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

[wizard-of-roz]

Our girl is home! Absolutely exhausted, and now sound asleep in front of the fire curled up with her big sister Aruba! Lots of cuddles and was so surprised to see me this morning.

 

She's had a grooming session and a baby shampoo bath! And she smells lovely too, that all new puppy smell again!

 

But that will all be gone tomorrow I expect when she gets back into her tinky behaviour and is tanking around the very muddy garden re-arranging the log stacks!

 

She did very well, didn't freak out at being in the kennels, so that's all good.

 

We are very happy to have her home! :D.

 

Ahhh! Welcome home little Bonnie......We're glad that you made it home before the holidays.

 

Fairbourne, I've been reading about all the cruise ships that are looking at Scotland for a home base and for visiting. It sure sounds like a lovely way to meet-up!!!! I wish!!!!!

Edited December 21, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[DUTRAVEL]

Our girl is home! Absolutely exhausted, and now sound asleep in front of the fire curled up with her big sister Aruba! Lots of cuddles and was so surprised to see me this morning.

 

Welcome home Bonnie - the best Christmas present!

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Ahhh! Welcome home little Bonnie......We're glad that you made it home before the holidays.

 

Fairbourne, I've been reading about all the cruise ships that are looking at Scotland for a home base and for visiting. It sure sounds like a lovely way to meet-up!!!! I wish!!!!!

 

We just booked a transatlantic for November 2018 that leaves from Southampton. My plan is to fly to Paris and then take the train to London. It will take lots of planning, but I have given myself plenty of time!

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

We just booked a transatlantic for November 2018 that leaves from Southampton. My plan is to fly to Paris and then take the train to London. It will take lots of planning, but I have given myself plenty of time!

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, that sounds fantastic, I love your plan.....how many days is this one?

 

When I sit and daydream my thoughts meander to Switzerland and going there for months [of course I'd have to be retired to do this] and walking along the Zurich Sea and staring at the Chateau Geutsch [where Morey and I spent 2 weeks] in love! Ahhhh....I love to run astray with my whimsy of travels to far off places!!!!!

 

"WAKE-UP ROZ and take me out", barks a big black Lab........

[Caribbean Chris]

Cindra, thanks for the great Belize info!

[Caribbean Chris]

We just booked a transatlantic for November 2018 that leaves from Southampton. My plan is to fly to Paris and then take the train to London. It will take lots of planning, but I have given myself plenty of time!

 

Dianne

 

We love TA cruises and made about five pre-dog. I used to think it wouldn't work to rely strictly on the mulch box without some ports, but now know from experience that would not be a problem.

 

I want to take Raylene to Europe but have been stymied by thoughts of the paperwork and taking her on the long flight, even though she handled four hours+ just fine.

 

I'd be so interested to hear about your documentation research results.

[Caribbean Chris]

We're back from our ten-day Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on Celebrity Eclipse. As usual, we booked a small Sky Suite for the extra closet and drawer space for the dog's needs. On Celebrity, a suite booking also gives access to a lounge (Michael's Club) and a roomier dining room (Luminae).

 

The staff was wonderful and much friendlier than on our past two Celebrity cruises toward the dog - from the Captain to Concierge Sylvia in Michael's, to the maitre d' in Luminae who always provided us with tables in a corner next to the windows with a lot of space under the window for Raylene.

 

We had a lovely time, as always, and the ship was beautifully-decorated. Unfortunately, there were some difficulties with the relief box arrangements that I'll be contacting the company about, too lengthy to go into here.

 

This ship had a ladies' room in a public area with outstanding accessible features - a paddle switch on the wall which swings the entrance door open, and second switch for entering a very large accessible stall just inside. Inside the huge stall were easily-reached and clearly-marked switches to lock and unlock the door, a private toilet, and sink. Designed of course for wheelchair users, it was also ideal for a dog team.

 

It really gave me a vision of what an ideal dog relief station could look like in any public place like an airport or cruise ship. It would be indoors and contain a spacious box, disposal bags, and trash can inside a small, well-ventilated accessible stall-size room. A sink would be provided for the handler's use, with paddle switches to open and close doors automatically. Unfortunately, I don't expect to see such a thing in my lifetime! Who knows, maybe I am wrong, as more and more veterans with PTSD are teaming up with service dogs.

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, however you celebrate!

[wizard-of-roz]

We're back from our ten-day Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on Celebrity Eclipse. As usual, we booked a small Sky Suite for the extra closet and drawer space for the dog's needs. On Celebrity, a suite booking also gives access to a lounge (Michael's Club) and a roomier dining room (Luminae).

