tobique33040

If people don’t have to show proof that animals are trained service animal, conceivably everyone who wants to bring their pet is allowed. No proof required. Ok, so that’s upsetting. I understand that people have disabilities but most people with severe diabetes manage to live without a service animal ( personal experience). And cruise anyway. This is a sticky wicket. 😬

31 minutes ago, Sunflower & The Scientist said:

For anyone interested....here is the email I have sent to tellus. 

 

 

To: Viking Cruise Line

 

As a previous owner of a service dog, I would like to express my concerns over the recent problems occurring on Viking cruises with respect to dogs that are not essential service dogs.

 

My daughter who has now passed away relied on a service dog for her safety. I was the dog’s handler, as she was unable to physically care for the dog that served her. I am requesting you consider the following facts regarding service dogs and dogs that are people’s pets that are being brought on board falsely  claiming to be assistance-type dogs.

 

Individuals who have service dogs receive extensive training and are required to demonstrate proper care and handling of the service dog. We are responsible for handling the dogs in accordance with protocols given to us by trained professionals.

 

Service dogs are working dogs. There are increasing issues with non-service dogs interfering with service dogs carrying out their duties. I have personally experienced “emotional support” dogs barking and lunging at my service dog. In the US, some states are putting laws in place to protect service dogs.

 

Here are a few facts about service dogs that distinguish them from pets being used as “emotional support” dogs.

 

*Service dogs would never be left unattended in a room. They remain with the person they serve.

 

*Service dogs are not allowed to eat table food, scraps off the floor, or eat under or at the table where humans are eating.

 

*Service dogs are not allowed to approach people. Their attention is given solely to the one they are serving.

 

*Service dogs do not bark or disturb others.

 

*Service dogs are never allowed to sit on furniture.

 

There are a number of concerns for dogs who are on board a cruise ship, who are not legitimate essential service dogs. Although service dogs could encounter some of these same issues, owners of service dogs are far more aware of these issues and have training in what to do in various circumstances.

 

*If the dog was not allowed to leave the ship in the port, they would have to remain alone in their room if their owner left the ship. This could be cause for concern.

 

*Leaving the ship on the gangway or getting on to a tender boat is not something individuals with service dogs should do without special training. There are surfaces and gaps in surfaces intended for humans that could pose a danger to a dog.

 

*What would happen to a dog if its owner was removed from the ship to seek medical treatment? The dog would not be allowed in a medical setting. Does Viking then assume responsibility for the animal?

 

*In the event of evacuation from the ship, what would happen to the animal? Would the owner be willing to leave their dog on board while they were evacuated, or would the animal occupy a space that should be reserved for human life?

 

*Dogs, like humans, suffer from motion sickness. Humans can take medication to help with motion sickness. A dog would not have that option, and if it did, it would be incapacitated and rendered helpless. Animals, unlike humans, vomit where they are rather than using proper means of disposing of vomit.

 

*Service dogs typically carry proof of vaccinations, although not legally necessary in some places. It would be possible for a dog to board a ship and pass illness in the common feces and urine relief area. Dogs, unlike humans, when ill, are not able to make it to a relief area and relieve themselves where they are. There have been issues noted on Viking with dogs stepping in their feces and tracking it across the deck. It is not uncommon for a dog to feel ill and have diarrhea, especially when traveling. How does Viking deal with properly cleaning this in staterooms and common areas when this happens?  Gastroenteritis is a common and highly contagious illness that spreads quickly from saliva, vomit, and feces, in dogs.  

 

*Viking provides medical care for humans who are ill or injured. What would happen in the event a dog is injured or becomes ill?

 

There is no question that an individual who requires a service dog for safety reasons, such as those with visual impairments, should be allowed to bring their dog on a cruise. That is not the question. As I have stated, service dog owners have specialized training to deal with issues that arise.

 

Viking has created an atmosphere on their ships that is different from other cruise ships. Not having casinos and children onboard provides an atmosphere that is attractive to a large population. Now we are dealing with ill-behaved pets that individuals are allowed to bring onboard.

 

 I respectfully ask Viking to reconsider allowing dogs, other than legitimate essential service dogs required for an individual’s safety, to be onboard Viking ships.

 

 

Wow! Hopefully that will get Vikings attention. Really excellently presented. 🙏 thank you. 

I hope everyone who reads this will write to Viking so that Viking knows this won’t go away. 

I emailed a few days ago when this began! I got a call pretty soon after. I’m guessing that so many people are emailing now ( hopefully) that they want to get to the bottom of the reason the dogs got permission and then address it with a change in policy. I was told that esa were not allowed though, and I told the caller to look on this website and she could see the photos. Following is the email I sent. 
I’m shocked to hear that dogs will be allowed on your cruises. If this is the case, I’ll opt to do land tours from now on. Service dogs are one thing, but the emotional support scam that many people use to get a free trip for their pet, is an insult to those of us who hire petsitters to care for our pets when we travel. And dogs in the restaurant! Someone will get sick and sue the line for allowing animals in an eating area. Please change your policy re “ emotional support “ animals or you will lose a lot more clients than you gain. 

