of everything).

 

Dianne

My DH was the very same way......I swear he thought there were fairies who came in the night and just wrapped everything up.

 

I just renewed my Passport online. It was easier than waiting in line at the only post office near me that does it now. Us working people have to find the easiest way to do things, other then wasting our time in long lines!!!!

 

So, other than Horton's physical and paperwork, this very pricey cruise is almost ready to be enjoyed.

 

We're going for 19 days, how long is yours? I haven't been back on Celebrity for a while. We were on the Summit. And, we had a great time. They had the chocolate extravaganza at midnight.......It was not to be believed!!!!

Edited March 14, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[Algebralovr]

 

We're going for 19 days, how long is yours? I haven't been back on Celebrity for a while. We were on the Summit. And, we had a great time. They had the chocolate extravaganza at midnight.......It was not to be believed!!!!

 

Goodness! That has been a while! They have not had the midnight chocolate extravaganza since we've been sailing them. We started in early 2012.

 

One of the restaurant managers told is a few years ago that not enough people came to the midnight chocolate extravaganza and so it was canceled.

 

They also used to have a grand brunch on a sea day in the MDR, with ice carvings and such. They stopped offering it in April 2014. It was a huge production, but a lot of passengers didn't bother attending. We had stopped because it was the same food as elsewhere, just presented a little differently.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[wizard-of-roz]

Goodness! That has been a while! They have not had the midnight chocolate extravaganza since we've been sailing them. We started in early 2012.

 

One of the restaurant managers told is a few years ago that not enough people came to the midnight chocolate extravaganza and so it was canceled.

 

They also used to have a grand brunch on a sea day in the MDR, with ice carvings and such. They stopped offering it in April 2014. It was a huge production, but a lot of passengers didn't bother attending. We had stopped because it was the same food as elsewhere, just presented a little differently.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

I know that folks want a basically carefree, easy experience. Although, on my last 14 day onboard the Pacific Princess there were some mighty handsome men in their white and black tux's! The women leaned towards glitzy tops and pants more than dresses.

 

It doesn't bother me when a man, on formal nights, wears a casual jacket, nice shirt and pants rather than a full suit & tux.

 

And, the food in the Dining Rooms, Buffets and International Café is more than enough for me. I like to grab a piece of Princess pizza [the best on the high seas] and, I'll order room service occasionally too!

 

There's really enough choices without the fancy, schmancy buffets, etc.

[Caribbean Chris]

Update on the dog's Panama transit documentation for our Canal cruise in early April.

 

I heard back today from Holland America's Access department with very helpful news. The info already provided when I returned HAL's "Service Animal Information" form plus rabies certificate, inoculation record from the vet, and our Dogs for the Deaf ID card) is sufficient, and the "agency" (I assume that means the port agent) will handle the paperwork. So it appears we should be able to do a shore excursion if desired. Not sure we will, but good to have the option.

 

The ship (Zuiderdam) will simply charge my shipboard account with the $41 ($16 cost for a Panama transit license from the quarantine department and the agency's $25 fee). This is for our port stops in Gatun and Colon.

 

HAL also asked me to scan and send them Bahamas permit to import the dog for the ship. We stop at Half Moon Cay, HAL's "private island." I applied by standard mail and it took less than a month to receive back.

 

I am SO grateful to HAL and their agent, since Panama's quarantine info presented a question in my mind. Usually I do feel that I am on my own, even though my newest vet is very helpful. Really does make me want to book HAL again. I'm thinking about a two week Alaska cruise in 2017.

Edited March 15, 2016 by Caribbean Chris

[Caribbean Chris]

I know that folks want a basically carefree, easy experience. Although, on my last 14 day onboard the Pacific Princess there were some mighty handsome men in their white and black tux's! The women leaned towards glitzy tops and pants more than dresses.

 

It doesn't bother me when a man, on formal nights, wears a casual jacket, nice shirt and pants rather than a full suit & tux.