 

The staff was wonderful and much friendlier than on our past two Celebrity cruises toward the dog - from the Captain to Concierge Sylvia in Michael's, to the maitre d' in Luminae who always provided us with tables in a corner next to the windows with a lot of space under the window for Raylene.

 

We had a lovely time, as always, and the ship was beautifully-decorated. Unfortunately, there were some difficulties with the relief box arrangements that I'll be contacting the company about, too lengthy to go into here.

 

This ship had a ladies' room in a public area with outstanding accessible features - a paddle switch on the wall which swings the entrance door open, and second switch for entering a very large accessible stall just inside. Inside the huge stall were easily-reached and clearly-marked switches to lock and unlock the door, a private toilet, and sink. Designed of course for wheelchair users, it was also ideal for a dog team.

 

It really gave me a vision of what an ideal dog relief station could look like in any public place like an airport or cruise ship. It would be indoors and contain a spacious box, disposal bags, and trash can inside a small, well-ventilated accessible stall-size room. A sink would be provided for the handler's use, with paddle switches to open and close doors automatically. Unfortunately, I don't expect to see such a thing in my lifetime! Who knows, maybe I am wrong, as more and more veterans with PTSD are teaming up with service dogs.

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, however you celebrate!

 

Chris, your cruise very much mirrors mine. The potty-box was the biggest issue. We had a huge patio [my cabin was one of the newly added HC cabins on the Promenade deck onboard the Island Princess....PR702.] The cabin was bigger, allowing for more space for Horton to walk, lay and even play.

 

I had to "beg" the Hotel Manager to place a potty box on my patio [after I was escorted to where the box had been placed; on a deck below, down a long hallway to an aft stairwell.] The box had not been set-up yet because the ship was still going through an inspection drill by the Coast Guard. It was so inconvenient. I'd have to be dressed [no walking there in PJ's and lack of makeup!] And, honestly, how thoughtless of them to not realize that the door could NEVER be opened by anyone in a wheelchair, with balance issues or with no strength in their arms.

 

Because of boarding delays, I knew Horton needed to go potty. I brought puddle-pads and artificial grass [for just this kind of thing.] I laid puddle pads down on my patio, put the grass on top and commanded Horton to "hurry", which is the key word for relieving himself. I could pick up the used puddle pads and place them into the plastic bag that I brought to carry on the grass. [i wound-up leaving the grass behind], but I could have washed it off in the shower, laid it on the patio to dry, placed it into a plastic bag and taken it back home with me.

 

I also brought Horton's bed [rolled it tightly and taped it shut.] I placed it into a "granny shopping cart" along with the grass.

 

Since most of my cruising leaves out of local docks, traveling with this cart [purchased on Amazon] makes carrying all of Horton's necessities so much easier. If I were flying I would not bring his bed or grass but I'd push the cart up to the door of the plane, filled with his suitcase carrying his food, etc., the stewardess would help me unload the cart and she'd have it stored, after the flight she'd return the cart as I disembark and I'd load it up and walk away.

 

Your idea of a HC bathroom, with a potty box in it would be ideal. However, if someone is cruising with a private veranda, the box should ALWAYS be placed there. If I spend the extra money for the veranda and I have an SD, the ship should accommodate me. They have always tried to tell me that it's a health issue and bottom line; it never really is!!!!

 

There was another dog onboard [Rex], he assisted his handler who was a Wounded Warrior....amazing dog and a wonderful man! The ship set up two potty boxes and placed the dogs names above the box, in the stairwell. I would use this box after we attended the show or when we were out and about. It was always a challenge because the Island Princess has extremely narrow hallways and when the Steward's had their carts out, it was like traversing the Andes!

 

And, on a 19 day cruise we NEVER saw Rex using his box at the same time we were using ours - Amazing!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

Horton and I want to wish all of you a Happy Holiday and a healthy and laughter filled New Year!

 

Thank you for being part of this thread, even if you support all of us by reading and not writing, we so appreciate all of you ♥ ♥ ♥

[fairbourne]

Ahhh! Welcome home little Bonnie......We're glad that you made it home before the holidays.

 

Fairbourne, I've been reading about all the cruise ships that are looking at Scotland for a home base and for visiting. It sure sounds like a lovely way to meet-up!!!! I wish!!!!!