2 hours ago, Chablis 123 said:

It's unlikely as ship is currently in Alta (15 March) and on schedule.

 

People seem to be surprised/ annoyed that you get bad weather in the Artic Circle in February, which is a bit like being surprised...... that ducks can swim!

 

Yes, it's disappointing, but these things happen with weather.

I agree 100%. People want to have it both ways. Heidi13 always has the extremely helpful comments. I imagine the people who rebooked from 2020 got the choice of 100% refund or 125% credit, so weren’t they already ahead? Please explain. And cruises, like any other form of travel, have their ups and downs. My airline experiences in the past year have been dreadful. I’ve been on 6 Viking cruises now, and I wouldn’t go on another, besides Tauck which I only go on if solo. I highly doubt that another cruise line would do better in theses specific circumstances. Grass is always greener, eh?

Good point😊

To give more information, we chose Viking because of the smaller size and lectures as entertainment rather than the sort larger ships apparently offer. The OP mentioned Crystal and Oceania so I expect those are superior to Viking in their estimation. Does Celebrity have smaller ships as they mentioned that as well? Thanks again.

Just curious about the dissatisfaction with dining. I’m not a foodie, so I was very happy with the dining. What cruise lines do you suggest for the excellent food and wine you are used to? I’ve only gone on three ocean cruises and all Viking, so I’m interested in what the other lines you are used to traveling will offer. I’m open to trying other lines and would love to know what y’all prefer. I was a wine specialist in my working life, so I missed the Pinot Noir on my last trip, but it didn’t bother me too much. I have taken one Tauck river cruise and booked for another. They did have better wine, but the food was similar to my non foodie palate. Thanks for any input and for the review. 

Yes that’s a good point. 

19 hours ago, geffric said:

3002, 3004, 3006 are very noisy due to theater;;

More good advice. Thanks 

On 2/24/2023 at 1:07 PM, deec said:

3057 and 3055 are VERY noisy from Torshavn avoid if you go to bed before midnight or nap during day.

 

That is good to know. Our onboard consultant told us that wasn’t true but I honestly trust people more who have actually traveled in those staterooms. Thanks much. I think I’ll continue to stay on a higher deck. So far once on deck 6 and twice on 4.

All the comments about Meclizine are encouraging. I’ve had success with it but never tried in rough seas. Usually I need it in moderately choppy seas. Maybe it’s time to be a bit more adventurous in my cruise choices. 
Thanks again to all. 

Thanks for all the input! We ended up deciding on a different cruise so have a different room choice. I love that people give information about specific rooms. On this past cruise we were in 4062 Viking Sky. I really like being midship because of intermittent seasickness. I wonder if anyone with that affliction has traveled far forward or aft. Just curious if it was bad and if Dramamine helped. Thanks.

We booked 3057 but some people say it’s noisy. We go to bed early so thinking of shifting to over the restaurant. Like 3060 or around that.  Is that as noisy?? Thanks much. 

On 2/3/2023 at 4:18 PM, Pushka said:

Over planning  tips into the overpacking issue. I'm the one who takes along the pharmacy. Because you never know what you might need quickly and not have to find an appropriate shop onshore. Husband laughs at what I take. Guess who is the one always asking 'by chance did you bring some .....'. Yep. In that bag there. 

 

 

Pushka, good on ya! I totally see the wisdom in being prepared. Last summer I used up all my lidocaine patches and needed more. Guess what? Unavailable in Europe, at least according to one of the pharmacists I asked. Some things we take for granted aren’t available elsewhere, or not easily accessible. So bringing your pharmacy is a good thing imho. 

48 minutes ago, CCWineLover said:

I also think planning and being spontaneous can co-exist.

For example, in the preparation for a trip, especially far from home, I agree with others that the detailed planning and logistics and research are some of the best parts of enjoyment ahead of time.  Certainly in these days, one needs to have things carefully put together and doing that research to make the various decisions that need to be made ahead of time (in a Viking cruise:  air flights, pre or post?, getting to/from airports, cabin, excursions, etc.    These are the sort of logistical decisions require detailed planning - and to me that is fun!

 

However, there is another element that for me does not need to be planned out until the trip or cruise actually happens.  This is to me where the spontaneity comes in if you let it - and can also be a fun and interesting element to a trip.  I've seen people on both extremes of the spectrum.  Each to his own.  For me, this is about going to a city or a port and not necessarily have it planned out what you will do - going with the flow (above and beyond pre-planned excursions).  It is about not planning out every meal you are going to onboard ship and exactly when you will have it.  It's about going with the flow, meeting new people, watching a lecture later on TV because the sun was out and the pool was calling, right when the lecture was scheduled indoors.  You get the picture.

 

So I do think one can have both aspects:  detailed planning and spontaneity.   And for me at least, they both provide their own enjoyment.

Love this response! Hear hear!! 