 

And, the food in the Dining Rooms, Buffets and International Café is more than enough for me. I like to grab a piece of Princess pizza [the best on the high seas] and, I'll order room service occasionally too!

 

There's really enough choices without the fancy, schmancy buffets, etc.

 

I'm with you, Roz. When I was younger, I enjoyed all the dressing up, shaking the captain's hand at a nice cocktail party, buying the photos, taking time with hair and makeup, the whole works...and my husband always looked so nice in his tuxedo.

 

We all know that as the ships got so big, there was no more small elegant cocktail party, and the Captains no longer shake everyone's hand! The "formal nights" are gone - HAL now calls them "Gala" nights and Celebrity calls it "Evening Chic." The dress codes are so much more casual now.

 

Over the last 7+ years, I've really changed, too. We took a batch of transatlantic cruises, and there wasn't packing space for a lot of clothes. It became much simpler to go with black pants and a few dressier tops for evening. After so many cruises, I rarely even go to the onboard entertainment, and often stay on board in port. I'm there to relax, eat nice food I didn't have to cook, and gaze at the ocean.

[Krypti]

I'm with you, Roz. When I was younger, I enjoyed all the dressing up, shaking the captain's hand at a nice cocktail party, buying the photos, taking time with hair and makeup, the whole works...and my husband always looked so nice in his tuxedo.

 

We all know that as the ships got so big, there was no more small elegant cocktail party, and the Captains no longer shake everyone's hand! The "formal nights" are gone - HAL now calls them "Gala" nights and Celebrity calls it "Evening Chic." The dress codes are so much more casual now.

 

Over the last 7+ years, I've really changed, too. We took a batch of transatlantic cruises, and there wasn't packing space for a lot of clothes. It became much simpler to go with black pants and a few dressier tops for evening. After so many cruises, I rarely even go to the onboard entertainment, and often stay on board in port. I'm there to relax, eat nice food I didn't have to cook, and gaze at the ocean.

 

I'm definitely going to skip the formal night(s) in the MDR. Since I quit my day job for full-time writing, I've stripped my wardrobe down to comfy T-shirts and jeans. And depending on the convention schedule, I may not end up in the MDR at all!

 

On another note, Darian pulled a muscle and has been limping. The vet said it's not bad enough to require a prescription pain reliever/muscle relaxant and to give him aspirin. For his weight, he needs 500-750 mg. 2x/day, depending on how bad the pain seems to be. I picked up 350 mg. pills (the highest they go), but I accidentally got the uncoated ones. Big mistake! He threw up three times overnight, so I skipped this morning's dose and went to the pharmacy. They recommended the enteric-coated aspirin, which are gentler on the stomach, and sticking with 350 mg. 2-3x/day until I know he won't get sick again.

 

So that's another item for the first aid kit.

[DUTRAVEL]

My DH was the very same way......I swear he thought there were fairies who came in the night and just wrapped everything up.

 

I just renewed my Passport online. It was easier than waiting in line at the only post office near me that does it now. Us working people have to find the easiest way to do things, other then wasting our time in long lines!!!!

 

So, other than Horton's physical and paperwork, this very pricey cruise is almost ready to be enjoyed.

 

We're going for 19 days, how long is yours? I haven't been back on Celebrity for a while. We were on the Summit. And, we had a great time. They had the chocolate extravaganza at midnight.......It was not to be believed!!!!

 

Our cruise is 17 days - the longest we have been on is 15 days. I sure hope Henri likes the sea life.

 

I used to like the Grand Buffet (especially to take pictures), but you would think people had never seen food before! A lot of crowding and jostling. I don't like having to get too dressed up anymore and since my husband wears a suit to work he is going to enjoy not having to dress up now that Celebrity has done away with formal nights.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Update on the dog's Panama transit documentation for our Canal cruise in early April.