 

Absolutely, there are big plans to develop Aberdeen harbour for cruise ships, so that would give us a choice ....lnvergordon (near Inverness) and we are not that far from Southampton! Never, say never!

 

 

Dianne, we have just booked a transatlantic too and for a minute my heart skipped a beat as I thought we might be sailing with you and Henri! But sadly we are leaving from a different port! We end up in Miami but will fly straight home. Shame there's not a TA which ends in LA! (See what I did there! LOL!)

 

So we send you all our very best wishes for the holiday season wherever and whatever you are doing - for us it's Christmas Day with friends with Roast Turkey and all the traditional trimmings (I'm cooking!). But we will have a great time and with all the dogs around, I'll have plenty of supervision in the kitchen! Of course, Christmas is a trial run for the bigger celebration of Hogmanay! LOL! ;):D

 

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one of you from all of us here this side of the pond! :)

 

Oops, photo upside down, don't know how to fix it, promise I haven't been on the Sherry! Hic .... Hic .... Hic...

Edited December 23, 2016 by fairbourne

[wizard-of-roz]

Absolutely, there are big plans to develop Aberdeen harbour for cruise ships, so that would give us a choice ....lnvergordon (near Inverness) and we are not that far from Southampton! Never, say never!

 

 

Dianne, we have just booked a transatlantic too and for a minute my heart skipped a beat as I thought we might be sailing with you and Henri! But sadly we are leaving from a different port! We end up in Miami but will fly straight home. Shame there's not a TA which ends in LA! (See what I did there! LOL!)

 

So we send you all our very best wishes for the holiday season wherever and whatever you are doing - for us it's Christmas Day with friends with Roast Turkey and all the traditional trimmings (I'm cooking!). But we will have a great time and with all the dogs around, I'll have plenty of supervision in the kitchen! Of course, Christmas is a trial run for the bigger celebration of Hogmanay! LOL! ;):D

 

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to each and every one of you from all of us here this side of the pond! :)

 

Oops, photo upside down, don't know how to fix it, promise I haven't been on the Sherry! Hic .... Hic .... Hic...

 

One day.......I'll come to you and we'll play.......Until then, all the very best to you and your wonderful clan of furballs!!!

Edited December 23, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[rangeley]

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

 

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[S.S. Cruisers]

Merry Christmas, all. Hope it's pawsome!

[wizard-of-roz]

fair winds, calm seas and blessed days filled with good health to all!

Edited December 27, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[lonelysable]

What are their requirements in Belize?

[DUTRAVEL]

Dianne, that sounds fantastic, I love your plan.....how many days is this one?

 

When I sit and daydream my thoughts meander to Switzerland and going there for months [of course I'd have to be retired to do this] and walking along the Zurich Sea and staring at the Chateau Geutsch [where Morey and I spent 2 weeks] in love! Ahhhh....I love to run astray with my whimsy of travels to far off places!!!!!

 

"WAKE-UP ROZ and take me out", barks a big black Lab........

 

The cruise itself is 15 days - I am hoping to talk my husband into taking enough days off to spend several days in Paris and London. We have taken three transatlantics from Rome that stopped in several Mediterranean ports. This one starts in Southampton and stops in Boston, New York City, Bermuda and Nassau. It will make it a little easier to just have to figure out France and Great Britain.

 

I day dream about my trips to far off places too!

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

We love TA cruises and made about five pre-dog. I used to think it wouldn't work to rely strictly on the mulch box without some ports, but now know from experience that would not be a problem.

 

I want to take Raylene to Europe but have been stymied by thoughts of the paperwork and taking her on the long flight, even though she handled four hours+ just fine.

 

I'd be so interested to hear about your documentation research results.

 

On this trip I will only have to figure out France and Great Britain. I have only done some quick reserach, but it looks do able with the only catch being a potential tapeworm treatment that might be required if we go to Paris first.

 

I will keep everyone posted on the documentation.

 

Dianne

[wizard-of-roz]

The cruise itself is 15 days - I am hoping to talk my husband into taking enough days off to spend several days in Paris and London. We have taken three transatlantics from Rome that stopped in several Mediterranean ports. This one starts in Southampton and stops in Boston, New York City, Bermuda and Nassau. It will make it a little easier to just have to figure out France and Great Britain.

 

I day dream about my trips to far off places too!

 

Dianne

 

Dianne, it sounds wonderful!

 

I'm thinking about Cuba in the not too distant future.....I wonder what their demands on our dogs will be? Probably the same as any Caribbean port......Easy, peasy!!!!