Loved this topic. Everyone has his or own view and way of enjoying travel, and of course there’s no wrong or right way. For me, research and anticipation are a big part of travel. That being said, travel is never perfect, and when things don’t go to plan, I try to go with it rather than complaining endlessly. I’ve seen some posts with people complaining about the littlest, unforeseen things. Get over it. There are reasons to complain and reasons to just get on with it and enjoy what you can. I agree with the posters who spoke of the younger days when we had to write letters for reservations etc. But when you got to your destination, you just had to accept what happened to a great extent. As I college student in Europe, I hitchhiked. Now that was really unpredictable. Plan or not, but when you get there, enjoy without worrying about minor things. I’ve recently discovered cruising at my late 60s and am 🥰 with it. And this forum has been wonderfully informative and enjoyable. Keep posting y’all. 

On 12/1/2022 at 8:06 AM, Jim Avery said:

Lots of great travel wear out there that packs smaller, is lighter, doesn't wrinkle and has better pockets than denim jeans.  I'm on a road trip in Florida and wear jeans most days to poke around but are meeting Viking in San Juan PR on the 17th and am not even taking my jeans.  Just take up too much space and dry too slowly if washed/wet.

Some people hate to follow rules, unfortunately. What’s the big deal to leave your jeans and t shirt at home? I agree that basic travel pants or khakis/ chinos work best. I bring one pair of dressy black pants and several tops and scarves. It’s nice to make dinner a special occasion. 

We are on this cruise in February so super excited that you are posting! Really wonderfully written and interesting. Sounds like a great trip so far and cannot  wait to hear more as the cruise goes on. Thanks so very much for doing this.

19 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

We were on Homelands, and no we did not catch Covid.  Luckily.

So happy you were spared the Covid-19.  
Yes, manners seem to be lacking. Same as y’all, we were brought up with manners which survive to this day. And taught our children the same. Plus Catholic school kept them in line😉. Let’s hope we all have safe travels, but we must be proactive because as we’ve noted, many were not brought up with manners or have misplaced them. 🤷‍♀️
Glad a lot of us are on the same page figuratively. 

1 hour ago, CDNPolar said:

I hope that this does not violate the new Covid discussion policy.  In fact this is not about Covid, but pure manners and decency for your fellow traveller.

 

We just came off a 14 day ocean cruise, and I admit that we are likely more hyper vigilant when we hear someone cough because of the past couple of years, but please, please, please, if you are going to cough, cover your mouth.

 

I cannot tell you how many times we moved away from someone in the theatre or in the World Cafe because they were coughing and not even attempting to cover their mouth.  They would be in the buffet line or serving themselves and coughing without covering their mouth.  They were sitting at a table and coughing and not covering their mouth.  They were walking anywhere on the ship and coughing and not covering their mouth.  They were on a bus and coughing and not covering their mouth.

 

Have we not learned anything over the last couple of years?

 

Did we not grow up hearing our parents tell us to cover our mouths when we cough of sneeze?

 

This was not a single isolated person or incident - this was all over the place.

 

What has become of us?

 

Forget Covid, I don't want your Flu or your Cold either. 

 

Please cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. 

I totally agree! Why would you cough without covering your mouth? I’ve seen it too much and agree it’s so selfish. Germs can spray very far away😱. So we are about to do Into the Midnight Sun. Planning to mask when possible and keep to ourselves. What cruise were y’all on, and did you catch Covid-19. Hopefully no. 

I agree. Clay, you are the Best! I love your comments. Yup, my offers stopped too and I called and asked them to put me back on emails. They said sure, but didn’t 🤷‍♀️

2 hours ago, cruisinchrissy said:

Don’t know who you are flying with but BA have a habit of making you put your hand luggage in the hold on a full flight ( even if it fits their size requirements) . You might just as well take a normal suitcase and a carryon. 

Sounds like a plan. I am flying American which is essentially BA so I may just do that. Thanks! And thanks to all for suggestions. 

We are on Into the midnight sun cruise July 15. Hearing horror stories about Heathrow. I’m pretty much planning to ditch my usual mid sized suitcase that I check, and take a carryon. Unfortunately, my walking sticks won’t fit in. My daughter has decided on a hiking excursion in almost every port, so I’m wondering if Viking has walking sticks onboard which they loan? 

Yes,Let me Travel, I’m wondering more about efficacy in preventing any infection so I don’t test positive and have to cancel a trip. I do think the vaccines are effective, certainly against serious illness, hospitalization and the unthinkable. I guess these vaccines are really a miracle if used. One problem, of course, is too many people refusing to be vaccinated which leads to continued new strains. And as far as chemicals, our bodies are so filled with chemicals as a result of industrial pollution, that these life saving vaccines are the least of our worries. Just curious what others are doing with multiple trips. I think peak efficiency is four months out, then a gradual deterioration, but only against actual infection, which would mainly lead to asymptomatic or mild infection. 

My first trip is mid May so I’m getting my 4 th shot early May. Considering the rapid waning of immunity for infection though not serious illness, I’m wondering what people with multiple trips are thinking. I’m going again in early Fall?