 

I heard back today from Holland America's Access department with very helpful news. The info already provided when I returned HAL's "Service Animal Information" form plus rabies certificate, inoculation record from the vet, and our Dogs for the Deaf ID card) is sufficient, and the "agency" (I assume that means the port agent) will handle the paperwork. So it appears we should be able to do a shore excursion if desired. Not sure we will, but good to have the option.

 

 

Thanks for the update Chris. It does sound like HAL is making it very easy for you. We have a nine day Alaska cruise booked for May 2017.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

On another note, Darian pulled a muscle and has been limping. The vet said it's not bad enough to require a prescription pain reliever/muscle relaxant and to give him aspirin. For his weight, he needs 500-750 mg. 2x/day, depending on how bad the pain seems to be. I picked up 350 mg. pills (the highest they go), but I accidentally got the uncoated ones. Big mistake! He threw up three times overnight, so I skipped this morning's dose and went to the pharmacy. They recommended the enteric-coated aspirin, which are gentler on the stomach, and sticking with 350 mg. 2-3x/day until I know he won't get sick again.

 

So that's another item for the first aid kit.

 

Oh no - I hope Darian heals quickly.

 

Dianne

[Host Walt]

Just a question, Roz.

 

Have the service dogs started "dressing down" as well?

 

I was looking forward to seeing some handsome pooches:

 

[Caribbean Chris]

Great photo, Walt!!:)

[Caribbean Chris]

Thanks for the update Chris. It does sound like HAL is making it very easy for you. We have a nine day Alaska cruise booked for May 2017.

 

Dianne

 

They are helping so much. It seems that HAL forwards documentation to the ships further in advance than some lines. With Celebrity, you just bring their form to the pier.

 

The Alaska cruise paperwork should be about the easiest of all. Mostly US ports, of course...and Canada's government exempts service dogs from the U.S. traveling with their handler from most import formalities (they could ask to see a rabies certificate and ID from a recognized training program, but when we went to Niagara Falls, CA, the officials showed no interest in the dog).

 

I will probably still get a form 7001 since the cruise lines expect it to be brought to the pier along with rabies certificate of course, and you never know when some official may ask for it. Might be asked for it returning to the U.S.

 

I always travel with a rabies certificate and Dogs for the Deaf program ID even inside the U.S. - easy to keep copies in our car and RV. We stayed in a New York State park campground in 2014 that required a rabies certificate for all campers' dogs.

[wizard-of-roz]

Yesterday was such a nightmare; I couldn't get into Cruise Critic, I had a merge file of over 2000 to make labels for, it was not fun.

 

Today, I got right into CC. I have no idea what happened yesterday, all I got was a white screen.

 

First: Darian, please get better soon.

 

Second: Walt, Horton wears his tux collar that Cindy [Rangeley sent to him] every cruise. The other passengers love to take pictures of him in it. I'd love to find that full tux and get one for Horton.

 

Third: I finally heard from Princess Access Compliance [they only accept questions via fax or email.] So annoying! This is what they wrote to me:Hello Roz,

Thank you for your email. Your dog is approved to sail. Please review, sign and return the below document which outlines our policy and procedures for traveling with a service animal both onboard and ashore.

 

Please note, our guests are responsible for verifying the port requirements and providing the necessary documentation for their animal to travel, we only require the animal have all their current vaccinations. Even if not required by any of the ports of call, Princess recommends obtaining an International Health Certificate, as in the event of an emergency we may call and/or disembark in an unscheduled port. Guests may obtain the port requirements by contacting the Department of Agriculture. We will need copies of the animal's current vaccinations and all other paperwork sent to our office within two weeks of sailing.

 

Thank you,

Kelly Peart

Access Compliance Specialist

 

The document that I signed and sent back to them was two pages and asked that the dog be kept on a leash at all times, that he/she not sit on the furniture in public areas, that he not bark, growl or pose a public threat. Etc., etc.