 

You know, as I plan my future cruises, I have to keep [in the back of my mind] that Horton will be 8 years old in April and as the years go on so does that every 10 years for every one [for our bigger dogs!] I have to keep watching and looking for any slowing down or refusals.......so far, so good!

Edited December 27, 2016 by wizard-of-roz

[DUTRAVEL]

We're back from our ten-day Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on Celebrity Eclipse. As usual, we booked a small Sky Suite for the extra closet and drawer space for the dog's needs. On Celebrity, a suite booking also gives access to a lounge (Michael's Club) and a roomier dining room (Luminae).

 

Welcome back Chris, glad to hear that you enjoyed your cruise.

 

I had to laugh about your "ideal" dog relief area. Only those of us who travel with service dogs can truly appreciate dreaming about the perfect dog relief area!

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

Dianne, we have just booked a transatlantic too and for a minute my heart skipped a beat as I thought we might be sailing with you and Henri! But sadly we are leaving from a different port! We end up in Miami but will fly straight home. Shame there's not a TA which ends in LA! (See what I did there! LOL!)

 

That would have be so wonderful to have been on the same TA with you Faribourne! I will for sure be asking you about Southampton when I get to my serious planning for this trip.

 

Dianne

[Caribbean Chris]

What are their requirements in Belize?

 

Google "APHIS iRegs" for exporting animals and click on the box "Traveling with a Pet?" There is a drop-down menu with countries listed and then you'll see the requirements. (Service Dogs are usually under the same import regulations as pet dogs.)

[S.S. Cruisers]

Dianne, it sounds wonderful!

 

I'm thinking about Cuba in the not too distant future.....I wonder what their demands on our dogs will be? Probably the same as any Caribbean port......Easy, peasy!!!!

 

You know, as I plan my future cruises, I have to keep [in the back of my mind] that Horton will be 8 years old in April and as the years go on so does that every 10 years for every one [for our bigger dogs!] I have to keep watching and looking for any slowing down or refusals.......so far, so good!

Impossible! Someone please slow the time down. Leann Emily will be 10 in July and Jezzy Lou will be 8 in Febuary. I still think of them as a kitten and a puppy! :eek: Mine still act like it, at least.

[tvaud]

Belize update... It only took a couple of days, but the import permit was emailed to me very quickly. They should all be this easy...well, easy after finding the correct phone number and person.[emoji849] BTW, the permit is good for 90 days.

 

In two weeks, we have our crazy day...early vet appointment fir 7001 in NJ, then off to Harrisburg, PA for the USDA. The closer NJOffice's vet is retiring at the end of this year, so they won't have one to do endorsements for a while...and I don't want to risk Fedexing to Albany, NY, which is the other option. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

 

Cindra

 

 

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[tvaud]

What are their requirements in Belize?

 

I took this off their site.

 

 

Belize does not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:

 

You must file for an Import Permit before traveling to Belize. After your veterinarian has completed the Import Permit Form you will send it to the Agriculture Department of Belize. They will approve the form and fax it back to you. You will pay a fee for this service. Failure to file an Import Permit will result in a fine and may result in your pet being placed in quarantine.

Belize recommends that dogs be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parvovirus and cats be vaccinated against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Calioi Virus and Panlenoopaenis.

Pet Dogs and Cats may enter the country accompanied by a Veterinary Certificate for Belize issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin within 14 days of entry. This certificate needs to be endorsed by the USDA or the CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are traveling from another country, the Governmental Authority in your country responsible for the import and export of animals should endorse your forms.

Proof of current rabies vaccination administered no less than 30 days and no more than one year prior to arrival for first rabies vaccinations.

Shortly before travel, your pet will also need a Ticks and Tapeworm test to enter Belize. This completes your cat or dog passport to Belize.

Unaccompanied pets traveling as manifest cargo will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Your airlines may also require a health certificate even if your pet is traveling with you in the cabin or as checked baggage.

 

 

 

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Edited December 28, 2016 by tvaud

[rangeley]

17 more days! I can't wait!! This has been a heck of a month. Some medical scares that turned out to be ok . But then John got me sick! This is day 14 of this. Finally got some antibiotics Monday. Coughed so much I didn't sleep for a week. Getting better now but slowly. Glad I have two weeks to recover. Even Wex got sick. A whole day of diarrhea for him and days to get back to normal. Chicken and rice works wonders.

Now making appointments and thinking about packing. Ugh.

 

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