 

Since, my SIL will be traveling with me and we've decided that if we do go into port we'll take turns staying onboard with Horton. I have no intentions of exposing him to any strays or possible problems in Central America. So, the Aphis 7001 and the rest of his paperwork is all we will need! Hooray!!!

Edited March 16, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[DUTRAVEL]

They are helping so much. It seems that HAL forwards documentation to the ships further in advance than some lines. With Celebrity, you just bring their form to the pier.

 

I always travel with a rabies certificate and Dogs for the Deaf program ID even inside the U.S. - easy to keep copies in our car and RV. We stayed in a New York State park campground in 2014 that required a rabies certificate for all campers' dogs.

 

I am looking forward to Alaska too - it will be so easy! I will also have the 7001 filled out just in case its needed.

 

I also carry my CCI ID and a copy of Henri's documents with me (as well as having them downloaded to my cell phone).

 

I have good news on Henri's rabies certificate. I contacted the vet who filled out her certificate in 2014 when her puppy raiser took her for her shots. The vet is going to re-issue the certificate with my name and send an original with signature in blue ink and Henri's full name. How nice is that?

 

Dianne

[Caribbean Chris]

I am looking forward to Alaska too - it will be so easy! I will also have the 7001 filled out just in case its needed.

 

I also carry my CCI ID and a copy of Henri's documents with me (as well as having them downloaded to my cell phone).

 

I have good news on Henri's rabies certificate. I contacted the vet who filled out her certificate in 2014 when her puppy raiser took her for her shots. The vet is going to re-issue the certificate with my name and send an original with signature in blue ink and Henri's full name. How nice is that?

 

Dianne

 

That's so great, Dianne! I know it means a lot for your peace of mind. One less thing to nag at the back of your mind.

[wizard-of-roz]

I am looking forward to Alaska too - it will be so easy! I will also have the 7001 filled out just in case its needed.

 

I also carry my CCI ID and a copy of Henri's documents with me (as well as having them downloaded to my cell phone).

 

I have good news on Henri's rabies certificate. I contacted the vet who filled out her certificate in 2014 when her puppy raiser took her for her shots. The vet is going to re-issue the certificate with my name and send an original with signature in blue ink and Henri's full name. How nice is that?

 

Dianne

 

I love it when people try to help instead of hinder!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

I am looking forward to Alaska too - it will be so easy! I will also have the 7001 filled out just in case its needed.

 

I also carry my CCI ID and a copy of Henri's documents with me (as well as having them downloaded to my cell phone).

 

I have good news on Henri's rabies certificate. I contacted the vet who filled out her certificate in 2014 when her puppy raiser took her for her shots. The vet is going to re-issue the certificate with my name and send an original with signature in blue ink and Henri's full name. How nice is that?

 

Dianne

I thought Alaska would be a breeze too [and, it was], until we docked in Vancouver and then it all changed. I had to have Brenda's paperwork to show to immigration at the dock and, they wouldn't let us into the gardens or a restaurant and a souvenir shop. We had a rough time traveling with Brenda in Canada. This was a few years ago and others have written that they now have improved disability laws and regarding Service Dogs.

 

It left such a bad taste that Morey didn't want to go back. We took Brenda back to the ship and took turns going into port without her.

 

Alaska is on my bucket list again, it's too beautiful to be missed and you really can't see enough of her! And, the gardens in Vancouver are not to be missed.

 

So much to see and so little time.......

[rangeley]

Just a question, Roz.

 

Have the service dogs started "dressing down" as well?

 

I was looking forward to seeing some handsome pooches:

 

 

Here's what Wex and Horty have.

[DUTRAVEL]

I heard back from Celebrity regarding the port requirements for service dogs:

 

Thank you for contacting us. Guests are responsible to obtain all permits for the non- US ports. Kindly see below link to better assist you.

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/banner/help

 

It looks like only HAL will be helping with any specific requirements.

 

Dianne